爱华网"Please pass the turkey and dressing." What does this simplerequest make you think about? If you are an American, you thinkabout Thanksgiving. A turkey dinner symbolizes Thanksgiving forAmericans. What does Thanksgiving remind Americans of? Theirfamilies. Thanksgiving is a family time. On this holiday, familiesgather to gobble up the gobbler and stuff themselves with stuffing.Family members enjoy watching parades and football games on TV andjust being together. What does "family" mean to Americans?
「请将火鸡与配料递给我。」这个简单的请求令你想起什么？如果你是美国人，你会想到感恩节。对美国人而言，火鸡大餐象征感恩节。感恩节提醒了美国人哪些事情呢？--他们的家人。感恩节是家人聚集的时间，在这个节日，家人聚在一起对着火鸡以及鸡腹中的调味材料大快朵颐；家人享受一起看游行、看足球比赛的电视转播以及同聚的时光。到底家庭对于美国人的意义是什么？
The traditional American family is a "nuclear family." A nuclearfamily refers to a husband and wife and their children. The averageAmerican family today has two or three children (and maybe a fewpets). In some cultures, people live close to their extendedfamily. Several generations may even live together. In America,only in a few cases does more than one household live under oneroof.
传统的美国家庭被称为「核心家庭」。核心家庭包含了先生、太太和小孩子，今日美国的一般家庭有二个或三个小孩（或者再加上几只宠物）。在一些文化里，大家庭住在一起，甚至好几代的人同住。在美国，只有极少的情况下才会有超过一个家庭同住一个屋檐下。
American values receive a warm welcome in the home. Many homesare run like a democracy. Each family member can have a say. Asense of equality often exists in American homes. Instead offearing Mom and Dad, children may think of them as good friends.Husbands and wives often share household chores. In many cases, achild can enjoy privacy in his or her own bedroom. From an earlyage, children gain responsibility in handling money. They mayreceive a weekly allowance or even work part-time jobs. Oftenparents give children freedom to make their own decisions.Preschoolers choose what clothes to wear or which toys to buy.Young adults generally make their own choices about what career topursue and whom to marry.
美国人看重对家人回家时热诚的欢迎。许多家庭用民主政治般的方式来治理，家中每个人都有发言权利，公平观念广泛存在于美国的家庭当中；除了敬畏之情外，孩子们也将父母亲当成好朋友，夫妇经常彼此共同分担家务；许多家庭的孩子在自己的卧室内享有隐私权；孩子们在很小的时候便有理财的责任，他们可能每个礼拜会有零用钱或是出去打工；父母亲常会给孩子们自己做决定的自由，学龄前的孩子可以自己选择穿什衣服或买什么玩具，青年人则可自由选择职业及结婚的对象。
Families in America, like those in every culture, face manyproblems. Social pressures are breaking apart more and moreAmerican homes. Over half of U.S. marriages now end in divorce.More than one in four American children are growing up insingle-parent homes. As a result, many people believe the Americanfamily is in trouble.
正如许多其它文化一样，美国的家庭也面对许多问题。社会的压力正将愈来愈多的美国家庭解体。现在，超过半数以上的婚姻在美国是以离婚做结束；每四个小孩中就有超过一位是由单亲养育长大的，它的结果是造成了许多人相信美国家庭有麻烦了。
Even so, there is still reason for hope. Many organizations areworking hard to strengthen families. Americans almost unanimouslybelieve that the family is one of the most important parts of life.The vast majority also feel that the traditional two-parent familyis best for children. They realize that problems in family life inrecent years have brought about serious consequences. As a result,more and more people are making their family a priority. Many womenare quitting their jobs to stay home with their children. Familiesare going on vacations and outings together. Husbands and wives aremaking a concentrated effort to keep their marriages solid.
即使如此，还是有盼望。许多机构正努力巩固家庭。几乎所有的美国人都相信家庭是生命中最重要的一部份。大多数人也认为传统双亲式的家庭对小孩子是最好的。他们明白近来家庭生活的问题，已带来了许多严重的结果。所以，愈来愈多的人将家庭视为第一优先。许多妇女辞去工作在家陪孩子。全家人一起渡假或出去玩，丈夫与妻子一起集中心力使婚姻稳固。
The United Nations has declared 1994 the "International Year ofthe Family." Not just in America, but all over the world, peoplerecognize the importance of strong families. How do you strengthenthe family bond? Do special things for each other. Talk to eachother. Play together. Spend time together. Oh, and one more thing:be thankful for each other. If you have a family, every day shouldbe Thanksgiving.
联合国已宣布一九九四年为国际家庭年。不止是在美国，全世界的人都明白一个稳固的家庭的重要性。你如何坚固你的家庭呢？为彼此做些特别的事情，一起聊天，一起玩，花时间在一起。喔！还有一件事情：对彼此怀着感恩之心，如果你有家庭，每天都应是感恩节。
Meet Mitsuaki. He recently arrived in the United States to enteruniversity. He wants to do well in his studies and adjust to thenew culture. But Mitsuaki has a problem. It's not his roommates.It's not his school fees. It's not even his English ability.Mitsuaki's problem is that he doesn't have a car. And in America,that really makes him a foreigner. Mitsuaki has already discovereda basic fact of American culture: Driving is a way of life.
介绍你认识三和木，他最近刚到美国上大学。他的目标是想把书读好并且让自己能够适应这个新的文化。但三和木却遇到了一个问题。问题不是室友，不是学费，甚至不是他的英文能力，三和木的问题是没有车。在美国，没有车真的会让他成了一个十足的外国人。三和木已经发现了美国文化中一个很基本的事实：开车是一种生活方式。
It's not that there's no public transportation in America. Manycities have taxis, buses and subways to help commuters get to andfrom work. Some large universities even have buses to take studentsto classes across campus. But most people find it much moreconvenient to drive, even if they do have to deal with traffic.Nowadays busy families often have more than one vehicle. Manypeople view their car as a status symbol. But no matter theirsocial status, people without wheels feel tied down.
美国不是没有大众运输工具，很多都市都有出租车、公车和地下铁帮助通车族上下班。有些规模大的大学甚至有公车在校园里载送学生到各个教室上课。不过大部份的人还是觉得开车更方便，即使他们得面对交通拥挤的问题。现今忙碌的家庭通常拥有一辆以上的车。很多人把车子视为地位的象征，但是不管他们的社会地位如何，没有车的人往往觉得很受束缚。.
When Mitsuaki first arrived, he was amazed at how young manyAmerican drivers there were. Young people in America often gettheir driver's license around age 16 by passing a written test anda driving test. In many cases, before they can get their license,they have to take a driver education course. This course givesstudents hands-on practice with driving. It also helps to reducethe high cost of insurance. For teenagers, being able to drive--andin some cases, have their own car--is a big deal. It gives them asense of power and freedom. Many young Americans consider adriver's license a right, not a privilege. It's rare to find anAmerican teenager without one.
当三和木刚抵达美国时，他很惊讶美国许多开车的人年纪实在很轻。美国的年轻人通常在16岁左右就会通过笔试和路考，取得驾照。很多时候在他们取得驾照之前，他们必须上一个驾驶人教育课程，这个课程提供给学生们实际的驾驶练习，它也有助于降低高额的保险费。对青少年来说，能够开车，甚至拥有一辆自己的车是一件了不起的事，因为它带给他们一种权力与自由的感觉。很多美国的年轻人把驾照视为一种权利，而不是一项特权。在美国要找到一个没有驾照的青少年是很不容易的。
Mitsuaki finally decides that he needs a car. His host familyhelps him find a good used car to buy. But before he gets hislicense and starts driving, he has to understand that the Americanstyle of driving is defensive, not offensive. He also needs tolearn some of the basic rules of the road that good driversfollow.
10 Commandments of Good Driving in America:
1. Yield to vehicles who have the right of way.
2. Don't cut in front of other vehicles.
3. Drive within the speed limit.
4. Obey all road signs and police officers.
5. Pull over to the side of the road when you hear a siren.
6. Stop completely at red lights and stop signs.
7. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
8. Park only in a designated parking space.
9. Use your turn signals when turning or changing lanes.
10. Don't drink and drive.
三和木最后终于决定他需要一辆车，他的寄宿家庭帮助他找到了一辆好的二手车。但是在他拿到驾照并且开始开车之前，他必须先了解，美国人的开车方式是属于防守型，而不是进攻型。他也需要学习一些好的驾驶人应该遵守的基本道路规则。
在美国优良驾驶的十大诫命：
1. 礼让有先行权的车子。
2. 不超车。
3. 行车不超速。
4. 遵守所有的路标和交通警察的指挥。
5. 听到警笛声时，立即靠边停车。
6. 遇到红灯和停止标志时要完全停下来。
7. 在行人穿越道上要礼让行人。
8. 只能在指定的停车地区内停车。
9. 转弯或换车道时要打方向灯。
10. 不要酒后驾车。
As a car owner, Mitsuaki has the responsibility of maintaininghis car. He knows that regular maintenance checkups can help toprevent many serious problems. But no matter how careful themaintenance, all vehicles need to be repaired sometimes. ManyAmericans take their cars to a garage for maintenance and repairs.Others like to work on their own vehicles. Not Mitsuaki. He decidesthat being a student is enough work for him.
身为一个车主，三和木必须负责维修他的车子，他知道定期作保养检查可以预防许多严重的问题发生。不过，不管多么小心地保养，所有的车子有时候都必须修理。很多美国人把他们的车子送到车厂保养和修理；有些人则喜欢自己动手修车。但三和木可不这么做。他觉得当一个学生已经够他忙的了。
Driving is to Americans what flying is to birds. It's almost partof their nature. For many Americans, being behind the wheel is liketheir natural habitat. But if they don't drive carefully, they canbecome an endangered species.
开车对美国人的必要性，就像鸟儿需要飞翔一样，几乎就是他们天性的一部份。对许多美国人而言，「坐在方向盘后面」就像是他们自然栖息之处。不过，如果他们不小心开车的话，他们可就会变成濒临危险的动物了。
Christmas in America means different things to different people.To some people, Christmas means brightly wrapped packages under adecorated tree. To others, it means family reunions and a wonderfulmeal together. To Christians, it means Jesus' birthday. Christmasalso means lending a helping hand to people in need. Along with allthe hubbub of shopping for presents and sending Christmas cards,many people in America take time to help others.
在美国，圣诞节对不同的人代表了不同的意义。对某些人而言，圣诞节的意义是在布置好的圣诞树底下那些包装得色彩鲜艳的礼物。对另外一些人而言，它的意义则是家人团圆以及共享美好的一餐。对基督徒来说，它代表了耶稣的诞生。圣诞节的意义也是向需要帮助的人伸出援手。在采购礼物及寄送圣诞卡片的一阵忙乱当中，很多美国人仍会拨出时间去帮助别人。
In America and around the world, Christmas offers manyopportunities to spread "peace on earth, good will toward men." Forexample, Salvation Army bell ringers are a familiar sight to mostChristmas shoppers. They stand outside malls and stores collectingmoney for the needy. Many churches and other organizations collecttoys and clothes as Christmas gifts for poor families. Goingcaroling is another traditional way to bring cheer toneighbors--especially the elderly and people who can't get outmuch. The Christmas spirit encourages people to help each other inmany large and small ways.
在美国及全世界各地，圣诞节提供了很多传扬「平安与世，善意与人」的机会。例如，救世军的摇铃者对大多数为圣诞节购物的人们而言，是一个熟悉的景象。他们通常会站在购物中心和商店外面，为有需要的人募钱。很多教会和其它的机构会收集玩具和衣服，作为穷苦家庭的圣诞礼物。报佳音是另外一种能够将欢乐带给邻舍的传统方式，尤其是针对那些老人和无法常出门的人。圣诞节的精神鼓励人们在许多大大小小的事情上互相帮助。
The spirit of helping others isn't limited to Christmas, however.Americans help others year-round. Civic clubs such as the Lion'sClub, the Elk's Club and the Rotary Club take part in localcommunity projects. Many organizations exist just to help others.The Make a Wish Foundation gives terminally ill children a chanceto have their dream come true. Habitat for Humanity helps poorpeople build their own houses. And besides supporting worthy causeswith their money, thousands of Americans donate their time byserving as volunteers in hospitals, homeless shelters andschools.
然而，助人的精神并不只有在圣诞节才能发挥。美国人一年到头都在帮助他人。像狮子会(Lion's Club)、角鹿社(Elk'sClub)、扶轮社(RotaryClub)这样的市民会社，都参与了地方社区的计划活动。很多机构的设立就是为了要助人。许愿基金会(Make a WishFoundation)给罹患末期疾病的孩童们一个美梦成真的机会；仁爱之家(Habitat forHumanity)则帮助穷苦的人们建盖属于他们自己的房子。成千上万的美国人除了以金钱支持一些有意义的事情之外，他们也献出自己的时间在医院、流浪者之家和学校作义工服务。
Christmas in America means different things to different people.To some people, Christmas means brightly wrapped packages under adecorated tree. To others, it means family reunions and a wonderfulmeal together. To Christians, it means Jesus' birthday. Christmasalso means lending a helping hand to people in need. Along with allthe hubbub of shopping for presents and sending Christmas cards,many people in America take time to help others.
在美国，圣诞节对不同的人代表了不同的意义。对某些人而言，圣诞节的意义是在布置好的圣诞树底下那些包装得色彩鲜艳的礼物。对另外一些人而言，它的意义则是家人团圆以及共享美好的一餐。对基督徒来说，它代表了耶稣的诞生。圣诞节的意义也是向需要帮助的人伸出援手。在采购礼物及寄送圣诞卡片的一阵忙乱当中，很多美国人仍会拨出时间去帮助别人。
In America and around the world, Christmas offers manyopportunities to spread "peace on earth, good will toward men." Forexample, Salvation Army bell ringers are a familiar sight to mostChristmas shoppers. They stand outside malls and stores collectingmoney for the needy. Many churches and other organizations collecttoys and clothes as Christmas gifts for poor families. Goingcaroling is another traditional way to bring cheer toneighbors--especially the elderly and people who can't get outmuch. The Christmas spirit encourages people to help each other inmany large and small ways.
在美国及全世界各地，圣诞节提供了很多传扬「平安与世，善意与人」的机会。例如，救世军的摇铃者对大多数为圣诞节购物的人们而言，是一个熟悉的景象。他们通常会站在购物中心和商店外面，为有需要的人募钱。很多教会和其它的机构会收集玩具和衣服，作为穷苦家庭的圣诞礼物。报佳音是另外一种能够将欢乐带给邻舍的传统方式，尤其是针对那些老人和无法常出门的人。圣诞节的精神鼓励人们在许多大大小小的事情上互相帮助。
The spirit of helping others isn't limited to Christmas, however.Americans help others year-round. Civic clubs such as the Lion'sClub, the Elk's Club and the Rotary Club take part in localcommunity projects. Many organizations exist just to help others.The Make a Wish Foundation gives terminally ill children a chanceto have their dream come true. Habitat for Humanity helps poorpeople build their own houses. And besides supporting worthy causeswith their money, thousands of Americans donate their time byserving as volunteers in hospitals, homeless shelters andschools.
然而，助人的精神并不只有在圣诞节才能发挥。美国人一年到头都在帮助他人。像狮子会(Lion's Club)、角鹿社(Elk'sClub)、扶轮社(RotaryClub)这样的市民会社，都参与了地方社区的计划活动。很多机构的设立就是为了要助人。许愿基金会(Make a WishFoundation)给罹患末期疾病的孩童们一个美梦成真的机会；仁爱之家(Habitat forHumanity)则帮助穷苦的人们建盖属于他们自己的房子。成千上万的美国人除了以金钱支持一些有意义的事情之外，他们也献出自己的时间在医院、流浪者之家和学校作义工服务。
"Of the people, by the people, and for the people." That's howAbraham Lincoln described the American government in his GettysburgAddress. These simple phrases capture the essence of Americandemocracy. Instead of ruling over U.S. citizens, the government isruled by them. Elected officials are known as public servants whorepresent their constituents. Americans can get involved ingovernment by voting, by writing letters to their representativesand even by organizing peaceful demonstrations to make their voicesheard. Each American citizen has a vested interest in how he or sheis governed. Former President Theodore Roosevelt expressed theAmerican view of government well: "The government is us."
「民有、民治、民享」，这是亚伯拉罕．林肯在盖茨堡演说时，描绘的美国政府。这简短的几个字道出了美国民主的真谛。美国政府不是统治人民而是受人民所统治。民选的官员被认为是人民的公仆，他们代表的是他们的选民。美国人可经由投票，向他们的代表陈情、甚至于组织和平的示威活动，来发表心声，参与政事。每一个美国公民都有一份保护自身利益的权利与义务，来决定他们的政府该如何执政，前总统泰迪．罗斯福深刻地表达了美国人对政府的看法：「政府就是我们。」
At first glance, it might seem that the U.S. president, as"leader of the free world," is the "ruler" of America. OnInauguration Day, the swearing in of President Bill Clinton for hissecond term will reflect the pomp and circumstance of a coronationceremony, with dignitaries from around the world in attendance.Even as far back as George Washington, who once rejected asuggestion to become "King of America," people have sought toascribe far-reaching powers to the president. But the Constitutionensures that the president will not become an all-powerfulruler.
乍看之下，身为「自由世界领袖」的美国总统似乎是美国的「统治者」。在就职日，来自世界各地达官显要的出席，使柯林顿总统的第二任就职宣誓仪式，如同国王加冕典礼一般的华丽与隆重。即使远朔自华盛顿总统，他曾经拒绝了成为「美国国王」的建议，人们还是想要把无比的权力赋予总统。但是美国宪法确保了总统不会成为一个集权的统治者。
The U.S. government, as outlined by the Constitution, is dividedinto three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. Thelegislative branch passes the laws, the executive enforces the lawsand the judicial interprets the laws. The legislative branch iscomprised of the two houses of Congress, the Senate and the Houseof Representatives. Thanks to CNN, C/SPAN and the nightly news,many lawmakers have almost become celebrities in their own right.The executive branch is represented by the president, who is calledthe chief executive or chief of state. Besides that, as commanderin chief of the armed forces, the president carries more than alittle clout in world affairs. The judicial branch is made up ofthe Supreme Court and about 100 other federal courts. The nineSupreme Court justices hold office for life.
美国宪法概略的将政府分为三部份：立法部门、行政部门及司法部门。立法部门通过法律：行政部门执行法律而司法部门诠释法律。立法部门由国会的参议院及众议院所组成。承蒙CNN及C/SPAN和夜间新闻之抬爱，这些议员们都因个人的论调、举止成了名人。行政部门由总统代表，他被称为最高行政长官、或是国家元首。除此之外，身为三军司令，美国总统在世界局势所有的影响力也是不小的。司法部门是由最高法院及大约100个其它的联邦法院所组成。九位最高法院的法官是终身职。
In order to prevent any one branch of government from becomingmore powerful than the other two, the Constitution has establisheda system of "checks and balances." For instance, when Congresspasses a bill, it must have the signature of the president in orderto become law. But even if the president rejects the bill, Congresscan override his veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both theHouse and the Senate. The Supreme Court, as final arbiter of theConstitution, can overturn legislative acts or executive orders ifit finds them to be unconstitutional. In this way, the powers ofgovernment are balanced, or held in check.
为避免任何一个部门的权力大过其它两个部门，宪法设立了一套「制衡」制度。例如，当国会通过一个法案，它必须由总统签署后才能成为法律。但即使总统否决了这个法案，国会可以透过参、众两院三分之二的票数同意而不顾他的否决。身为宪法最后仲裁者的最高法院，如果发现法令或是行政命令违宪，可以将其推翻。如此，政府的权力就可以被制衡了。
In many countries, power rests with a strong centralizedgovernment. In contrast, under the American federal system, thenational government shares its power with the state governments.The federal government possesses only those powers clearlydelineated in the Constitution; all remaining powers are reservedfor the states.
在许多国家，权力集中于中央政府。相对之下，在美国联邦制度下，国家政府与州政府分摊权力。联邦政府只拥有宪法中明确陈述的权力，其它所有的权力都保留在州政府。
The English political theorist Thomas Paine wrote in 1776,"Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; inits worst state, an intolerable one." The American government, likeevery government, has its share of thorny problems. An increasingnumber of governmental agencies and government workers has createdthe problem of bureaucracy, where a mountain of paperwork stiflesefficiency. Lobbyists make appeals to Congress on behalf of specialinterest groups. As a result, those with the biggest lobby--and themost money--tend to have the loudest voice in Washington.
英国政治理论家汤玛士．潘尼在一七七六年写道：「政府，即使在在其最好的状态，也不过是一个无可避免的恶魔；在它最坏的状态，就是一个无法忍受的恶魔。」美国政府就像每一个政府一样，也有棘手的问题。不断增加的政府机构及公务员造成了官僚政治的问题，使堆积如山的纸上作业扼杀了效率。游说者为特定利益团体向国会上诉请愿。结果，说官人数最多，即钱最多的团体，在华盛顿就有最大的声音。
Americans harbor mixed feelings about their own government. Theyrecognize the need for it, but they remain suspicious of it. Tosome Americans, the government is Big Brother, an oppressiveorganization which delights in taxing its people and meddling intheir affairs. To others, the government is a rich Uncle Sam whoprovides for the poor and protects his people from bullies at homeand abroad. But no matter how they view their government, Americanswouldn't trade it for any other on the face of the earth.
美国人对他们自己的政府怀有复杂的情感。他们知道它存在必要性，但还是对它存疑。对某些美国人来说，政府是一个压抑人民的组织，以向人民征税为乐，并干预人民隐私的「老大哥」。对其他人来说，政府是一个富有的山姆叔叔，它供养穷人并保护它的人民在国内外免受欺凌。不管他们怎样看待他们的政府，美国人都不会将它与地球上任何一个政府交换的。
"You are what you eat." Nutrition experts often use this saying topromote better eating habits. What we put in our mouths does becomea part of us. But we can look at this statement another way. Whatwe eat reflects who we are--as people and as a culture. Do you wantto understand another culture? Then you ought to find out about itsfood. Learning about American food can give us a real taste ofAmerican culture.
"你吃什么就成为什么样子"营养专家经常使用这句话来倡导更好的饮食习惯，入嘴的东西确实成为我们的一部分．但我们也可以从另一个角度来看这句话，我们所吃的反映出我们自己－－不论就人或文化而言．你想了解另一种文化吗？那么你应该去认识他们的食物．认识美国食物可以让我们得知美国文化的精髓。
