Bài hát: Listening Practice Through Dictation 3 - Part 14 - English

Unit 14 A Faux Pas
G : It happens a lot. So many people visit and
live in foreign countries nowadays. The culture
and manners of every country are different. It is
likely that a foreigner will say or do something
inappropriate. This is called a faux pas. In one
culture, it is fine to do something one way. In
another culture, it is rude.
For example, my friend visited a relative in
Israel. She offered to wash the dishes. She did not
know that it was important to wash the meat
dishes with a special sponge. She used the wrong
sponge. Her friend’s father was very upset. In
Canada, it is fine to use the same sponge to wash
all of the dishes, but not in Israel.
Something similar happened to me when I
visited a temple in India. I was surprised when
two officials stopped me and told me to take off
my shoes. It was only then that I realized that
people are not allowed to enter a temple with
their shoes on. I was very embarrassed. Of
course, I apologized for my mistake.
A faux pas is embarrassing. No one wants to
be rude. No one wants to cause problems.
However, when two cultures meet, there can be
misunderstandings. The next time someone is
rude, be patient and understanding. He may
think he is acting politely.