Topic: some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behavior. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
深圳大学 赖小琪
With the trend of globalization, more and more people get access to touring other countries. Staying in a foreign country, as it may bring about several favorable benefits, can also generate some unfavorable ones that are produced due to the difference between local customs and behavior and ours. So whether we should follow the local customs and behavior or not has sparked a spirited debate among the public. As far as I am concerned, I am for the former one.
In the first place, as a saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Complying with the local customs and behavior, especially in the public activities, can spare us a great deal of trouble and misunderstanding. As is universally acknowledged, every country has its own religions and taboos, once which are violated, we may be considered awfully bad-mannered and it may even trigger some riots. Therefore, in order to live harmoniously with the local people and avert some unnecessary misunderstanding, it is advisable for us to abide by the local customs and behavior. Furthermore, compared with the total number of the locals, the number of the travelers is far too small. Hence, it is out of the question for a host of people to get totally familiar with the foreigners’ own customs. The locals will stick to their own ways to run their own matters and unconsciously require the visitors to adhere to their customs and rules once they are dealing with the natives. Last but not least, we can get a better understanding of foreign culture and experience a refreshing life through following their customs and behavior.
Of course, if you are staying in your own house, you can just follow your own ways instead of the local customs for the reason that you will not offend the customs of the natives.
Altogether, the advantages of following the local customs far outweigh its disadvantages. Only by getting used to another culture and customs can we truly lead an enjoyable life abroad. |
