美語訓練班第106課:跨國企業中如何應對不同的文化

A: 歡迎大家來到這期的美語訓練班! 我是楊琳!

B: 我是Mike! 楊琳，來告訴大家今天都要學什麼!

A: 嗯! 今天，我們要一起聊聊在跨國企業中如何應對不同的文化，看看如何表達毫無概念，還要告訴你如何說本能!

B: Yeah, I went through major culture shock when I first went to China! People kept asking me about my salary...I mean, we almost never ask someone about that in the West!

A: Yeah, money is an acceptable topic in daily conversation among some Asian cultures. It took me a good two years to get used to American customs as well. First of all, hugging! Americans love to hug, but it kinda creeps me out!

B: (laughing) we'll run out of time for the show if we keep on talking about this. Why don't we start our class first, and then we will discuss some more cultural differences later in the show!

A: 好主意! 同學們，我們趕快先來進入第一個單元，Learn a word!

Learn A Word 1777 instinct

今天我們要學的詞是instinct. Instinct is spelled i-n-s-t-i-n-c-t, instinct. Instinct 是本能，直覺的意思。Survival instinct 生存本能。Animal instinct 動物本能。The offer was too good to be true. My instincts told me it must be a scam. 這事好得簡直令人難以置信，我的直覺告訴我，這一定是個騙局。龍捲風來襲之前，奧克拉荷馬州的一個媽媽毅然決定，不讓孩子藏在衣櫥裏，開車出去避難，結果倖免於難，回來時房子已被夷爲平地。Her maternal instincts saved her kids and herself. 她的母性直覺救了孩子的命，也救了她自己的命。好的，今天我們學習的詞是 instinct, instinct, instinct...

A: I got to say, sometimes your instincts are the best thing you can rely on.

B: I mean, you are a good judge of character, so your gut feeling about a person is usually right. But for 's a different story.

A: Well, that's why we are friends! I can always help you out, for a small fee!

B: Ahh...I was wondering when the real Yang Lin was going to come out...

A: Haha, actually, there's only one rule to judging character: when something seems too good to be true, it must be fake or a scam. It applies to both things and people.

B: Yeah, I guess...I just have a very trusting personality! I always choose to look on the bright side and trust others!

A: 's stop this overflow of self-esteem . 我們趕快從吹牛大王這逃走，接着來聽美國習慣用語吧!

Words and Idioms 845 NOT KNOW BEANS

(sound effect: tweet, tweet).

大家肯定都聽過鳥叫，英語裏形容鳥叫的相聲詞是 tweet, t-w-e-e-t, tweet. 你知道嗎，現在有個網站叫 twitter, 可以用電腦或是手機在上面發送字數不超過140個字的短信。我也是最近才從年輕同事那裏知道這個網站的，但還是不知道具體怎麼操作。今天我們要學的習慣用語恰恰可以用來形容這種情況，那就是：

M: Not know beans about. Beans is spelled b-e-a-n-s. Not-know-beans-about. Not know beans about.

說一個人NOT KNOW BEANS ABOUT一件事情，意思就是對一件事情一無所知，毫無概念。就拿我來說吧，如果你讓我上網 tweet 你，那我簡直就是丈二和尚摸不着頭腦，因爲 I do NOT KNOW BEANS ABOUT it.

奧巴馬伕婦入主白宮後，第一夫人米歇爾多次成爲頭版新聞。就在前不久，她在白宮開墾了一個菜園子。讓我們聽聽下面這篇報道是怎麼說的。

M: "First Lady Michelle Obama recently started a vegetable garden at the White House. It's a reflection of the many gardens that are sprouting up in backyards across the county. Even Americans who doN'T KNOW BEANS ABOUT farming are trying it. Soon enough these absolute beginners are enjoying their own delicious and healthy produce."

報道說：第一夫人米歇爾·奧巴馬最近在白宮開了個菜園。眼下，這樣的菜園子在全美各地象雨後春筍一樣紛紛出現。就連對種植一竅不通的美國人也躍躍欲試。沒過多久，這些初次“務農”的人就能嚐到自己種出來的可口健康的水果和蔬菜了。

我和老公就是從去年開始種菜的，去年第一次嘗試，We did NOT KNOW BEANS ABOUT IT. 所以只種了西紅柿、黃瓜和韭菜，結果大豐收。你別說，自己種的菜味道就是不一樣，又有利環保，絕對是一舉兩得。好的，讓我們再來聽聽上面那段話。

M: "First Lady Michelle Obama recently started a vegetable garden at the White House. It's a reflection of the many gardens that are sprouting up in backyards across the county. Even Americans who doN'T KNOW BEANS ABOUT farming are trying it. Soon enough these absolute beginners are enjoying their own delicious and healthy produce."

常聽人說，愛情可以戰勝一切，真是這樣嗎？聽聽下面這個例子，你就會得出答案。

M: "When Brenda was first introduced to Jack, she was intimidated by his knowledge. When it came to his field, astrophysics, she frankly didN'T KNOW BEANS. But over several dates, she fell in love with his enthusiasm for galaxies and electromagnetism. It's amazing how much she understands now."

這個人說：布蘭達第一次經人介紹跟傑克認識的時候，傑克的博學多才讓她有些無地自容。對於傑克研究的天文物理學，布蘭達可以說是一無所知。但是幾次約會下來，她就被傑克對宇宙和電磁的熱情折服了。現在她懂得越來越多，簡直不可思議。

有趣的是，NOT KNOW BEANS 的另外一種說法是 NOT KNOW JACK. 因此，在上面這個例子裏，我們可以說，對於天文物理學，Branda doesn't know Jack. 這裏的 Jack 指的就不是 Jack 這個人了。好的，我們再來聽一下上面那個例句。

M: "When Brenda was first introduced to Jack, she was intimidated by his knowledge. When it came to his field, astrophysics, she frankly didN'T KNOW BEANS. But over several dates, she fell in love with his enthusiasm for galaxies and electromagnetism. It's amazing how much she understands now."

大家也許會問，爲什麼要說 beans 豆子呢？或許恰恰是因爲豆子小，微不足道吧。這個習慣用語早在十九世紀早期就已經出現了，一直沿用到今天。

好的，這次美國習慣用語就到此結束了。

下次節目再見。

M: This has been Words and Idioms.

A: Modern technology has been developing so fast. I remember just a year ago, when my friends introduced me to wechat, no one knew beans about it. But today everyone in China is using it!

B: That's true. All this modern technology makes the world a smaller place. International businesses is everywhere now!

A: True. But it's also a big challenge to understand how all these different cultures interact in the business world, and in your daily life.

B: In today's business etiquette, we will get some tips about how to interact with your customers from different countries! Let's check it out!

禮節美語Cross-Cultural SensitivityPart I

Jim 和 Emily 是一家跨國公司從中國聘用的新僱員，公司人事部的 Paula 對他們進行文化差異的培訓。

Paula: Hello and good morning. I'm Paula Higgins and I've been asked to help prep all of you for your new positions.

J&E: Good morning.

P: Well, let's get right down to business, shall we? Each of you will be traveling to business meetings, attending fairs and exhibitions as well as receiving clients from abroad. It's therefore very important that you make a good impression. Let's start with how to greet people.

Paula自我介紹後，馬上展開培訓 get right down to business. Paula 說的，to prep someone for his or her new position 指就職前的培訓。做爲跨國公司僱員，要經常出去開會，參展，接待外國客戶，因此給別人的第一印象很重要。It's important to make a good impression.

P: Yes, Emily?

E: Why do some Europeans kiss each other when they say hello? I've even seen men kiss each other!

P: Yes, in some places in Europe such as France, people do give each other a light kiss on the cheek. It's considered friendly and is not sexual in any way.

J: But Americans wouldn't do that, would they?

P: No, it's highly unlikely that an American would offer a kiss.

歐洲人見面喜歡在臉頰上蜻蜓點水地親一下，a light kiss on the cheek. 那美國人呢？Paula 說，It's highly unlikely that an American would offer a kiss. 就是說美國人幾乎絕對不可能這樣做。

J: But Americans seem to like to hug each other frequently.

P: That's true. In recent years it has become more popular to hug. But usually it's people who have met before and perhaps haven't seen each other in a while that might hug. At a first meeting, a hug would be very unlikely.

E: Hugs kind of creep me out! I don't really like to be touched by strangers.

美國人似乎很喜歡擁抱。Paula 解釋說，其實，只有很久不見的熟人才會彼此擁抱，初次見面一般不會。Emily 說自己不喜歡陌生人碰她。Hugs kind of creep me out! 擁抱讓她渾身不自在。

P: Fair enough. I'd say hugging is not usually appropriate in a business situation. Some people are a bit overly friendly. But if the person initiates it, I'd recommend you grit your teeth and go along with it, otherwise people might think you are rude.

J: So the same rule would apply to getting a kiss from a European: if they initiate it, just go along and be friendly, right?

P: Yes. As the saying goes: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." In other words: follow the local customs.

Paula 也承認，擁抱並不適合商業場合，但有些人確實會 overly friendly 過份友好。在這種情況下，她建議員工 to grit your teeth and go along with it. 咬咬牙，硬着頭皮去應和。 grit is spelled g-r-i-t. 常言說，When in Rome, do as the Romans do. 入鄉隨俗。

A: Paula說，歐洲人喜歡a light kiss on the cheek, 見面時行親吻禮，而美國人呢則更習慣hug，擁抱。她說，有些人確實over friendly，過於熱情，但是如果是在商業場合，you have to grit your teeth and go along with it, 得咬咬牙，硬着頭皮去迎合。

B: Yep, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

A: 沒錯! 入鄉隨俗。So Mike, what was the biggest culture shock you encountered when you were in China?

B: That would have to be how Chinese girls behave around each other. You know, Chinese girls like to walk hand in hand, or feed each other food, etc. In America, girls would NEVER, EVER do that unless they are a couple. always confused me until a friend set me straight.

A: 沒錯沒錯! 這倒是真的! 而且啊，東西方文化中還有很多談話的禁忌也是不同的。我們接着來聽Paula是怎麼說的!

禮節美語Cross-Cultural SensitivityPart II

Jim 和 Emily 是一家跨國公司從中國聘用的新僱員，公司人事部的 Paula 對他們進行文化差異的培訓。Emily 說，

E: I know that we will be expected to chat and make small talk with our customers, but I'm worried I'm going to put my foot in my mouth.

P: There are a couple of topics that are considered "no-nos" in Western culture. It's best to avoid discussions on politics, religion and money.

J: Why is religion a sensitive topic?

聊天兒，to chat, 也可以說 to make small talk. Emily 擔心跟客戶聊天的時候會 to put my foot in my mouth, 意思是說話不得體，講錯話。Paula 說，在西方文化中，確實有一些話題是 "no-nos" 最好不要涉及的領域，包括政治、宗教和金錢。宗教爲什麼是敏感話題？

P: Well, there are a lot of religions and each one thinks very differently. Overall, it's an area that could cause trouble; so it's best to stay away from it.

J: When I visited Italy last year, I noticed a sign at a church asking people to remove their hats. Why is this necessary?

P: In some religious centers it's considered impolite to wear hats. Many Western people also think you should remove your hat when dining or in a more formal setting.

Paula 解釋說，不同宗教信仰的人，如果話不投機，就很容易出問題。So it's best to stay away from it. 所以最好遠離這個話題。Jim 問，爲什麼意大利有的教堂要大家摘掉帽子。Paula 解釋說，某些宗教認爲戴帽子很不禮貌，it's considered impolite to wear hats, 而且在西方，正式場合和飯局一般都要把帽子摘下來。

J: You said money is off-limits as well. Can you explain?

P: In some parts of Asia, discussing salary amounts or how much you paid for something is an acceptable conversation topic, but in the West, people get very uncomfortable when discussing money.

E: That makes sense. Money can be a tricky subject.

金錢也是 off-limits 禁區。在亞洲某些地方，工資收入可以是聊天的話題，但是在西方，問別人賺多少錢，往往會讓人覺得不舒服。所以說，Money can be a tricky subject.

P: Ok...a couple more important points: In some Asian societies, when you meet someone and you notice they have put on weight, you might say "Hey! You've gained weight!" But in the West, it's almost never appropriate to comment on someone's appearance.

J: But why? It's not a criticism; it's just an observation.

P: In the West it is viewed as a criticism. So don't comment on age or weight.

E: I think it's best to simply say, "You look well."

P: would be perfect. Thank you all for your attention and we will meet again next week.

還有一點至關重要，見面千萬別說，“你發福了！”That's a no-no. 西方人幾乎從來不討論別人的外表，還有年齡！Don't comment on age or weight.

A: Emily 擔心跟客戶聊天的時候會put my foot in my mouth,意思是說話不得體，Paula說，在聊天中，不要涉及宗教，金錢和政治，it's best to stay away from it. 而且don't comment on age or weight,不要評價別人的外表還有年齡。 I always comment when you gain any weight!

B: you know. It's considered very inappropriate in the western society.

A: But it's common to comment on other people's appearance in China! seemed to have put on a little bit of weight recently... Mike

B:You little...

A: Haha, its culture difference, can't blame it on me! (B:Ugh...) (笑) 好了同學們，我們接着來聽下面的learn a word!

Learn A Word 1779 runner-up

今天我們要學的詞是runner-up. Runner is spelled r-u-n-n-e-r, runner, and up, u-p, up, runner-up. Runner-up 比賽裏的第二名。Jason came in as the runner-up in the 200-meter hurdles. 詹森在200米跨欄中名列第二。在美國國家地理小蜜蜂比賽中，12-year-old Sathwik Karnik got all five questions right in his one-on-one duel with the runner-up to clinch the title. 12歲的卡爾尼克在跟亞軍的一對一對決中，五道問題全部答對，贏得冠軍頭銜。American Idol Season 12 runner-up Kree Harrison says that she has no regrets about her time on the show. 美國偶像第12季亞軍克里.哈里森說，參加這個節目的全過程，她沒有一絲遺憾。好的，今天我們學習的詞是 runner-up, runner-up, runner-up...

A: In the competition between you and me, You are always the runner-up Mike

B: Whoa, Whoa, on Yang Lin. Remember that time when we had the "president of the show" election, and you just ignored the results because you lost? I still have the evidence....I think Someone's number is up!

A: , you just mentioned a very good idiom, sb's number is up! Let's check it out first!

Words and Idioms 846 SB'S NUMBER IS UP

美國習慣用語第846講

在美國，一到星期五，很多公司裏的員工都會輪流帶多納圈到辦公室，跟同事分享，我們辦公室也不例外。老實說，我本人並不喜歡多納圈，太甜，而且離我家最近的一家多納圈專賣店開車二十分鐘才能到，很不方便。你猜，明天輪到誰帶多納圈？沒錯，又輪到我了。這倒讓我想起一個有趣的習慣用語，叫：

M: Somebody's number is up. Number is spelled n-u-m-b-e-r. Somebody's-number-is-up. Somebody's number is up.

Somebody's number is up 這個習慣用語的意思是氣數已盡，要倒黴了。就好比我，雖然自己並不喜歡吃多納圈，而且又要繞道去買，但是輪到我了，沒辦法，在這種情況下，就可以說 My number is up! 不過，跟下面例子裏的這些人相比，我恐怕還算是幸運的。我們一起聽下面這段話。

M: "We knew to expect another round of layoffs. So I had a bad feeling when my coworker got called in to meet with the boss. Sure enough, HIS NUMBER WAS UP. He and five other associates were given one hour to clean out their desks and turn in their office IDs. I'm just lucky I still have my position.

這個人說：我們都知道，還要裁一批人。所以，我的同事被老闆叫去談話，我就有一種很不好的預感。果不其然，輪到他倒黴了。他和另外五個人被要求在一個小時內整理好自己的東西，交還工作證件。我的運氣還不錯，至今還有工作。

現在經濟不景氣，誰都可能會丟飯碗。更糟糕的是，很多失業的人付不出房屋貸款，最後連房子都會被銀行沒收，我的一個朋友就擔心，她老公如果在三個月內找不到新工作的話，THEIR NUMBER WILL BE UP，他們就要慘了。好的，讓我們再來聽聽上面那段話。

M: "We knew to expect another round of layoffs. So I had a bad feeling when my coworker got called in to meet with the boss. Sure enough, HIS NUMBER WAS UP. He and five other associates were given one hour to clean out their desks and turn in their office IDs. I'm just lucky I still have my position.

不過，也不是所有人都這麼倒黴。比如說我的鄰居 Judy Allen 就剛剛當選連任了市議員。我們一起來聽聽下面這段政治評論：

M: "Judy Allen's reelection to the city council confirms that HER NUMBER ISN'T UP yet. It's true that she may have made some political enemies in her first term. But the majority of voters still felt she did a good job. And what they want now is to see her build on her success."

這個人說：Judy Allen 當選連任市議員說明，她的政治生涯還沒有走到盡頭。沒錯，她在第一個任期內確實樹了一些政敵，但是大多數選民還是覺得她幹得不錯。他們希望她能在成功的基礎上再接再勵。

我的另外一個鄰居可就沒這麼走運了。她兒子開車回家的路上跟一個醉酒開車的人撞上，結果車徹底報銷，人也受了傷，在醫院了躺了好幾天。按我鄰居的話說，現在馬路上這麼多危險駕駛的司機，You never know when YOUR NUMBER WILL BE UP. 誰也不知道什麼時候會輪到自己倒黴。好的，我們再來聽一下上面那個例句。

M: "Judy Allen's reelection to the city council confirms that HER NUMBER ISN'T UP yet. It's true that she may have made some political enemies in her first term. But the majority of voters still felt she did a good job. And what they want now is to see her build on her success."

大家也許會問，這個習慣用語是怎麼來的呢？根據我的研究，這個習慣用語最早是十九世紀早期出現的，NUMBER 當時指的可能是沒中的彩票上的數字。也有人說，Number 是指任何可以用來辨別某個人身份的數字，比如說美國軍人脖子上掛的身份牌。

好的，這次美國習慣用語就到此結束了。

下次節目再見。

M: This has been Words and Idioms.

B: ? I guess there is no point in competing with me when you are not even in the same league!

B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!

A: See you next time!