00:00 / 00:00
播放/暂停
停止
播放时:倒退3秒/复读时长按:回退AB段
播放时:快进3秒/复读时长按:前进AB段
拖动:改变速度/点击:恢复正常速度1.0
点击:复读最近5秒/拖动:改变复读次数
设置A点
设置B点
取消复读并清除AB点
Bsiness Etiquette 礼节美语 第122讲 Faux Pas (1)

中国雇员Cathy忧心忡忡地去找美国同事Mark请教。


Kathy: Hey Mark...do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?


Mark: No problem, I've got time.


K: Great! Well, I'm going to Seattle for half a year. I'm attending a course at a university and I'll be doing some research as well.


Mark: Sounds like fun!


K: Yes. But I'm really worried that I don't understand American culture well enough. You know how here in China we have lots of little things that are considered impolite...what if I do something wrong in America? I'd be so embarrassed if that happened!

原来,Kathy要去西雅图进修半年,但是担心自己对美国文化和风土人情了解不够,会在小事情上闹笑话,让自己难堪,embarrassed。


Mark: Ah, I see! Actually, we have a great word in English that describes making a cultural mistake...it's called a "faux pas" and it's actually originally a French term.


K: So I should say I want to avoid any cultural "faux pas?"


Mark: That's correct. You know, actually you shouldn't worry too much. America is a pretty relaxed country, but there are a couple things you should be aware of.


K: Oh? Such as?


Mark说,这种文化上的失误叫faux pas。 Faux pas是从法语来的。前面可以用动词avoid避免或是commit犯下。Mark安慰Cathy说,美国是一个很随便的国家,American is a pretty relaxed country. 不过还是有些地方需要注意。Such as? 比如说呢?


Mark: Americans - and western people in general - can be very sensitive about smells.

K: Oh...so I should be careful after eating spicy foods, right?


Mark: Yep. Things like garlic or various Chinese dishes can have a strong smell. It's best to chew gum or use a breath freshener.


K: That's a good thing to remember. How about when I visit a friend's home? What should I bring?


Mark说,西方人对气味非常敏感,中国人喜欢吃的大蒜等食物,都会留下十分浓重的味道,It's best to chew gum or use a breath freshener. 所以最好嚼嚼口香糖,设法去去嘴里的味儿。去朋友家作客,带点儿什么呢?


Mark: If you and your guest drink alcohol, it's always nice to bring a bottle of wine. If wine is a problem, you could try fruit or some kind of desert.


K: But should it be an expensive gift?


Mark: No, the price is not so important. Just bring something to show you care about your hosts and are grateful for their invitation.

如果宾主双方都喝酒的话,带瓶葡萄酒绝对没错,否则的话,可以考虑带点水果或是甜点。礼物不一定要非常贵重,能够表达对主人的关心和对邀请的感激就可以 了。