IN THIS LESSON, YOU WILL
2. Read an article about symbolism and how it affects gift-giving in Taiwan.
3. Tell your friend about gift-giving customs in Taiwan.
PRACTICE
STEP A EXERCISE
Match the expressions with their meanings.
1. to cause bad luck to happen to a person or thing
2. to find an idea or activity unacceptable
3. to represent a thing
4. to cause a person to be very embarrassed |
a. frown on something
b. jinx someone/something
c. humiliate someone
d. stand for something |
STEP B EXERCISE
Complete the dialogues using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.
- Tutor:
Have you heard? Mike’s dad is stepping down as the company president! Who’s going to take his place?
- Student:
I think Mike’s going to _____.
- Tutor:
But doesn’t he want to be a doctor?
- Student:
Yeah, but his dad said no about medical school. Mike feels he has to do what his dad says because he _____.
- Tutor:
Whoa, seriously?
- Student:
Yeah. His family is originally from Taiwan. For them, it’s very important to _____.
- Tutor:
Why is Brad making a fuss out of what Jane said? It was just professional feedback!
- Student:
Honor is really important to Brad. I think he felt that he _____ when Jane commented on his work.
- Tutor:
Really? But it’s important to be open to criticism!
- Student:
That’s true. After seeing the way he acted, I can’t help but _____.
MISSION
Challenge 1
You’re visiting your friend who’s studying in Taiwan. He/She is having difficulty adjusting to his/her host family’s culture. Give your friend tips on how to get along with them better.
Remember?
- wear the pants in one’s family
- be the one to do something
- honor one’s elders
- frown on something
- think more/less of someone
- lose face
- humiliate someone
- make a fuss out of something
Challenge 2
You agreed to help your friend choose a gift for his/her host family’s grandmother. Before meeting your friend, read an article about gift-giving culture in Taiwan.
Remember?
- think more/less of someone
- frown on something
- jinx someone/something
- stand for something
The Key to the Perfect Gift
Despite our best intentions, the thoughtful act of giving gifts may actually make someone think less of us if we’re not careful.
In Taiwan, for example, people are very particular with symbolism. When choosing what gifts to give, you must consider the type of gift and the number of items. Even the way you wrap your gift matters!
Taiwanese people avoid giving clocks and handkerchiefs because these things remind them of funerals. They also frown on giving scissors or knives because these mean that you want to end your relationship with someone. Odd-numbered gifts and gifts related to the number four are also believed to jinx those who receive them. On the other hand, the number eight is considered very lucky.
Finally, you have to choose your gift wrapping carefully. Blue, black, and white wrapping should be avoided because these colors stand for death. Colors that stand for good fortune such as red, pink, or yellow are best.
Challenge 3
It’s the next day. You’re meeting your friend to go shopping. Share with him/her what you learned about Taiwanese gift-giving practices.
Remember?
- jinx someone/something
- stand for something
- frown on something
- think more/less of someone
- honor one’s elders
- lose face
FEEDBACK
Help your friend adjust to his/her host family’s culture.
MISSION ACHIEVEMENT
-
4
Very GoodCould complete the task with ease
-
3
GoodCould complete the task with some clarifications
-
2
FairCould complete the task with additional instructions
-
1
PoorCould somehow complete the task with difficulty
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
- RANGE
the ability to use a wide variety of vocabulary - ACCURACY
the ability to speak correctly - FLUENCY
the ability to speak smoothly without pauses or fillers - INTERACTION
the ability to manage a conversation
