美国文化口语-车辆

STEVE: How did you get around over there? Did you rent cars?
ALLEN: No, that would be too expensive. We used the train system.We bought a special pass called a Eurail pass.
It lets people use the train wherever they want, as often as they want.
STEVE: I've heard about Eurail passes.So those Europeans really depend on trains a lot.
ALLEN: Yes, they do. I wish we Americans had a better train system.
STEVE: I know. Our train system is lousy.And besides, Americans love their cars too much.
ALLEN: I agree. And probably the automobile¹ companies are too powerful.They never allowed the government to develop trains.
STEVE: It's too bad for the environment. So much pollution from cars.
ALLEN: Americans love cars for different reasons, I think.One reason is that we are very individualistic.And cars are a very individual way of getting around.Americans like the freedom of driving around by themselves.They don't want to ride in a train or bus with a group of people.
STEVE: Yes, I agree. I think it is a cultural characteristic.It would be very hard to get us Americans to change this.But you know what? Probably, in the future, Americans will have to change.
ALLEN: Why do you say "have to"?
STEVE: Because the earth's environment can't tolerate² cars forever.I think cars are already causing global warming.When the problem gets more serious, world governments will have to start limiting car use.
ALLEN: Maybe you're right. They will have to develop alternative transportation.But it will be hard in America. Too many people are used to cars.Even in our movies cars are very important.
STEVE: Wow! I didn't notice the time.It's almost noon. I have to get home.
ALLEN: Do you want me to give you a ride?
STEVE: No, no problem. I have my car in the parking ramp³ around the corner.
ALLEN: Alright.Well, I'll stay here and have another coffee. Nice running into you.
STEVE: See you around.
史提夫：在那里你怎么样到处逛？租车子吗？
艾伦：没有，那太贵了，我们搭火车。我们买了一种特殊的“欧铁通行证”。可以让人随时想去哪儿就去哪儿。
史提夫：我听说过“欧铁通行证”。那么欧洲人很依赖火车了？
艾伦：是的，但愿我们美国能有更好的铁路系统。
史提夫：我知道，我们的铁路系统糟透了。除此之外，美国人太爱开车。
艾伦：我同意。也许汽车公司太强势。它们绝不允许政府开发铁路。
史提夫：这对环境很糟糕，汽车制造很多污染。
艾伦：我想美国人喜欢开车有不同的理由，其中之一是非常个人主义。而开车是很个人化的行动方式，美国人喜欢自己开车到处走的自由。他们不喜欢和一大群人一块儿搭火车或公车。
史提夫：我同意，这是文化特质。要我们美国人改变是很困难的。但是你知道吗，或许将来美国人不得不改变。
艾伦：为什么你说“不得不”呢？
史提夫：因为地球环境无法永远容忍汽车。汽车已经引起全球温室效应。当问题更严重时，全世界的政府都必须开始限制车辆的使用。
艾伦：也许你说得对，它们必须开发其他的交通工具。但是在美国很困难，太多人都习惯开车。甚至在电影中，汽车也很重要。
史提夫：哇！我没注意到时间。快中午了，我必须回家。
艾伦：要我开车送你吗？
史提夫：没关系，我的车就停在转角的停车坡路上。
艾伦：好的。我要待在这里再喝杯咖啡，很高兴碰到你。
史提夫：回头见。

1 automobile   

n.汽车，机动车

参考例句：

• He is repairing the brake lever of an automobile.他正在修理汽车的刹车杆。
• The automobile slowed down to go around the curves in the road.汽车在路上转弯时放慢了速度。

2 tolerate   

v.忍受，容忍，容许，宽恕；vt.容忍，忍受，容许

参考例句：

• She can tolerate that rude fellow.她能容忍那个粗鲁的家伙。
• The teacher cannot tolerate eating on the class.老师不容许在课堂上吃东西。

3 ramp   

n.暴怒，斜坡，坡道；vi.作恐吓姿势，暴怒，加速；vt.加速

参考例句：

• That driver drove the car up the ramp.那司机将车开上了斜坡。
• The factory don't have that capacity to ramp up.这家工厂没有能力加速生产。