第15章 不可不知的风俗习惯
Customs You Can't Neglect
The culture is a plain custom,and the custom is a colorful culture.The country is the world of the soul,the city is the world of bodies.
文化是无色的风俗，风俗是多彩的文化；乡村是灵魂的世界，城市是肉体的国度。
星期五的鱼
Fish on Friday
On Fridays the specials that many restaurants offer are fish-and-chips and clam chowder;on Fridays fish also appears on the family table.The practice is a secular[1] survival of religious customs that go back to the beginning of Christianity.
Jesus and the Apostles,like the Jews and the shamans of traditional societies,recognized that going without food was a means not only of hardening the body but of intensifying spiritual insight.They recommended fasting to accompany prayer,and the church fathers followed their lead.Although local customs vary,throughout most of Christian history,the faithful followers have been urged to practice both fasting and abstinence[2] during Lent and on various church holidays.By fasting,the church means taking only one meal a day,generally after mid-afternoon;abstinence means avoiding certain foods.The foods prohibited by the custom of abstinence have varied from time to time,but generally animal flesh as well as dairy products and eggs has been included.
From about the ninth century onward,fish is exempted from the “meat list”,and for that reason it becomes a common food for abstainer.It is especially evident on Fridays because Fridays are designated days of abstinence in commemoration of the Friday Crucifix-fasting and abstinence,for it has become clear by that time that a lobster dinner or fried clam special tends to distract the faithful[3] from the spiritual aspects of denial that the custom is supposed to enhance.
名人语库
Fish,to taste right,must swim three times—in water,in butter,and in wine.
～Polish Proverb
鱼，如果想要好吃，必须在三个地方游过——水里，黄油里，酒里。
——波兰谚语
在星期五，许多餐馆推出的特色菜是油煎鱼加炸土豆，还有传统的文蛤周打汤；每到星期五，家庭的餐桌上也可以看到鱼。这是一种追溯至基督早期，并且幸存于现世的传统风俗。
像传统社会中的犹太教徒和萨满法师一样，耶稣和他的门徒认为，不进食，不仅是对身体的一种锻造，而且还会增强精神的领悟。于是他们建议祷告者斋戒，而教父们也随之效仿。尽管在基督历史上，不同地方的风俗各有不同，可是，在四旬斋和各种教堂节日上，虔诚的教徒们既要斋戒，又要禁食。斋戒就意味着教堂一天只吃一顿饭，吃饭时间通常是在下午3点左右；禁食就是要避开一些食物。禁食时禁止吃的食物随着时间不断变化，但通常都会包括动物的肉、奶制品和鸡蛋。
大约从9世纪开始，鱼就被从“肉类单”上排除开来，正因如此，它才成为禁食者的常规食品。在星期五尤为如此，因此，为了纪念星期五的十字架禁食，这一天被定为禁食日，到了那时，人们就明白，龙虾筵或炸蛤餐将会分散人们在精神上克制的虔诚之心，而吃鱼则会增强这种虔诚心。
注释
[1]secular['sekjələ（r）] a.现世的，俗界的；长期的，长久的；不朽的；一世纪一次的
[2]abstinence['æbstɪnəns] n.节制；节欲；戒酒
[3]faithful['feɪθfl] a.虔诚的；忠诚的；正确的
英美小费大不同
The Differences ofTips Between UKand US
“Tipping”，“gratuity” or “service” is handled very differently in the UK and America.It's important to get this right when you visit each place as it can affect whether the staff in bars,cafe,restaurant,hotels,hairdressers,and the drivers of taxis or buses think that you are lovely,rude,strange,or whether they chase you down the street!
In the UK
In the UK the reason for tipping is to show that you really liked the service.In the UK we have a high minimum wage,and no-one can be paid below this amount for any work,so when you tip,it is mainly showing politeness to the service person,and to acknowledge that they did an excellent job.
You can tip more or less depending on how good you thought the service was,and the average tip is around 10—20%.So if you loved your new 50 pound haircut,you should add another 5—10 pounds onto your bill,and this will go directly to the hairdresser!If you didn't like the service,don't is the case even if “service” has been added to your bill.If you didn't like the service,you can always refuse to pay.Or if you are a student,traveller on a budget,or simply can't afford to,it's also ok not to spend the extra money.
In the US
In the US,you will often hear “tips” called “service”.It is essential to tip in the US,because the waitresses,bar staff,maitre'd's in these industries are paid a low wage which they cannot afford to live on,and therefore your tip is much needed by them.
It is actually part of the payment that you make and very often is not optional!Especially in restaurants,if you do not pay the service,you have not paid your entire bill,so watch out!
The best way to cheer youself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.
tip!This
文化小课堂
不同的国家有不同的付小费习惯，小费及其数目是一种社会习俗，依据文化背景和行业的不同各异。当然，法律并没有规定必须付小费，小费的数目也是完全由顾客做主。
在英国和美国，处理“小费”“赏钱”或“服务费”的方式大不相同。当你到访这两个国家时，付对小费是非常重要的，因为这会让酒吧、咖啡馆、餐厅、酒店的员工、美发师、出租车或公车司机用两种态度对待你，要么认为你可爱、粗俗、奇怪，要么在街上追着你要钱！
在英国
在英国，给小费是为了表示你确实很满意这个服务。英国的最低工资很高，无论什么工作都不能支付低于这个标准的酬劳，因此，你给小费主要是向提供服务的人显示你的彬彬有礼，同时承认他们的工作完成得很好。
你付的小费多少取决于你对服务认可的程度，小费平均在10—20%左右。因此，如果你喜爱花费50英镑的新发型，就应该再加5—10英镑，这可是直接给美发师的钱！如果你不喜欢这个服务，就不用付小费！即使“小费”已经加到账单上，你也可以不付。如果你不喜欢这个服务，你总是可以拒绝付小费的。又如果你是学生、想省钱的游客，或只是单纯地付不起，不花这额外的钱也是可以的。
在美国
在美国，你会常常听到人们把“小费”叫作“服务费”。付小费在美国非常重要，因为服务生、酒吧员工和这些行业的总管，他们的酬劳都很低，生存很艰难，因此他们十分需要你的小费。
实际上，这部分你需要付的钱通常不是可付可不付的！特别是在餐厅，如果你不付服务费，你就没有付完全款，所以要注意哦！
让自己高兴起来的最好办法就是设法让别人高兴起来。
摘帽礼
Tipping One's Hat
Few Americans tip their hats today,partly because etiquette has loosened and partly because they don't wear hats.Until the 1950s,however,men commonly tipped their hats to women,and removed them entirely indoors and in elevators.（In 1949,the first known guidelines for elevator etiquette were issued:men were told to leave their hats on because too many women were complaining of knocks on their heads when men saluted in crowds.）But in the 18th century it was not considered bad manners to wear their hats indoors.A man would take it off to greet a lady,but then he would put it right back on his head.The reason for doing so is perfectly plain.In the first place,the hat served as a badge of rank through most of the history,a visible mark of status.This tradition may have its roots in Roman times.In ancient Rome,a head covering was a symbol of social or political superiority.In the second place,one could not draw a sword easily if he was holding the hat in his hand.
Just as covering the head symbolized dominance,so uncovering it symbolized submission.Ever since the early Middle Ages,to remove one's hat—whether it was made of cloth or metal—has signified obedience.The original sense of the custom is mirrored in the expressions “with hat in hand”（which means “showing excessive respect,and too eager to obey and serve”）,and “I take my hat off to him”（which means “I express my admiration for him”）.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
文化小课堂
中国人通常是见面后点点头、握握手、行拱手礼或微微欠身再握手。在美国，拥抱礼、亲吻礼、吻手礼都是常见的见面礼，至于古老的摘帽礼已很少见了。头戴顶盖表示拥有统治地位，摘掉它就表示投降。
现在的美国人已经很少摘帽，一方面是因为礼节不再严格，另一方面则是因为他们不再戴帽子。但直到20世纪50年代，通常情况下，男士都还会向女士摘帽示意，并在室内和电梯里完全脱帽。1949年，已知的第一份电梯礼节指南发布，要求男士切勿脱帽，因为女士们都抱怨若男士在人多时脱帽示意，帽子就会砸到她们的脑袋。可是，在18世纪，在室内戴帽也不被当作不礼貌的行为。男士会摘帽欢迎女士，但他马上又会戴上。这么做的原因很简单：首先，历史中的绝大多数时候，帽子都象征着等级，是看得见的地位标志。这个传统可能源于罗马时期。在古罗马，顶盖是社会或政治优越性的表征。其次，一个人如果把帽子拿在手上，就不方便拔剑了。
头戴顶盖表示拥有统治地位，摘掉就表示投降。从中世纪早期开始，无论是布制的还是金属制的帽子，摘帽都意味着服从。这一习俗的原始意义在两个俗语中有所体现：“手拿帽子”——意为“表现过度尊重，急欲服从和服务”；而“我向他脱帽”——意为“我向他表达敬佩之情”。
善良是一种聋子能听见、盲人能看见的语言。
西方的百年婚礼
The Wedding Traditions of Western
The wedding tradition of “something old,something new,something borrowed,something blue” has been around for hundreds of years.Many brides have been asked on their respective wedding days if they have gathered something old,new,borrowed and blue to carry with them as they walk down the aisle.The tradition of carrying or wearing one of each item is said to bring luck and fortune to the newly married couple.Have you ever stopped to think what the saying really means?What is its origin and what does each item represent?
The original saying dates back to the Victoria times and states,“Something old,something new,something borrowed,something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe.”
1.Something old...
A bride may wear or carry something old to represent her continued ties to her family and her old life.Many brides wear a piece of family jewelry as their old item.Some brides wear the wedding dress worn by their mother or grandmother.In many cases,something old may also be something borrowed.
2.Something new...
Wearing something new is supposed to represent success and hope in the bride's new life and in her marriage.If the bride purchased her wedding dress new,it may represent her new item,but any item that is new may be used.Something “new” is usually the easiest category[1] to fill.
3.Something borrowed...
The borrowed item should be something borrowed from a friend that is happily married.It is suggested that their happiness will rub off on you and bring lasting happiness to your marriage.Some brides borrow an item of clothing,a piece of jewelry,a handkerchief or perhaps a beaded purse.
4.Something blue...
Wearing something blue dates back to biblical times when a blue wedding dress was worn to represent purity,fidelity[2] and love.Over time this has changed from wearing a blue dress to wearing just a blue band around the bottom of the bride's wedding dress to modern times where it is commonplace for the bride to wear a blue garter.
5.Silver:sixpence...
Placing a silver sixpence in the bride's left shoe is said to be a symbol of wealth.This not only refers to financial wealth,but also a wealth of happiness and joy throughout her married life.Since most brides probably don't even know what a sixpence is,this part of the tradition is not used very often in modern times.However,if a bride would like to include it in her wedding,she can purchase a silver sixpence from many companies that sell bridal[3] supplies such as garters and invitations.
Some brides are more traditional than other and may take a great deal of care in selecting one item for each category.It may be traditional for the women in their families to wear the same piece of jewelry.
Other brides aren't bound by tradition but still may choose to carry out the custom at someone else's request.If they don't want to carry numerous items,they may simply carry two handkerchiefs in a small beaded bag—she may choose to buy a new,white handkerchief and borrow a blue one from a family member.That would provide them with something new—the white handkerchief,as well as something that is old,borrowed and blue—the blue handkerchief.The handkerchief just may come in handy during the wedding for drying their joyful tears.
名人语库
Love is not a maybe thing,you know when you love someone.
～Lauren Conrad
爱不是什么可能、大概、也许，一旦爱上了，便是确定无疑。
——劳伦·康拉德
“有旧、有新、有借、有蓝”的婚礼习俗已有数百年历史。在她们各自的婚礼当天，许多新娘都会被问及是否准备好“旧、新、借、蓝”带在身上来完成婚礼仪式。据说，穿戴这每一件服饰的传统各有独特的涵义，但都能给新婚夫妇带来好运和财富。你是否想过这到底是什么意思？是否想过它的起源和每件服饰的涵义？
最初的说法要追溯到维多利亚时代，那时的原话是：“有旧，有新，有借，有蓝；还要在一只鞋里放上一枚6便士银币。”
1.有旧……
新娘可以穿着或佩戴一样旧物来象征她和她娘家及过去生活之间的关系。关于“有旧”，许多新娘会佩戴一件家传的珠宝饰品。有些新娘穿着她们母亲或祖母穿过的婚纱。许多时候，旧的东西同时也可作为借来的东西。
2.有新……
穿新衣物则代表新娘在新生活和婚姻中获得成功和希望。如果新娘购买了新的婚纱，就能代表“有新”，但其他新的东西也可以。“有新”常常是最容易做到的。
3.有借……
“借”，应该从一位幸福的已婚朋友那里借来衣服。据说你会沾染他们的幸福，它还会给你的婚姻带来长久幸福。有些新娘会去借一件衣服、一件首饰、一块手帕，或者一个装饰着珠子的手袋。
4.有蓝……
穿蓝色衣服源于《圣经》时代，当时，蓝色婚纱代表着纯洁、忠诚和爱情。随着时间的推移，这一传统已从穿蓝色婚纱，演变成在新娘的婚纱下摆处镶一圈蓝色的饰带，再演变成现在通用的——新娘穿蓝色的吊袜带。
5.有银：6便士银币……
据说，在新娘的左边鞋子里放一枚6便士银币，象征着财富。而且，不仅如此，它还表示婚姻生活幸福美满。如今，许多新娘恐怕连6便士是什么样子都不知道，所以，这种传统在现代婚礼中已经不常见了。但是，如果新娘想要遵循这种传统，也可以到卖吊带袜和请柬等婚礼用品的公司购买6便士银币。
有些较为传统的新娘或许会花大量心思去挑选每一件服饰。同一家族的女性佩戴同一件首饰也是一种传统。
即便有些新娘不为传统束缚，但也会在别人的要求下遵循这一传统。如果她们不想穿戴那么多，还可以拿一个小的珠子手袋，里面装上两块手帕——买一块新的白色手帕，然后从家人那里借一块蓝色手帕，这样她们就既“有新”——白色手帕，又“有旧、有借、有蓝”了——蓝色手帕。手帕在婚礼中正好可以用来擦拭幸福的泪水。
注释
[1]category['kætəgəri] n.类型，部门，种类，类别，类目
[2]fidelity[fɪ'deləti] n.忠诚，忠实；逼真，保真度；尽责
[3]bridal['braɪdl] a.新婚的，婚礼的；新人的，新娘的
眉目传情
The Boy and Girl Glance
The boy and girl glance around the crowded room.Their eyes meet.Embarrassed,they look away.Nervously,they steal glances at each other,averting their eyes when they see the other one looking back.The boy acts cool,crossing his legs and affecting a casual air—even though his heart is beating wildly.The girl,obviously smitten herself,is afraid the boy will see her looking at him.A few seconds pass.He looks at her again.She starts to blush.He nervously looks at the ceiling and whistles softly to himself.They continue their cat-and-mouse game for a seemingly inter-minable period of time.Will they ever talk to each other?
The fact is,they have already communicated a lot,without ever saying anything.Nonverbal elements form a major part of any communication interchange.Some people would say it's the most important part.According to one study,words convey only 7 percent of a person's message.Intonation and voice quality communicate 38 percent,and nonverbal cues transmit a whopping 55 percent.That means people pick up more from nonverbal communication than from the words a person says.When studying about a foreign culture then,it just makes sense to pay attention to how people use nonverbal cues.
Gestures comprise a major form of nonverbal communication.In contrast to sign language,used by deaf people to communicate elaborate messages,gestures function as visual icons which represent a single idea.But often these gestures are embarrassingly culture-bound.For example,when the Maoris of New Zealand stick out their tongue at someone,it is a sign of respect.When American schoolchildren make the same gesture,it means just the opposite.Also,Americans often indicate “OK” with their thumb and fore finger touching to form a circle.The same gesture means “money” to the Japanese,“zero” to the French and a vulgarity to Brazilians.For that reason,people in a foreign culture must use gestures with caution.
Another cultural aspect of nonverbal communication is one that you might not think about:space.Every person perceives himself to have a sort of invisible shield surrounding his physical body.When someone comes too close,he feels uncomfortable.When he bumps into someone,he feels obligated to apologize.But the size of a person's “comfort zone” varies,depending on his cultural or ethnic origin.For example,in casual conversation,many Americans stand about four feet apart.In other words,they like to keep each other “at arm's length.” People in Latin or Arab cultures,in contrast,stand very close to each other,and touch each other often.If someone from one of those cultures stands too close to an American while in conversation,the American may feel uncomfortable and back away.
When Americans are talking,they expect others to respond to what they are saying.To Americans,polite conversationalists empathize by displaying expressions of excitement or disgust,shock or sadness.People with a “poker face,” whose emotions are hidden by a deadpan expression,are looked upon with suspicion.Americans also indicate their attentiveness in a conversation by raising their eyebrows,nodding,smiling politely and maintaining good eye contact.Whereas some cultures view direct eye contact as impolite or threatening,Americans see it as a sign of genuineness and honesty.If a person doesn't look you in the eye,Americans might say you should question his motives—or assume that he doesn't like you.Yet with all the concern for eye contact,Americans still consider staring—especially at strangers—to be rude.
Considering the influence of nonverbal communication,we never really stop communicating.How we walk,how we stand,how we use our hands,how we position our bodies,how we show emotions—all send a message to others.That's why it's possible,as the saying goes,to “read someone like a book”.And if you read the person right,as the boy and girl in the crowded room later discovered,it just might turn into a love story.
名人语库
Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authourity is not using his intelligence;he is just using his memory.
～Da Vinci
一个借着引经据典来辩论的人，不是在运用自己的才智，他是在运用自己的记忆力。
——达·芬奇
拥挤的房间里，男孩和女孩四下环视。他们的目光相遇了，有些尴尬，又都向别处看去。他们怀着忐忑的心情，偷偷地瞥了对方一眼，对方回视，又移开视线。男孩举止很酷，翘着二郎腿，即便心跳加速，但潇洒气质不减。女孩显然被他迷住了，害怕男孩会看到自己正盯着他看。几秒过去了。他又看了她一眼。她脸红了。他紧张地看着天花板，轻轻地兀自吹起了口哨。他们似乎没完没了地玩起了猫捉老鼠的游戏。他们会搭上话吗？
事实上，虽然他们什么也没说，但已经交流了很多内容。任何信息交流的过程中，非语言元素都占主体，有些人还会认为这部分最为重要。某研究显示，文字仅传递了7%的个人信息，语调和音质交流占38%，非语言暗示传递的信息则占到了极大的55%。这就是说，人们在非语言交流中获得的信息多于说话的内容。在研究某种异域文化时，就很有必要对人们使用的非语言暗示多加留意。
手势组成了非语言交流的主要形式。与听障人交流复杂信息使用的手语相比，行使视觉符号功能的手势代表了单一的想法。但这些手势常常受到文化的限制，极易造成十分尴尬的局面。比如，新西兰的毛利人对某人吐舌头是表示尊重，而美国的小学生做这种手势就代表完全相反的意思；还有，美国人总是把大拇指和食指相合成圈表示“OK”，但同样的手势对于日本人意味着“钱”，对法国人则意味着“零”，对巴西人更是粗俗的动作。由此，处于异域文化的人们务必小心使用手势。
另一个非语言交流的文化因素是你可能没想到的：空间距离。每个人都能感觉到自己身体周围有一种隐形屏障。当别人靠得太近，他就会觉得不舒服；当他无意中碰到别人，他会觉得需要道歉。但一个人的“舒适地带”大小各异，与他的文化或种族有关。比如，在非正式交谈中，许多美国人都会站到4英尺外。换句话说，他们喜欢保持“一个手臂的距离”。相比之下，拉丁或阿拉伯文化中的人彼此站得非常近，经常会碰到对方。如果来自这些国家的人和一个美国人在交谈中站得太近，美国人会感觉很不舒服而不断后退。
美国人交谈的时候，常期望别人有所回应。对于美国人来说，有礼貌的谈话者会显示出兴奋或厌恶、震惊或悲伤的表情以示自己感同身受。总是面无表情、波澜不惊的人会被称为“扑克脸”，因而容易遭人猜忌。美国人还会在交谈中通过扬眉毛、点头、礼貌的微笑及保持适当的目光接触，来表示自己的专注程度。尽管有些文化认为直接的目光接触既不礼貌又冒犯人，美国人却认为那是真挚和诚恳的表现。如果一个人说话时没有直视你的眼睛，美国人会提醒你注意此人的动机——或假定他不喜欢你。尽管美国人对于目光接触顾虑重重，但他们依旧认为直愣愣地瞪着对方是粗鲁无礼的，对陌生人尤其如此。
至于非语言交流的影响究竟有多广，只能说，我们从未真正停止交流。我们走路的方式、站立的方式、做手势的方式、肢体动作的方式、表达情绪的方式，都会向他人传达一个信息。俗话说“看人如看书”，原因正在于此。如果你看懂了一个人，就像拥挤房间中男孩女孩之后所发现的，就有可能变成一个爱情故事。
你不知道的世界各国习俗
Unusual International Customs You Never Knew
Gift-giving,table manners:what's acceptable at home doesn't necessarily apply in other countries.Here are 10 distinctive customs to use as your passport to new experiences and friendships.
When traveling,it's important to brush up on the customs and etiquette[1] of the global village.
1.Avoid giving certain flowers in Russia.
Be careful when presenting flowers to a friend or business associate in Russia.Yellow blooms signifydeceit or a relationship break-up.Skip red carnations,too.Traditionally,red carnations are placed on the graves of the dead.
2.Don't expect a “Thank You” card for these gifts in China.
Clocks,straw sandals are all associated with death and funerals in China.Deemed inappropriate and morbid,you'll risk damaging the relationship if you present these gifts—for any occasion—to someone in China.
3.Skip the salt in Egypt.
When tucking into a meal in Egypt,by-pass the saltshaker.It's insulting[2] to your host to sprinkle salt on your food.If you have to season your plate,it means that you find the meal's taste repulsive.
4.Don't show up on time in Venezuela.
Here's one place where being early or on time is viewed as being rude.In Venezuela if you are invited over to someone's home for a meal,it's recommended that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes later than the requested time.Early or on time guests are viewed as being too eager,even greedy.
5.Always use a knife and fork in Norway.
In Norway,table manners are extremely important.Most meals,including sandwiches,are eaten using utensils.
6.Be “blunt” in the Netherlands.
Gift giving should be a happy,positive experience.When selecting a present for someone in the Netherlands,don't purchase fancy kitchen knives or scissors.Giving sharp,pointy objects as gifts is considered unlucky.
7.Don't clink and drink in Hungary.
Clinking glasses and swigging beer is a scene played out of many pubs around the world,but don't expect to see such merriment in Hungary.This old custom dates back to the 1849 war with Austria.After defeating Hungarian forces and savagely[3] killing thirteen of their military's leaders,Austrian generals were celebrating by smugly clinking glasses and drinking beer.While consuming beer was never forbidden,Hungarians did pledge to refrain from clinking glasses for a period of 150 years.
8.Skip the tab in Turkey.
When doing business in Turkey,it's the custom for your host to pay for your meal.Requests to split the bill will be viewed as a polite gesture,but won't be accepted.If you would like to pay your fair share,Turks recommendinviting your host to a follow-up meal.At that time,you can reciprocate the host.
9.Red equals dead in Korea.
Writing a lot of cards or notes while visiting South Korea?Be mindful of your pen's ink color.Scrawling a person's name in red ink traditionally signifies that the person is deceased-an important point to remember when giving a birthday card.
10.Stick to the sauna in Finland.
In Finland,saunas are a preferred way to relax and socialize with family and friends.Don't be surprised if your business meeting is followed up with an invite to let off some steam in a local sauna.If you receive such a request,rest assured that your business meeting went well.
名人语库
I believe in practicing prudence at least once every two or three years.
～Molly Ivins
我认为至少每隔两三年就得提醒自己谨慎行事。
——莫莉·艾文斯
送礼和餐桌礼仪：国内一些得体的方式，并不都适用于国外。这里有10种用以体验新经历和建立新友谊的通行证。
旅行之前，温习地球村的风俗和礼节非常重要。
1.在俄罗斯，要避免送某些花。
在俄罗斯，送花给朋友和合作伙伴时，要千万小心。黄色的花朵代表欺骗和绝交。还要杜绝红色康乃馨，因为按照传统，康乃馨是放在死者墓地上的。
2.在中国，送这些礼物就别指望听到“谢谢”。
在中国，钟和草鞋都与死亡和葬礼有关。对于中国人——在任何情况下，如果你送这些不得体的、病态的礼物，小心破坏你们之间的关系。
3.在埃及，要避开盐。
在埃及吃饭时，要离盐瓶远一些。因为，在食物上撒盐是对主人的侮辱。要是你试着调味，就说明你觉得饭菜难吃。
4.在委内瑞拉，不要准时赴约。
有一个地方，你早到或者准时到都会被看成不礼貌。在瑞内瑞拉，如果你被邀请到某人家吃饭，建议你比要求的时间晚10—15分钟去。提前或者准时到的客人，会被看成太过饥渴，甚至贪婪。
5.在挪威，要随时使用刀叉。
在挪威，餐桌礼仪尤为重要。在那里，大多数食物，包括三明治，都要用到餐具。
6.在荷兰，要“钝”。
送礼是一件高兴、积极的事。当你为荷兰人挑选礼物时，不要买漂亮的厨刀或者剪子。尖锐的物体在荷兰被视为不幸之物。
7.在匈牙利，不要发出叮当响，也不要喝酒。
碰杯和大口喝啤酒的场景在世界的许多俱乐部都有所见，但是别指望在匈牙利看到这样欢乐的场景。这个古老的风俗要追溯到1849年同奥地利的战争。在打败匈牙利人、并且残忍地杀害了他们13位军队领导后，奥地利军官们喝着啤酒，举杯庆祝。虽然没有禁止啤酒消费，可是匈牙利人发誓150年之内不再碰杯。
8.在土耳其，要避免买单。
在土耳其做生意，当地的风俗是由主人付账。要求分摊账单虽是礼貌的做法，可也是不被接受的。如果你想付自己的那一份钱，土耳其人会建议下一次由你邀请主人。这样一来，你就能报答主人了。
9.在韩国，红色等于死亡。
要在韩国写许多卡片和信件？那么，注意你的笔墨的颜色吧。按照惯例，若你用红色墨水写一个人的名字，那么说明这个人已经去世——送生日贺卡的时候，这一点非常重要。
10.在芬兰，要遵循桑拿习俗。
在芬兰，桑拿是放松和家人朋友聚会的好去处。如果你的商务会议结束后，友人邀请你去当地的桑拿馆蒸一把，不要觉得奇怪。如果你受到这样的邀请，就说明这次会议开得很成功。
注释
[1]etiquette[ˈetɪket] n.礼仪，礼节；规矩；礼数
[2]insulting[ɪnˈsʌltɪŋ] a.出言不逊的，侮辱的；无礼的
[3]refrain[rɪ'freɪn] v.抑制；克制
美国的流行文化
Pop Culture
When you think of American culture,what first comes to your mind?McDonald's?Coca Cola?Levi's?Disneyland?Michael Jordan?Julia Roberts?Many people imagine American culture is a collection of popular symbols like these.Actually,these symbols are only one small part of American culture—“pop culture”.
What is pop culture?Well,pop is short for popular.The origins of pop culture can often be traced to popular movies,television shows,music stars and sports figures.Pop culture is also promoted by business and advertising.The most common examples of American pop culture appear among high school and college students.Trends set by famous personalities quickly become part of young people's lifestyles.
American pop culture has spread around the world.One major reason for its popularity is that English is a universal language.English is the language of diplomacy,international business and transportation.Since language and culture go together,learning English means becoming aware of English-speaking cultures.Also,America is a world leader in movies,music and magazines.The kind of American culture communicated in those media is pop culture.Finally,pop culture is easy to package and to export.For that reason,it is easy to “sell” to the world.
（At a cafe in Paris,France）
Pierre:I just saw an advertisement for that recent American movie “The Pelican Brief”.Sounds interesting.Want to go see it with me?
Jean:I don't think so.I've got too much to do.Besides,all of this American influence really bothers me.Everybody's going to see American movies,listening to American rock music and eating American fast food.
Pierre:Oh,come on.Don't be such a grouch.People just want to find out what America is all about.The movies I've seen make American lifestyles seem exciting.Maybe we could learn a few things from them.
Jean:Learn a few things!Yeah,sure.We'll learn how to be American and forget how to be French.If we follow American ways,it's going to change our own culture.Americans will be the winners,and we'll be the losers.
Pierre:Now,wait a minute.You're forgetting that we have a global economy now.If we want to do business with Americans,we have to understand their culture.
Jean:If American culture is Michael Jackson,Mickey Mouse and McDonald's,I don't want to understand it.
Many people assume that American pop culture is what America is all about.Does pop culture reflect the true culture of America?Yes and no.Pop culture does represent a portion of American society—especially urban young people that are tuned in to the media.But American pop culture is faddish and ever—changing.It is an artificial and superficial picture of America.If you want to learn about real American culture,you'll have to go a little farther than McDonald's.
名人语库
Literature is a kind of intelluctual light which,like the light of the sun,may sometimes enable us to see what we do not like.
～Samuse Johnson
文学是一种理性之光，它和阳光一样，有时能使我们看到我们不喜欢的东西。
——塞缪斯·约翰逊
谈到美国文化时，你首先想到的是什么？麦当劳？可口可乐？李维斯牛仔裤？迪斯尼乐园？迈克尔·乔丹？还是茱莉亚·罗伯茨？许多人将美国文化想象成类似这些流行符号的集合。实际上，这些符号只是美国文化中的一小部分——“流行文化”。
什么是流行文化？其实，“流行”就是“大众流行”的简写。流行文化的起源总是可以追溯到流行电影、电视节目、歌星和体育明星，商业和广告也能带动流行文化。美国流行文化最寻常的典范就是高中生和大学生，由名人引领的潮流很快成为年轻一族的部分生活方式。
美国流行文化在全世界蔓延开来。美国文化之所以流行，首先因为英语是一门全球性语言，还是外交语言、国际贸易语言和运输语言。既然语言和文化一直如影随形，学英语就意味着了解英语国家的文化。其次，美国是全球的电影、音乐、杂志先锋，在这些媒介中传播的美国文化就是流行文化。最后，流行文化很容易打包输出，因此，也很容易“贩卖”至全世界。
（在法国巴黎的咖啡馆里）
皮埃尔：我刚看到最新美国大片《塘鹅暗杀令》的宣传广告，好像很有意思，我们一起去看吧？
珍：我觉得没什么意思。我还有很多事情要做。另外，所有这些美国流行元素实在让我很烦。每个人都在看美国电影，听美国摇滚音乐，吃美国快餐。
皮埃尔：噢，别这样，别这么牢骚满腹嘛。人们只是想多了解美国一些。我看过的电影都让我觉得美国人的生活方式很带劲，也许我们应该向他们学一点。
珍：学一点！是啊，当然。我们要学怎么做一个美国人，反倒忘记怎么做一个法国人了。如果我们学美国人的样子，美国文化肯定会改变我们自己的文化。最后，美国人成了赢家，我们成了输家。
皮埃尔：既然说到这里了，等一下。你好像忘记我们现在是全球经济体了吧，如果我们想和美国人做生意，就必须了解他们的文化。
珍：如果美国文化就是迈克尔·杰克逊、米奇老鼠和麦当劳，我才不想去了解呢。
许多人认为美国流行文化就是美国的一切。流行文化确实能反映美国的真实文化吗？既是，也不是。流行文化确实代表了美国社会的部分群体，特别是关注媒体的都市年轻人。但是，美国流行文化稍纵即逝，瞬息万变，它是美国文化中人为且肤浅的一面。如果你想了解真正的美国文化，就必须了解更深层次的内容，至少比麦当劳深一些。
各式各样的新年前夜
New Year's Eve
On 31 December everyone celebrates the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.
In Scotland New Year's Eve is called Hogmanay.It is the most important celebration of the year.In Edinburgh there is an immense[1] street celebration on New Year's Eve.
In America and Britain many people like going to parties or organizing them in their homes.Some people prefer to celebrate in restaurants or night clubs.Young people celebrate at home or at a disco.Others go to mask[2] balls in costumes and masks.Everyone takes off their mask at midnight.
Cheers,noise,music,dancing,colourful decorations,festive food and drink are all part of New Year's Eve.People like throwing confetti on the last night of the year.People wear their best party clothes on this exciting night.At parties everyone wears funny paper hats and blows toy horns.Parties usually begin after 9 pm and continue until the next morning.At midnight everyone joins hands and sings the old Scottish song “Auld Lang Syne”.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
For the sake of auld langsyne.
For auld langsyne,my dear.
For auld langsyne.
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet.
For the sake of auld langsyne.
In New York City a favourite place to go on New Year's Eve is Times Square.At midnight the words “Happy New Year” appear on an electronic sign.Bells and sirens ring,people cheer and there is a lot of noise.
In London many people go to celebrate in Trafalgar Square.Everyone in Britain waits for Big Ben to strike midnight.Then there is a lot of noise.
People sing “Auld Lang Syne”,kiss each other and cheer.
When we make a lot of noise on New Year's Eve we are following ancient traditions.Ancient civilizations made noise to frighten evil spirits of the past year.
On New Year's Eve the Americans and the British make New Year's resolutions or promises.They promise to get rid of bad habits during the new year.Some typical children's resolutions are:“I resolve to do my homework” or “I resolve to clean my room every day”.Children write down their New Year's resolutions,sign their name and give the paper to their parents.
Some typical adult's resolutions are:“I resolve to stop smoking” or “I resolve to go on a diet”.Most people don't keep their promises,but a few do!In some American cities office workers throw their old calendars out of the office windows on 31 December.They are throwing the old year away.It is incredible to see so much paper flying about.By 5:30 pm the streets are covered with office calendars.
At the end of the year astrologists[3] predict the future for all the signs of the zodiac.Some astrologists predict catastrophic events.
名人语库
Accept what was and what is,and you'll have more positive energy to pursue what will be.
～Karen Salmansohn
接受历史，正视现在，才更有能量追寻自己的未来。
——凯伦·莎曼松
12月31日，人人都会辞旧岁，迎新年。
苏格兰的新年又叫做大年夜，这是一年中最重要的节日。在爱丁堡，人们还会在街道上欢庆除夕夜。
在美国和英国，许多人喜欢去参加派对，或是在家里组织派对。一些人则喜欢在餐馆或是夜店里庆祝。年轻人就待在家里，或是去迪斯科舞厅。其他人则盛装打扮，戴着面具去参加化妆舞会。午夜时分，大家就都会摘下面具。
欢呼声、吵闹声、音乐、舞蹈、五颜六色的装扮，以及节日食品和饮料，都是除夕夜的一部分。人们喜欢在除夕之夜抛洒五彩纸屑。在这个激动人心的夜晚，人们穿上最漂亮的礼服。舞会上，人人都戴着有趣的纸帽，还要吹玩具号角。舞会通常都是9点以后开始，直到第二天早上才结束。
到了午夜，大家手拉起手唱着古老的苏格兰民谣《友谊地久天长》。
怎能忘记旧日朋友
心中能不怀想？
旧日朋友岂能相忘
友谊地久天长。
友谊永存，朋友。
友谊永存。
举杯痛饮，同声歌唱，
友谊地久天长。
在纽约的除夕之夜，人们最喜欢去的就是时代广场。午夜时分，“新年快乐”的标志就会出现在电子标志上。钟笛齐鸣，众人欢呼，热闹不已。
在伦敦，许多人都来到特拉法尔加广场欢庆。英国的每一个人都在等待着大本钟敲响12点。到那时，到处都会一阵喧腾。
人们唱着《友谊天长地久》，并且相互亲吻。
我们在除夕之夜喧闹也是为了遵循传统。从前，古代人用喧闹声来驱走鬼魂。
在除夕之夜，美国人和英国人会许下新年愿望或承诺。他们承诺要在新的一年改掉陋习。孩子们通常的心愿就是“我一定要完成家庭作业”，或者“我一定要每天打扫房间”。此外，孩子们还会写下他们的新年心愿，并写上他们的名字，然后交给父母。
而大人们通常会许愿：“我一定要戒烟”或“我一定要节食”。大多数人并没有履行他们的承诺，可有一些人做到了！在美国的一些城市，职员们会在12月31日这一天将旧日历扔到办公室窗外。这是在将过去的日子抛开。看到纸片到处乱飞的场景，还真是感觉不可思议。到了下午5点30分，街道上就已经满是办公室日历了。
一年之末，占卜师们会预测未来的黄道征迹。一些占卜师还会预测灾难事件。
注释
[1]immense[ɪ'mens] a.极大的，巨大的；浩瀚的，无边际的；<口>非常好的
[2]mask[mɑ:sk] v.伪装
[3]astrologists[ə'strɔlədʒɪst] n.占星家，占卜师
十条不可不知的西方餐桌礼仪
Western Table Manners
1.When helping a woman pull her chair to the table,hold it and guide it.Don't shove it against the back of her legs.
2.If you're seated at a table with eight or fewer guests,wait for everyone to be served and for the hostess to begin eating before you dig in.At a long banquet[1] table,it's OK to start when several people are seated and served.
3.All things not having to do with food should remain off the table:keys,clutch bags,cigarette packs,sunglasses,BlackBerrys.
4.Don't snap your napkin open or unfurl it showily like it's an Olympic flag.
5.If you prefer not to have wine while dining out,don't turn your glass upside down,and don't make a big deal of saying you don't drink.Simply place your fingertips on the rim of the glass and say “Not today,thanks.”
6.If you're eating and want to take a sip,dab your mouth with your napkin to avoid staining the rim of the glass.
7.Grabbing a bowl of salad or a saltshaker as it's being passed to someone who asked for it is the equivalent of cutting in line:greedy and rude.
8.On the subject of passing:Dishes go counterclockwise[2],but if someone to your left asks for something,you can hand it directly to him.
9.When you excuse yourself to go to the restroom,just say “Please excuse me.”
10.When out with friends or family—even at a fancy restaurant—it's OK to ask for your leftovers to be wrapped[3].But don't do it at a business lunch or dinner.
名人语库
The art of giving presents is to give something which others cannot buy for themselves.
～Alan Alexander Milne
送礼的艺术在于送别人他们不能给自己买的东西。
——A.A.米尔恩
1.在餐桌前，为女士拉椅子，要拉稳、控制好它，别让椅子碰到女士的腿。
2.如果就餐人数不多于8个人，那就等所有人都坐好之后，让女主人先用餐，你才可以开动。如果是在一个长餐桌上，而且有些人已经坐好，并且已经开始用餐，那你也可以吃了。
3.一切和食物无关的东西都不应该出现在餐桌上，包括钥匙、手袋、烟盒、墨镜和手机。
4.不要像展示奥林匹克旗帜一样打开或铺开餐巾。
5.如果用餐时你不想喝酒，就不要把酒杯倒过来放，也不要高调地说你不喝酒。只需轻轻把指尖放在酒杯边缘，说一句：“今天不便喝酒，谢谢。”
6.如果你在吃东西的时候想要喝一杯，那就先拿餐巾把嘴擦干净，以免在杯子边缘留下印迹。
7.如果别人在要盘沙拉或盐瓶时，你从中拦下，这就等于插队：说明你是个既贪婪又粗鲁的人。
8.在餐桌上传递东西：盘子要逆时针传递。不过，如果坐在你左手边的人想要什么东西时，你也可以直接递给他。
9.想去卫生间的时候，你只需说“失陪一下”就可。
10.当你和朋友、家人一起出去时——即便是在高级餐馆——也可以要求打包。但如果是在商务宴会上，那还是不要了。
注释
[1]banquet['bæŋkwɪt] n.宴会，盛宴；筵席；宴请，款待
[2]counterclockwise[ˌkaʊntəˈklɒkwaɪz] ad.逆时针方向地，自右向左地
[3]wrapped[ræpt] v.包（wrap的过去式和过去分词）；覆盖；用……包裹（或包扎、覆盖等）；卷起
世界各地换牙习俗
Customs of Dental Transition Around the World
Japan
If it is a lower baby tooth,throw it up onto the roof;and if it is an upper tooth,throw it underneath the “en-no-shita”（the lower portion below the floor of a Japanese house）.It is done so that the upper tooth grows healthy downwards,while the lower tooth upwards.
Vietnam
Both the upper and lower teeth are thrown up over the house.
Korea
The same method as that of Japan.
USA
A child puts the baby tooth under his pillow before going to bed.A tooth fairy comes during the night and takes the tooth with her.The next morning,the child would find money underneath the pillow.
France
Like the American version,the child puts his baby tooth under the pillow when he goes to bed.The fairy takes it while he is asleep,and replaces it with a present instead of money.
Mexico
It is the same as the American and the French version,so the child goes to bed with the baby tooth under the pillow.A mouse,not a fairy,takes it during the night.It leaves some money,too.
Mongolia
In Mongolia,they put the baby tooth in the meat and feed it to the young dog.Because the dog is respected and is considered a guardian angel.When the guardian angel eats it,it is said,that a strong tooth will grow.
United Kingdom
Like the American version,the child puts his baby tooth under the pillow.The fairy takes it and replaces it with a coin.
Spain
In Spain,a mouse replaces the baby tooth under the pillow with a coin during the night.
Slovenia
In Slovenia,a mouse replaces the baby tooth under the pillow with a candy during the night.
名人语库
Experience more than sufficiently teaches that men govern nothing with more difficulty than their tongues.
～Bendict de Spinoza
经验给我们太多的教训，告诉我们人类最难管制的东西，莫过于自己的舌头。
——B.斯宾诺沙
日本
如果是下乳牙，就扔到屋顶上；如果是上乳牙，就扔到“en-no-shita”（日本房屋地板下面较低的地方）底下。这么做之后，上牙就能健康地向下生长，而下牙也能健康地向上生长。
越南
上牙和下牙都向上扔过房子。
韩国
方法与日本一样。
美国
小孩子在睡前把乳牙放到枕头下面。牙仙子就会在夜间过来取走牙齿。第二天早上，小孩子会在枕头下找到钱。
法国
类似美国的版本，小孩子睡觉时把乳牙放在枕头下面。仙子在他沉睡时取走牙齿，同时留下一个礼物，而不是钱。
墨西哥
类似美国和法国的版本，小孩子把乳牙放在枕头下面睡觉。不是仙子，而是一只老鼠会在夜间取走牙齿。它也会留下钱。
蒙古
在蒙古，人们把乳牙放在肉里喂小狗。因为狗受人尊敬，是公认的保护神。据说，当守护天使吃掉牙齿时，就会长出强壮的牙齿。
英国
类似美国的版本，小孩子把乳牙放在枕头下。仙子取走乳牙，并用一枚硬币替换之。
西班牙
在西班牙，老鼠在夜间用一枚硬币替换枕头下的乳牙。
斯诺文尼亚
在斯诺文尼亚，老鼠在夜间用一颗糖替换枕头下的乳牙。
阅读课堂 美国人的时间观念
Time in Americans'Eyes
美国人的时间观念很强。有这样一种说法，即：美国人是“钟表的奴隶”（Americans are slaves to nothing but the clock）。对他们来说，时间简直就是一种珍贵的商品。
通常情况下，美国人是不会与记者进行长时间闲谈的；也不会把时间花费在饭桌前，通过宴请客人来建立友谊关系或联络感情。对大多数人来说友好关系比不上实际表现重要。所以，在与客人简单礼节性地寒暄后，他们很快就会谈及主题。
由于人们非常珍惜时间，他们很讨厌那些不知趣地浪费别人时间的人。多数美国人都有严格的个人日程安排，他们在日程表上写满了约会，把一天的时间分成一段一段的。如果你想拜访某人，或者请某人做什么事，最好的办法是与他们事先约定好，他们是不欢迎不速之客的。约会时你必须按照约定的时间到达，如果有急事发生，使得你不能按时赴约，你应该更改或取消约会。失约是非常不礼貌的行为。
在他们的语言中，也能反映出对时间的关注。比如美国人在年幼的时候，家长就开始教导他们做事要on time（准时）,in time（及时）；过得愉快时，他们会说have a good time;浪费时间被说成kill time;感到日子过得太快，他们用time flies（时光飞逝）来表示；即使在年老临终时，他们也会说是靠借来的时间活着的（live on borrowed time）。