Read the article. Then choose the correct answer for each question.
Mean What You Say: The Art of Conversation
It’s always a good idea to study the language of a foreign country before you travel there. But speaking with
someone from another country can involve more than just words in a different language. People in different
countries can have very different customs when they speak.
People in Indonesia, for example, always want to be agreeable and polite, and this means that they don’t like
to say “no.” In their native language (Bahasa Indonesia), there are many ways to say “yes.” But twelve of these
“yes” words actually mean “no”!
Australians are friendly with people, but they value directness. Australians prefer a clear, direct response,
even if it is not the one they wanted.
The French appreciate the art of conversation, which can include arguing as a form of entertainment. In this
case, speakers may interrupt each other frequently. This is considered active participation in the conversation
by both people. It is better than one person lecturing the other.
As in many other Latin American countries, titles are very important in Costa Rica. People’s titles can
indicate their professions, such as Doctor (doctor) or Ingeniero (engineer). Licenciado is used when talking to
someone with a college degree. If someone doesn’t have a professional title, Señor (Mr.), Señora (Mrs.), or
Señorita (Miss) are appropriate.
Example: In which country do people dislike saying no directly?
a. France
b. Australia
[c. Indonesia]
d. Costa Rica
27. Australians prefer to
a. say “yes.”
b. receive a direct answer.
c. say “no.”
d. argue for entertainment.
28. In Indonesia, it is considered polite to
a. agree.
b. argue.
c. be direct.
d. be entertaining.
29. What can you expect to find during an argument in France?
a. anger
b. lecturing
c. interruptions
d. lots of jokes
30. In conversation, Costa Ricans like to
a. argue.
b. interrupt.
c. say “no.”
d. refer to a person’s profession.
