The culture of food and dining in the West is a little different from that in China.The proper Western dinner at a fine restaurant is one of manners, focusing on conversation.You are expected to have knowledge of table manners such as what folk or knife to use as these are essential in Western dining.The meal would consist of several courses including a soup or salad, an appetizer, the main dish, and a dessert.The atmosphere will be filled with light music that would only serve as background as people converse with each other.The decorations are usually sparse and are only meant to highlight the atmosphere that is being created by the music.This type of dining is different from the dining experience in most restaurants in China.However, with the increase in internationalism, more restaurants are opening which reflect the more Western dining style.The Chinese people, now more affluent and knowledgeable about international customs, are beginning to join in this dining experience.This is not to say that people have given up the deep richness in culture that Chinese food represents.It only means that more choices and tastes are becoming available to population.This represents a significant improvement as it will change the perception that the height of Western dining is fast food.As cultural communication expands, knowledge of Western food will improve.
[理解] (True or False)
1．The proper Western dinner at a fine restaurant focuses on conversation.(T)
2．Chinese people have given up the deep richness in culture that Chinese food represents.(F)
3．If cultural communication expands, knowledge of Western food will improve.(T)
[积累]
1．essential adj. 必要的，本质的
2．consist of 由……组成(或构成)
3．appetizer n. 开胃菜
4．atmosphere n. 气氛，氛围
5．sparse adj. 稀少的，稀疏的
6．highlight v. 突出，强调
7．reflect v. 反映，反射
8．affluent adj. 富裕的，丰富的
9．significant adj. 重要的，有意义的
10．perception n. 感觉，知觉，洞察力
