2. Match the words from the text with the corresponding definitions. Then find the sentences with these words in the text and translate the sentences into Russian.

1. abroad a. something done in the society because of tradition

2. a minefield b. able to understand others’ feelings

3. a pitfall c. in or to a foreign country

4. a custom d. something that expresses admiration

5. etiquette e. to show or represent

6. scheduled f. rude or insulting

7. to be a sign g. a situation with hidden dangers

8. offensive h. formal rules for polite behaviour in society

9. a compliment i. a likely problem

10. sensitive j. arranged for a certain time

3. Complete the passage using words from the Exercise 2 in the correct form.

Gift giving in the international business context

In Great Britain and the United States corporate gift is not a very popular ___1___; people can spend their entire working lives without ever receiving a corporate gift. However, gift giving is sometimes an integral part of the negotiation process when doing business ___2___ . It is important to learn about the ___3____ of gift giving before sending or taking a gift to an international client or business partner, or you may find that your gesture appears ___4___. For example, in China a desk clock ___5___ bad luck or death. It is also interesting to note that the receiver never opens the gift in front of the giver as that would signify that the content was more important than the act of the giving. Waiting for the person to open your gift would show that you were not ___6___ to Chinese culture. In France, do not give something with your company logo, as they find items like this impersonal and in bad taste. Giving knives in Italy, Russia or Argentina could lead to problems to establishing a deal as this signifies cutting off the relationship! Giving flowers is another possible ___7___. In England, Australia and Canada, some people see white lilies as a symbol of death while in Germany, yellow chrysanthemums could be seen this way.

Follow-up

1. In pairs think of the following questions. Imagine that you aredelivering a lecture for businessmen who work with foreign partners. (To be a good lecturer consult Appendix 1 and Appendix 2)

1. What social etiquette is important for business travelers to your country?

2. In your experience, what can be difficult about dealing with British and Americans?

TEXT 2

Before you read

1. Read the extract about Busyville and tick the things the visitor to Busyville does right and put a cross by her mistakes.

“In Busyville, people start work at eight, and officially finish at six, though many managers stay much longer. There is a culture of presenteesm: being at work when you don’t need to be.

There is a two-hour lunch break, and a lot of business is done over restaurant lunches. (Lunch is the main meal. The working breakfast is rare.) There are no snacks between meals, just coffee, so eat properly at meal times.

As for punctuality, you can arrive up to 15 minutes “late” for meetings. If invited to someone’s house 9unusual in business), arrive 15-30 minutes after the time given.

Don’t phone people at home about work, and don’t phone them at all after 9 pm.

There are a lot of public holidays (about 15) during the year. Busyville is empty in August, as many companies close completely for four weeks. Employees have five weeks’ holiday a year and they usually take four of them in august.”

I phoned my contact in her office at 7.30 pm. (1…) I suggested a working breakfast the next morning. (2…) She wasn’t keen, so I suggested lunch. (3…) We arranged to meet at her office at 12.30. I arrived at 12.45 (4…) and went to a restaurant, where we had a very good discussion. That evening I wanted to check something, so I found her name in the phone book and phoned her at home. (5…) She was less friendly than in lunchtime. I said, I would be back in Busyville in mid-August. (6…) Not a good time, she said, so I suggested September. (7…)