 |
| |
| 学英文必看 |
|
[ 2007-3-19 11:04:00 | By: molihua ] |
Countries Conducting Business in English: A Brief Beh***iour Guide
When you visit English-speaking countries or places where business is usually conducted in English, you should respect the way your hosts beh***e and respond appropriately. Here are some useful insights...
In Australia, for example, men should refrain from being too physically demonstrative with women and should refrain from winking at them. When speaking to an Australian, keep an arm's length distance as maintaining personal space is important in this culture. Apart from that, the stereotype still fits: “G'day, mate” is a popular casual greeting, particularly between individuals who are already acquainted.
The United States is a multicultural society with a wide diversity in acceptable social practices developed on racial lines. However, geography plays a part too so don't expect business contacts from New York and Houston to beh***e the same way. Generally, though, Americans tend to ***oid greetings that involve hugging and other close physical contact, except with family members and friends. For the most part, they are unreceptive to being touched during conversation and other social situations. However, the backslap is sometimes used as a sign of friendship and camaraderie. Direct eye contact conveys that you are sincere, although it should not be too intense. Certain ethnic groups may look away to show respect. Smoking is not as commonplace today as it once was and is subject to restrictions in most public places so before you smoke, ask if anyone minds, or wait to see if others smoke.
In the United Kingdom, people are notoriously undemonstrative. The ‘stiff upper lip’ is not just the stuff of fiction and emotional displays are generally frowned upon. Gestures such as backslapping and hugging are discouraged and he British do not gesticulate frantically. Firm handshakes are the norm as part of a formal introduction but may not be expected at subsequent meetings or on social occasions; a gentleman should always wait for a woman to proffer her hand before squeezing it gently. ‘How do you do?’ is a greeting, not a question. It is not to be confused with 'How are you?' which is a more or less sincere enquiry as to your well-being. This emotional detachment also explains British abhorrence of Americanisms such as ‘H***e a nice day’. The objection lies not in the sentiment itself but in its lack of sincerity. The British are polite and courteous for the most part. They expect to be treated with respect and will treat you with respect in return. A word of warning: if there is a queue, go to the back of the line and wait patiently. People routinely line up to pay for items in stores, procure tickets in movie theatres, and board public transportation so expect to be served on a “first come, first served” basis. The British deeply resent people who push ahead in line |
| 发表评论：
|
|
|
