陈豪在北京的ABC美国公司工作。他和美国同事Amy晚上要一起参加同事James的告别晚宴,由公司北京办事处主任戴维斯主持。

(Office ambience)

A:Chen Hao, you need to be prepared for a lot of toasting tonight.

C:Toasting? 烤面包?

A:No, I am talking about honoring someone at a meal or reception by raising a glass of wine, champagne or water and offering a few kind words about that person.

C:噢,你是说祝酒啊。西方人祝酒有什么规矩吗?

A:There are two kinds of toasts. There is the informal toast that the host offers at the beginning of the meal to welcome his guests.

C:那是戴维斯的事吧。我们有什么要做的吗?

A:Mr. Davis will stand, raise his glass and thank everyone for coming. He will take a sip of his wine. Then the guests, who remain seated, raise their glasses in response and take a sip.

C:就是说我们都不用站起来,只要举起杯,然后抿一口酒就行了。那另外一种呢?

A:The other is more formal and comes near the end of the meal, usually during dessert. Champagne will be served. After each toast, everyone raises a glass and takes a sip of champagne.

C:是不是每个人都要说祝酒辞呢?

A:Not necessarily, but you will be expected to toast James since you worked closely with him.

C:幸亏你事先告诉我。不过那我该说些什么呢?

A:You could say how good James was to work with, tell a funny story about him, wish him success in his new position or use a favorite quote.

C:讲笑话是我的长项。不过我还是得赶紧去准备准备,一会餐厅见。

******

宴会结束后,陈豪和Amy一起搭出租车回家。

A:Chen Hao, Your toast was excellent and you seemed completely at ease. You obviously practiced your remarks.

C:这可得谢谢你。还有啊,幸亏你特别提醒我每次只要抿一小口,我真没想到有这么多人祝酒,不然非喝醉了不可。

A:It is acceptable etiquette to raise your water glass instead of the champagne flute. I usually just raise my glass to my lips so it appears that I am drinking when I am not.

C:怪不得,我还以为你酒量过人呢!不过Amy,我还有个问题。别人为他祝酒,James好像从来不举杯,也不喝。这样做会不会不礼貌?

A:Not at all. That was correct etiquette. You never drink to yourself. Only to other people.

C:噢,所以被别人祝酒的人自己是不喝的。幸亏被祝酒的人不是我,否则我肯定会闹笑话。

A:No you wouldn’t. I would have warned you about that.