Номер 7, страница 123 - гдз по английскому языку 11 класс учебник Вербицкая, Каминс Карр

Dialogue of Cultures 4 - номер 7, страница 123.

Условие.

7 Read the text again and discuss the questions.

1 What qualities of character are important in a business-oriented culture?

2 What is the dominant trait of US nation-state culture?

3 What is the 'frontier spirit'? How did it influence the American character?

4 Why can some nation-state traits possess negative aspects?

Libe

Understanding the American Character

It is often said that there is no American culture. It is better defined as a collection of subcultures, which is to a great extent true. The USA, indeed, has historically developed as a nation of immigrants and in its essence is a ‘melting pot’.

But, on the other hand, there is an American mainstream culture. It is connected with the attitude of Americans to work. Americans work hard and tend to see things in terms of their potential for making money. In this job-oriented culture you need to observe certain rules: you must be punctual, well dressed, tidy, energetic, focused, work hard, not time-wasting or slacking, take short holidays, be sensible in avoiding red tape, learn English, show stamina and listen to the boss.

Looking deeper, however, the underlying national historical culture of America is not that obvious. It has been evolving since independence in 1776, with its earlier roots visible in the struggle of the Mayflower pioneers, the Indian and Mexican wars, the Louisiana Purchase, and the eventual conquest of a vast continent in an incredibly short span of time.

At base the US nation-state culture is clear: it is young, successful, rich and powerful. This solid foundation gives the American people a dominant trait – confidence. Starting with Mayflower landing in 1620 and leading to the establishment of 13 colonies on the eastern seaboard, the psychology of the original settlers in the American continent has often been described as ‘the frontier spirit’. Their journey in search of freedom of activity and belief was long and hazardous, but after great hardships they succeeded.

Many of the traits of the American character originate in the frontier spirit. As there was nobody for the first settlers to rely on, they had to develop stamina. At large, they had to be individualists (‘I can only rely upon myself and my horses’). Most Americans nowadays continue to believe that nothing is impossible in the United States, particularly in regard to personal advancement.

But while confidence, boldness and firm decision-making are great qualities to have in business, they are not always unarguable in complex situations of present day world trade and politics. Unfortunately, the USA has been slow in her chance to learn and absorb strengths and skills demonstrated by energetic Asian, South American, European and Russian cultures. American unwillingness to study local cultures in depth is described by experts as a major weakness in the furtherance of American initiatives elsewhere in the world.

Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

Решение.

Решение 2.

1 What qualities of character are important in a business-oriented culture?

Какие черты характера важны для бизнес-ориентированной культуры?

Ответ:

In a business-oriented culture, it is important to be punctual, well-dressed, tidy, energetic, focused, work hard, not time-wasting or slacking, take short holidays, be sensible in avoiding red tape, learn English, show stamina, and listen to the boss.

В бизнес-ориентированной культуре важно быть пунктуальным, хорошо одетым, опрятным, энергичным, сосредоточенным, усердно работать, не тратить время впустую или бездельничать, брать короткие отпуска, разумно избегать бюрократии, изучать английский язык, проявлять выносливость и слушать начальника.

2 What is the dominant trait of US nation-state culture?

Какова доминирующая черта культуры национального государства США?

Ответ:

The dominant trait of US nation-state culture is confidence.

Доминирующая черта культуры национального государства США — это уверенность.

3 What is the 'frontier spirit'? How did it influence the American character?

Что такое "дух фронтира"? Как он повлиял на американский характер?

Ответ:

The 'frontier spirit' is described as the psychology of the original settlers in the American continent, who undertook a long and hazardous journey in search of freedom of activity and belief, succeeding after great hardships. It influenced the American character by developing stamina, individualism (relying only upon oneself), and the belief that nothing is impossible, especially regarding personal advancement.

"Дух фронтира" описывается как психология первых поселенцев на американском континенте, которые предприняли долгое и опасное путешествие в поисках свободы действий и верований, преуспев после больших трудностей. Он повлиял на американский характер, развив выносливость, индивидуализм (опору только на себя) и веру в то, что нет ничего невозможного, особенно в отношении личного продвижения.

4 Why can some nation-state traits possess negative aspects?

Почему некоторые черты национального государства могут иметь негативные аспекты?

Ответ:

Some nation-state traits can possess negative aspects because qualities like confidence, boldness, and firm decision-making, while great in business, are not always appropriate or effective in complex situations of world trade and politics. Additionally, American unwillingness to study other local cultures in depth is described by experts as a major weakness that hinders American initiatives elsewhere in the world.

Некоторые черты национального государства могут обладать негативными аспектами, потому что такие качества, как уверенность, смелость и твердость в принятии решений, хотя и хороши в бизнесе, не всегда уместны или эффективны в сложных ситуациях мировой торговли и политики. Кроме того, нежелание американцев глубоко изучать другие местные культуры описывается экспертами как серьезная слабость, которая препятствует американским инициативам в других частях света.