文化冲突

Given the breathtaking speed with which telephones have begun to permeate every pocket of Chinese society, it is a little surprising that a good number of people have yet to learn even a modicum of telephone etiquette.

　　Strangely, it's as if the normal courtesies which one would extend to another in face to face conversation do not apply in telephonic conversation.

　　To begin with, a caller is often greeted with a blunt "Who are you?" a response which many feel is much too direct. On occasion, the receiver of the telephone call expresses unwillingness to reveal the information the caller seeks.

　　Such as whether, say, Mr. Zhang is available to take the call - until the caller states his or her identity and institutional affiliation. A more polite approach might be to offer the desired information, following with a gentle inquiry such as "… and who may I say is calling?"

　　An excessive concern for privacy undermines