雅思写作优秀范文精选：习俗

英语自学网

　　Rituals, rites, religions, and customs vary considerably from culture to
culture and from country to country. But, should one adopt the local custom when
subject to an alien culture? The seemingly simple question is virtually rather
vexing in that the answer to which depends.
        　　Cultures are generally classified into two categories: folk culture and
public culture. The former refers to a culture that emphasizes the personal
relationships in settling affaires. In such a culture laws are eclipsed by
custom and moral in the maintenance of social order. People pay even meticulous
attention to the custom. Any break of the custom is considered as unacceptable
as regicidal behavior or commitment of some felony. Thus when a visitor is in
such a culture, it would be better for him or her to “Do As Romans Do When in
Rome.” In a certain sense, to adopt the local custom is a way for an alien to
survive.
        　　“Public culture” is coined to refer an ethnic group whose social order is
maintained by legal instruments, although custom is emphasized. But custom in
such a culture seldom remains the same for a relatively long time. Under such
circumstance, it is usually unnecessary for a visitor to calculatedly follow the
natives’ custom. Even the new comer preserves all his or her own custom or
culture, it is safe for the visitor to do whatever he or she wants to do
provided it is legal.
        　　Put it simply, in a public culture it is unnecessary to adopt the local new
custom. But in a folk culture, to follow the local custom is a must.