二、文化異同,新舊產(chǎn)生的話題

文化異同導致的沖突:

代表題型:International travel often leads people to have some prejudices rather than broad-minded.What are the main reasons for this phenomenon? What do you think people can do to get better understanding of the countries they visit?

解題要點:1. 明確討論主題:international travel,prejudices,注意broad-minded不是此題的討論點,應避免答非所問; 2. 注意題目問法,要求給出原因和解決方案, 很多同學往往看到題目就寫,結(jié)果寫成prejudices導致的結(jié)果,造成偏題。

具體思路(原因):

國際旅游意味著語言不通(language barriers)和文化差異(cultural differences), 比如人們在在購物中,有些國家接收討價還價(bargain),有些國家這種行為不被廣泛接受(not generally accepted),最終會造成人們之間一定的誤解和沖突(cause misunderstanding and conflicts)(呼應題目)。

有些游客僅僅只是為了玩樂(for pleasure),所以缺乏對當?shù)仫L俗習慣的了解(superficial understanding of local tradition and customs),比如觸犯當?shù)氐慕桑╲iolate a local taboo)或使用不尊重的語言(disrespectful languages),結(jié)果導致偏見(呼應題目)。

解決方案:

從根源上去解決問題(tackle the root of problems):置身在當?shù)氐奈幕?immerse themselves in the local culture),比如生活在當?shù)?,學習當?shù)卣Z言以及主動遵守規(guī)則(take an active role in obeying rules),從而與當?shù)厝伺囵B(yǎng)好的人際關系(develop good relationship with the local)。

從制度上去避免問題(formulateand adopt policies to avoid problems)。通過法律法規(guī)(enact laws and regulations)規(guī)范所有人的行為(rule people’s behaviour and languages). 比如一旦發(fā)現(xiàn)有人使用侮辱性或攻擊性語言(abusive and aggressive languages),人們有權尋求警察幫助(inform police of the truth and request help),維護自身權益(protect their own rights)。

通過激勵措施去正確引導(incentive measures to lead to a disadvantageous position)。 通過加強兩國之間的文化溝通,比如舉辦文化沙龍(culture salon)以及國際旅游節(jié)(international tourism festival),增進了解(deepen mutual understanding and build emotional ties)。

文化新舊的話題-練習部分:

該話題范圍較為寬泛,涉及范圍和題目變化形式多樣,在這里已為讀者理清思路和素材。

(衣食住行)新事物的替代:

原因和影響:隨著經(jīng)濟和科技的進步,人們的衣食住行方面都在發(fā)生著細微或顯著變化(change or revolutionise people’s ways of living)。比如,人們有更多的閑置資金(disposable funds)來購買生活必需品(basic necessities)甚至奢侈品(luxury goods),從而開始奢侈的生活(lead a lavish life)而非過去簡樸的生活(a frugal life),許多的人因此會感受到幸福(feel happiness),因為滿足了人最基本的生理需求(physical needs)和精神需求(spiritual needs),當然還有小部分的人,實現(xiàn)了自我價值(self-realisation)。

具體說來,新舊文化的交替,帶來生活方式的巨大改變,具體到生活吃穿住行方方面面。這其中好壞都有。具體帶來哪些影響呢?

談到穿著,時尚體現(xiàn)的是一種審美觀(perception of beauty)和想象力(imagination),從而打破陳舊(break the mould),豐富人們的精神生活(fulfill spiritual lives)和提高生活質(zhì)量(improve living standards)。但是可能會造成社會群體社會特別是青少年過度追捧流行趨勢,導致傳統(tǒng)服飾(traditional costumes)的不被重視,甚至該行業(yè)的衰退(fall behind)。

快餐食物因為高卡路里(high in calories, salt and fast),從而容易引發(fā)肥胖(lead to obesity),導致不健康的身體狀況(poor physical condition),但是不可否認,它們能夠豐富烹飪方法(traditional recipes)以及帶來生活的便利(improve convenience);

關于現(xiàn)代建筑,它們能夠解決人口膨脹(population expansion)的問題,而且有可能更加適宜居住(liveable), 但因此可能造成歷史意義(historical significance)和文化根基(cultural root)的丟失;比如說一些傳統(tǒng)歷史遺跡的破壞(the destruction of some historical constructions)。

以上思路和語言也同樣具有廣泛適用性,請讀者加以記憶和有意識地運用,結(jié)合整篇文章的方法和語言點,嘗試思考練習以下的題目:

We live in cities or towns which have museums displaying objects of historical and cultural importance, but people do not visit them. How do you think people do not visit museums in their local areas? What is the importance of museums to society?

Modern buildings are appearing in large numbers, some people believe that we should build out buildings in traditional styles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

What are your opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of “fast food” and “traditional food”?

Nowadays,the trend of fashion changes very rapidly, and gradually people become the slaves of it. Some people think that a person should choose comfortable clothes, which he or she likes, regardless of fashion. Do you agree or disagree?