Culture:Cheek kissing

[2016.11.23] 發表
(明報製圖)
(Photo C)

【明報專訊】The Smarties have gone to France for the first time. They find it weird for people to kiss one another when they greet or part company with one another.

「 Pat: Paris, the most romantic city in the world... 」

「 French A: Bonjour!* 」

「 French B: Au revoir!* 」

「 Pat: How romantic! People kiss one another everywhere! 」

「 Eason: Bonjour everyone! 」

「 Dr Panda: No strangers greet one another this way. People have taken umbrage at your behaviour! 」

(*Bonjour = Hello; Au revoir = Goodbye)

■ Culture tips

In countries like France or Belgium, it is common for two people to kiss each other on the cheeks when they meet or leave each other. Called "faire la bise" (kiss on the cheek) in French, it is done by leaning towards the other and touching the other's cheek with one's own. Handshaking is a formal way of greeting people in the UK, Russia (俄羅斯), New Zealand (新西蘭) and China. In Japan, people often bow to greet each other.

(see photo C )

■ English highway﹕ take umbrage

"To take umbrage at something" is to feel offended, insulted or upset by it.

e.g. MoMo took umbrage at Eason's theft of her weapon.

■ Glossary

weird (adj) 怪異的

cheek (n) 臉頰

lean (v) (使)傾斜

bow (v) 鞠躬

明報網站 · 版權所有 · 不得轉載
Copyright © 2016 mingpaocanada.com All rights reserved.
Ming Pao Daily News A wholly owned subsidiary of Ming Pao Enterprise Corporation Ltd.
Vancouver Chinese Newspaper

5368 Parkwood Place, Richmond B.C. V6V 2N1 | Tel.: (604) 231-8998 | Fax: (604) 231-9881/9884 | Advertising Hotline Tel.: (604) 231-8992