1. How does the author begin the article?

回答：

The author begins the article with the statement “Today we are in the throes of a worldwide reformation of cultures” which is called globalization. Here the author points out that globalization is a world movement and a movement of reformation of cultures. She does not say merging of cultures but reformation of cultures, indicating the cultures in the world will continue to exist but they will not be the same.

2. How does the author illustrate the mixing of cultures? (Para. 14)

回答：

The author uses Tom Sloper and mah-jongg as an example to illustrate the mixing of cultures. It is a typical example because it is a fusion of computers, a Western high technology, and mah-jongg, a traditional Chinese game —a fusion of East and West, of technology and entertainment.

3. Why is the English language included in “cultural assault” in Paragraph 4?

回答：

English has become a universal language. If you go on the Internet, the overwhelming amount of information is in English. In international business, the prevalent means of communication is English. That’s why these critics include the English language as part of the “cultural assault”.

4. What are some of the contrasts the author makes in the article?

回答：

In Para 4, the author puts “xenophobia” and “economic ambition” as a pair in contrast. In Para 7, the author first contrasts the critics and the boosters. Then she contrasts the inconsistencies with each group. The critics blast Coke and Hollywood but not organ transplant and computers, indicating their critique is selective. The boosters emphasize environmental protection but make no mention of cigarettes and automobiles, indicating that they deliberately overlook those things that bring damage to health and the environment. In Para 14, the author contrasts a number of things: Asia vs. the U.S., lower-middle class people vs. upper-class people, men vs. society women. In Para 22, the author contrasts “old Shanghai” and “new Shanghai”.

5. How does the author conclude the article?

回答：

In the conclusion remark, the author makes clear her view of globalization. She points out the reason why globalization is inevitable—linking is humanity’s natural impulse. Here two words are worthy of our attention. The author is not talking about merging or fusion but linking and she says linking is a natural human desire. In other words, it is not something imposed on humanity. From this careful choice of words we get to know that there will not be a McWorld but a coexistence of transformed cultures, and these cultures are brought together not just by technology or business but more importantly by common aspiration and shared values.