美國文化雙語作文

　　美國旅游 美式烹飪

　　At a local supermarket， two women push half-filled grocery carts. The ladies are good friends， but they couldn't be more different. One is a stay-at-home housewife who loves to create culinary masterpieces from scratch. The other is a training supervisor at a prestigious advertising agency. Household chores， particularly those in the kitchen， are not her idea of fun. The two ladies stop for a moment in the frozen foods section. "I'm so tired，" sighs the professional woman. "I don't know what to do about supper." Her friend suggests， "What about a microwave dinner？" The weary professional sighs， "No， I don't feel like cooking tonight."

　　在一間本地的超市里，兩位女士推著半滿的購物車。這兩位女士是好朋友，但兩人之間的差異是大得不能再大了。一位是持家的主婦，她喜歡大展廚藝，從全生的作料，一步一步創(chuàng)造佳肴杰作。另一位是在一家頗具聲望的廣告公司任職人事訓(xùn)練主管。家務(wù)瑣事，特別是廚房事，并非她樂趣所在。二位女士在冷凍食物區(qū)前停了一會兒。職業(yè)婦女嘆道：「我好累，我不知晚餐要作什么好�！顾�的朋友建議說：「何不來一頓微波爐晚餐。」這位疲憊的職業(yè)婦女又嘆道：「不，我今晚不想作飯。」

　　If you think American cooking means opening a package and tossing the contents into the microwave， think again. On the one hand， it's true that Americans thrive on cold cereal for breakfast， sandwiches for lunch and instant dinners. From busy homemakers to professional people， many Americans enjoy the convenience of prepackaged meals that can be ready to serve in 10 minutes or less. On the other hand， many Americans recognize the value of cooking skills. Parents-especially mothers-see the importance of training their children-especially daughters-in the culinary arts. Most Americans will admit that there's nothing better than a good home-cooked meal. But with cooking， as with any other skill， good results don't happen by accident.

　　假如您以為美式烹飪就是打開一個料理盒而將里頭的東西拋進微波爐加熱，那你得改變想法了。從某一方面來說，美國人以早餐的冷麥片，午餐的三明治及快餐晚餐而發(fā)育健壯，這倒是真的。從忙碌的家庭主婦到上班族，許多美國人喜歡享受事先包裝好的便餐所帶來的方便，這些速餐在不到10分鐘內(nèi)就可上桌。從另一個角度來看，許多美國人都認(rèn)同廚藝的價值。父母親——特別是媽媽看到訓(xùn)練孩子，尤其是女兒，烹飪藝術(shù)的重要性。大多數(shù)的美國人都承認(rèn)沒有什么比得上一頓自家做的餐點。而談到烹飪，一如其它的技巧，好的成果并非偶然天成的。

　　Probably every cook has his or her own cooking style. But there are some basic techniques and principles that most people follow. For example， baking is a primary method of preparing food in America. The dinner menu often has casseroles， roast meats and other baked goods. For that reason， Americans would find it next to impossible to live without an oven. American cooks give special attention to the balance of foods， too. In planning a big meal they try to include a meat， a few vegetables， some bread or pasta and often a dessert. They also like to make sure the meal is colorful. Having several different colors of food on the plate usually makes for a healthy meal.

　　大概每一位廚師都有他自己的烹飪方式。但仍有一些基本方法和原則是大多數(shù)的人遵行的。例如，烘培在美國是烹飪的一種主要方法，晚餐菜單上通常有「焗烤菜」，烤肉及其它的烘培食物。因此，美國人會覺得沒有烤箱幾乎是無法過活。美國廚師們也特別留意食物的均衡。在計劃一頓大餐時，他們會試著加入肉，幾樣蔬菜，一些面包或面食，而且通常有甜點。他們也喜歡使餐點色彩亮麗。若盤中有不同色彩的食物，通常令人覺得是健康的一餐。

　　For those who need guidance in their cooking， or for those who have just run out of ideas， recipes are lifesavers. Recipes list all the ingredients for a dish （generally in the order used）， the amount of each to use， and a description of how to put them together. Finding recipes in America is as easy as pie. Most good cooks have a shelf full of cookbooks ranging from locally published recipe collections to national bestsellers like the Betty Crocker Cookbook. Magazines devoted to home management， such as Good Housekeeping and Family Circle， are chock-full of scrumptious selections. Friends often augment their recipe collection by passing around their favorites written on cards.

　　對于那些在烹飪方面需要指導(dǎo)、或已江郎才盡的人，食譜就是救星。食譜列出做每一道菜所需要的所有材料（通常是依照使用的順序列出），每一種的用量以及如何將它們搭配的說明。在美國尋找食譜可謂易如反掌。大多數(shù)的好廚師們都有一架子的食譜，從本地出版的各式食譜到像「蓓蒂？克勞克」的全國暢銷食譜。一般理家雜志，如「好管家」及「家庭圈」都滿滿地刊載很多美味的精選食譜。朋友們經(jīng)常把自己最愛的食譜寫在卡片上，相互傳閱，來增加自己的食譜收藏。

　　For experienced cooks， true artists that they are， recipes are merely reference points. They often make adjustments as they go along， depending on the quantity of people they need to serve， the ingredients they have available and their personal taste. Some cooks use recipes very little， preferring instead to depend on their intuition as they add a pinch of this and a dash of that to create just the right flavors.

　　對于經(jīng)驗豐富的廚師，他們是真正的藝術(shù)家，食譜僅僅是作為參考，他們常常一邊做菜，一邊依照他們宴請的人數(shù)，現(xiàn)有的作料以及個人的口味，來調(diào)整食譜。有些廚師們很少參照食譜，反而比較喜歡憑自己的直覺加一點這個，加一點那個，來作出剛好的味道。

　　Of course， Americans don't have a corner on the market when it comes to good cooking. Wherever you go in the world， people love to eat. As a result， every culture and nationality has its own share of mouth-watering delicacies. And America， as a "land of immigrants，" has imported practically all varieties of cooking. Most good cooks in America are "fluent" in several cooking "dialects"： Mexican， Italian， Chinese and good old American style， just to name a few. But whatever the dialect， cooking is a language everyone understands.

　　當(dāng)然，談到好廚藝，美國人并非獨占鰲頭，無論您到世界何處，人們總是愛吃。所以，每一個文化及國家都有它特有的、令人垂涎三尺的佳肴。而美國，這個「移民之地」實際上也引進了各式的烹調(diào)。在美國大多數(shù)的名廚對于幾種烹飪「方言」都很「流利」。隨便舉幾個例子：墨西哥、意大利、中國以及傳統(tǒng)美國風(fēng)味。且不論那一種「方言」，烹飪是一種人人皆懂的語言。

　　美國旅游：美國人的孩子教育問題

　　But in raising children-as in all of life-what we do is influenced by our culture. Naturally then， American parents teach their children basic American values.

　　養(yǎng)育孩子是件傷腦筋的差事，孩子們并不是生下來就附有說明書的，而每個孩子又都不盡相同，所以有時候父母們真是挫折地扯光了頭發(fā)，還不知該怎幺辦。然而以教養(yǎng)孩子而言，就像生活中所有的事一樣，我們的行為都受文化的影響，因此，美國父母很自然地會教導(dǎo)他們的孩子基本的美國價值觀。

　　To Americans， the goal of parents is to help children stand on their own two feet. From infancy， each child may get his or her own room. As children grow， they gain more freedom to make their own choices. Teenagers choose their own forms of entertainment， as well as the friends to share them with. When they reach young adulthood， they choose their own careers and marriage partners. Of course， many young adults still seek their parents' advice and approval for the choices they make. But once they "leave the nest" at around 18 to 21 years old， they want to be on their own， not "tied to their mother's apron strings."

　　對美國人而言，教養(yǎng)的目標(biāo)在于幫助孩子們自立更生。從嬰幼兒期開始，每一個孩子都可能擁有自己的房間；隨著孩子的成長，他們有更多機會自己作決定；青少年們選擇自己喜歡的娛樂方式，以及跟什幺樣的朋友一起玩；當(dāng)他們進入了青年期之后，他們選擇自己的事業(yè)和結(jié)婚伴侶。當(dāng)然，很多的年輕人在作選擇時，還是會尋求父母的忠告和贊同，但是當(dāng)他們一旦在十八到二十一歲左右「離了巢」之后，就希望能夠獨立，不再是個離不開媽媽的孩子了。

　　The relationship between parents and children in America is very informal. American parents try to treat their children as individuals-not as extensions of themselves. They allow them to fulfill their own dreams. Americans praise and encourage their children to give them the confidence to succeed. When children become adults， their relationship with their parents becomes more like a friendship among equals. But contrary to popular belief， most adult Americans don't make their parents pay for room and board when they come to visit. Even as adults， they respect and honor their parents.

　　在美國，親子之間的關(guān)系不是那么地嚴(yán)肅，美國父母們試著將孩子視為個體，而不是他們自我的延伸，他們允許孩子去實現(xiàn)自己的夢想。美國人會贊美并鼓勵孩子以給予他們成功的信心。當(dāng)孩子長大成人之后，親子之間的關(guān)系會更像地位平等的朋友，可是與大家一向所以為的恰好相反，當(dāng)父母來訪時，大部份的美國成年人并不會要求父母付食宿費，因為就算已經(jīng)成年，他們還是很敬重父母的。

　　Most young couples with children struggle with the issue of childcare. Mothers have traditionally stayed home with their children. In recent years， though， a growing trend is to put preschoolers in a day care center so Mom can work. Many Americans have strong feelings about which type of arrangement is best. Some argue that attending a day care center can be a positive experience for children. Others insist that mothers are the best caregivers for children. A number of women are now leaving the work force to become full-time homemakers.

　　大部份有孩子的年輕夫妻們都為了養(yǎng)育孩子的問題而大傷腦筋。傳統(tǒng)上，母親們會和孩子待在家里，但是近幾年來，把孩子放在幼兒園好讓媽媽去工作的趨勢漸長。對于哪一種安排才是最好的，許多美國人都有自己強烈的主張，有些人認(rèn)為進幼兒園對孩子而言是很正向的經(jīng)歷，另一群人則堅持母親是照顧孩子的最佳人選，許多的婦女現(xiàn)在也離開工作市場成為全職的家庭主婦。母來訪時，大部份的美國成年人并不會要求父母付食宿費，因為就算已經(jīng)成年，他們還是很敬重父母的。

　　Disciplining children is another area that American parents have differing opinions about. Many parents feel that an old-fashioned spanking helps youngsters learn what "No！" means. Others prefer alternate forms of discipline. For example， "time outs" have become popular in recent years. Children in "time out" have to sit in a corner or by a wall. They can get up only when they are ready to act nicely. Older children and teenagers who break the rules may be grounded， or not allowed to go out with friends. Some of their privileges at home-like TV or telephone use-may also be taken away for a while. Although discipline isn't fun for parents or children， it's a necessary part of training.

　　訓(xùn)誡孩子是另一項引起美國父母們爭議的議題。許多父母覺得老式的責(zé)打能夠幫助年幼的孩子明白：父母說「不」就絕對禁止去做，然而某些人則較贊同其它形式的訓(xùn)誡方式。例如：「隔離法」即是近年來頗被接受的方式，被隔離的孩子必須坐在墻角或是墻邊，除非他們肯乖一點才可以起來；年紀(jì)稍大的孩子或是青少年若是違反規(guī)定，則可能受到被迫停止某項權(quán)益或是不準(zhǔn)和朋友出去的處罰，而他們在家中的某些特權(quán)，像是看電視或是打電話，也會被取消一段時間。雖然處罰對于親子雙方都不是什么有趣的事，但是它仍是訓(xùn)誡孩子時必要的一部份。

　　Being a parent is a tall order. It takes patience， love， wisdom， courage and a good sense of humor to raise children （and not lose your sanity）。 Some people are just deciding not to have children at all， since they're not sure it's worth it. But raising children means training the next generation and preserving our culture. What could be worth more than that？

　　擔(dān)任親職是必須付出極大代價的，教養(yǎng)孩子需要付出耐心、愛心、智能、勇氣以及高度的幽默感（同時不失去你明智的判斷力）。有些人根本就決定不生孩子，因為他們不確定這樣的付出值不值得，但是養(yǎng)育孩子意味著訓(xùn)練下一代并且保留我們的文化，又有什么會比這更有價值呢？

　　美國文化習(xí)俗精粹:Travel 美國旅游風(fēng)尚

　　It's summertime, and the livin'is easy. For many Americans, this is the season to travel. Why? Because school is out. Because the weather is great. And most of all, because we all deserve a break. When Americans take a break, they often head for their favorite vacation spot.

　　夏天到了，生活很愜意。對很多美國人來說，這是個旅游的季節(jié)，為什么？因為學(xué)校放假，因為天氣很好，但最重要的是，休個假是我們所應(yīng)得的。美國人休假時經(jīng)常會去他們最喜歡的渡假地點。

　　Throughout their history, Americans have been people on the move. The early immigrants had to travel to get to the New World. Once they arrived, they settled along the East Coast. But they weren't content to stay there. Explorers and traders journeyed to the unknown western territories. Later, settlers moved west to develop these new areas. As a result of this westward migration, Americans eventually occupied the whole continent-from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Even today, Americans seem unable to stay put. Research says that the average American moves every five years.

　　縱觀整個歷史，美國人一直是個遷移的民族。早期的移民者必須長途跋涉才能抵達新大陸，他們一到達就沿著東岸定居，但卻不滿于長居那地，冒險家和商人旅行至未知的西部地區(qū)。稍后，移民者也向西遷移去開發(fā)這些新地區(qū)。由于向西遷移，美國人最后占據(jù)了整塊新大陸——從大西洋到太平洋。即使到今天，美國人似乎仍然無法在一地久居。根據(jù)研究，美國人平均每五年要搬一次家。

　　Besides their habit of changing addresses, Americans are used to traveling. Some people make long-distance commutes to work daily. Their jobs may even require them to take frequent business trips. Most companies provide an annual vacation for their employees, and people often use that time to travel. Some people just visit friends or relatives in distant states. Others go on low-budget weekend excursions and stay in economy motels. Those with more expensive tastes choose luxurious resorts and hotels. Camping out in the great outdoors appeals to adventurous types. Some travel in recreational vehicles (RVs) to camp out in comfort, while others "rough it"by sleeping in tents.

　　除了搬家的習(xí)慣以外，美國人也很習(xí)慣旅行。有些人每天上下班得做長距離的通勤，工作上甚至經(jīng)常需要因公旅行。大部分的公司每年會提供年假給員工，人們通常會利用這段時間去旅行。有些人去遠(yuǎn)一點的別州拜訪朋友或親戚，有些則在周末有個經(jīng)濟的小假期，并住在花費不高的旅館里。品味較昂貴的人選擇豪華的渡假地點和飯店；絕佳的戶外露營則吸引冒險型的人。有些人開著旅行車出游，以舒適的方式露營；有些人則睡帳篷嘗試野外生活。

　　Most Americans prefer to travel within their nation's borders. Why? For one thing, it's cheaper than traveling abroad, and there's no language problem. But besides that, the vast American territory offers numerous tourist attractions. Nature lovers can enjoy beaches, mountains, canyons, lakes and a wealth of natural wonders. Major cities offer visitors a multitude of urban delights. The convenience of modern freeways, railways and airplanes makes travel in America as easy as pie.

　　大部分美國人比較喜歡在國內(nèi)旅游，為什么呢？其中一個原因是，國內(nèi)旅游比國外旅游便宜，也沒有語言不通的問題。但除此原因以外，占地極廣的美國國土提供了許多能吸引游客的地點。愛好大自然的人可以到海灘、山上、峽谷、湖泊和很多大自然奇景地區(qū)游覽。大城市也提供給游客們很多都市型態(tài)的娛樂�，F(xiàn)代高速公路、鐵路和飛機使得在美國旅行很容易。

　　Many American vacations are as unique as the people who take them. Families often plan their trips with the kids in mind. More and more "family friendly"vacation resorts offer special programs for children. History buffs seek out famous historical sites and museums. Environmentalists prefer "green vacations."These trips allow them to observe flora and fauna up-close without disturbing the sensitive balance of nature. Some people find sea cruises relaxing and refreshing. Others hit the water to go fishing, skiing or white-water rafting. Daring souls get the thrill of a lifetime on trekking expeditions and safaris in remote places from Africa to Asia.

　　很多美國假期非常特別，和參與此種假期的人一樣特別。全家出游時通常會將孩子考慮在內(nèi)，有愈來愈多「適合全家出游」的渡假地點為孩子提供特別的活動。對歷史有興趣的人會找一些著名的歷史據(jù)點和博物館。有環(huán)保意識的人喜歡「環(huán)保假期」，這樣的旅行使他們能近距離觀察動植物，并且不會擾亂了大自然敏感的生態(tài)平衡。有些人覺得海上旅游能使心情放松并感到清爽，有些人則到水邊釣魚、滑水或泛舟。膽子大的人到亞洲和非洲去探險狩獵作長途旅行，享受一輩子難得一次的刺激。

　　Americans aren't the only people in the world who travel. International business, mass communication and jet airplanes have created a world of globetrotters. People all over the world enjoy going abroad to travel. And no matter where they live, people enjoy visiting scenic spots in their own country. But being on the go makes Americans what they are: people on the move. In America, almost every-body is a tourist sometime.

　　美國人不是世上唯一愛旅行的人。國際企業(yè)、大眾傳播與噴射機創(chuàng)造了一個環(huán)游世界者的世紀(jì)。全世界的人都喜歡到海外旅游，不管住在那里，人們都喜歡去造訪自己國家內(nèi)風(fēng)景優(yōu)美的地區(qū)。不過好動的本性使美國人變成今天的模樣：成為愛遷移的人。在美國，幾乎每個人都有旅游的經(jīng)驗。

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