The idea of what is early and what is late differs from
culture to culture. If an American from the North makes an appointment with
someone (11) , such as a professor, a manager or an
official, for 11:00 a. m. , he will probably arrive at the office (12)
—maybe about five minutes before eleven. He will tell the secretary
that he has arrived for the 11:00 appointment, and will wait. The American will
wait (13) for five minutes. But after ten minutes, he will
become uncomfortable and a little annoyed. On (14) , if a
Latin American makes an appointment with someone for 11: 00 a. m. , he may not
arrive in the office until 11:15 or 11:20. He will not be surprised if he has to
wait until (15) .