C

It is a lot of trouble to learn a new language. When we go to all that trouble, we certainly want to be understood. But understanding is based on more than speech. Sometimes misunderstanding comes not from the wrong words, but from the wrong style. In our own country, we learn the style for politeness. But this polite style may be misunderstood in another country. This can cause unexpected difficulties. Since you have spent so much effort learning this new language, it is sensible and practical to learn the politeness rules also. Even if you think some of the customs are foolish, learning them can help you to be clearly understood.

In your country, is it considered polite to listen quietly to other people without any change of expression on the face? If this is the style you have learned, perhaps you should watch two Americans talking. Notice how the person who is listening will have frequent changes of expression. The listener may also make little remarks while the other person is talking. These little remarks may be one word, like “Really?” or they may just be a little sound, like “Uhhuh” or “Mmm.” This is the way American listeners show that they are listening in a friendly way. This is why Americans get uneasy when the listener is silent and shows no change of expression. In the American style of speaking, an unmoving face often means that the listener is unfriendly, or perhaps even angry.

Sometimes people from two countries are uncomfortable with each other for very small reasons. Here is an example: Americans think that perspiration odor is not polite. In fact, they worry so much about this subject that they spend a great deal of money on deodorants (除臭剂) and dry cleaning and washing their clothes. If a foreign student does not follow the same rule, Americans may be disturbed and think the foreigner is not nice. The problem can be especially troublesome because Americans are so embarrassed about this subject that they do not even like to talk about it, so they are not likely to tell that person why they are uneasy.

63. If you want to be clearly understood in another country, besides the language, you should also learn _________.

A. its common knowledge     B. its style            C. its wrong words      D. how to make a speech

64. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

A. American listeners have frequent changes of expression.

B. A foreign student may not get along well with Americans if he smells.

C. An unmoving face and silence of listeners will make Americans feel unhappy.

D. Making little remarks like “Really”, “Uhhuh” or “Mum” is impolite while listening to an American.

65. The underlined phrase in the last paragraph probably means _________.

A. an unpleasant smell                                     B. a good style of talking

C. an unfriendly way                                   D. a polite expression

66. What would be the best title for the passage?

A. Learning a new language                  B. Different people, Different languages

C. Body Language                                     D. Different Countries, Different Cultures