《英语流行话题阅读:语境识词3500》Unit87:美国大学生的自由观

　　Unit 87
American Students' Sense of Freedom
American students' concern with freedom leads to two patterns of behavior that Chinese students often notice: (1) an unwillingness¹ to make social commitments an (2) vague and changing definitions in acquaintanceships, friendships, and dating relationships.
American students tend to make social commitments only at the last minute. Many Americans want to have the freedom to do what they want, when they want, in order maximize their chance of having "fun". Chinese students sometimes feel frustrated² by this. They fell personally insulted because they interpret it as a sign that the Americans are not truly interested in them. However, this behavior is often a sign of valuing personal freedom, rather than a reflection of their feelings about other people.
The Americans' vague and changing definitions about acquaintances, friendships, and romantic relationships also puzzle Chinese students. American students use the term "friend" very loosely. They do not always clearly define their dating relationships as a monogamous couple relationship, even if they are sexually active together. They might have one or more friends with whom they have sex; calling them "friends with benefits". If asked about their availability for dating, they might say they are "seeing someone", which is a vague term that can mean they are monogamously involved, casually³ dating a "friend with benefits", or regularly but not exclusively dating someone. In such instances, monogamy is not necessarily expected or desired by both of the individuals. This fluidity in relationship definitions can be very puzzling to someone from a culture that values clearly defined relationships between people.
Both under graduate and graduate American students have "parties" to socialize. The typical American party consists of people talking in small groups or pairs while drinking alcoholic⁴ beverages⁵ and perhaps snacking on some dry food or "chips and dip". Loud music may be playing. Departmental receptions and parties often feature beer or wine.
Many of the people at these parties may be strangers to each other. When invited to a party, Americans are relatively⁶ unlikely to ask, "Who will be there?" They are accustomed to meeting strangers and starting conversations with them. The parties usually do not include games or large-group interactions. So individuals must take the initiative to introduce themselves to strangers and talk with them.
Many Chinese students find these parties boring or stressful. Chinese tend to be more accustomed to dinners as a way to get together with friends or acquaintances. Few if any strangers will be at a dinner. The atmosphere may be quieter and conversations deeper than at a typical American student party.

1 unwillingness   

n. 不愿意，不情愿

参考例句：

• Her unwillingness to answer questions undermined the strength of her position. 她不愿回答问题，这不利于她所处的形势。
• His apparent unwillingness would disappear if we paid him enough. 如果我们付足了钱，他露出的那副不乐意的神情就会消失。

2 frustrated   

adj.挫败的，失意的，泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的过去式和过去分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧

参考例句：

• It's very easy to get frustrated in this job. 这个工作很容易令人懊恼。
• The bad weather frustrated all our hopes of going out. 恶劣的天气破坏了我们出行的愿望。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 casually   

adv.漠不关心地，无动于衷地，不负责任地

参考例句：

• She remarked casually that she was changing her job.她当时漫不经心地说要换工作。
• I casually mentioned that I might be interested in working abroad.我不经意地提到我可能会对出国工作感兴趣。

4 alcoholic   

adj.（含）酒精的，由酒精引起的；n.酗酒者

参考例句：

• The alcoholic strength of brandy far exceeds that of wine.白兰地的酒精浓度远远超过葡萄酒。
• Alcoholic drinks act as a poison to a child.酒精饮料对小孩犹如毒药。

5 beverages   

n.饮料( beverage的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages 控制酒类销售的法规
• regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages 含酒精饮料的销售管理条例

6 relatively   

adv.比较...地，相对地

参考例句：

• The rabbit is a relatively recent introduction in Australia.兔子是相对较新引入澳大利亚的物种。
• The operation was relatively painless.手术相对来说不痛。