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.

Vocabulary Comprehension - Words in Context

A. In each sentence, choose the best answer. The words in bold are from the passage.

1. For the evening meal, I had ______
A) soup and fish
B) coffee

2. Our custom is to eat lunch at 2:00 p.m., and ______ people eat lunch at that time.
A) most
B) very few

3. The cup is on a high shelf. The little girl ______ reach it.
A) can
B) can't

4. On the bus, it is rude to talk ______ on your cell phone.
A) loudly
B) quietly

5. Lena was cold, so Pablo ______ his coat.
A) offered her
B) took back

6. You are eating too fast. Take smaller ______
A) hosts
B) bites

7. Simon took off his sweater because he was ______
A) hot
B) cold

8. Tomoko is a great host. Everyone loves her ______
A) parties
B) clothes

B. Complete the sentences below. Discuss your answers with a partner.

1. My favorite meal is
2. A common custom in my country is
3. I think it is rude to
4. I share my house with