Bargaining customs around the world
Imagine shopping in another country and spotting a beautiful scarf. The salesperson tells you the price, but it's more than you want to pay. What do you do?
Where to bargain
The answer depends largely on what part of the world you're in. Are you visiting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America or Africa? In these places, and several others, prices often are not set in stone. In fact, customers are expected to bargain before agreeing to a price. Salespeople often ask for a high price first because they plan to decrease it.
On the other hand, in North America, Europe and Australia, bargaining is rare and often frowned upon. The price listed on a price tag cannot be changed. But expectations vary from store to store as well as from country to country. Large stores and malls usually don't allow bargaining, even in countries where it would normally be acceptable. On the other hand, outdoor stalls and flea markets, even in Western countries, usually allow bargaining. When in doubt, consult a guidebook - or better yet, a local friend.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Language Weirdness Index 教學主題: 怪異語言指數
有個組織研究 2500多種語言,
研究詞的順序, 聲音的種類, 否定句的結構等等....
最後做了一個怪異語言指數 (language weirdness index),
結果國語排名21, 英文排名33,
世界上排名第一的是墨西哥南部的語言叫做 Chalcatongo
Closer Look
When in doubt, consult a guidebook -- or better yet, a local friend.
When in doubt, ... -- or better yet, ...
- When in doubt, go see school nurse -- or better yet, a doctor.
- When in doubt, wait an hour to see if you're still interested -- or better yet, a day.
Language Lab
bargain v. 議價, 討價還價;
to discuss an agreement or price in order to make it more appealing
- Darren bargained with the clerk for hours for this mountain bike.
n. 便宜貨, 廉價品
something that is bought or sold for a price which is lower than the actual value : something bought or sold at a good price
- The computer was a great bargain. I only spent US$700.
not set in stone 可調整的
set in stone 不可更改的
permanent or not able to be changed
- My travel plans aren't set in stone yet. I might change my date of departure.
- The contract isn't set in stone because some details need to be discussed.
frown v. 皺眉
to make a frown in anger, concentration, etc.
frown upon something 表示不滿
to disapprove of (something)
- Smoking is frowned upon in many countries.
- My boss frowned upon my proposal because it costs a lot of money.
consult v. 商討, 請教, 翻閱, 查閱
to go to (someone, such as a doctor or lawyer) for advice : to ask for the professional opinion of (someone)
- If you experience any serious side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
- Consulting too many reference books sometimes makes parenting more confusing.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20150223baa0b1a9f59cdad29590d2b4fa18019a59e108baa76f1eeb659699ebaa937791930.wma
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