.

Values and Attitudes

Values are people’s basic beliefs about the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. An attitude is a way of thinking or acting. Values and attitudes influence international business. For example，many people in the United States believe that chocolate from Switzerland is better than chocolate from other countries, and they buy a lot of it.

Customs and Manners

Customs are common social practices. Manners are ways of acting that the society believes are polite. For example, in the United States, it is the custom to have salad (色拉) before the main course at dinner, not after. It’s not acceptable to talk with food in mouth at table. Failure to understand the customs and manners of other countries will bring difficulty selling their products. Orange juice as a breakfast drink of an American company in France doesn’t sell well because the French don’t usually drink juice with breakfast.

A knowledge of the local language allows international business people________.

A. to be more open with their customers

B. to communicate without outside help

C. to express their thoughts indirectly

D. to have a better idea of their own culture