第二篇： For decades anthropologists have been studying strange and unusual cultures all over the world. One of the
strangest peoples of all is a group called the Nacirema, a legendary tribe living in North America.
The territory of the Nacirema is located between the Canadian Cree and the Tarahumare of Mexico.
Relatively little is known of the origin of this people, though they are said to have come from somewhere east. In
fact, the Nacirema may be related to certain European peoples.
Nacirema people spend a lot of time on the appearance and health of their bodies. In Nacirema culture the
body is generally believed to be ugly and likely to decay. The only way this decay can be prevented is through
participation in certain magical ceremonies. In every Nacirema house there is a special shrine room dedicated to
this purpose. Some Nacirema houses have more than one shrine room. In Nacirema culture, it is believed that the
more shrine rooms a family has, the richer it is.
What is the shrine room? The focal point is a box built into the wall. Inside the box is a large collection of
magical potions, medicines, and creams. Below the box is a small font from which water is obtained. Every day
each member of the Nacirema family enters, and receives magic, holy water from the fountain. In Nacirema culture, the mouth is considered one of the most important parts of the body. The Nacirema are
fascinated by the mouth and believe that its condition has an important and supernatural effect on all social
relationships. Naciremans visit “holy-mouth-people” once or twice a year. If there are any holes in the teeth, a
supernatural substance is placed in each hole. It is said that the purpose of this practice is to prevent decay in the
teeth and to help the Naciremans to make friends and find spouses. 【題組】50. Why do Naciremans visit “holy-mouth-people” and place a supernatural substance in any holes in their
teeth?
(A) To protect their teeth and improve their social relationships.
(B) To enhance their oral hygiene and obtain more fortunes.
(C) To avoid bad luck and have a better future.
(D) To perform a magical ceremony and prevent illness.
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