湖北省荆州市监利县第一中学 2013 年高中英语 优秀作文选 Part II 人际交网篇 33★34. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". Thi s is what this old proverb says. So, we shouldrespect and try to adapt to the new culture of the country we are visitin g.( 文化差异)There is no denying that we should do as the Romans do when in Rome. It is practical advice when we are facing the cultural difference.As far as I am concerned, I have had the experi ence myself. Last year, my good friend, Jerry and I went to the U.S. to travel. One day we were lost and it seemed that we would never find our way back to our hotel. Suddenly an elderly lady came near u s. Excited and trying to be polite, Jerry approached her and asked, "Excuse me, how old a re you?" This polite opening remark in Chinese culture made the lady stare at him in surprise, because age is a taboo in Western cultures. Seeing the embarrassment, I asked, "Beautiful weather, isn’t it?" Of course the lady said "Yes" and happily told us the way to our hotel.A lesson that can be drawn from the above example is o bvious. Whether we know the local customs will play a crucial role in our relationship wi th others. More importantly, doing everything as the locals do will help us make more friends and avoid troubles.
