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B1 · 3,284 words · English

Talking to Strangers

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell's Talking to Strangers delves into the challenges of understanding and communicating with people we don't know. Drawing on real-life examples and psychological research, Gladwell explores how our natural tendencies—such as assuming others are truthful and interpreting behavior based on our biases—often lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even tragic outcomes. The book examines how societal systems, like law enforcement and international diplomacy, amplify these issues, showing how misreading a stranger's intentions can have significant consequences. Gladwell encourages readers to recognize the limits of their assumptions, practice empathy, and improve communication skills, ultimately fostering better connections and understanding in our increasingly diverse world.

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Words you’ll meet

The words readers of this text looked up most, each with its meaning and the line it comes from.

assumptions / əˈsʌmpʃ(ə)nz /noun

A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

My central assumption was wrong.

presuppositionbeliefsupposition

biases / ˈbaɪəsɪz /noun

prejudices or inclinations

In this way, technology can reinforce biases.

prejudiceinclination

societal / səˈsaɪədl /adjective

Relating to society or its organization

The study examined the societal impact of technology on education.

socialcommunalcultural

outward / ˈaʊtwərd /adjective

easily seen; obvious

The outward appearance of the building was quite impressive.

externalvisible

deliberate / dɪˈlɪbərət /adjective

Carefully weighed or considered; studied; methodical

Understanding strangers becomes a more deliberate process.

calculatedintentionalpurposeful

myopia / maɪˈoʊ.pi.ə /noun

Nearsightedness; a condition in which close objects appear clearly, but far ones do not

His myopia required him to sit at the front of the classroom.

nearsightednessshortsightedness

default to truth / dɪˈfɔːlt tə truːθ /noun

default to truth

The 'default to truth' theory suggests that we initially accept information as true.

nuance / ˈnuːɑːns /noun

A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or feeling

His argument lacked nuance.

subtletydelicacyrefinement

delves / dɛlvz /verb

To examine or investigate something thoroughly and carefully

His work often delves into complex topics.

exploreinvestigateexamine

misunderstandings / ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændɪŋz /noun

Failures to understand something correctly

Many misunderstandings arise from miscommunication.

misconceptionmisinterpretationerror

behavior / bɪˈheɪvjər /noun

The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others

The study analyzed how the change in environment affected human behavior.

conductactionsdemeanor

broader / ˈbrɔːdər /adjective

extensive or far-reaching

They need to consider the broader implications of the new legislation.

widermore comprehensive

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