高中英语外研版（2019）必修第二册 Unit 1 Food for Thought阅读理解试题/习题及答案

8 . People tend to connect to their cultural or ethnic group through similar food patterns. Immigrants often use food as a means of maintaining their cultural identity. People from different cultural backgrounds eat different foods. The ingredients, methods of preparation, preservation techniques (技巧), and types of food eaten at different mealtimes vary among cultures. The areas in which families live and where their ancestors originated influence food likes and dislikes. These food preferences result in patterns of food choices within a cultural or regional group.

Nations or countries are frequently associated with certain foods. For example, many people associate Italy with pizza and pasta (意大利面食). Yet Italians eat many other foods, and types of pasta dishes vary throughout Italy. Methods of preparation and types of food in a nation vary by region. Some families in the United States prefer to eat “meat and potatoes,” but “meat and potatoes” are not eaten on a regular basis, nor even preferred, by many in the United States and would not be labeled a national cuisine.

Regional food habits do exist, but they also change over time. As people immigrate, food practices and preferences are imported and exported. Families move to other locations, bringing their food preferences with them. They may use their old recipes with new ingredients, or experiment with new recipes. In addition, food itself is imported from other countries. Approximately (大约) 80 percent of Samoa’s food requirements are imported from the United States, New Zealand, or Australia. Because people and food are mobile, attempts to characterize a country or people by what they eat are often inaccurate.

Even the role of conversation during mealtime varies from place to place. Many families believe that mealtime is a good time to catch up on the lives of family and friends. Among other families, conversation during a meal is acceptable, but the topics of conversation are limited. In some Southeast Asian countries, it is considered polite to limit conversation during a meal.

Food traditions vary widely throughout the world. However, in most parts of the world, food is associated with hospitality (好客) and expression of friendship. Therefore, sensitivity to food rules and customs is important in building and strengthening cross-cultural relationships.