Isabella: Matthew, do you know much about body language in countries around the world?
Matthew: sure, I’ve picked up a few things from travelling around for work. Why?
I: well, I had a meeting today with a woman from Japan and she wouldn’t stop bowing! I didn’t know what to do!
M: did you bow back?
I: no, I tried to shake her hand, but her hand was so limp I was a bit offended.
M: well, Japanese businessmen and women typically bow to greet each other in Japan. She might have been offended by your strong handshake.
I: but she was in America! Shouldn’t she have known that strong handshakes in America signify confidence and respect?
M: things are different in Japan. You know, in some countries, making eye contact with others is considered rude.
I: is that why she wouldn’t look at me in the meeting?
M: I think it’s highly possible, yes.
I: the meeting really didn’t go down well at all. I think I need to read up about intercultural communication before I have another meeting with someone from another country.
M: that’s a good idea. When you don’t know much about other cultures, the simplest thing can offend someone.
I: that’s so true. It’s great that we see eye to eye on this.
伊莎贝拉: 马修，你了解世界各国的身体语言吗？
马修：当然。我工作中有很多出差的机会，了解到一些这方面的知识。怎么了？
伊：好哎，我今天参加了一个会议，会上有个日本女子总是不停地鞠躬？我不知道该怎么办！
M：哦，在日本，谈生意的人无论男女一般都会互相鞠躬致意。你握手那么用力踏很可能因此而有点不愉快。
I：但她这是在美国！难道她不知道，在美国用力握手意味着信任和尊重吗？
M：这跟日本的习俗完全不同。你知道吗，在有些国家，直视对方的眼睛被认为是无理的举动。
I：这就是她为什么在开会时一直不看我的原因吧？
M：我觉得很可能是这个缘故。
I：这次的会晤进行得非常不顺利。我想下次再出席类似这样有外国人参加的会议之前，一定要熟知一些有关跨文化交流方面的知识。
M：这是个好主意。当你对另一种文化缺乏了解的时候，即使是最简单的举止也会冒犯到别人。
I：一点没错。真高兴咱俩对这件事情看法一致。
Bow 弯腰，鞠躬
Crawl 向前爬
Kneel 跪下
Pull 拉，拔
Handshake 握手
Smile 微笑
Nod 点头
Climb 向上爬
Dive 跳水
Lean 倾斜，斜倚
|