Assignments

I Memorise the following words:

aversion	відраза, огида
obedient	слухняний
nicety	витонченість, елегантність
to reciprocate	відповідати взаємністю, віддячувати
memento	пам’ятний подарунок
to turn down	відкидати (пропозицію), відмовляти комусь
to make a point	підкреслити важливість чогось

ІІ Suggest the Ukrainian equivalents of the words and phrases below:

to avoid backslapping; pointing is done with the entire hand; you should avoid pressing a question to the point; alert him ahead of time of your intention; aversion to close physical contact; eyes averted; a sign of embarrassment; to observe the hierarchy; to be obedient; to have little option but to do so; to avoid topics that might prove embarrassing; to try to match the value of the gift to the seniority of the recipient.

ІIІ Answer the questions:

1. What is the usual greeting in Japan? Describe it.

2. Is it acceptable to address the Japanese business guest by his first name?

3. What is advisable to avoid while dealing with the Japanese?

4. In what way do the Japanese business people observe the hierarchy of their organisations?

5. Why should we avoid pressing a question to the point while dealing with the Japanese?

6. What is the attitude of the Japanese to gift-giving?

IV Translate into English:

1. Намагайтесь зробити так, щоб цінність подарунка відповідала службовому положенню того, хто його отримує.

2. Якщо ви маєте намір подарувати подарунок своєму японському гостю, попередьте його про це заздалегідь і вручіть його йому один на один.

4.2.4. Dealing with the Arabs

In meetings

• The standard greeting in most Arab countries is 'Salaam alayakum' ('peace be upon you') either accompanied, or followed, by a handshake.

• Late attendance at meetings is not regarded as discourteous in many Arab countries, particularly when the visitor is richer or more important than the host; it is discourteous to draw attention to your guest's late arrival or to indicate in any way that you are under time pressure.

• It is usual to precede the discussion of business with 'pleasantries', which should avoid contention (such as politics or religion) or intrusion into your guest's private life (don't enquire about his health or family).

• Don't sit in a way that shows your guest the soles of your shoes (regarded as very insulting), or be surprised if your guest removes his shoes in your office.

• Be prepared for discussions to take much longer than with western visitors and don't show any impatience, however much you may feel it.

Personal style

• Many Arab societies are male dominated and you should not expect to meet and shake hands with a visitor's wife or offer her a gift when visiting them at their hotel.

• The visitor will expect to receive comparable hospitality to what he would offer you in his own country; dining out is the most popular form of entertainment, perhaps followed by a night club or a casino if your guest enjoys gambling.

• It is good manners to offer refreshments to your Arab guest as soon as he arrives (tea, coffee, sweet cakes and chocolates are very acceptable) but remember that they usually observe strict dietary rules and would be offended by being offered alcohol.

• In traditional Arab meals the right hand only is used to eat; it is impolite to gesture with the left hand and to point with the finger.

• Gift-giving is not of primary impor­tance; small gifts are common when attending a dinner (typically flowers or sweets) and more expensive gifts to recognise a partic­ular favour (silver, crystal, porcelain and brand-name goods are popular, but avoid handkerchiefs, which are associated with tears and parting).