(一) 知识概要 ?
由于英语国家的语言习惯与中国的语言习惯有许多不同之处,所以造成了许多同学在做选择或书写,或与人交谈中造成误用中国方式来对英语的问句作解答。例如一个小女孩十分好看,可爱,外国人见到时会讲: You are so beautiful? 这时的答语应该是 Thank you? 如果外国人发现你的英语不错,他们会讲: Your English is very good? 这时中国人常常会说:不,我说的不好。这纯是一种礼貌的答语,但是不符合英语习惯。它正确的答语应是 Thank you? 虽然交际英语有一些规律可讲,但更重要的是学习外国的生活习惯,了解他们的文化背景,历史渊源,这样才能真正的学好一门外语。??
(二) 正误辨析 ?
[误] - What can I do for you??
- Yes, please help me? ?
[正] - What can I do for you??
- I'd like to buy a sweater? ?
[析] What can I do for you? 这一问语实际上用于的情景很多,要根据具体情况而定。如在商店中售货员讲这句话应译为:您想要点什么?在其他场合也可以被译为:我能为您做些什么?它的答语应是直接讲出想让对方提供的帮助。?
[误] - Which colour do you like??
- Sorry, I don't like? ?
[正] - Which colour do you like??
- I prefer blue? ?
[析] 由 which 来提问的问句是要回答具体的选择,而不能泛指,泛泛的回答。如 Yes, I like it??
[误] Do you like to come with us tonight? ?
[正] Would you like to come with us tonight? ?
[析] Do you like … 问的是对方的习惯,如: Do you like swimming? Do you like collecting stamps? 而 would you like … 则是一次性的邀请、提议。邀请的英语表达法还有如下几种:?
Shall we go? 我们走吧!?
Let's go? 让我们走吧!?
How about having a cup of tea? 喝杯茶如何??
What about a cup of coffee? 喝杯咖啡如何??
Why not buy it? 为什么不买呢??
其肯定答语一般为Certainly, Yes, O.K. All right, With pleasure??
[误] Sorry, I've kept you waiting??
Not at all? ?
[正] Sorry, I've kept you waiting??
Never mind? ?
[析] "介意不介意"这一问法与答语在中英文中有所不同。如:?
- Do you mind my smoking here??- _________ ?
A. Yes, do it please??
B. No, of course not??
C. Yes, take it please??
D. No, you can't take it??
