English communication habits and expressions

British people wear Scottish skirts (close-up)

Say hello and chat often. I like to start with the weather or introduce a dialogue.

After attending a friend's party, I usually send a card to express my gratitude.

On formal occasions, in order to show the status of a gentleman and a lady, a man should stand up.

Eat steak from the left side of steak.

When using a knife and fork, don't put your wrist under the table, that is, the person opposite should be able to see your wrist. Compared with China, the traffic is on the left. Drivers will give way to pedestrians, but not always. Most people consciously obey public order. Queue at railway stations or subway stations, bus stations, banks, post offices and other places when waiting for services. By the ATM, people will consciously keep a reasonable distance from those who use the machine. On the escalator, stand on the right and let others pass. Say "please" when making a request, and say "thank you" after receiving help or service, no matter how trivial it is. You should inform your friends in advance before you visit them. Uninvited guests can be annoying. Avoid calling other people's homes after 10 pm. Calling after 1 1 in the afternoon is likely to be regarded as an emergency by the British. Ask permission before using the owner's phone and discuss how to pay the phone bill. Smoking indoors may not be accepted by the host. If you really want to smoke, it will be considered polite to ask the host first. At a banquet in China, guests will leave quickly after the last course. In British culture, it is considered polite to stay for social conversation. Therefore, the party may last for several hours. It is particularly important to note that if you are invited to the host's house for dinner, it is very impolite to leave as soon as you finish eating. Table manners It is polite to eat quietly and finish what is on your plate. Leftover food may mean that guests don't like it. Put the fork on the plate and the knife beside it, indicating that you have finished eating. If you are still eating, spread the knife and fork on the plate. English people like to chat while eating. But it's hard to talk and eat at the same time. It is impolite to open your mouth when eating, even if you are talking. The trick is: eat and talk alternately; Put only a small amount of food in your mouth. If you have to open your mouth wide, cover it with one hand. Food People don't eat all parts of animals, such as heads, feet and some organs. They may be shocked to see China people eat every part. Potatoes have replaced rice as the main carbohydrate in British food. If you are not used to eating potatoes with meals, don't be shy about asking for rice. Habits and hobbies seem to have different standards. People don't like chemicals, but they use chemicals without washing the detergent off the dishes. Do-it-yourself (D.I.Y) and gardening are many British hobbies, because the British labor force is very expensive. If the owners spend a lot of time in their gardens, they may be proud of it. Therefore, praising their garden is a good start for further conversation. Making friends usually, British people don't like being too close, and think it is superficial and insincere. Too much enthusiasm and attention will make them feel strange and uncomfortable. So it does take some time to establish friendship with them. Privacy is very important to the British. Personal problems, or topics such as marriage, love relationship, finance and health. It should be avoided unless the other person is a good friend. Bars are social centers where British people like to get together with friends. ② These differences should be paid attention to by translators when translating, and improper translation will lead to some unnecessary misunderstandings. In this process, the translator should play the role of a good bridge. Let's take a look at the cultural differences between China and Britain and their translation. First of all, greetings to each country are different. For example, some China hosts greet foreign guests at the airport and say, "Welcome, welcome, it's a difficult journey." We can't literally translate it as: welcome. You must be tired all the way, right? In the habit of English thinking, it is a word of concern rather than a greeting to people with tired faces. According to the English custom, you can say: You have had a long trip. Or did you fly for a long time? There is also such a compliment in Chinese: "You are still in good health at such a big age." English-speaking countries have no similar expression habits. In their culture, people dare not directly say that each other is old. You are old, but you still look healthy. "This not only didn't show the slightest concern for greetings, but made others feel that you thought he was old and immortal. This will offend others. You look great. Or you look great. Between familiar friends, you can say: You are in good health. Secondly, in written terms, "dear governor ..." or "dear minister ..." is usually not translated as "dear governor" or "dear minister". "Ladies and gentlemen, friends. "Chinese sounds natural, but in English habits," friends "usually come before ladies and gentlemen: dear friends, ladies and gentlemen. Third, communication idioms should be natural, appropriate and polite, otherwise they will sound blunt, rude and even misunderstood. The following are translations of some typical idioms: 1. On occasions such as visits or talks, we often hear people in China say, "Please give us more valuable advice. "Please give us your valuable advice. Here's the problem: your point of view should be valuable, and please don't speak if it's not valuable. The correct translation is: "Please give us your opinion. Or "We welcome your comments". 2. "Ok, let's call it a day?" A blunt and sudden sentence: well, shall we call it a day? Idiom: Thank you ... Shall we call it a day? 3. "Today's food is not good, please forgive me." In the eyes of English-speaking countries, this self-deprecating and polite statement seems far-fetched, and guests always want to eat well. Otherwise, since the food is not delicious, why treat? Forgive me for eating bad food today. If you start saying this sentence at dinner, English should say: Have a good appetite, or enjoy yourself. If you say this after dinner, you should say: I hope you have a good time. This is in line with this situation. 4. "This is just a small gift, no respect". This is a polite expression in China. Sometimes gifts are not "small gifts". The thinking habit of British and American people is: this is a gift specially prepared for you, I hope you like it. So this sentence might as well say: this is a gift for your memory. I hope you like it. 5. "How much do you earn every month?" This is probably the most taboo personal question. Too sensitive. If you don't want to express this idea, turn the problem into an indirect one, not a personal one. If the other person is a sales manager, you can say: How much does the sales manager earn a year? In interpreting, apart from paying attention to these differences, English, as a language, is rich in oral idioms, which we can't understand literally. For example, "If you have time tonight, we can go to the movies together." "Well, I'll play it by ear!" Play it by ear-"play with your ears"? Don't! The original English meaning of playing it by ear here is: decide something. You need it now, not before, so the meaning here can be understood as: "If you are free tonight, you can go to the movies with us." "Let's talk about it then!" Some words can't stay in the literal meaning, but should dig deep meaning. For example, when there is a child's wife/husband in English, this word cannot be literally understood as "the child's wife/husband", but its exact meaning should be "an old lady with fewer wives/husbands". There is also this sentence: this machine is the last word in technical skills. The last word is not easy to understand, which means: the last sentence, the final decision … but here should be: the latest form, the most advanced variety. This machine is a new achievement in technology. When we understand idioms, we should not only understand their literal meaning, but also understand their customary expressions. What shall we have for lunch? Fish, pork, steak, or bread? " B: "Go ahead!" Here, the word name is used as a verb: name, specify. In Chinese, we can understand the whole sentence as: "Just say it!" Or "You name one!" Instead of translating it into: "Go ahead!" Although there is this meaning in English, it is a bit awkward in Chinese. (3) Rich cultural background and relevant professional knowledge help translators improvise. But a solid language foundation is the key. Therefore, it is necessary to accumulate relevant professional knowledge in the usual study and strengthen the training of interpretation, so as to be comfortable in on-site interpretation. British custom

The first impression given by the British is often reserved. Generally do not take the initiative to talk to people, feelings are not exposed, rarely excited. Speak softly, you can restrain yourself.

It's hard to know an Englishman. They never talk about personal matters. However, the British are not lacking in human feelings. English people are very modest and humorous.

Etiquette custom

Meeting: British people usually shake hands when they meet for the first time. Except for men and women in love, most people walk without holding hands. British people don't like others to interfere in their private lives.

When you visit an Englishman, you must knock at the door before you can go in. Gentlemen should take off their hats when entering the room, but women don't have to take off their hats indoors.

The topic that British people often talk about in daily life is the weather, which is often the first topic.

Ladies first, gentlemanly demeanor: In Britain, respecting women is an important aspect of showing gentlemanly demeanor. Ladies first is a well-known code of conduct.

Toilet and go to "100": The original meaning of the word toilet is a place to wash hands or faces, but its practical meaning is toilet. When the British go to the toilet, they don't simply say "go to the toilet". If you want to go to the toilet, you can say "go to the men's room" or "go to the women's room", or you can say "please forgive me for a few minutes" or "I want to wash my hands" and so on. Children say "I'm going to that place" when they want to pee. Among relatives and friends, "go 100" is the most commonly used expression.

Gifts and tipping: In Britain, tipping is limited to waiters and taxi drivers. In addition to meals and fares, you have to pay110 or 1/8. You should also pay a small tip after the hotel waiter or railway porter serves you.

taboo

No congestion: British people have the habit of queuing. You can see them queuing up one after another to get on the bus, take the train or buy newspapers. Poisonous gas is disgusting.

Don't ask a woman's age: the British hate talking about a man's salary and a woman's age.

1. Black means "black". Black sheep black list black dog black tea black coffee espresso without sugar and milk II. Blue means "blue". Blue Monday is unhappy Monday yellow movie yellow movie blue blood noble blood 3. White means "white". A white room, a sterile room or a clean room. A white lie has no malicious lies. White elephants are expensive and useless. Yellow means "yellow", yellow boy gold coin, yellow dog dirty dog yellow book refers to the report published by the French government or parliament. In addition, the green hand means "inexperienced novice" and the red neck means "country guy".

Witches and wizards who took superstition as their profession appeared in Britain very early. In modern society, there are also fortune-tellers who read their palms.

First, witches and black cats

In ancient England, there were two views on witches and wizards. Some people think they can communicate with God, while others think they are ominous. Until19th century and the beginning of this century, if strange things happened in the village, especially the dead, the villagers would know that witches were at work, and sometimes they would go to search for witches and kill innocent women. Similar incidents no longer occur in modern Britain, but related things have been passed down. Witchhunt's phrase "witch hunting" enters politics, which means that great politicians destroy dissidents. The legendary witch is often accompanied by a black cat. Until now, some people think that black cats are the main killers. It is said that the black cat was changed by a witch. A cat has nine lives, which means that if you kill a black cat, she can change eight times.

Second, auspicious horseshoes

Horseshoe is thought to bring good luck. But back to its origin, opinions vary. Some primitive people worship male genitalia and think it has the magic power to bring good luck. Some people think that horseshoes are shaped like new moons, which represent new life, so they are auspicious. According to the old Irish legend, Jesus was born in a stable, so horseshoes also have magical power. If someone finds a horseshoe, people think it will bring good luck.

Three. Numbers and dates

13 is considered unlucky. Avoid 13 guests when entertaining guests. 13 does not arrange large-scale activities, and the hotel has no room 13. In 13, a traitor, Jesus and 12 disciples had their last supper. There are different opinions about 7, and now most people think it can bring good luck, so they have the saying of lucky 7. Others think Friday is unlucky. If it is 13 again, it is even more inappropriate. The reason is that Good Friday is Friday.

Fourth, trivial matters of life.

1, touch wood

English people (and many westerners) will touch wood, touch a wooden table or chair, and say "touch wood" or "knock on wood". For example, "I haven't been sick for five years" and "I'm sure I can pass this exam", and then get in the dark, otherwise he will get sick or fail. "The reason for touching wood is that Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross, so wood represents the cross or Jesus himself. Touching the wood shows gratitude to Jesus and asks for his blessing.

Step 2 sneeze

In Britain, if someone sneezes, the person next to him will say "God bless you". /kloc-In Europe in the 0/4th century, the "Black Death" prevailed and countless people died. One of the symptoms of illness is sneezing. Anyone who sneezes can get the disease. So people who sneeze will say "God bless me" and others will say "God bless you".

3. Don't cross your hands.

When friends say goodbye, they can't cross the hands of two others to shake hands with a fourth person. It is said that this will lead to misfortune. Maybe it's because the arms of four people just form a cross.

4. Don't light a cigarette for a third person.

When friends who smoke together, you can't light three cigarettes at a time, but you should change a match after lighting two cigarettes or put out the lighter before lighting. Otherwise it will bring misfortune to a third party. It is said that during World War I, three soldiers of the Allies smoked in the trenches at night, and one of them lit a cigarette for the other two soldiers. Because of the long time, the third person became the target of the enemy.

5. Change your teeth and watch the meteor

When children change their teeth, adults will teach them to throw their deciduous teeth from the top of their left shoulder to the back, and at the same time acquiesce in a wish. If you can't find the thrown tooth, your wish will come true. Similarly, there is a meteor in the night sky, so make a wish quickly. If you think of this wish before the meteor falls, it will come true.

Step 6 sprinkle salt

If you spill salt in England, you will have an argument or break up with your friends. In ancient Greece and Rome, salt was rare. The word salary comes from this. Jesus encouraged his disciples: "You are the light of the world, and you are the salt of the world." So salt is valuable. But there are solutions to salt. "Sprinkle some salt from the left shoulder to the back, and the ominous will be lifted."

7. Touch the glass

Some British people think that it will bring misfortune if the knife and fork touch the water glass and don't stop while eating. So when eating in an English home, try to avoid the collision of knives and forks. If there is, pinch it with your hand to stop it, lest the owner mind.

8.tides

Britain is an island country. Since ancient times, coastal residents have associated the ebb and flow of tides with fate. People along the coast think that rising will bring good luck and falling will bring misfortune.

9. mirrors and shutters

Among the older generation of British people, some people think that breaking a mirror indicates the death of the family, or seven years of misfortune. Since ancient times, many nationalities have believed that God's will can be seen in the mirror. If you break the mirror, you won't let that person see the future. If there is a funeral at home, some people will turn the mirror over and face the wall. They think that if they see a dead person in the mirror, they will die soon. Also, if the blinds suddenly don't close, some people will think that there will be a funeral at home. Because the custom of mourning is to pull down the blinds and keep the room dark to show mourning.

Five, astrology

Western astrology divides the ecliptic of the sun into 12 segments according to different constellations, which are called the zodiac. According to the date of birth, under the influence of different constellations, everyone has constellations such as Aries and Taurus. The fate of a star determines a person's character and temperament, and also determines a person's fate. Who invented the umbrella? There are many different opinions on this issue. Some people say that the Egyptians first used umbrellas. As early as BC 1200, Egyptian nobles often asked slaves to hold umbrellas for them when they went out to travel. The Romans used umbrellas to keep out the sun in the Mediterranean. In China, the umbrella was invented by Luban's wife in BC 1000. Umbrellas are called "movable houses".

In Britain, umbrellas began to be used in the18th century. Baina Han Wei (17 12- 1786) is a pioneer in using umbrellas and has made important contributions to the popularization of umbrellas. When he appeared in the street with an umbrella, passers-by stared at him with derisive eyes and children threw stones at him. Gentlemen hate this kind of thing and call it "a stick in a woman's petticoat"

Umbrella used to be a special product for women, indicating women's attitude towards love. Hold up your umbrella to show your loyalty to love; Holding an open umbrella in his left hand means "I have no free time now". Shake the umbrella slowly to show no confidence or distrust; Put an umbrella on your right shoulder to show that you don't want to see you again.