空英06/12,13,14/03
6/12,6/13,6/14
When Giving a Compliment?
We all enjoy receiving compliments. But sometimes compliments don't come
across the way they're meant-especially between people from different cultures.
How should you compliment Westerners? The most important thing is to be
sincere. don't praise them too highly. Otherwise, they may think you're just
buttering them up!
Here are some dos and don'ts for complimenting Westerners.
Complimenting People on How They Look
When complimenting people on their appearance, Westerners usually only com-
ment on things people can change. For example, it's OK to compliment someone's
outfit or hairstyle. But Westerners rarely say to someone they don't know well,
"You're so beautiful!"
Situation 1
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Renee's Canadian friend, Kelly, just got a new haircut. Renee thinks it
looks good on Kelly.
Rennee:Kelly, I like your haircut! It's very flattering.
Kelly:Thanks! I wasn't sure if I would look good with short hair.
Renne:Well, it looks great on you.
Kelly:Thank you.
Situation 2
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Renne notices that Kelly is wearing a new outfit.
Renne:Kelly, that's a nice outfit.
Kelly:Thank you.
Renne:That shade looks good on you. It brings out the blue in your eyes.
Kelly:Thanks. My sister helped me pick it out.
Situation 3
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Renee notice Kelly is wearing new glasses.
Renne:Kelly, are those new glasses?
Kelly:Yes. What do you think?
Renne:I like them! The frames are really cute on you.
Complimenting People on Their Skills
If a foreigner says something simple in Chinese, such as "你好," don't say,
"Wow, you're amazing!" That person will think you're laying it on a little
thick. Instead, find something specific to praise. And make sure your com-
pliment is sincere, not exaggerated.
Situation 4
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Ryan's Australian friend, Luke, is learning Chinese.Ryan notice that Luke's
Chinese is really improving.
Ryan:Luke, I'm impressed by your Chinese.
Luke:Oh, you're just saying that. Chinese people are always so encouraging when
foreigners speak Chinese! Even if our Chinese is awful.
Ryan:No, really. Your pronunciation is excellent. And your tones are good, too.
Luke:Really?
Ryan:Yes, I mean it.
Luke:Wow! Well, thanks.
A Job Well Done
What if you want to compliment someone on something they did well? Again,
be specific and sincere in your praise.
Situation 5
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Luke has invited Ryan over for an Australian dinner.
Ryan:Wow, Luke, dinner really smells great! It's making my mouth water.(takes
his first bite) Mmm, and it tastes as good as it smells. I like the spices
in this dish!
Luke:Thanks, Ryan. I'm glad you like it!
Situation 6
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Renne has just finished decorating her new, very small apartment.
Kelly:Wow, Renee, I love what you've done with your apartment!
Renee:Really? Thanks.
Kelly:Yes. The colors really go well together. And you were creative in making
use of this small space.
Remee:Thanks. It's already starting to feel like home!
And What If the Tables Are Turned?
Do you know appropriate ways to respond if someone compliments you? Well,
in Western cultures, the best response is often a simple "thank you." It can be
considered rude to tell the person you disagree. The person who complimented
you might feel like you're saying he has poor judgment! Or he might even think
you're fishing for more compliments.
Situation 7
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At the train station, Ryan helps Kelly, who got lost.
Kelly:Thanks so much for your help. Your English is excellent!
Ryan:Thank you. I really enjoy learning English. And it's nice to be able to
use it to help people.
Kelly:Well, I'm so glad you came to my rescue. I appreciate your help.
Receiveing Compliments About Someone Close to You
If a Westerner compliments your girlfriend, boyfriend or family member,it's
best not to disagree with the compliment. To a Westerner. that might sound like
you're dishonoring your loved one.
It's OK to agree with the compliment, too. A Westerner won't think you're
bragging.
Situation8
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Jeff, a Canadian teacher, is talking with Mrs. Wang, a student's parent.
Jeff:I enjoy having your son in class. He's a very smart boy and always well-
behaved.
Mrs. Wang:Well, thank you, Jeff. But please do let me know if you have any por-
blems with him.
Jeff:Thanks, I will. But so far he's really been delightful.
Word Bank:
come across (idom) 被理解
I was just joking. But my joke came across as an insult and now Bobs mad at
me!
butter someone up (idom) 以花言巧語討好；奉承
Why are you being so nice to me today, Gary? Are you just buttering me up?
flattering (adj) 討人喜歡的；使穿戴者看起來很迷人的
Those pants look good on you, Tracy. They're very flattering.
shade (n) 色彩
I don't like to wear that color. I prefer to wear darker shades.
lay it on thick (idiom) 言過其實
Don't lay it on too thick, Ellie. I know my Chinese isn't that great.
exaggerate (v) 誇大；誇張
Stop exaggerating, Becky. You just have a cold; you aren't dying.
make someone's mouth water (idiom) 使某人垂涎欲滴
The pies you're baking smell so good. They're making my mouth water!
make use of something (v phr) 利用某事
My parents spent a lot of money on my new computer. So I'd better make good
use of it.
turn the tables (idiom) 情形顛倒；扭轉形勢
You always complain about your teacher. How would you feel if she turned
the tables and complained about you?
fish for complments (idiom) 求取讚賞
Don't keep saying your English is poor. Your English is great! I think
you're just fishing for compliments!
dishonor (v) 侮辱；不尊重
My brother dishonored my father by saying bad things about him.
well-behaved (adj phr) 守規矩的；行為端正的
I like to take care of my sister's children. They're very well-behaved.
More Information:
bring out something (idiom) 襯托出
That color really brings out the red in your hair.
tone (n) 聲調
Mandarin has four tones; Cantonese has more.
呼....好長喔...終於打完了...>"<
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