Before You Read - Mind Your Manners

A. Think about answers to these questions.

1. Do you ever eat food from other countries? Which countries?
   Answer

   Answers will vary. Possible answers include different cuisines such as Italian, Chinese, etc.;

2. Read the sentences below. What is another example of good and bad manners?
   Answer

   Answers will vary. Example answer: It is bad manners to speak with food in your mouth.

   "Don't eat so fast. It's bad manners."
   "It's good manners to chew with your mouth closed."
3. Look quickly at the passage. What examples of table manners do you think it will give?

B. Discuss your answers with a partner.

TABLE Manners

Morocco

If you are invited to a Moroccan's home, bring a gift of sweet pastries, nuts, figs, dates, or flowers to the hostess.

In many traditional homes, people often sit on the floor to eat a meal.

Often, everyone shares food from the same plate. The plate is put in the center of the table. Usually, everyone also drinks water !rom the same glass.

Only eat the food in front of you. Don't reach across someone for food.

It is common¹ to use your fingers and small pieces of bread to eat food. Use only your right hand to eat.

Don't say "no" to food. If the host of the meal offers you food or drink, take some and try a little.

Also remember: In many Moroccan homes, it is common to take off your shoes.

Tanzania

Tanzania is known for its fresh fish and spices. Don't act scared if your meal comes with its head still on the plate.

It is polite to try a bite of everything. In many Tanzanian homes, people sit at a table on small stools to eat.

It is OK to eat with your right hand, using bread or chapati² to pick up food. Everyone may take food from the same plate, but it is not usual for people to share drinks.

You may compliment the cook on a delicious meal, but don't exaggerate.³ In some parts of Tanzania, men and women will sit at different tables.

Also remember: It is common to take off your shoes in the home, but it is rude to show the bottom of your foot.

¹ Something that is common is usual or often done.
² Chapati is a kind of flat Indian bread.
³ If you exaggerate, you make something seem better, larger, worse, etc. than it really is.