单选题 In most cultures, when you meet acquaintances for the first time during a day, it is normal to greet them. The main purpose of this greeting is to 1 a good relationship between the people 2 , and each language usually has 3 set phrases which can be used for this purpose. Sometimes, though, there can be 4 differences in the type of phrases which can be used, and cultural misunderstandings can easily 5 . The following is a true example.
A young British woman went to Hong Kong to work, and at the time of her 6 she knew nothing about the Chinese culture or language. 7 her way to school one day, she went to the bank to get some money. 8 , the bank clerk asked her if she had had her lunch. She was extremely surprised 9 such a question because in the British culture it would be 10 an indirect invitation to lunch. Between unmarried young people it can also 11 the young man"s interest in dating the girl. 12 this bank clerk was a complete stranger 13 the British girl, she was very much taken aback, and hastily commented that she had eaten 14 . After this she 15 to school and was even more surprised when one of the teachers asked the same question. By now she 16 that it could not be an invitation, but was puzzled 17 why they asked it. 18 the following days she was asked the same question again and again. Only much later 19 that the question had no real meaning 20 —it was merely a-greeting.