|
陈豪（C）在北京的ABC美国公司工作，他在走廊上遇到了美国同事Amy（A）。 C：Amy, 你有两分钟时间吗？我有点事儿想请教你。 A：Yes, but let's step into my office so we don't disturb anyone else. What is it? C：今天，信息技术部的一个同事被老板叫去训了一顿，说他整天聊天儿。老板还说，你是来工作的，不是来社交的。 A：I agree. After all, that is what we are paid for and people who misuse company time are wasting company money. C：可是，我记得你告诉过我，应该跟同事搞好关系。 A：I did. And one of the ways to do that is to engage in small talk or "chit-chat," as we say. You need to talk to your colleagues about things other than work. C：聊工作以外的事儿？那我就更糊涂了。可老板说这是浪费工作时间啊。 A：It's not wasting time if you do it at the appropriate times. C：那什么才是合适的时间呢？ A：Basically, at the beginning of the day when everyone is getting their tea or coffee and starting to settle in; during breaks and at lunch. The end of the day is another good time to chat. C：早上上班和中午吃饭的时候还好，可下班前大家都赶着回家，根本没人理我啊。 A：Chen Hao, I know this is important, but can we talk after work? I have a project to complete before the end of the day. | 
