In Western cultures, a gift can be given to the receiver with relatively little ceremony. When a gift is offered, the receiver typically takes the gift while expressing her or his thanks. |
(A) For example, in Chinese culture, a receiver will typically refuse to accept the gift at first, with the understanding between the giver and receiver that after being turned down several times, the gift will be accepted.
(B) However, in some Asian cultures, the act of giving is an important aspect of gift-giving, and this process may appear confusing or frustrating to Westerners.
(C) Moreover, to show respect to the receiver, it is customary in several Asian cultures to use two hands when giving a gift to another person.
Nelson Mandela has become a hero in a nine-part series of comic books based on his life. His struggle to end apartheid and white domination in South Africa has been depicted by five young African illustrators and cartoonists. The books, called The Madiba Legacy Series, have the aim of re-awakening young South Africans to the rich history of black South Africa. About one million copies of the inaugural book were distributed free to schools and newspapers. The series will eventually be translated from English into South Africa’s 10 other official languages. International publishers are already waiting to win publishing rights.
We might think that most patients at sleep clinics are being treated for sleeplessness, but that is not the case. The majority of sleep-clinic patients suffer from ①disorders of excessive sleep. They have ②irresistible urges to sleep during the day, often in ③inappropriate situations―at business meetings, in supermarkets, or at parties. Even more dangerous is their failure to remain ④awake when driving or operating machinery. ⑤Sleeplessness in such situations could obviously be life-threatening.
A philosopher witnessed from the shore the shipwreck of a vessel, of which the crew and passengers all drowned. He criticized the injustice of the Gods, thinking that the Gods should have tried not to let so many innocent persons perish. As he was indulging in these reflections, he found himself surrounded by a whole army of ants, near whose nest he was standing. Some of them climbed up and stung him, and he immediately trampled them all to death with his foot. At that moment, Mercury, messenger god, appeared and said, “Have you indeed made yourself a judge of the dealings of the Gods, treating these poor ants in a similar manner?”
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Once there was a Roman general who showed real bravery. It happened that he lost a battle and was put into prison. Yet he knew that the Romans were gaining ground and that the enemy were afraid of being beaten in the end.
One day a ruler of the opponent came to the prison to talk with the Roman general. “We would like to make peace with the Romans,” he said, “We will set you free and let you go home, if you will agree to do as we say.” “What is that?” asked the general. “In the first place,” he said, “you must tell the Romans about the battle which you have lost, and you must make it plain to them that they have not gained anything by the war. In the second place, you must promise us that, if they will not make peace, you will come back to your prison.”
When the general came to Rome, all the people greeted him gladly. He talked about the war with the white-haired Fathers who made the laws for Rome. “I was sent to ask you to make peace,” he said. “But it will not be wise to make peace. True, we have been beaten in a few battles, but our army is gaining ground every day. The enemy are afraid, and they may well be. Keep on with the war a little while longer, and they shall surrender. Tomorrow I will start back to prison; for I have promised.” Then he bade them goodbye, and went back to prison to face the cruel death which was waiting for him.
좀... 많죠..?^^;
그래도 부탁드려요. 정말 정말 필요합니다...
첫댓글 Sorry, I'm too busy today because I was out to another city yesterday and did not prepare for today's tasks which are so many. ...
me too...