中國雇員Cathy要去美國考察,她找美國同事Mark了解美國文化,以免在待人接物的時候在禮節(jié)方面鬧笑話。
K: If I'm using public transport...should I give up my seat if I see elderly people?
M: Yes. I think that's proper behavior pretty much everywhere in the world. Give up your seat to pregnant women, senior citizens and people with small children.
K: A friend told me that Westerners don't like it when people blow their nose.
M: Actually, that's true. In the West many think blowing your nose in public is a bit rude. Of course, if you have to do it, then you may - just turn as far away from people as possible and do it quietly. It would be even better to get up and move away before blowing your nose.
K: Wow...that's good to know. I might have committed a real "faux pas."
坐公交車給老人、小孩和孕婦讓座,到哪里都不會錯。在大庭廣眾之下擤鼻子會被認為是舉止粗魯。It is a bit rude to blow your nose in public. 如果迫不得已,最好盡量離別人遠點,或者索性站起來,到旁邊去擤鼻子。
M: And of course, spitting is always a no-no.
K: Yeah. I agree with that one. It's disgusting when someone coughs and spits in public. In the movies it seems like all Westerners wear their shoes indoors, is this true?
M: Many people in America do wear their shoes in the house. You should wipe off your shoes on the doormat before you go inside. But...more and more Western people are beginning to follow the Asian tradition of removing your shoes in the house.
Mark說,隨地吐痰是絕對不行的。 Spitting is always a no-no. 美國人在家也穿鞋?Mark說,不少美國人在家確實穿鞋,但是去別人家作客,最好wipe off your shoes on the doormat before you go inside,進去以前最好在門墊上把鞋底擦干凈。
K: My boss told me that it's a super big faux pas to be late in Japan. Is that true in America as well?
M: Yes...but we are a little more flexible. If you arrive within five minutes of a meeting time it might be OK. But it's always best to be on time or be early.
K: When I was in London last year I was eating with my Chinese friend. She whistled for a waiter to come over and when the man came over, he looked so angry!
M: Oh, yes...that's a major faux pas. NEVER snap your fingers or whistle at any kind of service personnel. It's considered very impolite!
K: Mark...I can't thank you enough for your tips! I really appreciate it!
M: Sure! Let's chat again before you leave.
遲到在日本是大忌,a super big faux pas。 Mark說,在美國雖然沒那么嚴格,遲到五分鐘也算正常,但最好還是準時或是提前到。還有,在西方,招呼任何服務(wù)人員,都不能打響指或是吹口哨。 NEVER snap your fingers or whistle at any kind of service personnel. 這樣做被認為是非常不禮貌的。