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Dos and Don’ts in America ―美国文化点滴
Living in a different culture sometimes can be stressful. The term “Culture Shock” is often used to describe a person’s excitement, confusion, frustration, and eventual adaptation when getting into a new culture from his home culture. “Culture” includes many aspects, which can range from things as small as the way people drink coffee in the morning, to how they design their houses, and to things as big as their perceptions on the world―their philosophies. Today, let’s chat a bit about my experience living in America. We are not going to touch anything big, such as the Western Philosophy, which should be saved for your philosophy professors. Instead, we’ll talk about a few small things, some of which are good to do and some are not when you arrive in America or some other western countries. They are listed below in an ascending order of importance.
Do shave every morning―Make yourself look fresh and sharp; that first impression may knock the door to success right open for you. (This one is mainly for my fellow men readers:)
Don’t talk loudly in a restaurant―People go to restaurants to enjoy the environment, food, and their company, so do you; let them enjoy so that you can enjoy at the same time.
Do pick up after your dog―Dogs are men’s (also women’s) best friend, as people always say, but they could be a bit difficult to take care of at certain times. I know―I picked up after DD for 14 years.
Don’t use your cell phone while visiting a professional office―try not to use your cell phone in a doctor’s office or hospital. People go to these places because they feel sick or because of other private reasons, and you are there probably for one of the same reasons. Everybody needs a quiet moment at that particular time, in that particular place.
Do show gratitude to people who serve you―“Thank you” is expected when people have done something for you. But, in many situations, a tip is also expected, such as taxi drivers, airport porters, and the person who delivers your Chinese food to your door. A waiter would expect a tip of 20 percent of the dinner check for his good service and about 15 percent for lunch. If you are not sure how much to tip, multiply the tax on the check by 2 and add a little bit more―that’ll probably do it.
Don’t pinch that baby’s lovely face―Everybody’s baby is precious; “admire but no touch” is the general rule when dealing with these adorable and dainty dolls.
Do try to be apologetic with strangers―The world is getting crowded, and people bump into one another more often these days than before. An “excuse me” or “I’m sorry” acknowledges that we have to live together in this limited space and we’d better be nice to each other.
Don’t ever use the word “fat” to describe a woman’s weight―When I first came to America, I visited a local family with a professor from Beijing. The young daughter of the host family came out to greet us, a lovely plump young girl. The professor patted the girl on the shoulder and said “you are such a pretty little fat girl.” The girl never came back that evening.
Do Wait for Your Turn―It is a way of life that everyone waits for his turn to get what he wants. We often call it “first come, first served.” Whether it is buying Starbuck’s coffee, paying for groceries, or getting rescued during a sea wreck, just stay in the line and wait for your turn. You will get there pretty soon.
Don’t come out of the car when you are stopped by a police officer―Traffic stops turn up a large number of fugitive criminals each year. To make sure that the officer knows you are a good guy who has just violated a minor traffic rule, stay put in the car, keep your hands where the officer can see them, and try not to have an attitude. Who knows, maybe you won’t get a ticket.
Above all, DO SMILE when meeting or talking to people―The universal gesture of friendliness is a big smile. Pleasant people are liked in all cultures. Keep that convincing smile of yours, and you’ll notice how nice other people are.
解释：
Culture Shock―文化冲击。
Professional offices―专业办公室，包括医生、律师、会计等。
Check―吃饭的账单叫Check; 有时也用Bill, 如 Dinner Bill。
Multiply Tax by 2― 一般美国的餐饮税为7% 左右，所以将税乘以2再加一点，差不多等于20% 。
Plump―丰满。
Sea wreck―海难，轮船失事。
Fugitive criminal―在逃犯。
Have an attitude―耍态度。
Ticket―在公路上警察给的Traffic Ticket 是法庭传票，事后由当地法官对当事人审理量刑。泊车时的 Parking Ticket 是罚单，上面写着罚款数目。
One more thing before letting you go: Try to smile even when you are answering the phone―you sound better on the other end! I hope you have enjoyed today’s column. Drop me a line when you have a question. Till next time, see you at .