Food as Communication We usually understand when someone speaks or writes to us，and many gestures and facial expressions have meanings，too.But have you ever considered what and how we eat as a form of communication？In many cultures，people sit together and share food with each other，which is a common tradition that can promote （促進(jìn)） unity（統(tǒng)一，和諧） and trust.Food can also play an important role in a family or culture's celebrations.The foods we eat—and when and how we eat them—are often special to a particular culture or may even differ between areas within one country.
    In most cultures，bread represents delicious food.It is also one of the most commonly shared foods in the world.Sharing bread is a common symbol （象征） of companionship and togetherness.In fact，the word companion comes from the Latin roots com-（together） and panis-（bread）.In many cultures，people also celebrate birthdays and marriages with decorated cakes that are cut and shared among the guests.Early forms of cake were simply a kind of bread，so this tradition has its roots in the custom of sharing bread.
    There are foods like bread in other cultures.In Greece，people share a special cake called vasilopita.A coin is baked into the cake，which stands for success in the New Year for the person who receives it.Most of the foods eaten during the Chinese New Year have many different meanings.Sometimes this is based on their shapes.For example，long noodles symbolize long life.The symbolism can also be based on the sound of the word in Chinese.For example，people give out oranges because the word for "orange" sounds like the word for "wealth".In many cultures，round foods such as grapes，bread，and moon cakes are eaten at welcome celebrations to symbolize family unity.
    Food is basic and necessary for life，so it is not surprising that it is such an important part of different cultures around the world.The food people eat during celebrations may have a long history and can symbolize many things，but sharing food is one custom that almost all humans have in common.

（1）Why do people sit together and share food with each other？

Because it can promote unity and trust.

Because it can promote unity and trust.

（2）How do people celebrate birthdays and marriages in many cultures？

People cut and share decorated cakes among the guests.

People cut and share decorated cakes among the guests.

（3）What are eaten at welcome celebrations to symbolize family unity？

Round foods such as grapes，bread，and moon cakes.

Round foods such as grapes，bread，and moon cakes.

（4）What is Paragraph 3 mainly about？

People have different foods to symbolize different things in different cultures.

People have different foods to symbolize different things in different cultures.

（5）Is sharing food a custom that almost all humans have in common？

Yes，it is.

Yes，it is.