The anthropologist (人类学家) Clifford Geertz defines culture as a "historically transmitted pattern of meanings embodied in symbols... by (47) of which men can communicate, perpetuate and develop their own knowledge about and attitudes towards life."
Why is it important that you (48) about other cultures There are a number of reasons. Some may do it (49) because they find fascinating the different ways that people think, speak, act, evaluate, and communicate. But let me assume that you are a more pragmatic sort of person, and are (50) in the "cash value" of a course like this — apart, that is, from the grade you will receive at the end of it. What is a class like this good for Let me make a couple of suggestions on how what you learn in this class may prove (51) to you in the future:
Business: Geert Hofstede’s excellent book on culture is (52) not primarily out of academic theory, but out of his study of the practical problems faced by one particular modern corporation (IBM), which exists across national and cultural (53) . In the world we live in, understanding (54) in general and also specific individual culture in particular can make the difference between success and failure in the global market and economy.
Politics and Diplomacy: If your career goal involves anything that relates to international politics and diplomacy, then understanding other cultures is (55)
Neighbors: If none of these previous factors (56) you, then you can just look at this class as a lesson in good neighborliness in the global village.
A. learn
B. written
C. means
D. simply
E. exactly
F. interested
G. cultures
H. useful
I. boundaries
J. ways
K. motivates
L. important
M. disturbs
N. knew
O. useless