3.2.2. Прочитайте текст и определите, почему англичане считают умение вести разговор о погоде признаком хорошего воспитания:

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH WEATHER

It is commonly observed, that when two Englishmen meet, their first talk is of the weather. They tell each other, what each already knows, that it is hot or cold, bright or cloudy, windy or calm. This is a good English tradition.

The weather really is a national weakness. All the jokes and anecdotes which are told about this are totally justified. Every English conversation really does turn around this subject, even semi-formal letters from organizations will contain some remark about good or bad weather. And as for private conversation, the weather is simply inevitable. In a little English church, two charming middle-aged (but certainly not old) English ladies, upon hearing that you are from Russia will almost certainly say “Lovely weather today, don’t you think? So much better than yesterday.” Having found strength in this meaningful remark, they then carry on the conversation on a different subject (for example, how is the weather in Moscow? Cold as usual?).

In Europe talking about the weather means that you are 1. making polite conversation, 2. bored, 3. fulfilling the requirements of formal politeness, 4. talking to people you do not know or to officials. For the English, talking about the weather is entirely different, it is 1. interesting, 2. important, 3. necessary, 4. affects everybody. Every morning the English greet their neighbours with the phrase about the weather and swap this important information. There is also the greeting “How are you?” but everybody knows that you do not need to answer as it is not interesting.

In pubs, museums, hotels, wherever you run into the English, you need to be ready to start your conversation with the phrase about the English weather and then follow that up (since you are a foreigner) with a conversation about the weather in Russia. Surprisingly enough the English react in exactly the same way when they meet with their compatriots and even with close friends. Even if you saw each other last night, you need to be ready for the inevitable “It’s a bit chilly today, isn’t it?’ Do not be offended, this does not mean that they are dismissing you and putting you in your place, just accept it as part of English life. The ability to hold a conversation about the weather is always seen as a sign of good upbringing.

There is one golden rule for discussing the weather in England, and it was formulated by Hungarian called George Mikes who made England his home. He wrote: “You must not conflict anybody when discussing the weather. Should it snow, should hurricanes uproot the trees from the sides of the road and should someone remark to you: “Nice day, isn’t it?” – answer without hesitation: “Isn’t it lovely?”.

3.2.3. Прочитайте текст ещё раз. Найдите в тексте ответы на данные вопросы (работа в парах)

1. What is the topic of conversation when two Englishmen meet?

2. How do they usually describe the weather?

3. What is thought as a national weakness?

4. Why do even semi-formal letters contain remarks about the weather?

5. Why is the weather an inevitable subject of private conversation?

6. What do the English think about the weather in Russia?

7. And what does it mean when you are in England?

8. How do the English greet their neighbours?

9. What greeting doesn’t need an answer in Britain?

10.What is the right answer to the question “Fine day, isn’t?” when the weather is nasty in England?