侃哥說:英國紳士總是以一種優雅、嚴謹的姿態示人,這種風格已經深入他們的骨髓,進而影響了他們的語言。有時候,美國人都不一定能聽懂英國人的意思。根植於紳士文化的語言現象讓我們這些母語非英語的學習者只能「靜靜地看著你裝b」...
下面給大家舉一些舉例,第一行是英國人表面上的語言,第二行是他們實際想表達的意思,最後一行是我們的理解(往往跑偏),大家可以感受一下:
【英國人說】I hear what you say.
【他們想說】I disagree and do not want to discuss it further.
【我們理解】He accepts my point of view.
【英國人說】With the greatest respect…
【他們想說】I think you are an idiot.
【我們理解】He is listening to me.
【英國人說】That’s not bad.
【他們想說】That’s good.
【我們理解】That’s poor.
【英國人說】That is a very brave proposal.
【他們想說】You are insane.
【我們理解】He thinks I have courage.
【英國人說】Quite good.
【他們想說】A bit disappointing.
【我們理解】Quite good.
【英國人說】I would suggest…
【他們想說】Do it or be prepared to justify yourself.
【我們理解】Think about the idea, but do what you like.
【英國人說】Oh, by the way…
【他們想說】The primary purpose of our discussion is…
【我們理解】It is not important.
【英國人說】I was a bit disappointed.
【他們想說】I am annoyed that…
【我們理解】It doesn’t really matter.
【英國人說】Very interesting.
【他們想說】That is clearly nonsense.
【我們理解】They are impressed.
【英國人說】I』ll bear it in mind.
【他們想說】I』ve forgotten it already.
【我們理解】They will probably do it.
【英國人說】I’m sure it’s my fault.
【他們想說】It’s your fault.
【我們理解】Why do they think it was their fault.
【英國人說】You must come for diner.
【他們想說】It’s not an invitation. I’m just being polite.
【我們理解】I』ll get an invitation soon.
【英國人說】I almost agree.
【他們想說】I don’t agree at all.
【我們理解】He is not far from agreement.
【英國人說】I only have a few minor comments.
【他們想說】Please rewrite completely.
【我們理解】He has found a few typos(拼寫錯誤).
【英國人說】Could we consider some other options.
【他們想說】I don’t like your idea at all.
【我們理解】He wants more options.
在這個意義上,我個人更喜歡美式英語的直接、乾脆,當然美式英語也有很多「不嚴謹」的陋習。Anyway,在國際化的同時,作為「國際語言」擔當的英語,也在不斷地交融、變化和發展。希望大家一遍學習語言一遍了解文化,讓自己真正通行全球。Kevin英語課堂會一直陪伴大家走在這條道路上。