#130 Different Communication Styles 1

Key Word

bum out: sad or discouraged

Everybody was totally bummed out because I was not there.

play favorites: give preferable treatment to someone or something one likes or favors more than others 편애하다.

Sarah always thought her boss played favorites and that she was always chosen for the great tasks.

 

widened one’s horizons: increase the range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or experience

This trip to the Far East has widened our horizons.

 

have faith in: believe that (someone or something) deserves to be trusted

He would have not suggested that if he had not had faith in her.

a pain in the neck: someone or something that is annoying or difficult to deal with. 다루기 어려운 사람 혹은 물건. 목에 가시 같은 존재.

This tax form is a pain in the neck.

now you’re talking: saying the right things; used to tell someone that you agree very much with what they are saying. 바로 그거야

A: Wow, now that you mention it, it was just a cultural misunderstanding. 
B: Now you’re talking!

Dialogue

A: Sean, did you hear what happened to Sarah?

B: No, what happened?

 

A: Her boss asked her to move to the Tech Support Team. Since then, she’s been so bummed out.

B: Why is she bummed out?

 

A: Think about it! Why would your boss want to transfer you to another division unless you’re a pain in his neck? Sarah always thought her boss played favorites and that she was always chosen for the great tasks.
B: Are you serious? I think it’s all a misunderstanding. Isn’t her boss from the States?

 

A: Yes, I think he’s from Seattle.

B: Her boss wants to give her a great opportunity to widen her horizons by experiencing something different. He wouldn’t have suggested that if he hadn’t had faith in her.

 

A: Hmm, what makes you say that?

B: Try to look at it from his point of view. In his culture, people generally change jobs within the same industry because it gives them a broader base of experience. They view a job change as a way of promoting themselves to a better position. Her boss is trying to do her a favor. do somebody a favor: 호의를 베풀다.

 

A: Wow, now that you mention it, it was just a cultural misunderstanding. 너가 말해주니, 이건 문화적 오해였구나.

B: Now you’re talking! 내 말이 그거야!

 

Feedback

Original: In China, if you stay at a restaurant for a long time, if you take a seat for a long time in the restaurant, such as more than 3 hours, then the owner of the restaurant then gives you free dim sum and it means please get out of here.

Better: In China, if you stat at a restaurant for more than three hours, the owner will give you free dim sum, which indicates you should leave.

 

Original:  In my case, my former boss played favorites, so someone couldn't do any work for long time because he didn't like them.

Better: In my case, my former boss played favorites, so one of my previous colleagues couldn't do any work for a long time because he didn't like him.

 

Original: That's why I like trip.

Better: That's why I like going on trips.