商務禮節美語第101期:做個得體的客人

陳豪在北京的ABC美國公司工作，驚天是星期五下午，陳豪正在跟美國同事Amy聊天。

(Office ambience)

A: 陳豪，do you have any plans for the weekend?

C: 這個週末還真有活動。我們老闆夫婦請我到他們家去玩兒，我沒告訴你嗎？說實話，I am a little nervous.

A: What are you nervous about?

C: 我怕自己會有失禮的地方。唉，你給我講講，在西方，去別人家作客有什麼需要注意的吧。

A: Do you have gift for your hosts?

C: 禮物，可我不知道買什麼呀。

A: Here's what I do. I take a gift with me when I know my hosts' taste and hobbies.

C: 那要是不知道他有什麼愛好呢？

A: When I don't have a clue, I pay attention to what they like while I am there. Then I send a special gift after the visit.

C: 我怕吃不慣他們家的飯，所以準備自己帶飯去。

A: Unless you have food allergies or need to follow a special diet that would be rude. The rule is to "make do".

C: 我倒是沒有食物過敏。那要是不愛吃呢？

A: If there is something you don't like, don't let your hosts know. Have a little bit of everything to be polite but fill up on the things you like.

C: 你說得有道理，我可以每樣兒都嚐點，哪個合胃口就多吃點兒。你放心，不好吃我也不會告訴他們的。還有Amy, can I take my dog Freckles?

A: 絕對不行. Unless they invite Freckles, ask your neighbors if they could look after him.

C: 那我到他們家能看電視嗎？

A: They may ask if you want to watch television and if you have any favorite shows. 不過，要是沒人問你，那他們看什麼，你就應該跟着看什麼。

C: 他們睡覺以後我能看嗎？

A: I hate to disappoint you, but if your hosts go to bed, you should retire to your room.

C: 我要是不困呢？

A: Take something to read. It's much more courteous to read quietly in your room than to stay up with the televising blaring.

C: Amy, 我還有什麼地方需要注意嗎？

A: Don't forget when the visit is over to send a handwritten thank you note?

C: 一定要手寫嗎？我能不能寫個e-mail，表示感謝呢？

A: 絕對不行。E-mail is too impersonal.

C: 可我沒有像樣的卡片和信封呀。

A: Then buy some and take it with you along with a pen and some stamps. You can write the note before you leave their house and mail it on your way back home.

C: 我還以爲這個週末可以好好放鬆一下呢。看來我得隨時注意，做個好客人，可別鬧什麼笑話。

A: 沒錯。還有就是要enjoy yourself。