The Land of Smiles: A Beginners Guide to Etiquette (礼仪) in Thailand
To: JohnnyBoy0303@hotmail.comSender: Farang555@gmail.com
Subject: RE: I’m coming to Thailand! ! !
Hey Johnny!
Great news about your visit to Thailand. I shall roll out the red carpet for your arrival! I’m still having a great time here. It’s difficult to work in this heat, but the people here are so kind, and life is generally quite relaxed, so it beats another rainy winter in Scotland. About your questions:
1. Yes, you should learn a little bit of Thai if you can! It’s not an easy language to speak or read, but a little effort will go a long way. Thais are really respectful people. When they greet you, they’ll usually put both of their hands together, and bow their head a little bit. If anyone does it to you, it’s very important that you do it back.
2. Yes, the food is spicy! But it’s so delicious. Thais use a lot of exotic ingredients like coconut, lemongrass, and lime leaves when they’re cooking, so you get some really rich flavours. Actually, I think I never want to eat British food again after living here! Don’t worry—you’re going to love it, and it’s cheap too!
3. Yes, there are a few things to be aware of. Firstly, Thais look at the head as being sacred, so don’t go around patting people on the head, not even kids. The head is the highest part of the body, and the feet are the lowest, so guess what? Don’t do things with your feet. I know it sounds stupid, but just be careful that you’re not pointing your feet at people or kicking them to get their attention or anything like that, and definitely do not put your feet up on tables or chairs—it will be considered very rude.
I think it’s very important to remember that Thais love their royal family too, so you should be respectful towards that. Once, my friend and I were visiting Bangkok, and he dropped a coin, I stamped on it to stop it rolling, and some people seemed quite angry, and we couldn’t work out why. A hotel staff explained to us: Putting my foot on the coin was like stamping on a picture of the king! We told the hotel staff how sorry we were. I think it’s really important to be aware of these things that might mean a lot to other people even though you would never think of them yourself.
Anyway, don’t worry too much. Just be polite and respectful. You’ll have a great time here.
Looking forward to seeing you in the Land of Smiles!
Archie
1. What does the writer feel about Thailand?2. According to the third answer in Archie’s email, please write down the question that Johnny might ask.
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Some Thais seemed quite angry when seeing the writer use his foot to stop the coin rolling because it wouldn’t work.
4. Suppose Johnny is coming to China. He is curious about etiquette in China and asks you for help. Please write 1 or 2 tips for him. (In about 40 words)
Good morning... I hope you all are doing well in your studies and if there is a problem related to your studies, please feel free to come to my office. Today, I and all the teachers decided to gather all the children for the speech on World Heritage Day. Since the day is around the corner, I wanted to give knowledge to my children on this subject. As a Principal of this school, I try not only to make my children perform well in studies, but also to enlighten them on subjects which are very much concerned about mankind.
World Heritage has been described as the common wealth of mankind. This day is a great reminder of our rich cultural past and it is our responsibility that we protect our heritage not only for ourselves but for future generations. Undoubtedly, heritage sites should be preserved and protected. They are invaluable wealth for mankind. The date of the holding of World Heritage Day is April 18 and it was first started in the year 1982.
I am speaking from my personal experience and I am sure every one of you must have noticed at some point. Regarding the fact that many people have developed irresponsible (negligent) attitude towards our national heritage. This is the reason that heritage buildings are often found damaged. However, it is due to the continuous repair work of such sites by the government that our nation is still able to keep its beauty, if not in its entirety, but at least to an extent it attracts millions of tourists a year.
World Heritage Day is actually a day for every concerned citizen of a country to feel proud of the great cultural property of its nation. At last, I want to say in many ways, we can contribute towards the maintenance (维持) of world heritage sites so that their beauty does not minimize and they remain the center of attraction for people all over the world.
Please consider what you can do to maintain the beauty of the world heritage. Let’s do our best!
1. Why does the speaker make this speech?2. What does the World Heritage Day remind us according to the speaker?
3. What can you do to contribute towards the maintenance of world heritage sites?
The project brought together governments and environmentalists from around the world. Temples and other cultural sites
