Susan: Do you find that people in America often walk faster than people in China? Americans always seem to be in a hurry.
John: It’s hard to come to a definite conclusion. Some Americans walk in a leisurely way, and some Chinese hurry all the time. But on the whole, I think you’re right.
Susan: What do you think are the reasons for that difference?
John: Americans treasure time. For them, time is tangible. It’s a thing. “Time is money.” You can “spend time”, “waste time”, “save time”. You can even “kill time”!
Susan: Does this strong sense of time affect their lifestyle?
John: Sure. If you’re 20 minutes late for a bussiness appointment, the other person or persons will be annoyed. They may not trust you anymore.
Susan: But as far as I know, English-speaking people may be 15-30 minutes late for a dinner party.
John: That’s true. For an informal occasion like that, punctuality is not so important. Also, a boss may keep his employees waiting for a long time.
Susan: But if his secretary is late, she’s in trouble. She will probably receive a reprimand.
John: How true!
Susan: The American workship of time probably led them to create fast foods.
John: I agree. And globalization shrinks the differences between cultures. Now people everywhere are rushing, and anywhere you go, you find Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Susan: But plenty of Chinese are still making appointments saying, “If I am late, wait for me.”
John: But with more intercultural communication, I think the gap will eventually be bridged, and Chinese will be hurrying everywhere.
