Language-Learning Tips学语言的指点

Ming says:
明说：

The three most important things that a learner of the Chinese language
should pay attention to are the following:
刚开始学中文的人最需注意的三个重点是：

1. Find a teacher who is knowledgeable about Chinese Pinyin and is
able to speak "Pu Tong Hua," which means Mandarin.
找一个对拼音了解和会讲普通话的老师。

2. Make sure that you can recite Pinyin as well as you can sing the
English ABC song. Also, confirm that the teacher is able to pronounce
Pinyin correctly--e.g., "z, c, s" vs. "zh, ch, sh."
确认你能象背英文ABC歌那样会背拼音。再者，确认老师会把拼音说准。尤其会区分“z,c,s"和"zh,ch,sh"。

3. Try to master the four different tones, and learn to tell the
difference between them.
试者掌握四个声调，而且能指出互相之间的差异。



Nancy says:
Nancy说：

In my opinion the three most important things to keep in mind when learning English are as follows:
我认为学英文的最重要的三点是：

1. Be humble and try to maintain a sense of humor since you will inevitably make many errors as you progress. The more you can leave your ego behind, the faster you'll learn the language and the more you'll enjoy it!
谦虚并保持幽默。因为在学的过程中犯错误是难免的。自我意识越少，你学英语学的越快，并更能欣赏此语言。

2. Expose yourself to as many varieties of the language as possible:
-formal and informal English,
-the spoken as well as the written language, and
-native speakers with all different types of accents.
尽量多接触各种语言：
　　　　－正规和不正规的英语，
　　　　－口语和书写，
　　　　－带各种口音的美国人。

3. Find a teacher who is a native speaker of English and is either a linguist or has taught ESL at a top notch university. This type of person will not only know the language but will also know how to teach it. If you don't have the time or money to take classes right now, use some of the many good free online resources available to you. One great place to start is 
http://eslgold.net/
找一个美国语言老师或在有名大学教过外国学生英语的老师。此老师不仅懂得英文，而且懂得如何来教。如果你现在没有时间和钱去选课，可利用一些免费网络资源来学英文。开始的好地方是：
http://eslgold.net/


We hope you have fun!
希望你会有乐趣！

International Etiquette Expert's Book Now Available in Chinese

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of interviewing international etiquette expert Judith Bowman about her bestselling book Don't Take the Last Donut: New Rules of Business Etiquette. In the interview, which was first was posted on January 26, 2009, Judith discussed some of the important ways to show respect, inspire confidence, and earn trust in order to nurture a business relationship. Drawing on her own business dealings in China and Japan, she also discussed some of the most common reasons why international business relationships sometimes fail.

今年初，我们有幸采访国际专家朱迪思.鲍曼有关她的畅销书‘国际礼仪’：商业礼仪新准则。在２００９年１月２６日的采访中，朱迪思谈到有关表示尊敬，提高自信和取得信任的重要方法以便保护一个商业关系。从她自己和中日两国的生意交往中，朱迪思谈到一些通常国际商业关系失败的原因。

Today, we're happy to announce that Judith's book has been translated into Mandarin and is now available in two editions, which can be purchased via the links at the bottom of this post.

今天，我们很高兴宣布朱迪思的版本已经给翻译成中文。在此刊结尾，您可找到联网地址去买她的中英版本。

To mark the publication of the Chinese editions, Ming has translated the interview from English to Mandarin, so that it can be enjoyed by more Chinese readers. The translation of the interview appears on the January 26th post. Enjoy!

为了庆祝此书中文版出版，明把那次采访翻译成中文。这样更多的中国观众也可以欣赏此书。此中文翻译出版在１月２６日的期刊上。请快乐阅读。



To purchase a Mandarin edition of New Rules of Business Etiquette, click on any of the links below.

amazon

xinhuabookstore

beifabook

Qing Ming Festival

Qing Ming, a holiday whose name means “clear and bright,” is a special day in China for mourning family members who have died. It falls in early April—the annual time for spring plowing and sowing.

清明，“清和明”的节日，是中国纪念死去亲人的特殊日子。一般是在四月份，每年春天耕地和下种的季节。

Both members of China’s majority Han population and members of the country’s ethnic minorities offer sacrifices to their ancestors on Qing Ming. The holiday is also called “Shaomu” or “grave-sweeping day” because on this day family members of the deceased clear away dead leaves and weeds and add new dirt to the grave and then pay their respects to their family members who have died. Having cleaned the grave site, family members place foods that they have brought--such as cooked chicken, eggs, fish, sausages, fruits, wine and other spirits—on newspaper and then bow and kneel to show respect for the dead. After honoring the dead, and often asking them to protect family members as well, the food is eaten by the more senior members of the family to bring them good luck and prolong their lives, and fresh flowers are placed on the grave. To ensure that their ancestor’s gravesites will be maintained throughout the year, some people also pay farmers who live around the area to act as caretakers.

汉族和少数民族都在这天去拜访他门的祖先。这天也叫扫墓，因为家人清扫走落叶，拔草，给墓地加新土，然后在给先人拜供。上供时家人在报纸上摆上烧好的鸡，鸡蛋，鱼，肠，水果，酒。上供后，叫先人来保佑家人。然后上供的食物给家里年纪大的人吃，带来好运和取的长寿。鲜花也置在墓地上。要维持先人墓地，有些人会给附近的农民钱来让他们照顾坟地。

As with other Spring holidays in other parts of the world, the days surrounding Qing Ming are the perfect time for Spring cleaning. People clean, decorate their houses with fresh flowers, and cook large amounts of food for picnics. Families get together, and relatives travel from other cities to join them and pay their respects at the gravesite. People who don’t visit their ancestors’ graves on Qing Ming may be criticized for failing to respect their ancestors.

就象春节在世界其它地方一样，清明是春理的最好季节。人们清理，用鲜花来装饰房间，做很多野餐的饭。家人团聚，亲人从其他城市回来扫墓。清明不回来扫墓的人有可能会受到不尊敬先人的批评。

Throughout Chinese history, there have been a lot of famous poems written about the highly celebrated Qing Ming Festival. One of the most famous poems is “Qing Ming,” written by a famous poet in the Tang Dynasty named Du Mu.

在中国的历史上，有很多有关清明的著名诗歌。最有名的是唐代杜牧写的“清明”。

Qing Ming

It rains continuously in Qing Ming,
Pedestrians are extremely saddened.
Asked where the shops selling liquor are,
A shepherd points toward the village surrounded by apricot trees.

清明

清明时节雨纷纷，
路上行人欲断魂。
借问酒家何处是，
牧童摇指杏花村。


If you happen to visit China around the time of Qing Ming, don’t be surprised to see large groups of people—families walking along rural mountain roads, on their way to honor their ancestors by participating in the rituals of Qing Ming.

如你有幸在清明时节访问中国，当你看见成群的人在山路上走，请不要惊呀。这是人们去扫墓。

Yin Needs Help! (#3)
阴需要帮忙　（第三期）

Over the years, as the result of our experience and contact with individuals from other countries, we’ve become aware of their frequent need for help to meet the challenges of daily living. In this column, we try to offer advice to “Yin,” a composite of the many professionals, students, and visitors we’ve encountered over the years.

多年来，因我们的经力加上和从他乡友人的交往，我们感到他们应付日常生活的艰难。在此刊里，我们试探给阴提供建议。阴是我们从多年和其他行业的职员，学生和游客交流后创造的人物。


Yin asks: What can an international traveler do to have an enjoyable trip?
阴问：国际游客如何才能有一个快乐的航程？

Part II: What to Do if You Miss Your Flight
&
How to Avoid Missing Your Flight
第二部分：如误机该做什么以及如何避勉误机

Q: My friend who will be coming to Pittsburgh in February is very worried that he could miss his flight. This happened to his cousin Yang last year, and he ended up spending the night in the airport. What can he do to prevent this from happening?

问：我的朋友二月要到匹嵫堡来，他很担心误机。他的表弟去年误了机，　结果在机场过夜。他如何能避勉此事发生？

A: Missing a flight can certainly be stressful—and expensive, too. When a person misses a flight, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and allow the customer service agent to arrange for you to have a seat on the next available flight. Make sure to let the agent know that you need to get to your destinations as soon as possible, and if the agent is not very helpful, find another agent or ask to talk to a supervisor. (See also the information about Language Line in the 1/09 Yin Needs Help! column.)

回：误机很伤脑筋，也很花费。当人误机，最重要的是包持安静，让服负人员给按排下趟航班。一定告知服务员你需要尽快达到终点站。如此服务员不是很热心的话，去另找一个服务员或找负责人。（请看一月九日的期刊：阴需要帮忙一刊。）

However, if your friend follows the guidelines below, he should be sure to get on his flight without any problem:

但是，如你的朋友尊巡以下规则，他会一路顺风。

1. Change Your Watch -- I (Ming) have seen many international travelers miss their flights due to differences in time zones. To prevent this from happening, change your watch to the local time as soon as you arrive at the airport.

１。把手表的时间调到当地时间。我（明）遇到很多国际游客因时间差误了机。预防此事，一到不同的机场立刻调到当地时间。

2. Customer Service Agents – As soon as you arrive at the gate, present yourself to the customer service agents of the airline you’re flying with, and ask them to let you know when it’s time for boarding.

２。服务员。一到一个新机场，跟此航空公司服务员打招呼，到登机时请让他们通知你。

3. Watch and Listen for Updates -- Keep an eye on the boarding time that’s posted or announced since the customer service agents may get busy and not be able to remind you when it’s time for you to board the plane.

３。注意的听航班信息。盯看着登机时间和仔细听着航班报道。因为服务员一忙，会找不到时间来通知你去登机。

We hope your friend has an enjoyable trip.

我们希望你的朋友航程愉快。

(The next column—to be posted in April: What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled)

（下刊在四月登刊。如航班取消该怎么办？）

Chinese New Year Quiz

The Chinese New Year's celebration, which this year began on January 26th, is one of the major holidays in Chinese culture. How much do you know about this special day? Try your hand at the questions below.
庆祝春节是中国的传统。今年春节是在一月二十六日开始的，是最重要的节日之一。你对此重要日子有何了解？试答以下问题。

Xin Nian Kuai Le! (Happy New Year!)新年快乐！


Questions
问题

1. What Zodiac year is it?

　今年是什么年？

2. How many animal signs are there?

　一共有多少属相？

3. What are the names of the animals in the Chinese zodiac?

　中国属相的名字是什么？

4. What animals dance a traditional part of the New Year's celebration?

　什么属相舞是春节的传统舞？

5. What is the Chinese New Year typically called?

　中国新年叫什么？

6. How many days does the New Year's celebration last?

　春节一般持续多久？

7. How did this holiday originate?

　春节是如何开始的？

8. What color is associated with good luck?

　什么艳色是喜色？

9. What do Chinese children do when they first get up on New Year’s Day?

　中国儿童新年早上起来先做什么？

10. What do the children receive in return?

　他们收到什么礼物？

11. What kind of clothing do they wear?

　他们穿什么衣服？

12. What do you hear throughout New Year's Day?

　春节那天能听到什么？

13. How do people greet each other when they meet?

　人们如何问好？

14. What do people eat to bring good luck?

　吃什么食物能带来好运？

15. How many animals comprise the Chinese dragon?

　中国龙是有多少动物组成的？

16. Name the animals that comprise the dragon’s body.

　这些动物的名字是什么？

Answers
答案

1. The Year of the Ox.

　牛年。

2. 12.

　１２。

3. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep/goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

鼠，牛，虎，兔，蛇，龙，马，羊，猴，鸡，狗和猪。

4. Lion and dragon.

　狮和龙。

5. "The Spring Festival."

　春节。

6. 30.
　
　３０。

7. Legend has it that long time ago, there was a monster called “Nian,” who would go to villages and eat the children. Pretty soon, parents started putting food outside their houses for the monster so that he would not eat their children. Nian was happy and left the children alone, but he still lurked around the villages, worrying the people. The village people decided to use firecrackers to scare the monster away. This worked, Nian left, and he has never returned. The firecrackers that people set off this as part of this year's New Year's celebration followed a tradition that has existed for thousands of years.

传说很久以前，有个怪物叫年。它去村子里吃小孩子。很快，父母们开始把食物放在门外给怪物吃，　这样它就不会吃小骇子。年很高兴就不吃小孩子了，但是还是不离开村子，让人胆心。村上的人就决定用炮仗来吓走怪物。这真有效，怪物一去不返。从那以后，春节放炮仗就成了中国几千年的传统。

8. Red.

　红色。

9. Children first “bainian” to the oldest member of the family in their household (typically grandparents), then they “bainian” to their parents. “Bainian” means show respect towards a person(s) by bowing toward them.

　骇子们先给年岁最大的拜年，一般是祖父祖母。完了再给父母拜年。

10. Money in red envelopes.

　红包。

11. New clothing.

　新衣服。

12. Firecrackers.

　炮仗。

13. Xin Nian Kuai Le, Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Happy New Year and make a fortune!)

　新年快乐，恭喜发财。

14. Nian Gao (sticky rice cakes, dumplings, fish, and many other foods).

　年糕，饺子，鱼和很多其它的食物。

15. 9.

　９。

16. The Chinese dragon is made up of:
　- the head of a camel,骆驼的头
　　- the eyes of a devil,怪物的眼睛
- the ears of a cow,　牛的耳朵
- the horns of a stag,鹿的角
- the neck of a snake,蛇的脖子
- the belly of a clam, and　哈蜊的肚子和
- the 117 scales of a carp.　117 片鱼鳞。
　
With this post, we send you our very best wishes for good luck and prosperity throughout all of the new year. Xin Nian Kuai Le! (Happy New Year!)

我们用此期刊向大家拜年，祝大家新年快乐，恭喜发财。

Don't Take the Last Donut: A Conversation with Author Judith Bowman

Ming and Nancy recently had the good fortune to interview Judith Bowman, author of the current bestseller Don't Take the Last Donut: New Rules of Business Etiquette. The book reflects Ms. Bowman’s experience as founder of Protocol Consultants International and her position as a well known etiquette expert. Rather than seeing business etiquette as a “quaint display of good manners,” she—and her many clients in the U.S. and abroad—instead see it as an all-important set of signals that show respect, inspire confidence, and earn trust in order to advance a business relationship. Written for business people, Don’t Take. . . offers valuable information for any professional relationship. We asked Judith about what her extensive experience with international clients has taught her. Excerpts from the interview—and quotes from her very interesting and accessible book--follow.

明和Nancy:有机会电话采访写商务新礼仪这本畅销书的作者：朱迪思.鲍曼。这书反应出朱迪思.鲍曼有名的对商务礼仪的经验和国际咨讯公司创始人的特殊专长。她和她的美外客户对表示尊敬，激发信心和取得信认不看成是商务礼仪的‘礼貌的摆示’，而认为是加强商业关系的重要信号。专门为商界人士所写，商务新礼仪之书给职业关系提供不可估价的信息。我们问朱迪思有关她对国际客户的广交经验教了她什么。以下是从和她的采访中的摘录和她有趣及易读书中的引述。


Ming & Nancy: You’ve dealt with a wide range of clients, both American and international. Have you found that there are any rules of etiquette that apply for all cultures?

明和Nancy : 你和许多美外客户打交道，是否注意到有统一的礼仪所有的文化可以通用？


Judith: Well, you know, etiquette is really just based on the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated. In the 17th century, at the time of King Louis XIV, “etiquettes” were signs telling visitors to keep off the castle lawn—they functioned as boundary markers that allowed the visitors to enjoy their visit by indicating expected behavior. And etiquette, as a code of expected behavior, serves the same function today: once people know the acceptable codes of correct behavior, they can focus on, and enjoy, other social activities. In contemporary French, the word “etiquette” means “ticket” or “label,” and-- in the same way and throughout the world--etiquette, as a set of polite behaviors, labels a person and functions as their ticket into a particular world. Basically etiquette is a way to show respect and consideration for others. And to recognize that even little things are significant.

朱迪思：你知道，礼仪是根倨对待别人像你自己喜欢被对待的金则一样。在十七世纪，赂伊厮十四王帝说：‘礼仪’好似告知访者不要上城堡绿地的标记。也作为允许来访者享乐的僵界。礼仪，作为行为准则，现今有同样的功能。一旦人们知道去接受正确的行为准则，他们就能关注，享受其它的社交活动。在当今法语，‘礼仪’之词表示‘门票’或‘标牌’的意思。同样，世界各地，礼仪是一套礼貌的准则，标牌一个人。也起门票的功能，可允许你进如特殊社交圈。基本来讲，礼仪是表示对他人的尊敬和照顾。为达到那一步，既使小事也十分重要。

[From Chapter 1, “Little Things Mean a Lot”--There is nothing little about the little things in business. . . ]

（第一章：小事有很大影响，在生意上是没有微不足道的小事的）

Ming & Nancy: American culture is less than 300 years old. Chinese culture has existed for over 5,000. Has it been difficult for you to help Americans understand the culture and etiquette of such an ancient culture, or to help Chinese clients understand the customs of the United States?

明和Nancy:美国历史还不到３００年。中国有５０００多年的历史。帮助美国人去理解这么悠久的古老文化和礼仪，或去帮助中国客户来理解美国的风土人情，你觉得是有困难吗？

Judith: I think that, especially when you’re dealing with an international context, etiquette always involves being aware of customs and taking the time to learn about the practices and rituals of the other person’s culture.

朱迪思:尤其从国际 情竟角度上看，我认为礼仪总是和注重风土人情，耐心向其它文化学习它们的实践和礼节。

[Chapter 13, “Travel & International Etiquette”--Making] the effort to learn about the culture and traditions of their target country will. . . earn you respect [by] demonstrating respect for your counterpart’s culture and traditional ways.]

（第１３章：国际礼仪－努力学习目标国家的文化和传统会获得敬重。以此表示对对方文化和传统的尊敬。

Judith: In trying to understand other cultures, I think it’s also helpful to keep in mind the distinction between what anthropologist Edward T. Hall calls “high-context” cultures, like China and most of Asia, and “low-context cultures,” associated with Western cultures like American culture. According to Hall, high-context cultures value group effort, rely on nonverbal cues, and—especially—tend to conduct business only after 2 or 3 initial meetings during which the people get to know and trust each other. These meetings allow a Chinese person to evaluate a visitor and are very important since they form the basis for a any successful business relationship in the future. Low-context cultures, by contrast, tend to be more individualistic, emphasize verbal communication, and—having a “here and now” orientation—expect to get down to business at the first meeting.

朱迪思:试着去理解其他文化，我认为时时记住如人类学家爱德化.霍儿所叫的高情竟的区别是十分有用的。象中国和大部分亚洲国家都是‘高情竟’，西方文化如美国文化是‘低情竟’。根据华儿所说，高情竟的文化珍视集体成就，依靠非言词的提示，尤其是等到２－３次会面后有了互相了解而产生信任后才做生意。这些会面允许中国人来衡量来访者。这是非常重要的，因为这是未来生意关系成功的基础。相比来说，低情竟强调个人主义，重视语言沟通，和有’此时此地'的趋向。希望在第一次见面就做生意。　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
[From Ch. 13: “Travel & International Etiquette”-- In the world, there are two types of cultures known as high context and low context cultures. . . Both cultures represent different ways of conceptualizing and communicating, including language, verbal and nonverbal communication, customs, perceived values, and perceptions regarding time and space.”]

（第１３章：国际礼仪。在世界上有高情竟和低情竟的两种文化。这两种文化代表不同的思考和沟通方式，包括语言，语言表达或无言表达，风俗习惯，观察价值和对时间和空间的概念。

Ming & Nancy: What other differences in business customs arise from these different orientations?

明和Nancy:从此不同的倾向，还产生其他做生意不同的习俗吗？

Judith: Actually, there are many. For instance, since China is a high-context culture which is team-oriented and stresses group membership, successful business relationships always begin with the introduction of individuals at the same level in their respective companies by an all-important mutually respected third party. In fact, getting a first meeting in most cultures other than the U.S. usually requires this sort of contact.

朱迪思:实际上，有很多不同习俗。比如，中国是高情竟的文化，注重小组和团体。成功的商业关系总是有第三者来介绍同等职位的公司人员。实际中，除了美国之外，大多文化要求第三者来组织第一次会面。

Another thing that often surprises Americans engaged in any international business, not just in China, is the importance of gifting. It’s really important to know who and when to gift.

另外，使不仅在中国做生的美国国际生意人惊讶的是送礼的重要性。知道送礼的对相和时机是相当重要的。

Ming & Nancy: What kind of gift do you generally suggest?

明和Nancy:一般你推荐什么礼物？

Judith: You know, gifting is really an art unto itself. You really have to put some thought into it—and be aware of cultural taboos that could offend the person who will receive the gift: e.g., a certain color that has negative associations, or a certain number that is considered unlucky. I often suggest giving something that reflects the client’s state or country—e.g., some music, maybe a CD of an orchestra from the client’s home state, presented in a monogrammed leather or silver case. A coffee table book is also a good idea.

朱迪思:你知道，送礼真是一门学问。你真得好好思考。而且要注意的习俗的禁忌有可能冒犯收礼的人。比如某些颜色和数字有不吉利的影示。我经常推荐礼物代表客户的洲或国家。比如音乐，可是客户的家乡音乐CD,　用有雕刻字的皮盒或银盒来装。送放在咖啡桌上的书也是一个好主意。　

One other thing Americans should know is that entertainment is a very important part of the business protocol in China. International clients or prospective business partners may be honored with one, or even several, lovely and very formal dinners—banquets really. Sitting around a round table, guests are presented with as many as 20 courses, each one described ceremoniously as it is presented—e.g., “This is an extremely rare mushroom soup,” or “This is a special delicacy: rooster feet. . . .” Many servers stand by attentively throughout the meal, graciously serving with both hands and illustrating the emphasis on ceremony that’s typical of China.

美国人还要知道娱乐是中国做生意的很重要的一部分。国际客户和有希望合作的商业合作人会得到一次或很多次的象宴会似的招待。坐在圆桌上，会有２０多道菜。每上一道菜都得到很礼节性的介绍。比如，‘这是十分稀少的磨菇汤。’或‘这是特殊的佳肴：公鸡的脚。’很多服务员在一旁专心招待，用双手礼貌的端菜端饭，反印出中国特殊注重礼节的形象。

Nancy: And should the visitor acknowledge the hospitality by trying to reciprocate during their visit? Or just acknowledge the hospitality after they’ve returned home? What do you recommend?

Nancy:那客户在访问期间是否应同样回待客家表示感谢？或回去后再表示感谢？你推荐哪种？

Ming: Usually, guests are expected to acknowledge the hospitality they’ve received by offering to host, or gift, a banquet for their host.

明:一般来讲，客户应对东道主有表示，邀请吃饭或送礼物。

Judith: I’d like to add that the visitor should quietly arrange to take care of the bill in advance in order to avoid an awkward moment, eliminating any chance of the bill appearing at the table.

朱迪思:我还要提出客户应该提前安排好付帐单，以免帐单出现在桌子上的尴尬情境。

Ming & Nancy: Given that entertaining is such a big part of business, have you encountered any other cross-cultural “etiquette challenges” with regard to dining?

明和Nancy:看来娱乐是做生意如此重要的一部分，你遇到过其它在宴会时文化交流的’礼仪挑战‘吗？

Judith: Yes. One of the biggest shocks to me when I was in China—and Americans need to know about this—is to be prepared for noises--lots of slurping, elbows on the table, etc., even at formal meals. I remember one particular banquet, hosted by the Mayor of Beijing. I was trying to eat noodles the way I would in the States—sitting up straight, keeping my left hand in my lap, and using the chopsticks to lift the noodles to my mouth, but my American manners were completely inappropriate. Luckily, my Japanese partner, who was our intermediary, caught my eye and very subtly demonstrated to me how to eat noodles by putting the bowl up to my mouth and “shoveling” them in with chopsticks. It’s important to be aware of customs and to demonstrate respect for your host’s culture by making an attempt to follow them.

朱迪思:遇到过。美国人需要作好准备的是吃饭时的声音，这也是我在访问中国时最吃惊的。吃饭时有很多喝汤的声音，胳膊肘放在桌子上，即使在很正式的场合都有。我特别记得由北京市长主持的一次宴会。我试着象在美国时吃面条，坐的直背直腰，把左手放在膝盖上，用筷子挑面条放进嘴里。但是我的美国举止方式是根本不合适的。幸好，我的中间人日本股东看到后，很不引起注意地让我看他如何拿起碗放到嘴边，用筷子把面条‘铲’到嘴里去。意识到风俗习惯和表示对东道主的尊敬试着跟他们去做是十分重要的。

[From Ch. 7: Dining Skills—“There is nothing more ordinary than the business meal; however, whether much business is conducted or not, the table can be both an opportunity and a minefield. . .”]

（第７章：吃饭技巧。商业饭局是很经常的。但是，有没有做到生意，饭桌可变成良机或埋下地雷。）

Ming & Nancy: Can you give an example of one area where problems may occur because the visitor isn’t aware of the customs?

明和Nancy:你能给举个有关客户不知道东道主的风俗习惯而产生问题的例子吗？

Judith: Well, often problems arise with the use of “yes” and “no.” In some cultures, like Japan and China, people will avoid saying the word “no” for risk of offending and will instead say something like “This may not be possible.”

朱迪思:好的。经常出现问题的是和用’是‘和’不‘有关。在一些文化中，如日本和中国，人们避免说’不‘字，以防冒犯东道主，会说‘这不太可能。’

[From Ch. 13, “Travel & International Etiquette”—“[Members of many Asian cultures like China or Japan] will never say no. Because they are a most gracious culture,. . . they will say “Perhaps not at this time” or “This may not be possible.” Read between the lines and understand this subtlety really means no way. . .”]

第１３章：’国际礼仪‘。很多象中国和日本的亚洲文化不会说不字。因为这些文化是最优美的文化，他们会说‘没准这次不行’或‘这可能不行。’试着深入表面，懂得这些含蓄的回答实际是在说绝不可能。‘


Judith: Also, it’s important to be aware that many things like jokes and gestures are culturally specific. What’s funny or symbolic in one country may not be or may have an entirely different meaning in another. Even gestures can mean different things in different cultures. For example, exposing the soles of one’s feet is seen as extremely insulting in many countries, including China. One other area of possible confusion is personal space, or the “comfort zone” between two speakers that is perceived as comfortable. For Americans, it’s usually one arm’s length, but in Asia it’s more like three arms lengths, so this can cause problems.

朱迪思:还有，懂得很多笑话和手势是和文化形影不离的。在一个国家好笑的或有意义的举动，　在另一个国家有可能会有全然不同的意义。甚至举止也可能有不同的意义。比如，展示脚心在很多国家，包括中国，都很不礼貌。另一个容易引起混淆的是个人空间，或两个说话人之间的’舒服区‘。对美国人来讲，一般是一胳膊的距离，但在亚洲，大多超过三个胳膊的距离，这有可能产生问题。

[From Chapter 13, “Travel & International Etiquette”—“Personal space is to be respected at all costs. Please know that personal space. . . varies [from country to country].”]

（第１３章：国际礼仪。’个人空间应该不惜成本去尊敬。请注意个人空间可因国家而不同。‘）

Nancy: Exactly. I remember teaching English to international students and running into problems with this same issue when, e.g., a Latin American and a Japanese student would be acting out a dialog in the front of the room: They’d start in the middle of the room, but pretty soon they’d start moving across the room--as the Asian moved back to create more personal space and the Latin tried to move closer to establish less personal space.

Nancy:十分正确。我记得在我教国际学生英语时也遇到同样的情境。例如，一个拉丁美洲的学生和一个日本学生在教室前排演。他们在教室中间开始的，但很快他们就开始往一边移。当亚洲人往后移来争取更多个人空间，拉丁人试着去移近来减少个人空间。

Judith: When I went to China, I was very aware of these different perspectives on personal space, so, I was surprised to see Chinese approach foreigners and request to have their picture taken with them and then put their arm around the visitors as if they were close friends.

朱迪思:当我去中国时，我很熟悉不同的个人空间感。我很惊讶的看到中国人去问外国人，要求和他们一起照像，还把胳膊放在外国人肩上，好似他们是好朋友。

Ming: I think that this kind of thing happens because China is undergoing major cultural changes and so some Chinese people may adopt elements of American culture. Generally, though, I think that the occasion will define what’s appropriate—e.g., more personal space for a business meeting but less for a casual setting or a photo.

明: 我认为这种情景出现是因为中国在经历很大的文化变迁。有些中国人会接受一些美国文化。一般来讲，我认为此事此境会决定什么是合适举动。比如说，生意上用更多个人空间，在比较随便的场合，象照相，就少一些个人空间。

Judith: Yes, but even so, boundaries still pertain. I remember a photo taken with the Mayor of Beijing and and various senior-level people where another, overly-enthusiastic, American visitor grabbed the Mayor of Beijing and put him in a football-style headlock, with his arm around the Mayor’s neck, something that was completely inappropriate.

朱迪思:对。即使如此，还应有间线。我记得和北京市长及其他高级职位的官员照相时，一个过分热情的美国人一把用胳膊把市长的脖子给搂住了，象打橄榄球一样。这样的举动是绝对不合适的。

One other area of cultural overlap is with regard to names. In China, surnames traditionally come before given names--not after, as in the States. However, in recent years, Chinese business people—or those who deal with Westerners on a regular basis, sometimes adopt the American custom and reverse the order, which can sometimes leave the visitor wondering which name is which. When in doubt, always ask. And sometimes Chinese people even take on an American name such as Tom or David to accommodate Western visitors. This is just one of countless things Chinese do to be gracious.

另一个要注意的地方是名字。在中国，家姓传统是在名之前，不是在后，象美国是在名之后。但是，最近，中国的生意人，或那些和西方人打交道的人，有时会采用美国风俗习惯，会把家姓放在名之后。这会导致来访者很多困惑，　不知哪是名，哪是姓。在困惑时，最好问询。而且，有时中国人会取美国名字，象大为或汤母来接纳西方来访人员。这只是中国人好客的无数例子之一。

[Ch. 2, “Introductions”—“Your best bet is to be direct and quietly ask. . . If you ask with sincerity, much is forgiven as you will demonstrate your desire to be appropriate and respectful.”]

（第２章：介绍。你最好的做法是直接并小声地问。如你问时带着诚恳的态度，那么万事多可原谅。因为你想要表示合适行为和尊敬。）

Judith: Tipping seems to be another area where customs are changing. For example, older Chinese may consider tipping insulting, but many younger Chinese have adapted to American ways and are happy to accept tips. One would not be chased out the door for a tip, but there’s an acute awareness of tipping. Many restaurants, and even some cab drivers, now add a gratuity, as in Europe.

朱迪思:给小费也在变化。例如，稍老些的中国人会认为给他小费会觉得是侮辱，但很多年青人已接纳了美国的方式，会十分高兴地接受小费。你不会因为不给小费而被赶出去，但是对给小费是大家都知道的。

Ming: I agree with Judith that people are happy to receive tips, especially if you don’t tip them in front of their bosses!

明:我也和朱迪思一样认为，人们很高兴接收小费，尤其是不在他们的老板面前给小费。

Ming & Nancy: Judith, you’ve given us a lot of wonderful advice for the American doing business abroad. If you were to give a Chinese client who wanted to do business in the U.S. three important pieces of advice, what would they be?

明和Nancy:朱迪思,你给了美国人如何在国外做生意的非常好的建议。如果你给中国人想在美国做生意的三条建议的话，它们会是什么？

Judith: First, that “time is money.” Americans will want to get information and get the deal done: pitch the proposal, counter objections, close the deal. I’d tell them to expect to do business right away.

朱迪思:第一，’时间就是金钱’。美国人要取得信息，把交易做成。先提建议，提出异议，生意成交。我得对中国人的建议是快速做生意。

[Ch. 13: “Travel & International Etiquette”—“Americans operate in a low-context culture and “monochronic” time theme. Time is money. “Let’s do this now.”]

（第１３章：国际礼仪。美国人在低情竟的文化中操作，’单一‘时代旋律。时间就是金钱。’我们现在就做。‘）

Second, I’d tell the client that because American business people tend to use of a lot of electronic communication devices—phone, email, text-messaging, etc.— they will be expected to at least be able to do some business by phone.

第二点，我要告诉客户的是，美国生意人一般都愿用电子通讯设备，如电话，电子邮件，打信等。至少用电话来做部分生意是在预料之中的。

[Ch. 5: “Telephone Skills”—“You should dedicate time, effort, and pre-planning before you place your telephone calls. The telephone call is simply another form of presentation, one that is actually more challenging and requires more, not less, prep work.”]

（第５章：电话技术。你应该在打电话之前找出时间，努力，并做提前计划。打电话只是另一种方式的介绍形式。这更具挑战，更需要多做提前准备。

And finally, I’d make them aware that although gifts and entertainment are a big part of international business protocol, they are used much less often in the U.S..

最后，我想让他们知道，礼物和娱乐是做国际生意的很大一部分，在美国就相对用的少多了。

For Americans I’d advise: say “please” and “thank you” frequently, prepare well and in detail for any business dealings or meetings, and remember that the Chinese are very gracious people who value graciousness highly.

和美国人做生意，我要告诉中国客户经常说’请‘和’谢谢‘，在任何谈生意的场合和会面的时机下都要预先作好准备并且要作好仔细准备。

Ming & Nancy: Judith, it’s been wonderful talking with you. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and some of your international business experiences with us and with our readers.

明和Nancy:朱迪思，这次和你的谈话真是令人愉快。非常感谢你和我们及我们的读者分享你的专家学识和一些你的国际商业经验。

Judith: It was my pleasure to talk to both of you. And thank you for sharing your experience with me, too.

朱迪思:跟你们谈话也是我的享受。也谢谢你们和我一起分享你们的经验。

Here is a link that will allow you to purchase the English-language version of Don't Take the Last Donut: New Rules of Business Etiquette. The Chinese-language version will be available soon.

这是让你购买商务新礼仪英文版的网站：http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1564149293?ie=UTF8&tag=uschiinf-20&

中文版马上就要出版了。

Ming's in the News!

Ming's teaching of Mandarin was recently the subject of an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.