Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日）
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Chopsticks are not just eating utensils; they are an extension of a rich cultural heritage that offers a unique dining experience. While personal styles may vary, there is a specific chopstick grip that can greatly improve this experience.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片： AdobeStock
First, place the two sticks between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand. Hold the upper chopstick gently with your first three fingers while resting the lower one against your ring finger. Meanwhile, nestle your thumb against the side of your forefinger nail. The upper stick is moved up and down with the motions of the forefinger and middle finger. This way, pieces of food can be easily grasped between the tips of the chopsticks.
Beyond mastering the grip, understanding cultural etiquette can further enhance your dining experience. The first rule is to grab and not stab. In many places, it’s impolite to stab food items with the tip of your chopsticks. Second, never set chopsticks vertically in your bowl or stick them directly into your rice when they are not in use. In some cultures, this is done at gravesites with incense, so such positioning of chopsticks has become a symbol associated with death. When you’re not using your chopsticks, it’s best to place them on the side of your dish or on a holder by its side. Third, watch where you point your chopsticks. It’s disrespectful to point them directly at other people.
By sticking to these guidelines, you not only show respect for the cultural traditions associated with chopsticks, but also enrich your overall dining experience.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片： AdobeStock
筷子不僅僅是吃東西用的餐具；它們是豐富文化遺產的延伸，提供獨特的用餐體驗。雖然每個人的風格可能有所不同，但有個特定的筷子握法可以大大改善用餐體驗。
首先，將兩根筷子放在慣用手的拇指和食指之間。用前三根手指輕輕握住位於上方的那根筷子，並將下方的筷子靠在無名指上。同時，將拇指靠在食指指甲的側面。上方那根筷子隨著食指和中指的運動而上下移動。這樣一來，就可以輕易地將食物夾在筷尖之間。
除了掌握筷子握法之外，了解文化禮儀還能進一步提升用餐體驗。第一條守則是夾取而不要刺入。在很多地方，用筷尖刺入食物是不禮貌的。其次，不使用筷子時，切勿將筷子垂直放在碗中或直接插入米飯中。在一些文化中，會在墓地用香做這個動作，因此這樣放置筷子已成為讓人聯想到死亡的象徵。不使用筷子時，最好將它們放在餐點的側面或旁邊的筷架上。第三，注意筷子指向哪裡。將筷子直接指向其他人是不敬的。
藉由遵守這些準則，你不僅對筷子相關文化的傳統表示尊重，而且還豐富了整體用餐體驗。
What Did You Learn?
1. Which of the following statements about chopsticks is true?
(A) Korean chopsticks are often made of plastic.
(B) Japanese chopsticks are longer compared to Chinese ones.
(C) Chinese chopsticks have sharper ends than Vietnamese ones.
(D) A special kind of Vietnamese chopstick is used to mix ingredients.
2. Which aspect of chopsticks is NOT discussed in the two-day passage?
(A) Proper chopstick placement when they are not used.
(B) The earliest recorded use of chopsticks.
(C) A way of holding chopsticks.
(D) The inventor of chopsticks.
3. Which rule for using chopsticks is mentioned in the Day 2 passage?
(A) Don’t tap your plate with chopsticks.
(B) Don’t point chopsticks towards people.
(C) Don’t leave chopsticks crossed on the table.
(D) Don’t share food directly with your chopsticks.
答案：
1. (D) 2. (D) 3. (B)
Words in Use
1. extension n. 延伸
Your emotions are an extension of your thoughts.
你的情緒是想法的延伸。
2. heritage n.（文化、傳統的）遺產
Preserving traditional art can help maintain cultural heritage.
保護傳統工藝有助於保存文化遺產。
3. dine vi. 用餐，吃飯（本文為動名詞用法）
The family dined on fresh seafood in the restaurant.
那一家人在餐廳享用新鮮的海產。
4. dominant a. 主要的
Athletes often use their dominant hand for precision and accuracy.
運動員為求精準通常會用慣用手。
5. gently adv. 輕輕地
Please open the fragile package gently so that you won’t damage the contents inside.
請輕輕打開那個易碎的包裹，這樣才不會傷到內容物。
Practical Phrases
1. be associated with... 跟……聯想在一起
associate vt. 聯想
Red roses are often associated with love.
紅玫瑰通常讓人聯想到愛情。
2. stick to... 遵守……（承諾、原則等）
The manager wants her team to stick to the plan and not go off track.
那位經理希望她的小組遵照計畫，不要脫軌。
3. show respect for... 對……表示尊重∕敬意
Using polite language in discussions is a way to show respect for different opinions.
討論時使用禮貌的言語是對不同意見表示尊重的一種方式。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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