Part I　Lead-in Activities

Directions:You will hear a passage about business culture.The words or phrases listed below will be of some help to you.

bloc n.group of countries or parties united by a common interest（国家或政党的）集团

business associate n.business partner生意伙伴

small talk n.informal conversation；idle chat闲谈；聊天

pleasantry n.（fml）humorous remark；joke；polite remarks幽默的话；笑话；有礼貌的话；客气话

compliment n.～（on sth）expression of praise，admiration，approval，etc赞美、敬佩、赞成等的表示

suspicion n.belief or feeling that sth is wrong，that sb has done wrong，etc疑心；疑忌；猜疑

strike up a conversation:begin a conversation with a stranger攀谈

receptive adj.～（to sth）able or quick to receive new ideas，suggestions，etc（对新的思想、建议等）易于接受的，接受得快的

attire n.［U］（dated or fml）clothes；dress衣服；服装

subdued adj.not very loud，intense，noticeable，etc不太响亮、强烈、显著等的；缓和的；有节制的

beige adj./n.［U］（of a）very light yellowish brown米黄色（的）

frown v.～（on/upon sth）disapprove of sth不赞成某事；不许可；不同意

ostentatious adj.（derog贬）showing or liking ostentation夸耀的；炫示的；夸示的；卖弄的

flashy adj.attractive but usu not in good taste；showy华丽而俗气的；炫耀的

accessory n.（usu.plural）small article of（esp women's）dress，eg a belt，handbag，etc（尤指妇女的）服装配搭物（如皮带、手提包等）

customary adj.according to custom；usual合乎习俗的；依照习俗的；习惯上的

Estonia n.a small country on the Baltic Sea，between Russia and Latvia，which was part of the former Soviet Union until 1991爱沙尼亚

Bulgaria n.a country in southeast Europe next to the Black Sea，between Romania and Turkey保加利亚

Complete the following paragraphs according to the recording you have just heard.

Understanding the region's business culture is____1__to creating____2__with____3__business associates.

In most Eastern European countries，there's less emphasis on small talk and____4__than in more socially____5__countries like the United States.Co-workers don't chat as much with each other as they do in countries like the U.S.，and even if you've made eye____6__，they may not strike up a conversation.Generally，Eastern European____7__stick with the social circles and small business groups they've known for____8__periods of time，so they may not be as receptive to the social or dinner invitations enjoyed elsewhere.It's often best to keep work and____9__separate，unless the other person makes the offer.

Business attire in most Eastern European countries is___10___，with both men and women__11__for conservative suits in dark or___12___colors like brown，black，gray，beige or dark blue.Eastern European residents typically___13___on what they see as___14___or ostentatious displays of wealth，so dress should be modest and not___15___or flashy.

While differences exist among Eastern European countries，their business culture is generally more formal than in Western countries like the U.S.For example，they are less likely to address colleagues and___16___by their first names unless they have met several times.

While___17___is valued in all countries，in Eastern Europe it is___18___.

For the most part，gender roles in Eastern Europe's business world___19___those in other developed countries，with women___20___for a large percentage of the workforce.

Judge whether the following statements are true or false according to the listening material you have just heard.

1.The influence of Communism was strong in the Eastern bloc and promoted international relations.

2.In both social and business situations，people in most Eastern European countries usually skip friendly exchanges and move ahead to the reason for the meeting.

3.Just scarves，jewelry and accessories are not acceptable for women in Eastern European countries.

4.For all meetings and events in Eastern European countries，arriving late or canceling at the last minute is absolutely not acceptable.

5.In Russia，it is common for appointments to start late and last much longer than anticipated.