Indirect & Direct

1. Indirect & Direct • Prelude: (a).Introduction (b) Performance (c).Paraphrase (d).End Members: 王旭丽 李慧荣 罗雪佳 马清华 白晶 黄敏

2. Introduction • 1. In writing, we Chinese always quote the proverbs to show the knowledge and the important Chinese value.But the westerners just use the direct words to express their mind. • 2.People in China always use the different ways to accept and refuse. • 3.Read the following story and enjoy the action.

3. Story • It took place in 1995 when I was in London as a Chinese visiting scholar. I encountered a young British gentleman who works for a Member of Parliament in London. We made an appointment to meet at the Houses of Parliament at lunchtime. We planned to have lunch these and he would show me around. I was very pleased about this, as it’s not easy to get the chance to see the Parliament ‘inside out’. I arrived on time and he was there waiting for me.

4. E:马清华 C：白晶 E: You’re very punctual. C: The traffic is very smooth today. E: Are you hungry? C: No, not really. (This is an automatic response, and I am telling the truth of this point.) And you? E: Not, let me show you my office first. (After touring his office) Would you like to have something to drink? C: Yes. Thank you. (We went to the bar facing the Thames and sat there talking. After about two hours of talking I was hungry, but he never mentioned lunch again.) C: How much time do you have this afternoon? E: I have to work at three o’clock. C: It’s nearly two o’clock. Will you show me around? E: All right. (He did very well as a tourist guide. And just before three, we finished touring. He saw me off at the gate.) C: Thank you very much for your time. It’s been a lovely afternoon.

5. Puzzle • On my way home, I was wondering why he didn’t invite me to lunch since our appointment was to have lunch first, then tour the Parliament. What mistake did I make? • I have made so many implications to him and in China he should treat me!

6. Paraphrase When he asked me: “Are you hungry?” I took it as a question instead of an invitation. That was my mistake. The real meaning is “Do you want lunch?” But, as a Chinese lady, I hate to say: “Yes, I am hungry.” What should I have said to avoid the misunderstanding? I could have said, “Not really, later perhaps.” What was his mistake? He didn’t understand the Chinese way of accepting an invitation, which needs more than one offer. He interpreted my reply to be “I don’t want to have lunch.” Actually, while we were talking, I expected him to mention our lunch after we finished our drinks. Since he didn’t mention it, how could I? I’m Chinese.

7. Extending In thinking patterns : Chinese people like to deduce the fact.(reasons -- result) American people like to induce the fact.(result -- reasons) Because of the different culture, it will be easy to produce misunderstanding.

8. Questions