很多患者找到我們後,問的不是就診看病的事,而是怎樣來美國,來了以後怎樣找住處等等問題。為此專門開一個專題,詳細介紹一下來美國看病涉及的所有細節問題。
《世界公民行為準則》
世界公民行為準則提供了16條與禮儀有關的忠告,內容包括一係列簡易可行的建議:
1. 無論您心境如何,永遠保持微笑。哪怕您身處困境、生氣憤怒、性情粗魯,微笑可以化解這一切。
You’ll never go wrong with a smile
A smile, even if you’ve got a problem, is always welcome. It’s the one worldwide equalizer. Anger, impatience, and rudeness are universal turnoffs.
2. 您可以為自己祖國自豪驕傲,但同時要體察其他國家民眾的感受,了解這是個多元文化並存的世界。
Show your pride, but respect theirs
People all around the world are fascinated by the U.S. and the lives we Americans live. They admire our openness, our optimism, our creativity, and our independent spirit. But that doesn’t mean they feel less proud of their own country and culture. Be proud of the American way, but remember, it’s not the only way.
3.無論您如何氣盛心高,言行都應該謹慎低調。自吹自擂在許多國家被視為粗魯無禮。談論財富、權力和地位,或公或私,都會引起他人不滿。
Think as big as you like, but talk and act smaller
In many countries, any form of boasting is considered very rude. Talking about wealth, power, or status–corporate or personal–can create resentment. When Americans meet each other for the first time, our job (and its implied status) is a key part of who we are and how we introduce ourselves. This is less important elsewhere and can be perceived as just boasting.
4. 嚐試說幾句所在國家的語言。即使隻是簡單問候,當地人會覺得您友善好學,而不會取笑您發音蹩腳。
It may be Greek to you, but they’ll love it
Try to speak a little of the language, even if it is only “hello” and “thank you.” It is not insulting to mispronounce a word or make a mistake. The effort will be appreciated.
5. 在外國您可以借助手勢幫助自己交流,這比用語言表達更加自然。但同一手勢在不同文化有時可能代表不同意思。
It is okay to talk with your hands if you know what they’re saying
Gestures are powerful communicators in any culture and are obviously easier to learn than language. A combination of both can help you communicate better and more quickly. But be aware that some gestures don’t mean the same thing in different cultures.
6. 本民族的諺語笑話對外國人來說可能是雞同鴨講,毫無意義,甚至有負麵不敬反效果。
Leave the slang at home
Our colloquial or slang expressions mean little or nothing in other cultures. Using them can make you seem insensitive. They are difficult to translate and may come across as gibberish or something stupid. And even casual profanity is unacceptable.
7. 身在外國與人交談,更要用心傾聽當地人講話。互相之間有問有答,彼此分享各自經曆。
Listen at least as much as you talk
By all means, talk about America and your life in our country. But also ask people you’re visiting about themselves and their way of life. Listen, and show your interest in how they compare their experiences with yours.
8. 想要高談闊論您就閉門自語。無論涉及什麽話題,理應是日常閑談而非鄭重其事,爭論對錯。應該去試著去理解外國民眾的立場觀點。
Save the lectures for your kids
Whatever your subject of discussion, let it be a discussion, not a lecture, and try to leave right and wrong out of it. Justified or not, the U.S. is seen as imposing its will on the world. Try to show a willingness to understand other viewpoints.
9. 入境隨俗。在國外談論祖國文化別人不一定有興趣。應該盡量了解當地流行文化。起碼知道幾位當地歌壇、影視和體育名星。
Think a little locally
Try to find a few topics that are important in the local popular culture. Learn a few names of pop singers, actors, TV personalities, sports heroes. Remember, most people in the world have little or no interest in the World Series or the Super Bowl. Show some interest in local sports, even if only to ask questions.
10. 在國外要放慢速度。我們平時生活節奏快。而許多國家民眾的生活方式並非緊張忙碌,辦事也不需要立竿見影。
Slow down
We talk fast, eat fast, move fast, live fast. Many cultures do not. In fact, time is understood very differently around the world. Instant solutions, immediate satisfaction, and short-term thinking are often unimportant and not respected.
11. 說話要放低聲量,放慢語速,顧忌周邊環境。聲浪過大往往被認為喜歡吹牛。說話太快則會被視為咄咄逼人。
Speak lower and slower
In conversation, match your voice level and tonality to the environment and other people. A loud voice is often perceived as bragging. A fast talker can be seen as aggressive and threatening.
12. 你信奉的宗教隻是你個人的事情,不能強求別人也跟你一樣。世界上宗教派別很多。在許多國家宗教被認為是個人私事,不宜公開討論。
Remember that your religion is your religion and not necessarily theirs
Religious worship and beliefs differ greatly around the world. Most non-Western cultures have little knowledge of the Bible and will not understand references to it. And in most other countries, religion is usually considered deeply personal, not a subject for public discussion.
13. 如果您談論政治,切勿動怒。避免就所在國的政治議題產生矛盾。即使有人攻擊您祖國的政客或政策,您的態度隻需含糊其辭,一語帶過。
If you talk politics, talk–but don’t argue
Make yourself aware of the political environment of the region, but avoid expressing opinions about local issues. Steer clear of arguments about American politics, even if someone is attacking U.S. politicians or policies. Agree to disagree.
14. 當地地圖必讀。很多人缺乏地理常識。熟悉居住當地的環境可以避免您犯一些低級錯誤。
Read a map
You may not believe that anyone could confuse “Australia” with “Austria,” but it happens. Everyone’s country is important to them. Familiarize yourself with the local geography to avoid making insulting mistakes.
15. 穿著穩重。在有些國家衣著隨便被視為不尊重別人。正裝總是好過便裝。不穿外套,不打領帶不等於可以不注重著裝。
Dress up – you can always strip down
In some countries, casual dress is a sign of disrespect. Check out what is expected. When in doubt, err on the side of attire that is more formal than casual. You can remove a jacket and tie if you’re overdressed, but you can’t make up for being too casual.
16. 在國外勿以善小而不為。盡量多花點時間了解所在國當地風土人情。
A few extra hours in their country will do a lot for yours
Few things will make a bigger or better impression in another country than your interest in that country. Try to carve out a few hours to tour the city or area you are visiting. And let your hosts suggest what you should see, so they will feel your interest firsthand.