East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.”
At least, that’s what English writer Rudyard Kipling said. Truth is, nowadays Easterners and Westerners meet quite often. And when they do meet, naturally, they have to find an appropriate greeting. Aye, there’s the rub. What’s culturally appropriate for people in one culture may be completely out of line in another culture. So the best approach is to follow the well-known maxim, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
「東方是東方，西方是西方，兩者是不會相會的。」至少，英國短篇小說家吉普林是如此
認為。事實上，當今東方人與西方人時常碰面。當他們會面時，自然而然地必須找出一種
合適的問候方式。唉，這就麻煩了！在某個文化裡可能恰到好處的事，到另一個文化裡，就
可能過分踰矩。因此，最佳的做法就是遵守這個耳熟能詳的行事準則：「入境隨俗」。
So what’s an appropriate salutation for Americans? Maybe you already know how to say, “How are you?” You might even know the customary response, “Fine, thanks, and you?” Is that all there is to greeting people American-style? Well, Americans do often use this trite greeting, and they generally expect nothing but the standard answer. (If you want to shock an American friend, the next time he greets you this way, tell him how you’re really doing.)
那麼，對美國人而言，什麼才是適當的問候語？可能你已經懂得怎麼說「How are you?」
（你好嗎？）你甚至也知道一般常用的回答「Fine, thanks, and you?」（我很好，謝謝，
你呢？）用美國的方式來問候別人，就僅僅如此而已嗎？其實美國人的確常用這老套的
問候方式，而他們所期待的，也只是一般的標準回答。（你如果想讓你的美國朋友吃驚，
下一次他如此問候你時，你就把你真正的感覺告訴他。）
But most Americans enjoy a little variety now and then. In informal settings, you might hear Americans say, “How’s it going?” (which doesn’t mean, “What’s your destination?”) or “What’s up?” (which isn’t an inquiry about the stock market). Formal situations, on the other hand might call for expressions like “Good morning” or “Hello, it’s nice to see you.”
但是，多數的美國人偶而會喜歡有些變化。在非正式的場合裡，你可能聽到美國人說
「How's it going ?」(它不是在問「你的目的地是哪裡？」)或者是「What's up?」(它也不是
詢問股市的動態) 而在另一方面，一個正式的場合所使用的問候語，則可能是「Good morning」
（早安），或是「Hello, it is nice to see you.」（哈囉！很高興見到你。）After the initial “hello,” what kind of comments are appropriate to kick off a conversation? You might engage in small talk and make a remark about the weather, your job or current events. Or you could ask your American friend about his recent activities or his upcoming plans.
說了開場的「Hello」之後，用什麼話來適當地打開話閘子呢？你可能與對
方閒聊，提及天氣、你的工作或是時事。或者，你可以問你的美國朋友他最
近做了什麼，或是再來的計劃有哪些。
If you know that he’s been under the weather, you might ask him how he’s feeling. But don’t make use of personal comments or questions like “Boy, you’ve put on weight!”or“What are all those bumps on your face?” or “How much money did that necklace cost?”Americans might take offense at questions or comments about money or their appearance.
如果你知道他一直身體不適，你或許可以問他感覺如何。但千萬不要用牽涉個
人的評語或問題，像是：「唷！你體重又增加了！」或是「你臉上一粒一粒的
是怎麼來的？」或是「那條項練你花了多少錢？」美國人可能會對於有關金錢
以及個人外表的問題或批評，感到反感。
One other caution: In some social contexts, particularly in an office or a professional setting,greetings between the sexes should be very conservative. If you’re a man, greeting a woman with a statement like “Wow! You look beautiful today!” may be construed as a come-on. So when you’re giving a compliment, the key is to use discretion.
另一項值得注意的：在某種社交場合，尤其是在辦公室或專業場合裡，兩
性之間的問候應該非常保守。如果你是男性，而問候女性時你說：「哇！你今
天真漂亮！」這可能會被誤解為一種挑逗行為。因此，讚美他人時，仔細斟酌
非常重要。
What about overt displays of affection, like hugging and kissing? Contrary to some stereotypes, Americans don’t go around hugging and kissing everyone they meet. Of course, girls might give each other a squeeze as a friendly gesture, and in some high society circles, a little peck on the cheek is a common courtesy. But except with family members and close friends, Americans usually don’t give out wholesale hugs. Besides that, not all Americans are inveterate huggers anyway. So don’t wrap your arms around the next American you see. He or she might be just as uncomfortable as you are.
那麼，公開地表示感情，例如擁抱以及親吻，又該如何呢？美國人與一般
人所認定的典型不同，他們並不會到處擁抱、親吻遇見的每一個人。當然，女
性們可能會在見面時彼此緊抱一下以示友好；而且在某些上流社交圈裡，輕吻
對方的面頰是很普遍的禮節。但除了對家人與好友外，美國人通常不會經常隨
便擁抱他人。此外，並不是每一位美國人都習慣擁抱他人。因此，不要隨便把
手臂環住下一個你碰到的美國人。他可能會跟你一樣地不自在。
A man will usually wait for a woman to extend her hand before offering his, however. When you get a chance to shake hands with someone, make it count. People will judge you by the quality of your grip. The “cold fish” approach doesn’t usually go over very well with Americans. Oh, and another thing about handshakes: Let go. You have to know when to stop shaking the other person's hand. Usually, a second or two will do.
不過，男性則通常會等待女性主動伸出手來，才會伸手與對方握手。當你有機會與他人握手
時，記得要有誠意。人們會以你握手的品質來判斷你的人。美國人通常不歡迎「冷冰冰」的
態度。哦！握手時還要切記另一件事：要放手。你必須知道什麼時候該停止握對方的手。一
般而言，握手一、二秒鐘就夠了。
At least, that’s what English writer Rudyard Kipling said. Truth is, nowadays Easterners and Westerners meet quite often. And when they do meet, naturally, they have to find an appropriate greeting. Aye, there’s the rub. What’s culturally appropriate for people in one culture may be completely out of line in another culture. So the best approach is to follow the well-known maxim, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
「東方是東方，西方是西方，兩者是不會相會的。」至少，英國短篇小說家吉普林是如此
認為。事實上，當今東方人與西方人時常碰面。當他們會面時，自然而然地必須找出一種
合適的問候方式。唉，這就麻煩了！在某個文化裡可能恰到好處的事，到另一個文化裡，就
可能過分踰矩。因此，最佳的做法就是遵守這個耳熟能詳的行事準則：「入境隨俗」。
So what’s an appropriate salutation for Americans? Maybe you already know how to say, “How are you?” You might even know the customary response, “Fine, thanks, and you?” Is that all there is to greeting people American-style? Well, Americans do often use this trite greeting, and they generally expect nothing but the standard answer. (If you want to shock an American friend, the next time he greets you this way, tell him how you’re really doing.)
那麼，對美國人而言，什麼才是適當的問候語？可能你已經懂得怎麼說「How are you?」
（你好嗎？）你甚至也知道一般常用的回答「Fine, thanks, and you?」（我很好，謝謝，
你呢？）用美國的方式來問候別人，就僅僅如此而已嗎？其實美國人的確常用這老套的
問候方式，而他們所期待的，也只是一般的標準回答。（你如果想讓你的美國朋友吃驚，
下一次他如此問候你時，你就把你真正的感覺告訴他。）
But most Americans enjoy a little variety now and then. In informal settings, you might hear Americans say, “How’s it going?” (which doesn’t mean, “What’s your destination?”) or “What’s up?” (which isn’t an inquiry about the stock market). Formal situations, on the other hand might call for expressions like “Good morning” or “Hello, it’s nice to see you.”
但是，多數的美國人偶而會喜歡有些變化。在非正式的場合裡，你可能聽到美國人說
「How's it going ?」(它不是在問「你的目的地是哪裡？」)或者是「What's up?」(它也不是
詢問股市的動態) 而在另一方面，一個正式的場合所使用的問候語，則可能是「Good morning」
（早安），或是「Hello, it is nice to see you.」（哈囉！很高興見到你。）After the initial “hello,” what kind of comments are appropriate to kick off a conversation? You might engage in small talk and make a remark about the weather, your job or current events. Or you could ask your American friend about his recent activities or his upcoming plans.
說了開場的「Hello」之後，用什麼話來適當地打開話閘子呢？你可能與對
方閒聊，提及天氣、你的工作或是時事。或者，你可以問你的美國朋友他最
近做了什麼，或是再來的計劃有哪些。
If you know that he’s been under the weather, you might ask him how he’s feeling. But don’t make use of personal comments or questions like “Boy, you’ve put on weight!”or“What are all those bumps on your face?” or “How much money did that necklace cost?”Americans might take offense at questions or comments about money or their appearance.
如果你知道他一直身體不適，你或許可以問他感覺如何。但千萬不要用牽涉個
人的評語或問題，像是：「唷！你體重又增加了！」或是「你臉上一粒一粒的
是怎麼來的？」或是「那條項練你花了多少錢？」美國人可能會對於有關金錢
以及個人外表的問題或批評，感到反感。
One other caution: In some social contexts, particularly in an office or a professional setting,greetings between the sexes should be very conservative. If you’re a man, greeting a woman with a statement like “Wow! You look beautiful today!” may be construed as a come-on. So when you’re giving a compliment, the key is to use discretion.
另一項值得注意的：在某種社交場合，尤其是在辦公室或專業場合裡，兩
性之間的問候應該非常保守。如果你是男性，而問候女性時你說：「哇！你今
天真漂亮！」這可能會被誤解為一種挑逗行為。因此，讚美他人時，仔細斟酌
非常重要。
What about overt displays of affection, like hugging and kissing? Contrary to some stereotypes, Americans don’t go around hugging and kissing everyone they meet. Of course, girls might give each other a squeeze as a friendly gesture, and in some high society circles, a little peck on the cheek is a common courtesy. But except with family members and close friends, Americans usually don’t give out wholesale hugs. Besides that, not all Americans are inveterate huggers anyway. So don’t wrap your arms around the next American you see. He or she might be just as uncomfortable as you are.
那麼，公開地表示感情，例如擁抱以及親吻，又該如何呢？美國人與一般
人所認定的典型不同，他們並不會到處擁抱、親吻遇見的每一個人。當然，女
性們可能會在見面時彼此緊抱一下以示友好；而且在某些上流社交圈裡，輕吻
對方的面頰是很普遍的禮節。但除了對家人與好友外，美國人通常不會經常隨
便擁抱他人。此外，並不是每一位美國人都習慣擁抱他人。因此，不要隨便把
手臂環住下一個你碰到的美國人。他可能會跟你一樣地不自在。
A man will usually wait for a woman to extend her hand before offering his, however. When you get a chance to shake hands with someone, make it count. People will judge you by the quality of your grip. The “cold fish” approach doesn’t usually go over very well with Americans. Oh, and another thing about handshakes: Let go. You have to know when to stop shaking the other person's hand. Usually, a second or two will do.
不過，男性則通常會等待女性主動伸出手來，才會伸手與對方握手。當你有機會與他人握手
時，記得要有誠意。人們會以你握手的品質來判斷你的人。美國人通常不歡迎「冷冰冰」的
態度。哦！握手時還要切記另一件事：要放手。你必須知道什麼時候該停止握對方的手。一
般而言，握手一、二秒鐘就夠了。
@Word Bank
be out of line (idiom) 不合適
maxim (n) 準則；格言
salutation (n) 問候語；寒喧
trite (adj) 平凡普遍的；老套的
inquiry (n) 詢問
kick off (v phr) 開始
under the weather (idiom) 身體不適
construe (v) 解釋；推斷
discretion (n) 謹慎
discretion (n) 謹慎
overt (adj) 公然的；公開的
wholesale (adj) 大批的；不分對像的
inveterate (adj)（習慣、疾病等）根深的；積習性的
wholesale (adj) 大批的；不分對像的
inveterate (adj)（習慣、疾病等）根深的；積習性的
@The Day's Phrase
The stories behind some of your favorite snacks may surprise you
你最喜愛的點心背後的故事，可能會讓你大感訝異
你最喜愛的點心背後的故事，可能會讓你大感訝異
I can’t put it off. The boss needs that report by tomorrow morning.
我不能拖了。老闆最晚明天早上就要那份報告。
我不能拖了。老闆最晚明天早上就要那份報告。
People began writing messages in the sky many years ago
多年前就有人開始在天空留言了
多年前就有人開始在天空留言了
I can't go to dinner with you. I have work to do.
我不能跟你去吃晚餐。我有工作要做。
我不能跟你去吃晚餐。我有工作要做。
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years as Queen of Britain
英國女王伊莉莎白二世登基六十週年慶
英國女王伊莉莎白二世登基六十週年慶
You go ahead. I'll meet you later.
你先去吧。我稍後跟你會合。
你先去吧。我稍後跟你會合。
Exciting experiences await you on Japan's beautiful northern island
日本美麗的北方島嶼有著刺激興奮的體驗等待你來探索
你打電話給珍了嗎？我剛打了。
日本美麗的北方島嶼有著刺激興奮的體驗等待你來探索
Let's go and visit Bob right now. Now's a good time.
我們現在就去看鮑伯吧。現在這個時間很方便(合適)。
我們現在就去看鮑伯吧。現在這個時間很方便(合適)。
The Queen of England has stayed popular over the decades by changing with the times
英國女王隨著時代變遷而改變，數十年來持續受民眾愛戴
Did you call Jane? I just did. 英國女王隨著時代變遷而改變，數十年來持續受民眾愛戴
你打電話給珍了嗎？我剛打了。
A great gadget goes on your wrist, tips for summer road trips, and competition in the
mobile video-sharing market
來看看佩戴在手腕上的絕佳裝置，還有夏季乘車旅行的訣竅，以及行動影片分享市場的競爭
mobile video-sharing market
來看看佩戴在手腕上的絕佳裝置，還有夏季乘車旅行的訣竅，以及行動影片分享市場的競爭
Don't lose your head. Things aren't that bad.
別失去理智了。事情沒那麼糟的。
別失去理智了。事情沒那麼糟的。
It wasn't easy. I had to spend all weekend finishing it.
這可不簡單。我花了整個週末的時間才完成的。
這可不簡單。我花了整個週末的時間才完成的。
Like any tool, the Internet works best with a little training, common sense and guidance
網路就和任何工具一樣，需要一點訓練、常識和指引才能上手
網路就和任何工具一樣，需要一點訓練、常識和指引才能上手
I have to have that newspaper immediately!Why is that important?
我馬上就要那份報紙！為什麼那麼重要呢？
我馬上就要那份報紙！為什麼那麼重要呢？
Knowing what people want is the first step in creating the next great product
知道人們究竟想要什麼，是創造下一項絕佳產品的第一步
知道人們究竟想要什麼，是創造下一項絕佳產品的第一步
Okay, everything is ready. Here we go!
好了，一切準備就緒。我們上路囉！
好了，一切準備就緒。我們上路囉！
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