[img]2014m3s/ct_etoefm_etoefspeakc_0897_20138[/img] [originaltext]The students d

The students discuss several possible solutions to Dennis’ problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the solutions you prefer and explain why.
You may begin to prepare your response after the beep. Please begin your response after the beep.
Please Listen Carefully.
Now listen to part of a talk about Western and Eastern cultures.
Professor
An American in China got quite a surprise when leaving his apartment one day. Outside, a large family dressed in white was sitting surrounded by flowers. Thinking he had encountered a wedding party, the American considered going over to offer his congratulations. He suddenly realized, however, that the ceremony was not a wedding, but a funeral! Westerner’s association of the color white with weddings explains the American’s potentially offensive mistake. It also illustrates how people from different cultures perceive color differently.
    The color red, for example, can mean danger in the West. That’s why fire extinguishers, alarm bells, and stoplights are all red. Red can also mean anger, as in, "He was seeing red. " To the Chinese, however, red is a lucky color associated with happiness. A woman wearing a sexy, red dress would be welcomed at a Chinese wedding. At a Western wedding, the same outfit would be considered an inappropriate attempt to upstage the bride.
    Culture differences in perception of color often have historical origins. In Western cultures, for example, purple is seen as the color of royalty and wealth. This link between purple and power goes back to the days of the Roman Empire. In those times, the only source of purple dye was a very rare kind of shellfish. Purple robes were thus so expensive that only the wealthiest Roman citizens could afford them. In Chinese culture, however, the color of royalty is yellow. This is because, throughout Chinese history, only the emperor was permitted to wear yellow robes.
    Likewise, the colors Zulu women wear in their necklaces and headbands broadcast their social standing to those around them. Beads arranged in certain colors and patterns identify where a woman is from, as well as her status in the community. So no matter where you travel, choose your colors carefully. Showing your "true colors" may elicit different reactions depending on where you are.