英国的国民特性与其文化背景密切相关。英国的经济发展较早,在大部分外国人的眼里,英国人“自命清高”和“难以接近”。但是,事实上,也并非完全如此,他们之间善于互相理解,能体谅别人。无论办什么事情,总是尽可能不留坏印象,绅士风度,处处可见。他们懂得如何造就一个协调的环境,让大家和谐而愉快地生活。

  英国的礼俗丰富多彩,彼此第一次认识时,一般都以握手为礼,不像东欧人那样常常拥抱。随便拍打客人被认为是无礼的行为,即使在公务完结之后也如此。英国人有些禁忌须注意,如:他们从不从梯子下走过,在屋里不撑伞,从不把鞋子放在桌子上,忌用人像做装潢等。

  英国的各民族还是遵循传统的习惯,宜避免老用"English"一词来表示"英国的"。如果遇到苏格兰人或威尔士人,你说他是“英国人”,那么,他会纠正你说,他是“苏格兰人”或“威尔士人”。可以用"British"一词。

  英国人忌谈个人私事、家事、婚丧、年龄、职业、收入、宗教等问题。由于宗教的原因,他们非常忌讳“13”这个数字,认为这是个不吉祥的数字。日常生活中尽量避免“13”这个数字,用餐时,不准13人同桌,如果13日又是星期五的话,则认为这是双倍的不吉利。不能手背朝外,用手指表示"二",这种"V"形手势,是蔑视别人的一种敌意做法。上街走路,千万注意交通安全,所有车辆都靠左行驶。

  拓展阅读:

  My Out-of-class Activities

  My spare time is full of interesting activities. When I have time, I read all kinds of books in the reading room. I learn more in the library than in class. Sports and games keep me healthy and strong, so that I can deal with all kinds of difficulties. Among all games, volleyball is my favourite. I often play volleyball with my classmates after class. Sometimes I join social practice with my classmates outside school. For example, we go to plant trees in spring. In this way, I get a lot of social experience.

  Out-of-class activities are quite necessary for us students. Through these activities we can learn many things. They are also good for our health. I like these activities very much. How about you?

1. Where does the author read books?
A. In the reading room. B. In the living room.
C. In the kitchen. D. In class.

2. When does the author play volleyball?
A. In class. B. In the morning.
C. After class. D. Every Sunday.

3. What's the Chinese for “social”?
A. 社会的 B. 社会
C. 集体 D. 特别的

4. Which sport does the author like best?

5. Does the author like out-of-class activities? Why?

答案:
1. A
解析: 由I read all kinds of books in the reading room.一句可知应选择A
2.C
解析:由I often play volleyball with my classmates after class可知应选择C
3.A
解析:解释词义,应选择A
4. Volleyball.
解析:Among all games, volleyball is my favourite.一句指出作者最喜欢排球
5. Yes, because through these activities we can learn many things and they are also good for our health.
解析:由最后一段全段可知作者喜欢参加这些活动,并指出了这些活动的好处

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