55. What can you safely talk about with strangers?

Topic 55 7 September 2018 What can you safely talk about with strangers?

1. In Australian culture it used to be a rule that people didn't talk about money, religion or politics. That was especially true with strangers, but often with friends and family too. The idea wass to avoid conflct. Maybe some people still follow this rule (I don't). What do people avoid talking about in your home culture? Why?

2. The usual way to open a conversation with strangers is 'small talk'. For example, the weather is a safe topic. Some people are comfortable with small talk, and some people hate it. When do you use small talk? Why?

3. When I was young, long distance trains had compartments (like small rooms). My experience was that some travellers told very private stories to strangers like me who they would never see again. It was very interesting. Why do you think they did this? Have you had long, deep conversations with strangers when you were travelling? What do fellow-travellers usually tell you?

4. Some families discuss everything together, and some families tell each other very little (almost like Facebook "friends"). Which kind of family would you prefer? Why?

5. In interviews, like job interviews, are you open and free with what you say? Or are you very controlled about what you reveal? Why?

6. On social media like Facebook or Snapchat, are you open and free with what you say? Or are you very controlled about what you reveal? Why?

7. The greetings in each culture say something about that culture. Americans often say 'Howdy' (short for 'how do you do'. It first appeared overseas in cowboy films. Some young Australians now copy it). The traditional Australian greeting is "G'day" (short for "Good day to you"). In East Asia the most common greeting translates as "Have you eaten yet?". In Muslim countries the most common greeting translates as "Peace be upon you". What do you think such greetings reveal about cultures? What greetings do you prefer?

8. How do you control what you talk about with these groups of people? : a) An intimate friend or partner or lover; b) your best friend (if you have one); c) friends you go out with; d) workmates or classmates; e) family; f) men Vs women you know.

9. It is now possible for companies and governments to read our emails. Some countries respect such privacy more than others. Do you control what you put in emails (or say or text on the phone) because someone else might be watching? Why are you careful about this, or not careful?

10. What kind of things do you NEVER tell other people? Why?