U n i t F o u r
B u s i n e s s T r a v e l
Unit Objectives (单元目标)
After reading this unit, you should
understand the ways to identify the main ideas of the source text.
find ways to improve your interpreting skills and performance.
master the basic words and expressions about business travel.
know some cultural background knowledge about business travel.
Preparing
I. Interpreting Skills (口译技能)
Read the following presentation about discourse analysis and try to understand the four
speech types and know how to identify the main ideas of the source text. Then complete the
following task:
1. Listen to the passage, “ My first day in New York”, and answer the following questions:
1). When did the author first arrive in the US?
2). What did the author do on the way to his hotel?
3). Where did the author get something to eat after his friend had left?
4). Why couldn’t he have what he really wanted at the restaurant?
5). What did the author do after dinner?
2. Listen to the passage again and try to catch more details, then retell the story in your own words.
Decoding Training (II): Discourse Analysis（语篇分析）
Interpreting is to “understand and make understood”. To interpret the speech, one must first understand the message of the speech. However, comprehension（理解）of the source discourse goes beyond the simple recognition of words and linguistic structures. The interpreter shall make an analysis of the source discourse. More importantly, the interpreter shall identify（识别）the speech type and know how to identify the main ideas of the original speeches.
Identification of the Speech Types
Speeches are diversified serving different occasions and purposes. It will be of great help to the interpreters if they know the speaker’s style. In most cases, speeches are prepared beforehand. Therefore, a study of the different
types of writing helps an interpreter identify the main idea of
a given speech. Following are the basic types of writing.
1. Descriptive Writing
Descriptive（描述性的）writing involves a great deal of detailed information. A descriptive discussion aimed at providing details of an event, a scene, a procedure, or a situation. This speech type demands a thorough background investigation of the speaker and the relevant situation by the interpreter.
2. Narrative Writing
Narrative（叙述性的）writing focuses on the development of events.There is no doubt that the interpreter should be very sensitive to dates, time phrases, and verb tenses when a narrative speech is dealt with.
3. Expositive Writing
Expositive（说明性的）writing deals with its subject matter in such orders as chronological, spatial（空间的）, comparison, and definition. It would be to the advantage of the interpreter to conduct a background investigation of the speaker and the situation, for that would provide the interpreter with not only the necessary glossary(术语)but also the speaker’s standpoint（立场）.
4. Persuasive Writing
Persuasive（劝说性的）writers always want to make their arguments clear, strong and convincing. When the purpose is to convince, writers of persuasive writing mainly employ two techniques -- induction（归纳）and deduction （推论）. Inductive writing starts with specific examples or points to draw a general conclusion, while deductive writing illustrates its thesis at first and then supports and reinforces the thesis through specific examples or subordinate ideas.
Identification of the Main Ideas
In the context of interpreting, the main ideas of the source speech can be identified at the sentence level and at the discourse level. Priority should always be attached to identifying the main idea at the sentence level. We argue that identification of main ideas be done on the basis of sentences. Training in identifying the main ideas in interpreting should naturally take place first at the sentence level.
1. Sentence Level
The most important task for an interpreter to identify the main ideas at the sentence level is to discern (洞悉）the subject, verb and object (SVO). It is highly significant for the interpreter to catch the SVO of the sentence while
listening to the source text, as the SVO usually carries the major information of the sentence. For example, when listening to “The best way to carry money while traveling is to have a major credit card”, the interpreter is expected to catch “The best way is to have a credit card.”If the interpreter is able to catch the SVO of the sentence, he then will produce a complete sentence with the major information in the target language.
2. Discourse Level
There are also some skills an interpreter might employ on different occasions for grasping the gist（要点）of a speech at the discourse level. In a well-organized speech, the speaker usually explains his point in the first few sentences. Therefore, one of the ways to get the main idea of a speech is to attach priority to the beginning of the speech. Secondly, if the interpreter encounters a speech that is inductively constructed, the interpreter should, to the best of their ability, conduct a study of the speaker's background and viewpoints so that they can follow the speaker's logical guidelines.
II. Phrase Interpreting (短语口译)
Work on the following words and phrases. Interpret them into Chinese and English
respectively.
A. English to Chinese
1. Have a population of…
2. Cover an area of…
3. Date back to…
4. Have a history of…
5. Be situated in…
6. The gross domestic product
7. Dive-in restaurant 8. Quarantine certificate
9. Duration of stay 10. Residence permit
B. Chinese to English
1、日程安排
2、旅行路线
3、起飞时间
4、机场大楼
5、候机室
6、贵宾室
7、问讯处8、安全检查
9、免税店10、个人物品
III. Sentence Interpreting （句子口译）
Work on the following sentences. Interpret them into Chinese and English respectively.
A. English to Chinese
1. I believe you're going out of your way for us.做超出
所要求的范围内的事从而使自己不舒服
2. Wouldn't you like to spend an extra day or two
here?
3. I'm afraid that won't be possible, much as/though
we'd like to.
4. I wonder if it is possible to arrange shopping for us
when the visit is coming to an end。
5. I will keep you posted.
B. Chinese to English
1. 我特地为你们安排，使你们在北
京的逗留愉快。
2. 如果你们感到方便的话，我想现
在讨论一下日程安排的问题。
3. 我们的活动在晚上也安排满
了吗？
4. 我们已经很顺利地把活动日
程安排好了。
5. 这是我们为你和你的朋友拟定
的活动日程安排。请过目一下，好吗？
Performing
I. Decoding--Notes Taking （笔记记录）
Listen to the recordings of Text A. Try to catch the main ideas of the speech. Note down the
key points while you are listening. Then tell the main ideas of the speech with the help of your
notes.
II. Memorizing--Story Retelling （故事复述）
Listen to the recordings of Text A again. Try to catch more details and improve your notes.
Then retell the speech in your own words with the help of your notes.
III. Encoding--Message Reconstructing（信息重组）
Listen to the recordings of Text A paragraph by paragraph. Take notes when necessary and
start interpreting during the pauses.
Text A
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am extraordinarily happy to have witnessed this signing ceremony today because it symbolizes, for me, exactly the type of cooperation that we need, which is a cooperative endeavor which will bring in more investment and lead to more cooperation. On behalf of the foreign guests attending this workshop, let me say a most sincere “ thank you” for your warm and gracious welcome.
From the little I’ve seen in the short time when I’ve been here, I’d have to say China is a very
beautiful country and your people are very friendly. I know that I can speak for everyone when I say that, from the moment when we arrived at the airport, there have been many helpful and considerate people to take care of all the little things that make the difference between an hectic and a relaxing trip. The accommodations you have provided are very comfortable and the setting for this workshop is relaxed, yet businesslike.
We are all glad to be here to
participate in this workshop on computer technology. We’ve all read about the phenomenal success with computers in China and we’ve all seen the numbers on how healthy the industry is here, and now we get the opportunity for a closer look. I know we have a lot to learn from your experience here in China, and hope our experience will be helpful to you here too.
This is an exciting time for the computer industry worldwide, and we are excited to have the opportunity to participate in this workshop. Thank you for the invitation and the warm reception.
IV. Coordinating—Field Interpreting （现场口译）
Listen to the recordings of Text B. Take some notes when necessary and interpret the text
with the help of your notes.
Text B
Jean: H ey！Kyle, guess what!/you know what！The boss is sending me to the West Coast for a marketing seminar（市场推销研讨会）next month.
Kyle: 啊哈，你肯定很高兴。你想出差（go on a business trip）都想好几个月了。
Jean: Y eah, and he said there’ll be more coming up, so I should get a corporate card .Problem is, I don’t know how to proceed, and I didn’t want the boss to know that. Can you fill me in?
Kyle:当然了，没问题。首先去找秘书，告诉她你要去哪儿？什么时候去？她会通过我们的旅行代理，为你安排交通和酒店，并在几天内给你旅程表。同时问她要张信用卡申请表。
Jean: W ill I use the card for everything?
Kyle: 不，我们和一些主要航空公司airline和酒店都有公司信用协议（agreement /protocol）。这次旅行你也许只会用它来吃饭。但并不是所有的饭店都接受这一信用卡。你也许要付现金cash
Jean: D o I pay out of my own pocket?
Kyle:恐怕是。我们以前是预支差旅费（pay traveling expense beforehand/in advance），但自从公司使用信用卡(credit card)后，就停止了。
Jean: W ill the company reimburse (偿还、报销)everything? Kyle:不，有每日最高限额(maximum/tiptop quota)。我会给你一个表。当然私人用品(personal items/personal effects)不算在内。而且必须保留所有收据(receipts)。回来后，你必须把他们贴在报销单(expense account)上。
Stick。。。to。。。
Jean: A nything else?
Kyle: 既然你要经常飞行，去申请一张飞行积分卡(a frequent flyer card/integral card)。积累（accumulate）飞行里程(flight mileage)是商务旅行的额外补贴(perquisite/allowance)之一。到时候告诉我你是怎么带着旅行包生活的。
Packaging
I. Interpreting and Assessment （口译与评估）
Work in groups. Listen to the recordings of Text C. Take some notes while listening. Interpret
the text with the help of your notes. The other members are expected to evaluate the
interpreters’ performance with the peer’s assessment form.
Text C
下午好，以下是我们这次商务旅行的日程的简单安排：
第一天上午我们参观深圳市经济技术开发区、座谈，下午参观中国硅谷—深圳科技园，商务洽谈。第二天：请深圳市有关领导介绍深圳市招商引资和投资环境等情况及专业考察、下午参观深圳知名企业华为和康佳集团。第三天全部是游览活动，世界之窗和锦绣中华。第四天：与当地企业家进行专业座谈，然后是粤菜风味的晚宴会。
非常高兴能在整个旅程中陪伴各位, 如果大家现在或在旅行中有什么问题请随时向我提出来。
Peer's Assessment Form
1. Delivery A B C D
1.1 Is the articulation or intonation unnatural? □□□□
1.2 Are there any irritating outburst or exaggerated fillers? □□□□
1.3 Are there any excessive repairs or unfinished sentences? □□□□
1.4 Is the voice unpleasant or unconvincing? □□□□
2. Language
2.1 Are there any irritating mispronunciations? □□□□
2.2 Are there any irritating grammatical mistakes? □□□□
2.3 Are there any unidiomatic expressions? □□□□
3. Coherence
3.1 Are there any abrupt beginnings or endings? □□□□
3.2 Is the performance incoherent? □□□□
3.3 Is the message implausible or illogical? □□□□
4. Loyalty
4.1 Are there any significant omissions? □□□□
4.2 Are there any unjustified changes? □□□□
4.3 Are there any unjustified additions? □□□□
II. Feedback and Comments （反馈与评论）
After you finish the interpretation, tell your classmates and teacher how you feel about your
performance. Then the teacher will make an overall comment on your performance and give
you some suggestion.
Aims of this Unit
Student’s Feedback
Teacher’s Comments
The candidate has met the standard, knowledge and skill requirements.
Candidates: _____________________ Date ______________________
Assessor: ______________________ Date ______________________
Supplementary Exercises (补充练习)
Task I Simulation Exercises （模拟练习）
Work in groups. Role-play the following situations with your partners, acting as the Chinese
speaker, English speaker and the interpreter respectively. One group will be invited to
perform in class.
Task 2 Vocabulary Development （词汇扩展）
Read the following words and expressions. Try to keep them in mind and find more to enrich
your language bank.
A. Useful Words & Expressions
You are a businessman from UK, now come
to China to attend an important meeting.
Make a speech including:
● Thanks for the welcome ceremony
● Expressions to the purpose of this
journey
● Expectation of this business trip
● Closing
Sample sentences:
● I feel pleased to attend this meeting …
thank you for your nice welcome.
● I have beening looking forward to this
trip, and now I have been more than
rewarded.
● I’m sure my stay here will be a fruitful
and enjoyable one
● I do hope …
Mr. King, the sales representative of Universe Toy Company in London has a business meeting in China, the secretary in Chinese company discuss the itinerary with him. Try to do interpreting work. 29 March 0900 Meeting with Executive Manager 1500 Factory visit 30 March 1000 Going to Trade Fair 31 March 1000 Conference with Chinese company 1400 Shopping 1 April Conference with Chinese company 2 April Sight seeing in city
办理出/入境手续 to go through the exit/entry formalities
日程安排 schedule
旅行路线 itinerary
起飞时间 departure time
机场大楼 terminal building
航班资料显示牌 flight information board
候机室 departure lounge
贵宾室 VIP Room
问讯处 information desk
安全检查 security check
外交/公务护照 diplomatic/service passport
一次性/多次性入境签证 single-entry/multiple-entry visa
再入境签证 re-entry visa
旅行/居留签证 travel/residence visa
出境/入境/过境/访问签证 exit/entry/transit/visitor’s visa
签证有效期 validity of visa
入境日期及口岸 date and port of entry
抵达/出境日期 date of arrival/departure
卫生证明/黄皮书 quarantine certificate
居留事由/期限 purpose/duration of stay
旅行/居住证 travel/residence permit
海关 the Customs
海关关员 customs officer
关税 customs duty
填写报关单 to fill in/out the declaration form
免税/应税商品 duty-free/dutiable goods/articles
免税店 duty-free shop
个人物品 personal effects
进/出口许可证 import/export permit
照章纳税 to pay customs duty according to the regulations
行李提取处 baggage/luggage claim
行李寄存处 baggage/luggage depository
随身行李 carry-on baggage
行李牌 luggage check; baggage/luggage tag
行李手推车 luggage trolley/ handcart/pushcart
B. Sample Sentences
Inquiring about flight ? What flights are there from New York to Shanghai?
? Is there a non-stop flight to Beijing?
? What time is the plane due to arrive?
? When does the plane take off?
? How much does it does it cost to fly to London?
? Please let us know the full cost, including the overweight charge.
? How much is the fare?
? Do I have to change planes?
Booking ? Are there any vacancies
?Can I book/ have/ reserve/ keep a single room for the weekend?
?I’d like to make a reservation of a double room for 2 nights.
?I booked/ reserved a single room for tonight.
?I believe you have a room reserved/ reservation for me.
?The travel agency has arranged for a double room for me.
Specific Requirement ?I’d like a single / double room with a bath.
?Could you manage / let me have 2 doubles and 4 singles for 3 days?
?I prefer a room facing south / on the sunny side / with a balcony / with a
front view / on a higher floor / overlooking the sea for a week.
?I’ll be staying overnight only.
?There will be three people in our party.
Services ?Can I have my breakfast in my room?
?Do you have / provide room services?
?Does the hotel have a sauna?
?Is there a phone in the room?
?What sort of amusements / sundry services do you offer?
?What if I’ve got something to be sent to the laundry?
Prices ?What is the rate for a single room?
?What is the price difference between a double room and a twinroom?
?How much is a suite for two nights?
?How much do you charge for the cheapest possible twin-room?
?Is there a discount / reduction for company booking?
?Do we have to pay the full price for children?
?Does that include attendance / the use of telephone?
Checking Out ?I want to check out, please. My names is David Carson
?I’m checking out today. I’d like my bill ready this morning.
?Could I settle my bill now? I’m leaving around ten.
Task 3Cultural Salon （文化沙龙）
Read the following presentation and try to get some cultural knowledge about business
travel.
Travel Arrangements
In a large company or firm there is a department which is in charge of the travel arrangements
for the staff. In many companies, however, most of the arrangements for the boss’s travel is
usually made by the secretary. Before making the reservations, the secretary should first take the
following information into consideration:
●Departure time and date
●Places to be visited
●Duration of visit to each place
●Purpose of the visit to each places
●Scheduled appointment
●Scheduled dinner meetings, lunch meetings or breakfast meetings
●Preferences as to means of travel or accommodation
●Number and identity of people traveling
Based on the information above, a tentative itinerary should be worked out. Then follows the
action of further confirming the appointments, accommodation, transportation arrangements,
eating locations, etc. and the initial travel plan should be modified. If there is not a department
responsible for travel arrangements in a company, travel is usually arranged via a travel agency,
such as transportation bookings and accommodation reservations.
The information related to the travel itinerary include:
●Detailed information about the dates and times of arrival in each place to be visited
●Types of transportation, travel preferences, e.g. seating preference, in flight meal
preference, smoking / non-smoking and accommodation preferred.
The following information should be provided:
●Boss’s name
●Boss’ business and home mobile phone number
●Boss’s frequent for the travelers club membership details
●Method of payment for the travel arrangements and credit card details
If the boss travels abroad, the secretary should also ask the travel agency for the certificates
required, such as passport, visa, health or police certificates and how to obtain them. When
necessary, the secretary should also arrange the health and baggage insurance for the general
manger and help to collect the traveler’s checks.
The final itinerary presented to the boss should consist of all the activities concerning the travel
and the reservation receipts from the travel agency. The itinerary should at least be three copies.
One copy is for the secretary and the other two for the boss.
Task 4 Interpreting Practice (口译实践)
Work on the following sentences and text. Interpret them into Chinese and English
respectively.
A. Sentence Interpreting
1.Wherever you go, you’ll see drive-in banks, drive-in restaurants, drive-in churches and drive-in movies.
2.Drivers are expected to know and understand the local laws even if they don’t live in a particular state.
3.Australia is the world’s smallest continent and largest island, and a relatively young nation established in an ancient land.
4. A series of geological and historical accidents has made Australia one of the world’s most attractive countries from the
tourist’s viewpoint.