英语人教版九年级全册文化拓展原材料.doc

Giving directions in different places 　　If you ask people of different countries “Could you tell me the way to the post office?”, you will get different answers. 　　In Japan, people use landmarks (路标) instead of street names. For example, the Japanese will say to travelers, “Go straight down to the corner. Turn left at the big hotel and go past a fruit market. The post office is across from the bus stop.” 　　In Kansas, America, there are no towns or buildings within (在……之内) miles. So instead of landmarks, people will tell you directions and distance. For example, people will say, “Go north two miles. Turn east, and then go another mile.” 　　People in Greece sometimes do not even try to give directions. They will often say, “Follow me.” Then he or she will take you through the streets of the city to the post office. 　　Sometimes if a person doesn’t know the answer to your question, he or she, like a New Yorker, might say, “Sorry, I have no idea.” But in Yucatan, Mexico, no one answers “I don’t know.” People there think “I don’t know” is not polite. They usually give an answer, but often a wrong one. A visitor can often get lost in Yucatan! 　　But one thing will help you everywhere. You might not understand a person’s words, but maybe you can understand his or her body language. He or she will usually point to the correct direction. Go on in that direction and you may find the post office!