新视野大学英语第二册课堂笔记记录.docx

Section A Time-Conscious Americans . Abstract This passage shows the way of Americans regarding time 。Americans are famous for their time-consciousness. His/her belief is that no one stands still. No moving ahead means falling behind. This results in a country that people of it devote themselves into researching, experimenting and exploring. Time is the most important thing for Americans lives. On one hand, Americans try their best to save up time by different ways. They are in hurry to get their destination, push the others in order to finish their shopping quickly. Racing through daytime meals is part of the pace of life in America. People make full use of modern ways to communicate with each other efficiently. On the other hand, people miss the relaxed way of living. They like the opening exchanges of a business call. They miss the ritual interaction that is suitable for a welcoming cup of tea or coffee. The people coming from different cultures have different ideas from those of American. . Culture Notes 1. The Definition of Culture Culture is a very broad term used to describe the arts, the beliefs, the values, the traditions, the customs, and the institutions that are considered to be characteristic of a community, a people, a region, or a nation. Culture also includes the languages and dialects that people use to express their feelings and to communicate with each other. It is often difficult to dissociate language and culture since, in most cases, language is the main medium through which culture is transmitted. Most people feel that it is impossible to really know a culture without speaking the language. In some immigrant populations in North America, however, the original language (French, German, Chinese, Polish, etc.) has been lost but customs and traditions are still maintained Time Orientation Culture Past-orientated cultures believe strongly in the significance of prior events. History, established religions, and tradition are extre