Chapter 4. Cultural Differences in Everybody Conversations（4）
5. Making telephone calls
English: when they make a call, we must tell the person who answer the call the name, company and what you will do. If the person answer is not available, you can leave a message to him. And when we receive the call, we must tell people the company’s name and ask if there is anything we can do to help.
Chinese: we just said”喂”, we don’t want to tell other our private information
Hello, this is Mary speaking. Who’s calling?
Good morning. James here
This is Toky Electronics. What can I do for ?
Stone Company. What can I do for you ?
Reception. Can I help you?
Who’s calling, please?
May I have your name, please?
Would you tell me your company’s name, please?
Just a moment, Sir
Yes, just a second.
Hold on a moment. I’ll see if he’s in
Hold the line. I’ll find out if he’s in his office.
If you do not mind waiting for a while, I’ll see if he is available.
I’m sorry he is out. May I take a message, so that he can call you?
I’m sorry he is occupied right now. Would you like to leave a message?
Thank you for calling.
Thanks and replies
In both English and Chinese there are expressions of gratitude.
E: thank you, Many thanks, thank you very much, thank you all the same, I’m really appreciative of your time, it’s very kind of you to offer help, I’m grateful for what you have done for me, I can’t thank you enough etc. English people speaks more frequently than Chinese. Even used among the family members. The reply is often used “Not at all” “don’t mention it” “you’re welcome” “it’s my pleasure” “it’s ok”
C: “谢谢” “谢谢你” “非常感谢” “万分感谢” “真不知道该怎么感谢你才好” “多谢了”“谢谢你的好意。” 而中国常用的是“没什么” “不用谢” “不客气” “没什么，这是我应该做的” “这是我的职责。”