美国人友谊观.docVIP

美国人的友谊观 Steve and Yaser first met in their chemistry class at an American university. Yaser was an international student from Jordan. He wanted to learn more about American culture and hoped that he and Steve would become good friends. At first, Steve seemed very friendly. He always greeted Yaser warmly before class. Sometimes he offered to study with Yaser. He even invited Yaser to eat lunch with him. But after the semester was over, Steve seemed more distant. The two former classmates didnt see each other very much at school. One day Yaser decided to call Steve. Steve didnt seem very interested in talking to him. Yaser was hurt by Steves change of attitude. “Steve said we were friends,” Yaser complained, “and I thought friends were friends for ever.” 史蒂夫和亚瑟第一次见面是在美国一所大学的化学课上。亚瑟是来自约旦的外国留学生。他想更多地了解美国文化，并希望能和史蒂夫成为好友。起初，史蒂夫显得很友好。上课前他总是热情地与亚瑟打招呼。有时他主动提出与亚瑟一起学习，甚至还邀请亚瑟共进午餐。但学期结束后，史蒂夫显得比较冷淡了。这两位先前的同班同学在学校不再经常见面。有一天，亚瑟决定给史蒂夫打个电话，可史蒂夫对与其交谈似乎不太感兴趣。史蒂夫态度的改变让亚瑟感到受了伤害。“史蒂夫说过我们是好朋友，”亚瑟抱怨说，“我本来以为是朋友就永远是朋友。” Yaser is a little confused. As foreigner, he doesnt understand the way American view friendship. Americans use the word friend in a very general way. They may call both casual acquaintances and close companions “friends.” These friendships are based on common interests. When the shared activity ends, the friendship may fade. Now as Steve and Yaser are no longer classmates, their “friendship has changed. In some cultures friendship means a strong life-long bond between two people. In these cultures friendships develop slowly, since they are built to last. American society is one of rapid change. Studies show that one out of five American families moves every year. American friendships develop quickly, and they may change just as quickly. People from the United States may at first seem friendly. Americans often chat easily with strangers. But American friendliness is not always an offer of true friendship. After an experience like Yasers people whove been in this country for