There are some things that are <em>not</em> polite to ask about when you are talking with an American; especially if you don't know the person well:
<em>Money</em>, as in "How much money do you make at your job?" This is personal information.
<em>Religion</em>, as in "What is your religion?" Chance of an argument: 50%
<em>Politics</em>, as in "What is your political party?" Chance of an argument: 99%
<em>Age</em>, as in "How old are you?"
Never ask a man that question.
Never, never, never ask a woman that question.
You can <em>always</em> ask about the weather.
What are some questions that you can or cannot ask in your country?
You forgot the question about their amorous situation. Most people that heard that kind of question will think that you are flirting.
I think the age question is very simiilar around here, specially if you don't have enough confidence with the woman.
Moreover, in the spirit of truth and revelation, I can tell you the following.
(a) I am 68 years old
(b) My annual family income is about $48,000.00 per year.
(c) My religion is Christianity.
I will answer any question by any language partner at any time in a clear and direct manner, sparing the language partner any discomfort or any feeling of having asked an inappropriate question.
What's up with this idea about "never" asking questions?
Moreover, I may be as a language partner, very discreet about the subjects I discuss with my students, but that places the burden of responsibility upon me as a native speaker of English, rather than placing a burden of fear upon my foreign language partner.
It is counterproductive to place a social prohibition in the context of a "never" rule.
If Americans are that sensitive to answering questions about the truth in any context, perhaps
they should evaluate their priorities.
That is rather an extreme view, and I know of no such social prohibitions.
My language partners to entirely welcome to ask me any question about any subject.
I am entirely in control of my own dialogues and may address a question in any way I deem appropriate; but I never burden my students with any sort of fear about violating some social convention for giving offense. There are few if any things that any student could say to me that I would regard as an offense.
Americans, as language partners tutoring or teaching the English Language, ought to show themselves capablable of addressing any and all questions in an appropriate manner.
If any American is fragile or overly sensitive in their personality or demeanor, they may need to find a more appropriate activity. Having emotional reactions about any inquiry is an extreme response. After all, all one need to do avoid offense by any student of the language is to just hang up the phone call and discontinue all correspondence. It does not require a Doctoral Degree in Rocket Surgery to figure this out.
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