[外语课件]刘晓莉的课件.pptVIP

Preferred Discussion Topics Copyright Reserved Liu Xiaoli Background Questions Preferred Discussion Topics When they first encounter another person, American engage in a kind of conversation they called small talk. The most common topic of small talk is the weather; another very common topic is the speakers current physical surroundings ----the room or building they are in, the yard where they are standing, or whatever is proper. Then Americans may talk about past experiences they have had, such as watching a particular TV program, going to New York, or eating a particular restaurant. Beyond these very general topics of small talk, there are topics related to the life situation of the people . Students are likely to talk about their teachers and classes, if they are the same sex, they are likely to talk about their social lives. Adults may discuss their jobs, houses, or family matters. Men are likely to talk about sports or cars. Housewives, whose number is decreasing in American society, are likely to talk about their children, if they have any, or about personal care. Americans are taught not to discuss religion and politics unless they know each other fairly well. Discussing religion or politics may lead to an argument. Americans are taught to avoid arguments. There are other topics Americans generally avoid because they are too personal. Personal income is one. Inquiries about a persons salary or wages or the amount someone paid an item are not accepted as proper topics. On first meeting, Americans might inquire briefly about family members: hows the wife or howre the children? But brief encounters do not require people to talk much about the subject. People from different cultures may have different ideas about what are proper topics for a given situation. Foreigners who have different ideas from Americans may not feel comfortable when talking with Americans. They may attempt to bring in topics they prefer, b