Culture:Don't touch another's head casually!
【明報專訊】Pat always indulges in fantasy when she watches a TV drama. Her fancy almost gets her into danger in Thailand.
“ Pat: If a handsome guy touches my head this way, I will probably fall in love with him! ”
“ Pat: My dream guy is over there! ”
“ Pat: Sawadee ka! (Hello!) ”
“ Dr Panda: We've received complaints about Eason's misbehaviour. He has reportedly touched strangers' heads here in Thailand. ”
■Culture tips
Body contact shows friendliness in some countries, but it may be inappropriate in Thailand. First of all, the head, the highest part of the body, is considered sacred and must be respected in Thailand. You should not touch or pass anything over anyone's head. Conversely, the feet, the lowest parts of the body, are regarded as unclean. It is advised that one should not point or show the bottom of one's foot towards another person. The typical Thai greeting is called the Wai (pictured), which involves pressing your palms together and bowing your head slightly.
(See photo C )
■English highway﹕
Type 1 conditional
In a type 1 conditional sentence, simple present tense is used in the "if" clause, and the simple future tense is used in the main clause. It is possible and very likely that the condition will be fulfilled.
e.g. If you hurry, you will be in time.
■Glossary
indulge (v) 沉迷
sacred (adj) 神聖的
conversely (adv) 相反地
bow (v) 點頭致意、鞠躬