研究生英語綜合教程UNIT3課文及翻譯（含漢譯英英譯漢）PDF版-

1、UNIT 31. Most Americans would have a difficult time telling you, specifically, what the values are that Americans live by. They have never given the matter much thought.2. Even if Americans had considered this question, they would probably, in the end, decide not to answer in terms of a definitive l

2、ist of values. The reason for this decision is itself one very American value their belief that every individual is so unique that the same list of values could never be applied to all, or even most, of their fellow citizens.3. Although Americans may think of themselves as being more varied and unpr

3、edictable than they actually are, it is significant that they think they are. Americans tend to think they have been only slightly influenced by family, church or schools. In the end, each believes, “I personally chose which values I want to live my own life by.”4. The different behaviors of a peopl

4、e or a culture make sense only when seen through the basic beliefs, assumptions and values of that particular group. When you encounter an action, or hear a statement in the United States that surprises you, try to see it as an expression of one or more of the values listed here.5. Before proceeding

5、 to the list itself, we should also point out that Americans see all of these values as very positive ones. They are not aware, for example, that the people in many Third World countries view some of these values as negative or threatening.In fact, all of these American values are judged by many of

6、the worlds citizens as negative and undesirable. Therefore, it is not enough simply to familiarize yourself with these values. You must also, so far as possible, consider them without the negative or derogatory connotation that they might have for you, based on your own experience and cultural ident

7、ity.Personal Control over the Environment6. Americans no longer believe in the power of Fate, and they have come to look at people who do as being backward, primitive, or hopelessly naive. To be called “fatalistic” is one of the worst criticisms one can receive in the American context; to an America

8、n, it means one is superstitious and lazy, unwilling to take any initiative in bringing about improvement.時會感到力不從心。他們從未仔細考慮過價值觀這個問題。2. 即使美國人考慮過這個問題,他們最終也不可能決定以一張明確的價值觀清單來回答。做出這樣的一個決定,本身就是一個非常美國式的價值觀他們相信每個個體都是獨一無二的,相同的價值觀永遠也不可能適用于所有的美國公民,甚至不能適用于大多數(shù)公民。3. 盡管美國人可能認為他們自己比實際看上去更加變幻莫測,但重要的是他們的確認為自己變幻莫測。美國人

9、普遍認為他們受家庭、教會或?qū)W校影響很輕微。最終,每個人都認為“我個人會根據(jù)自己生活方式選擇我的價值觀”。4. 一個民族的不同行為方式或者一種文化之所以有意義,是因為人們通過該民族的基本信仰、看法和價值觀念來看待它們。在美國,如果某一個行為或某一句話使你感到吃驚,那么你可以將其與下面羅列的價值觀對號入座。5. 在探討這個清單之前, 有必要指出美國人認為這些價值觀是充滿正能量的。他們沒有意識到許多第三世界國家的人們可能認為其中一些價值觀是消極或者可怕的。事實上,許多外國人認為美國人的這些價值觀是消極和不受歡迎的。因此,僅僅熟悉這些價值觀是不夠的,還必須盡可能做到不因自身經(jīng)歷和文化身份而對這些價值觀

10、有負面和貶損的看法。對環(huán)境的自我把握6. 美國人不再相信命運的力量,那些相信此道的人被認為是落后、原始和極其幼稚的。在美國語境下,“宿命論者”是對一個人最糟糕的評價之一;對美國人來說,這一評價意味著這個人迷信、懶惰且不思進取。7. 在美國, 人們認為人定勝天, 而非受制于自然的觀點既正常又正確。更確切地說,人們相信每個人都應該控制周圍環(huán)境中任何可能影響到自己的因素。The problems of ones life are not seen as having resulted from bad luck as much as having come from ones laziness in

11、 pursuing a better life. Furthermore, it is considered normal that anyone should look out for his or her own self-interests first and foremost.Time and Its Control8. Time is, for the average American, of utmost importance. To the foreign visitor, Americans seem to be more concerned with getting thin

12、gs accomplished on time (according to a predetermined schedule than they are with developing deep interpersonal relations. Schedules, for the American, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest detail.9. It may seem to you that most Americans are completely controlled by the little m

13、achines they wear on their wrists, cutting their discussions off abruptly to make it to their next appointment on time.10. Americans language is filled with references to time, giving a clear indication of how much it is valued. Time is something to be “on,” to be “kept,” “filled,” “saved,” “used,”

14、“spent,” “wasted,” “l(fā)ost,” “gained,” “planned,” “given,” “made the most of,” even “killed.”11. The international visitor soon learns that it is considered very rude to be late even by 10 minutes for an appointment in the United States. (Whenever it is absolutely impossible to be on time, you should

15、phone ahead and tell the person you have been unavoidably detained and will be a half hour or whatever late.Equality12. Equality is, for Americans, one of their most cherished values. This concept is so important for Americans that they have even given it a religious basis. They say all people have

16、been “created equal.” Most Americans believe that God views all humans alike without regard to intelligence, physical condition or economic status.In secular terms this belief is translated into the assertion that all people have an equal opportunity to succeed in life. Americans differ in opinion a

17、bout how to make this ideal into a reality. Yet virtually all agree that equality is an important civic and social goal.13. The equality concept often makes Americans seem strange to foreign visitors. Seven-eighths of the world feels quite differently. To them, rank and status and authority are seen

18、 as much more desirable considerations even if they personally happen to find themselves near the bottom of the social order.Class and authority seem to give people in those other societies a sense of security and certainty. People outside the United States consider it reassuring to know, from birth

19、, who they are and where they fit into the complex system called “society.”一個人在追求美好生活的過程中出現(xiàn)挫折人們不認為是因為運氣差,而是由自己的懶惰所導致。而且,人們認為如果一個人把追尋個人利益放在第一位是很正常的。把握時間8. 對普通美國人來說,時間至關重要。在外國人看來,美國人似乎更關注按時(根據(jù)預定的日程表完成任務而不是發(fā)展深層人際關系。美國人認為,哪怕最小的細節(jié)也必須在日程安排中列出來并付諸實施。9. 你或許會覺得美國人完全被戴在手腕上的那個小玩意所控制著,為了能準時赴下一個約會,他們會突然打斷談話。10.

20、美國人的語言中充斥著時間的指示詞,這也暗示出人們對于時間的重視程度。時間可以遵守、填補、節(jié)省、利用、度過,浪費、失去、贏得、計劃、給予,充分利用,甚至可以消磨。11. 外國人很快就會發(fā)現(xiàn),在美國與人約會,即使遲到十分鐘就會被認為是很不禮貌的行為。如果實在無法準時到達,應事先打個電話告訴不得不久等你的人你將遲到半小時或怎樣。平等12. 平等是美國人最珍視的價值理念之一,美國人也因此而賦予這一理念以宗教基礎。他們說人“生來平等”。大多數(shù)美國人相信上帝會平等地看待每一個人,而不考慮其智力、體力或經(jīng)濟方面的差異。通俗地說,這種信仰被解釋為一種信念,即每個人都有平等獲得成功的機會。美國人在如何把這種理想

21、轉(zhuǎn)化為現(xiàn)實的看法方面存在分歧,然而人們一致認為平等是公民和社會共同追求的重要目標。13. 這種關于平等的理念常使外國人感到美國人不可思議。十之八九的外國人并不認同這一理念。對他們來說,等級、地位和權威是人們更加向往的東西,即使他們碰巧發(fā)現(xiàn)自己接近社會次序的底層。等級和權威似乎能給那些其他國家的人一種安全感和確定感。美國以外的人認為一個人從剛一出生就知道自己是誰、屬于被稱之為“社會”的復雜體系的哪個階層會讓人感到寬慰。14. Many highly-placed foreign visitors to the United States are insulted by the way they

22、are treated by service personnel (such as waiters in restaurants, clerks in stores, taxi drivers, etc. Americans have an aversion to treating people of high position in a deferential manner, and, conversely often treat lower class people as if they were very important. Newcomers to the United States

23、 should realize that no insult or personal indignity is intended by this lack of deference to rank or position in s ociety. A foreigner should be prepared to be considered “just like anybody else” while in the country.Individualism and Privacy15. Americans think they are more individualist in their

24、thoughts and actions than, in fact, they are. They resist being thought of as representatives of a homogenous group, whatever the group.They may, and do, join groups in fact many groups but somehow believe theyre just a little different, just a little unique, just a little special, from other member

25、s of the same group. And they tend to leave groups as easily as they enter them.16. Privacy, the ultimate result of individualism is perhaps even more difficult for the foreigner to comprehend. The word “privacy” does not even exist in many languages. If it does, it is likely to have a strongly nega

26、tive connotation, suggesting loneliness or isolation from the group.In the United States, privacy is not only seen as a very positive condition, but it is also viewed as a requirement that all humans would find equally necessary, desirable and satisfying. It is not uncommon for Americans to say and

27、believe such statements as “If I dont have a t least half an hour a day to myself, I will go stark mad.”Action/Work Orientation17 . “Dont just stand there,” goes a typical bit of American advice, “do something!” This expression is normally used in a crisis situation, yet, in a sense, it describe s m

28、ost Americans entire waking life, where action any action is seen to be superior to inaction.18. Americans routinely plan and schedule an extremely active day. Any relaxation must be limited in time, pre-planned, and aimed at “recreating” their ability to work harder and more productively once the r

29、ecreation is over.Americans believe leisure activities should consume a relatively small portion of ones total life. People think that it is “sinful” to “waste ones time,” “to sit around doing nothing,” or just to “daydream.”19. Such a “no nonsense” attitude toward life has created many people who h

30、ave come to be known as “workaholics” or people who are addicted to their work, who think constantly about their jobs and who are frustrated if they are kept away from them, even during their evening hours and weekends. 14. 很多到美國來的外國權貴會被美國服務人員(例如餐廳里的侍者、商店里的店員和出租車司機的服務方式所侮辱。美國人不喜歡以一種恭敬的態(tài)度對待有權勢的人;相反,那

31、些身份不高的人常常會感到自己在美國很受尊重。初到美國的人應該意識到這種對社會等級或地位的漠然中并不包含侮辱和對個人的輕蔑。在美國的外國人要做好被當做“普通人”看待的心理準備。15. 美國人認為自己在思想和行動上都是高度個人主義的。他們抗拒擔任任何同質(zhì)組織的典型代表。他們的確會加入一個群體(亦或許多群體,但他們相信他們與眾不同、獨一無二,與其他團體成員總有區(qū)別。而且他們可以隨時加入或退出某個團體。16. 外國人也許更難理解個人主義的終極產(chǎn)物隱私。在許多語言中甚至不存在“隱私”這個字眼。即使有,也可能帶有強烈的貶義,暗示孤獨寂寞或與其他群體成員格格不入。而在美國,隱私不僅被看做一種非常積極的狀態(tài),

32、而且被視為必需品,人們普遍認為其不可或缺,令人向往。難怪美國人會有這樣一種說法,而且相信“如果每天我沒有至少半個小時留給自己,我將會徹底瘋掉”。工作至上17. 一句典型的美國忠告:“不要光說不練,做點什么!”雖然這句話通常用在危機狀況中,但在一定意義上說明了美國人積極的生活方式。在美國人的生活中,認為活動任何活動都比不作為要好。18. 美國人的一天通常會安排得很緊湊。任何放松消遣都必須限制在一定時間內(nèi),而且這也是為了“更好地工作”,因此一旦他們結束“放松”之后他們會更加努力地工作。美國人認為休閑活動應該只占人生的一小部分。人們認為“浪費時間”、“無所事事”或“白日做夢”是“大逆不道的”。19.

33、 這樣一個“不做無意義的事”的人生態(tài)度造就了一大批被稱作“工作狂”的人他們沉醉于,甚至常常全身心投入到他們的工作或職業(yè)當中。他們一心撲在工作上,一旦離開工作,就會感到身心受挫。因此,晚上下班后或周末不上班20. The workaholic syndrome, in turn, causes Americans to identify themselves wholly with their professions. The first question one American will ask another American when meeting for the first time

34、 is related to his or her work: “Where do you work?” or “Who (what company are you with?”21. And when such a person finally goes on vacation, even the vacation will be carefully planned, very busy and active.22. America may be one of the few countries in the world where it seems reasonable to speak

35、about the “dignity of human labor”, meaning by that, hard, physical labor. In America, even corporation presidents will engage in physical labor from time to time and gain, rather than lose, respect from others for such action.Informality23. If you come from a more formal society, you will likely fi

36、nd Americans to be extremely informal, and will probably feel that they are even disrespectful of those in authority. Americans are one of the most informal and casual people in the world, even when compared to their near relative the Western European.24. As one example of this informality, American

37、 bosses often urge their employees to call them by their first names and even feel uncomfortable if they are called by the title “Mr.” or “Mrs.”25. Dress is another area where American informality will be most noticeable, perhaps even shocking. One can go to a symphony performance, for example, in a

38、ny large American city nowadays and find some people in the audience dressed in blue jeans and tieless, short-sleeved shirts.26. Informality is also apparent in Americans gree tings. The more formal “How are you?” has largely been replaced with an informal “Hi.” This is as likely to be used to ones

39、superior as to ones best friend.27. If you are a highly placed official in your own country, you will probably, at first, find such informality to be very unsettling. American, on the other hand, would consider such informality as a compliment! Certainly it is not intended as an insult and should no

40、t be taken as such.Directness, Openness and Honesty28. Many other countries have developed subtle, sometimes highly ritualistic, ways of informing other people of unpleasant information. Americans, however, have always preferred the first approach.They are likely to be completely honest in deliverin

41、g their negative evaluations. If you come from a society that uses the indirect manner of conveying bad news or uncomplimentary evaluations, you will be shocked 20. 相應地,這種對工作的狂熱使美國人完全把自己和職業(yè)劃上等號。在美國,見面問到的第一個問題一般都與工作有關:“在哪里發(fā)財?”或者“在哪個單位上班?”21. 這種人如果去度假,他們會提前做出假期周密計劃,使假期過得緊湊而有趣。22. 美國可能是世界上僅有的幾個人們認為體力勞動

42、光榮的國家。即使是公司老總也會時不時參加體力勞動,而且在這種情況下,會得到別人的尊重而不是鄙視。不拘小節(jié)23. 如果你來自一個更遵守禮儀的國家,你可能會覺得美國人極端不拘禮節(jié),甚至有點目無尊長。即使與其近鄰西歐相比,美國也稱得上是世界上最隨便的民族之一。24. 舉例說來,美國老板常要求他們的雇員直呼其名。如果以“某某先生”或“某某夫人”相稱,他們會感到全身不自在。25. 美國人的這一風格在衣著方面體現(xiàn)得淋漓盡致,甚至令人嘆為觀止。如果你走進當今美國大都市的交響音樂會,便會發(fā)現(xiàn),觀眾中有很多人都穿著牛仔褲,著短袖衫且不系領帶。26. 這種不拘小節(jié)的做法在同人打招呼時也可見一斑:較正式的問候“你好

43、”已被更為隨意的“嘿”所代替,不管對方是自己的頂頭上司還是親密好友。27. 如果你是一個位高權重之人,一開始你可能無法容忍這種不拘小節(jié)。而美國人卻將其看作是一種恭維與贊譽。當然這種不拘小節(jié)絕非有意冒犯。直接、率真、誠實28. 很多美國以外的國家都積累了委婉的、有時是高度程式化的語言來傳達不好的消息,可美國人永遠最愛最直接的方式。他們在表達自己的負面看法時絕對誠實。如果在你的國家人們用間接委婉的方式來傳達壞消息或負面評價,美國人的直率簡直會令習慣隱喻29. If you come from a country where saving face is important, be assured

44、that Americans are not trying to make you lose face with their directness. It is important to realize that an American would not, in such case, lose face.The burden of adjustment, in all cases while you are in this country, will be on you. There is no way to soften the blow of such directness and op

45、enness if you are not used to it except to tell you that the rules have changed while you are here.Indeed, Americans are trying to urge their fellow countrymen to become even more open and direct. The large number of “assertiveness” training courses that appeared in the United States in the late 197

46、0s reflects such a commitment.30. Americans consider anything other than the most direct and open approach to be dishonest and insincere and will quickly lose confidence in and distrust anyone who hints at what is intended rather than saying it outright.31. Anyone who, in the United States, chooses

47、to use an intermediary to deliver that message will also be considered manipulative and untrustworthy.Practicality and Efficiency32. Americans have a reputation for being realistic, practical, and efficient. The practical consideration is likely to be given highest priority in making any important d

48、ecision.Americans pride themselves in not being very philosophically or theoretically oriented. If Americans would even admit to having a philosophy, it would probably be that of pragmatism.Will it make money? What is the bottom line? What can I gain from this activity? These are the kinds of questi

49、ons Americans are likely to ask, rather than: is it aesthetically pleasing? Will it be enjoyable? Will it advance the cause of knowledge?This pragmatic orientation has caused Americans to contribute more inventions to the world than any other country in human history. The love of “practicality” has

50、also caused Americans to view some professions more favorably than others.Management and economics are much more popular in the United States than philosophy or anthropology, and law and medicine more valued than the arts.Americans belittle “emotional” and “subjective” evaluations in favor of “ratio

51、nal” and “objective” assessments. Americans try to avoid being “too sentimental” in making their decisions. They judge every situation “on its own merits.” 29. 如果你認為“要面子”很重要,那么請相信美國人的直率并不是存心讓你大丟面子。而且你要明白美國人也不會因此而丟面子。不管怎樣,一旦你來到美國,學會入鄉(xiāng)隨俗是你必備功課。如果你不習慣,對不起,沒有辦法緩和這種直接和率真的風氣,只能說,你來到這里,習慣已經(jīng)改了。美國人正試圖敦促自己的同胞

52、更加開放和直率。從70 年代末期美國大量涌現(xiàn)的“自信培訓班”是這一趨勢的鮮明寫照。30. 美國人認為如果說話做事不直截了當就是缺乏誠意,他們不會信任那些有話不直說而專愛拐彎抹角之人。31. 在美國,人們通常給那些說話拐彎抹角的人扣上一頂“世故圓滑、不可信任”的帽子。務實和效率32. 美國人被公認是務實和講效率的。人們在做出重大決定時,往往首先便會考慮這樣做是否行之有效。美國人為自己不是很哲學化或理論化而感到自豪。如果說美國人也會承認他們尊崇一派哲學,那便只可能是實用主義哲學了。這樣做能掙錢嗎?最壞會是什么結果?我能從中得到什么?這些都是美國人在決策之前最常問的問題,而不是諸如:這樣做體面嗎?有

53、趣嗎?能推進知識的發(fā)展嗎?之類的問題。這種務實傾向使得美國人在發(fā)明創(chuàng)新上勝過其他世界各國。這種對“實用性”的熱愛也導致了美國人偏愛某些職業(yè)勝于其他職業(yè)。管理和經(jīng)濟學在美國比哲學和人類學更受歡迎,同樣法律和醫(yī)學比藝術更受重視。美國人鄙視主觀感性,偏愛理性客觀。美國人在做決定時絕對不會感情用事。他們一定會就事論事,因事而異。英譯漢 Foreigners generally consider Americans much more materialistic than Americans are likely to consider themselves. Americans would like to think that their material objects are just the “natural benefits” that result from hard work and serious intent - a reward, they think, which all people could enjoy were they as industrious and hard-working as Americans. But by any standard, Americans are materialistic. Th