English Refresher

EnglishRefresher
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Cultural Misunderstandings

A traveler describes a small mistake in a restaurant abroad, and what it taught them about paying attention. Listen twice, answer fifteen questions that mark themselves, and open the script last.

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Listen

The Account

What to do: This recording is short, so listen straight through twice before you answer anything. The first time, follow the story: what the speaker did, how the waiter reacted, and what the speaker learned. The second time, listen for the exact words.
AudioCultural Misunderstandings
Try all three question sets before you open the script. You will learn more from listening than from reading.

“Last summer, I went to Japan for the first time. I expected things to be very different from home, but I didn’t realize just how much attention is paid to manners and social cues there.

One day, I went to a traditional restaurant. When I finished my meal, I left a tip on the table. Immediately, the waiter looked confused and a little embarrassed. I had caused a misunderstanding because, in Japan, leaving a tip is not customary and can even be considered rude.

I realized my mistake right away. I apologized politely and asked how I should have expressed my gratitude instead. The waiter smiled and explained that simply saying “thank you” and bowing is the proper way.

From this experience, I learned that even small actions can be misinterpreted. My advice to other travelers is: do some research before your trip, watch how locals behave, and if you’re unsure, ask politely. Showing respect is more important than following your own habits.”

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Multiple Choice

What Did You Hear?

What to do: Choose the best answer according to the speaker. Then tap Check Answers.
1. What did the speaker do that caused the misunderstanding?
2. What does the speaker say about tipping in Japan?
3. What did the speaker do once they understood the mistake?
4. According to the waiter, what is the proper way to show gratitude?
5. How does the speaker finish? What matters more than your own habits?
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True or False

Is That What They Said?

What to do: Decide whether each sentence is true or false according to the account. Then tap Check Answers.
1. It was the speaker's first visit to Japan.
2. The speaker expected Japan to be much the same as home.
3. The waiter became angry with the speaker.
4. The speaker noticed the mistake immediately.
5. The speaker advises travelers to copy what other visitors are doing.
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Complete the Notes

One or Two Words

What to do: Complete each sentence with one or two words from the account. Listen again if you need to. Then tap Check Answers. Spelling counts.
1. The speaker had not realized how much attention is paid to manners and social ______.
2. The meal was at a ______ restaurant.
3. In Japan, leaving a tip is not ______.
4. The waiter explained that saying thank you and ______ is the proper way.
5. The speaker advises other travelers to do some ______ before the trip.
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Talk About It

Discussion

What to do: Discuss with a partner or write your own answers. There is no score, so give your real opinion.

Questions

  • The speaker was trying to be generous and it went wrong. Is a mistake made with good intentions still a mistake?
  • The waiter looked embarrassed rather than annoyed. Why might that be?
  • What is a custom in your country that a visitor could easily get wrong?
  • The speaker's advice is to research, watch, and ask. Which of the three is hardest to actually do?
  • Is it fair to expect visitors to know local customs, or is it the host's job to explain them?
  • Have you ever misread a situation in another country, or had someone misread yours?

Tap to see your score on the three graded tasks, then show your teacher.

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This account is a script written for this lesson and performed for the recording. It is not an interview with a real person, and no names, places, or figures in it refer to anyone in particular. It describes one traveler's experience and is not a general guide to any country's customs.