士梅专栏联欢会随想.doc

2 Random Thoughts--Party Last night, pressured by well- intentioned friends, for the first time in months, I came out of writer’ s seclusion1 and attended a cocktail party which is another word for a social gathering. So there I was, trapped in a crowded room, people milling2 all around me, each with a drink in hand, chitchatting3 while the waiters skillfully negotiated4 their way through the bustle5 with trays of colorful beverages6 and fancy hors d’ oeuvres7.It was definitely party time! Yet, instead of losing myself to the convivial8 surroundings of food, drink and conversations, I found myself retreating back into my head all the way to China where the subject of American sociality is of great interest. 　　In China, many of my students are curious about how Americans party and have a good time. “ What do you do? Sing and dance? To what kind of music?” 　　“ What’ s American party talk?” “ How do you dress and act at a party?” “ How about food? What do you eat?” 　　Every year, without fail, students ask their foreign teachers to dedicate a full class to this fascinating topic. Of course, one would think that a subject as interesting and entertaining as such would make for an excellent lesson plan, a rich source of discussions. But to my surprise, many teachers run into roadblocks9 when generating 10 this particular lesson plan. 　　“ Michelle, Michelle! I have to teach a class on American parties. And I only have, hmm, five things to say about it. And that’ ll take about five minutes. What am I supposed to do after that?” They cry. 　　“ Well, tell me what those five things are,” I ask. 　　“ Arrive late, talk, eat, drink, and have a blast.” They blurt out. 　　It is true that the five steps listed above encompass11 much of the goings-on12 at American social gatherings. Of course, during parties for special occasions such as: Birthdays, holidays, weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, graduations, etc., there are additional ceremonies such as: cake cutting, gift ope