中国网吧：形成中的大众网络接入点外文翻译.docVIP

外文翻译 Internet cafes in China: shaping e-access in a public space Material Source: EBSCO Author： A public space with distinctive sociality Computer access in public spaces is not limited to Internet cafes; libraries as well as computer business centers also provide available access to the public, even though such access in China is very limited. A common feature of such access is that they are targeted to work-related or useful tasks, rather than leisure activities (Lagran Stewart, 2003, p. 358). In contrast to this, the Internet cafe provides not only technology, but also an atmosphere conducive to recreation and entertainment. In the West, there was a tradition for people in local communities to meet to eat, drink, talk and play games in places such as taverns, pubs and cafes. Cafes in the 18th century were centers of community for informal discussion of politics, local affairs and culture, and were frequented by certain social groups. Perhaps more than traditional drinking establishments, information was central to early coffee shops (Lagran Stewart, 2003, p. 358). In China, although there has never been a real pub culture, teahouses had a reputation of such informal exchange of information, and local as well as national, economic as well as political issues were discussed in such establishments. However, such teahouses have long died out. The modern coffee shops and teahouses in urban centers in China are comparatively new and expensive business establishments whose clientele are mostly urban elite. In contrast, the Internet cafe has shown an unprecedented appeal to millions of people in a variety of communities with its fundamental role of information, communication and entertainment. To many regulars, the Internet cafe has become a third place to them, next to work sand home. The role of cafe as a third place has been theorized and written about passionately by Oldenburg (1999). Oldenburg (1999) contends that cafes are important places