Lesson 61 Noise when eating noodles
Topic Question: Why do Japanese people make noise when eating noodles?
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the cultural significance and reasoning behind why making noise while eating noodles is considered acceptable or even polite in Japan.
▮ Sample Answer
“In Japan, making noise when eating noodles, such as slurping, is considered polite because it shows appreciation for the food and signifies that you are enjoying your meal. It also helps to cool down the hot noodles before they enter your mouth.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Slurping (すする音): The noise made by sucking something liquid or semi-liquid up into the mouth loudly.
- Appreciation (感謝): Recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.
- Signifies (意味する): Be an indication of.
- Enjoying (楽しむ): Take delight or pleasure in an activity or occasion.
- Cool down (冷ます): To make something less hot.
▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What does making noise while eating noodles signify in Japan?
- How is slurping viewed in terms of politeness?
- Why is slurping practical when eating hot noodles?
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar:
older than… more expensive than…
We use than after comparatives (older than … / more expensive than …, etc.).
● Athens is older than Rome.
● Are oranges more expensive than bananas?
● It’s easier to take a taxi than to take the bus.
● “ How are you today?” “Not bad. Better than yesterday.”
We usually say: than me / than him / than her / than us / than them.
You can say:
● I can run faster than him. or I can run faster than he can.
● You are a better singer than me. or You are a better singer than I am.
More / less than…
● A: How much did your shoes cost? Fifty dollars?
B: No, more than that. (= more than $50)
● The movie was very short – less than an hour.
● They’ve got more money than they need.
3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:
- “Slurping noodles is more appreciated in Japan than eating quietly.”
- “The sound of slurping is older than many modern table manners.”
- “People enjoy their noodles more when they slurp them than when they try to eat quietly.”
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
