阅读理解。
Informal conversation is an important part of any business relationship. Before you start a discussion,
however, make sure you understand which topics are suitable and which are considered taboo (禁忌) in
a particular culture. Latin Americans enjoy sharing information about their local history,art,and customs.
You may expect questions about your family, and be sure to show pictures of your children. You may feel
free to ask similar questions of your Latin American friends. The French think of conversation as an art
form, and they enjoy the value of lively discussions as well as disagreements. For them, arguments can be
interesting-and they can cover pretty much or any topic-as long as they occur in are spiteful and intelligent
manner.
In the United States, business people like to discuss a wide range of topics, including opinions about work,
family, hobbies, and politics. In Japan, China, and Korea, however, people are much more private. They do
not share much about their thoughts, feelings, or emotions because they feel that doing so might take away
from the harmonious business relationship they're trying to build. Middle Easterners are also private about
their personal lives and family matters. It is considered rude, for example, to ask a businessman from Saudi
Arabia about his wife or children.
As a general rule, it's best not to talk about politics or religion with your business friends. This can get
you into trouble, even in the United States, where people hold different religious views. In addition, discussing
one's salary is usually considered unsuitable. Sports is typically a friendly subject in most parts of the world,
although be careful not to criticize fl national sport. Instead, be friendly and praise your host's team.
1. The author considers politics and religion _____.
A. cheerful topics
B. taboo
C. rude topics
D. topics that can never be talked about
2. Which is typically a friendly topic in most places according to the author?
A. Sports.
B. Children.
C. Personal feelings.
D. Families.
3. Why are people from Asia more private in their conversation with others?
A. They don't want to talk much with others.
B. They don't want to have their good relationship with others harmed by informal conversation.
C. They are afraid to argue with their colleagues.
D. They want to keep their feelings to themselves.
4. What shouldn't you do when talking about sports with colleagues from another country?
A. Praising your own country's sports.
B. Criticizing your own country's sports.
C. Praising the sports of your colleagues' country.
D. Criticizing the sports of your colleagues' country.
