Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behavior. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
When traveling to a foreign country, it is difficult to decide whether we should follow the local traditions or to be our authentic selves. From my point of view, I believe that a mixture of both would be most appropriate.
For those who hold the view that tourists should completely blend into the host country, they might believe that it is impolite to ignore others’ tradition. Follow their customs shows sincerity and the willingness to get to know their culture. Also, the two countries might have great differences on social value as well as rules. For example, if we went to a muslin community, it is only polite for us to wear veils and cover our faces (for women). Misunderstandings might occur if we do not do so.
On the other hand, one of the purposes of traveling is to interact and exchange the diversities and values of the two perhaps polaristic countries. Opening up for the local people shows them hospitality and interests. The locals, especially children, might never see a foreigner before, and find your appearance or language that is different from them rather interesting. Using gesture to communicate, tell them about you and your country might therefore color your trip.
In conclusion, one should make and effort to respect and value other foreign traditions. It is important not to offend the locals since you are the miniature of your country. Surely, you do not want people to misunderstand you. However, it is equally essential that you do not devalue your own culture at the same time. For me, always keep an open mind is the most practical thing to do when traveling.
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I wonder if it is okay to agree to both views? or do I have to choose only one?
Thanks a lot!
TOEFL listening lectures: A lecture from an Art History class
Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behavior. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
When travelLing to a foreign country, it is difficult to decide whether we should follow the local traditions or to be our authentic selves. From my point of view, I believe that a mixture of both would be most appropriate.
For those who hold the view that tourists should completely blend into the host country, they might believe that it is impolite to ignore others’ tradition. FollowING their customs shows sincerity and the willingness to get to know their culture. Also, the two countries might have great differences IN social value as well as rules. For example, if we went to a MUSLIM community, it is only polite for WOMEN to wear veils and cover THEIR faces. Misunderstandings might occur if we do not do so.
On the other hand, one of the purposes of travelLing is to interact and exchange the diversities and values of the two perhaps polaristic countries. Opening up TO the local people shows them hospitality and interest. The locals, especially children, might never HAVE seeN a foreigner before, and find your appearance or language that is different from them rather interesting. Using gestureS to communicate(.) TellING them about YOURSELF and your country might therefore coloUr your trip.
In conclusion, one should make AN effort to respect and value other foreign traditions. It is important not to offend the locals since you are the /miniature/REPRESENTATIVE/ of your country. Surely, you do not want people to misunderstand you. However, it is equally essential that you do not devalue your own culture at the same time. For me, always keepING an open mind is the most practical thing to do when travelLing.
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You stated your opinion in a clear manner. That was all that was asked of you.
Kitos. 8/10