Page 96 - 192_

Text 6

TABLE MANNERS

1
2
After Arakin V.D. and Вилюман В.Г.

1. Sit straight and close to the table. Sit facing the table, don't sit
sideways, Never put your elbows on the table. Don't cross your legs
or spread them all over the place out under the table
2. What is the correct way of using spoon, fork and knife? Don't
hold your spoon in your fist, don't tilt it so as to spill its contents.
The fork should be held in your left hand, the knife in your right
hand. Don't use a spoon for what can be eaten with a fork. Dont put
your knife into your mouth. The spoon, knife and fork are meant to
eat with, they should not be banged against the plate.
There is a difference between American and English customs in
using the fork, knife and spoon. The Englishman keeps the knife in
the right hand, the fork in the left. He uses both hands in eating. The
American, on the contrary, may use just one hand whenever possible
and keep the other on his lap. He constantly changes his fork to the
left hand when he has to cut meat. The American use« the side of his
soup spoon, not the tip.
3. What is the proper way to ask for a slice of bread from the plate
standing on the far end of the table?
Don't lean across the table or over your neighbours to get something
out of your reach. Just say: "Would you mind passing the bread?" or
"Could you pass me the bread, please?", etc.
4. Should you use your fork or knife for taking a slice of bread from
the bread-plate?
Neither. Your hand is quite correct for getting a slice of bread for
yourself. However, only touch the piece you take.
5. What are the dishes for which knife shouldn't be used?
Fish dishes are generally eaten without using knife. If one does it is
considered a serious breach of good table manners. The same refers

1
На основі видань Практический курс английского языка для ІІ курса:
Учеб. / Аракин В.Д. и др. - М.: Высш.шк., 1987, стр. 138-140. Abridged.
2
The English Comedy of Manners (from Langenscheidt's English Monthly). //
Вилюман В.Г.и др. Английский язык. Учебник для студентов пед.ин-тов,
изучающих англ. язык как вторую специальность. Л: Просвещение, 1972,
с.246-247.

96