Part D Interaction

Friend and Acquaintance（熟人）

Americans tend to use the word “friend” where people in some countries might use the word “acquaintance”; and they often have different types of friends: friends just to do activities with, close friends, and best friends. In some countries, people reserve the word “friend” only for a few people who they are close to.

What is considered an appropriate topic to talk about with friends or acquaintances can vary somewhat between countries. Many foreigners comment that they do not know how to start a conversation with Americans, because of a lack of shared background. When speaking to someone they do not know well, Americans tend to talk about fairly neutral (中性的) topics and to look for similarities. Americans often choose to focus on their similarities instead of their differences.

Conversation generally begins with “small talk”: people may discuss the weather, or the immediate situation (the class, professor, party, host, decorations, etc.). They usually avoid potentially controversial topics, such as politics, religion or opinions about certain social issues.(https://www.daowen.com)

Don’t be afraid to take the initiative (主动): Start a conversation, show interest in others by asking questions, ask someone to go to lunch after class, or to go to a movie. Once you have taken the initiative, they are much more likely to be open or to even invite you the next time.

Task One How do Americans view friendship?

Task Two If you were studying in an American university, how would you make friends with Americans and some other international students?