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Bob:
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Okay it's 3 o'clock and time
for our program, "Other Places - Other People". Today
we are talking about Lebanon. Lebanon is a very old country
with a lot of interesting customs. We have Micheline Nakhle
here to talk about some of these customs.
Good afternoon Micheline and welcome.
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Micheline:
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Good afternoon Bob.
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Bob:
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Okay then, let's talk about
greetings. What should I do when I meet someone for the first
time in Lebanon? Should I shake hands? Should I bow? …
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Micheline:
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When two men meet for the
first time, they usually shake hands. When two women meet for
the first time, they usually say hello but they don't touch.
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Bob:
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Oh, don't Lebanese people
kiss?
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Micheline:
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Yes they do, but not when
they first meet. When two friends meet, they kiss three times.
But it is different for Muslims. You see, Lebanon has two main
cultures, Muslim and Christian. These cultures have some different
customs. For example, Muslim men and women don't kiss or touch.
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Bob:
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Okay, what about parties and
dinners? Should I take a gift when someone invites me to dinner?
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Micheline:
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Yes we usually take a small
gift of something sweet, like cakes or biscuits.
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Bob:
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I see. Should I arrive early
or late?
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Micheline:
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Well, Lebanese usually arrive
a little late. It's okay to be late but not too late.
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Bob:
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Right, not too late. Now what
about going out to restaurants? Should I pay when someone invites
me out?
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Micheline:
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No, not usually. When somebody
invites you out, they pay. Another important custom is that
you should give a tip when you arrive at a restaurant.
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Bob:
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What do you mean?
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Micheline:
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Well, when you arrive, you
should give the waiter a few dollars so you get good service.
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Bob:
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Really? In Australia we tip
when we pay the bill. Okay Micheline, thanks again for talking
to me about Lebanon. It was very interesting.
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Micheline:
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Thanks Bob. It was a pleasure.
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