陳豪在北京的ABC美國公司工作,他看見美國同事Amy正跟辦公室另外幾個人一起出去。
(Office ambience)
CH:Amy, Are you guys going to lunch?
A:Yes. Would you like to join us?
C:好啊。我跟你們一起去。
A:I have to make one phone call before I leave. Would you like to wait for me or go ahead with everyone else?
C:我等你。
A:Thank you.
C:No problem.
A:Say, Chen Hao, my phone call can wait a few minutes. I need to tell you something while it is on my mind.
C:Uh-oh. 我做錯什么事了嗎?
A:No, you said something wrong. Actually you said two things that caught my attention.
C:嗯....可我剛才沒說什么???
A:First, you used the expression "You guys."
C:我那些同事經(jīng)常把you guys掛在嘴邊上,我這可是跟美國人學的。
A:I know they do, but that doesn't mean it's correct or polite.
C:為什么不對呢?
A:Because the word "guy" is an informal term that refers to a man or boy. People today use the plural "guys" without regard for gender. That is not correct usage of the word and it demonstrates a lack of polish.
C:那要是有男有女應該怎么說呢?
A:You could have simply asked, "Are you going to lunch?" Or you could have said, "Are you ALL going to lunch?"
C:我知道了。
A:Now please excuse me while I make that quick phone call. Otherwise we'll miss lunch altogether.
C:No problem.
******
Amy打完電話跟陳豪一起去吃午飯。
C:Amy, 你剛才不是還要糾正我另外一個錯誤嗎?
A:Yes. I have noticed that when someone says "thank you", your response is always "no problem."
C:我經(jīng)常聽別人這么說啊,難道這也不對嗎?
A:Lots of people say that in response to "thank you." However, that is not the correct reply. The correct response to "thank you" is "You are welcome."
C:Amy, 你是不是太挑剔了?
A:No, it's being polite and polished. "You guys" and "no problem" are slang phrases which are not formal.
C:俚語?
A:That's right. Slang expressions will detract from your professional image. "You guys" is only acceptable with a group of men in a very informal setting like the locker room.
C:那"no problem"呢?
A:It is only acceptable when someone asks if you have problem with something.
C:我明白了,就是說一定要注意區(qū)分俚語和正規(guī)語言,特別是不能在正式場合亂用俚語。
A:You got it! Now let's eat. I am starving.
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