中外文化谈：如何做个有礼貌的旅行者（上）

If you’ve done any traveling at all, you’re likely quite aware that customs and etiquette differ from one culture to another: what may be perfectly innocuous in one place may be hideously offensive in another, and vice-versa.

如果你出国旅行过，你很可能回忆道各国文化之间的风俗和礼仪差异很大：在这个国家这种风俗礼仪无伤大雅但在另一个国家却显得冒犯之极，反之亦然。

Granted, even if you haven’t traveled at all, you’re probably aware of the fact that certain types of behavior aren’t exactly acceptable in other countries: belching at the table may be a sign of gratitude in some places, but in most areas of North America and Europe, such a display will earn you a fair bit of ire.

的确，即使你从不出去旅行，你可能也明白对于某些行为而言，换个国家真的接受不了：有的国家认为在饭桌上打嗝是对一顿美味的饱餐后表达自己的赞美之意，但在北美和欧洲的大部分地区，打嗝代表忿怒之意。

Whether you plan on traveling to any of the places listed below or just doing business with a foreign client, it’s important to educate yourself on the standards of politesse and etiquette beforehand—the last thing you want to do is offend someone with any ignorant, boorish behavior. Here’s how to be polite in 16 different countries:

不管是计划到如下所列的地点去旅行还是只与外国客户谈业务，自己先了解一下礼貌和礼节标准，千万不要因对礼仪的不了解以及粗鲁的行为而冒犯人。下文是关于如何在16个国家做一名有礼貌懂礼节的旅行者的注意事项。

1. Sweden

瑞典

Keep personal distance and don’t touch people when you talk to them. Ensure proper table manners, never discuss religion or politics, and try to maintain a level of quiet dignity. Silences during conversations are not considered uncomfortable, and it’s better to be a bit quiet, rather than overly verbose. When dining out, don’t drink before the host offers a toast, and don’t get drunk.

和人说话的时，要保持一定的距离不要碰到对方。注意正确的餐桌礼仪，不要讨论宗教或政治话题，还有尽量做到有自尊。在谈话中保持沉默并不会让人感到有不舒服的感觉，适当的安静比太过啰嗦反倒好。外出就餐时，主人端上面包之前不要喝酒，而且不要喝醉。

2. Mexico

墨西哥

When meeting others, women should initiate handshakes with men, but all people should avoid making too much eye contact; that can be seen as aggressive and belligerent behavior. If sharing a meal with others, keep your elbows off the table and try to avoid burping at all costs. Keep your hands off your hips, and make sure you never make the “okay” sign with your hand: it’s vulgar.

男女见面时，女人应该主动与男人握手，但不要有太多的目光接触;总有眼神接触会被看作是积极好战的行为。如果与他人一起吃饭，不要把你的手肘放在桌子上，不要打嗝。不要把手放在臀部上，而且不要做“OK”的手势，这个手势粗俗之至。

3. Germany

德国

Much like Scandinavian people, Germans tend to be reserved and polite. Ensure that handshakes are firm, and always 、address people with Mr. or Mrs. followed by their surname (“Herr” or “Frau” if you’re confident that you’ll pronounce them well). Decent table manners are of great importance, and be sure to say “please” and “thank you” often.

德国人和斯堪的纳维亚人一样都倾向于保守和礼貌。握手时要牢牢握紧，在姓前加上先生或太太的称呼(如果你对自己的德语发音自信的话，要用德语称呼“先生”或“夫人”)。良好的餐桌礼仪非常重要，“请”和“谢谢”一定要常挂嘴边。

4. China

中国

Be generous with saying “thank you” when someone does anything from pouring you tea to offering you a gift, and if or when you receive a gift, take it with both hands. If someone makes a comment about your weight/appearance/idiosyncrasy, try not to take it as offensive: it’s merely an observation on their part.

当有人给你倒茶给你送礼物时，不要吝惜说“谢谢”，并且如果你收到礼物或当你收到礼物时，要用双手接礼物。如果有人评论你的体重/外表/特质，尽量不要视为是有冒犯之意：那只不过是对你个人外表长相和性格特质的一种表象观察印象而已。

5. Pakistan

巴基斯坦

Be sure to dress modestly (especially if you’re female), and if you go out for a meal, eat with your right hand; the left is considered unclean. Sit on your left hand if you need to, but keep it away from your food. Don’t show anyone the bottom of your shoe, and try not to touch anyone with your feet.

穿着一定要得体(尤其是女性更要注意衣着得体这点)，如果你出去吃饭，用右手吃饭;左手被认为是不洁净的。如果需要坐的话，坐在你的左手边，但左手不要碰食物。不要把脚抬起来，你的脚尽量不要碰到对方。

6. France

法国

Be sure to say “please” and “thank you” often, and always thank people for their time. If you need help at a shop, apologize to the staff for bothering them with a question, and be sure to thank them before you leave. Make sure that you chew with your mouth closed during meals, don’t speak when your mouth is full, and for goodness’ sake, don’t slurp anything!

一定要多说“请”和“谢谢”，而且总要对占用人家时间表示感谢。如果你在商店需要帮助，因问问题而打扰到店员要向店员表示歉意，在你离开之前一定要感谢店员的热心帮忙。在咀嚼食物时要闭着嘴嚼，不要在塞满满口食物时说话，拜托吃东西时不要出声!

7. Korea

韩国

Don’t be offended if a Korean woman merely nods instead of offering her hand to shake, and don’t extend yours to her. Never touch a Korean person while talking to them (unless you’re on very friendly terms), and maintain a respectable distance: personal space is rather vital. Try to avoid talking too much during meals, and offer to pay even if you know that the other party is treating you.

如果一个韩国女人只是向你点了点头而不和你握手，不要生气，也不要向她伸出手做握手的动作。和韩国人说话时不要有肢体接触的动作(除非你们的关系非常友好)，并保持一段体面的距离：个人空间相当重要。就餐时尽量不要说太多话，并且即使你知道对方请你吃饭，你也要抢着付钱。