Multicultural communications may seem difficult at first - differences in languages, backgrounds, customs and the like all seem a challenge. By learning more about our different cultures, it becomes easier to interact. We are dedicating the April issue of E-Buzz to this cause.
In this spirit, we invite you to test your knowledge of different cultures found right here in the U.S. The answers are at the bottom of the newsletter.
1. If you have feelings for someone, what would be the point in obtaining a "shadchan"?
- It is an amulet of gold that will bring you good luck
- It is a matchmaker who will arrange a meeting with that person
- It is a new haircut that will make you look more attractive
- It is a group of musicians you can serenade your sweetheart with
2. What time of the year would you celebrate Paczki Day?
- At the beginning of the Summer Solstice
- On January 1
- The day after Halloween
- Held just before Lent, it’s like Carnival or Mardi Gras
3. You are invited to an "Edin Toa." What will be taking place?
- A child’s first birthday party
- A girl’s introduction into society
- The naming of a child
- A boy child’s first haircut
4. If someone is preparing a Corona what is he or she doing?
- Preparing to celebrate the Day of the Child
- Preparing a wreath to decorate graves for el Dia de los Muertos
- Preparing the fireworks for Día de la Constitución
- Preparing a traditional dish for Cinco de Mayo
5. At the dinner after a traditional Russian wedding, the bride was robbed of her ______, which had to be redeemed with money by the best man.
- Wedding garter
- Shoe
- Wedding cake topper
- Groom’s gift
6. If a woman is receiving Mehendi what is happening?
- Her hands and feet are being decorated with henna
- She is being given a ceremonial bath prior to marriage
- She is receiving religious study
- Her bridal attire is being presented by her female relatives
7. If an Austrian exclaims "Gross Gott!", he is telling you:
- Greetings!
- Watch out!
- Help!
- Stop now!
8. In the Welsh culture, if someone asks you for Y Drych, what is he or she asking for?
- A bowl of traditional meat stew
- The Island, a famous heroic novel
- Your family coat of arms
- The Mirror, the oldest newspaper of its kind
9. The dandiya raas and the garba are two ______ common at Navratri, the Festival of Nine Nights.
- Costumes
- Traditional dishes
- Dances
- Texts read by the master of ceremonies
10. Although Puerto Rico’s original language, Taíno, is no longer spoken, what Taíno-derived word is still used in Spanish and English?
- Corona, meaning crown
- Ley, meaning law
- Canoa, meaning canoe
- Caliente, meaning hot
By Lisa Siciliani,
McElroy Translation,
Austin, Texas 78701 USA
http://www.mcelroytranslation.com/
