英语流行话题听力:Unit94 美国总统和中国筷子

[00:00.11] Unit 94 US Presidents and Chinese Chopsticks Ever since Richard Nixon first visited China in 1972, every successive US President has visited China. [00:15.38] Learning to use chopsticks ha been an important lesson for all of them, because it is not only a part of eastern culture, [00:23.31] but also a political art, a" small trick" to show of and win the host's pleasure. [00:30.16] So, in his visit to China in June, 1998, Bill Clinton as also learn how to use chopsticks so as to be able to show off at the state banquet in Beijing. [00:43.15] Nixon had set the example to American Presidents to pay attention to the art of using chopsticks which was also a conversation topic at the state banquet during his visit. [00:55.12] This, just like the shots of Nixon drinking Maotai, was televised throughout the world. [01:01.39] From then on all American Presidents visiting China have tried their best to sow off their skill in using chopsticks. [01:10.51] At the 1972 banquet, Premier Zhou Enlai noticed the dexterity with which President Nixon used the chopsticks and praised him and Mrs. Nixon for their first class skill. [01:24.33] Mrs. Nixon immediately seized upon the topic and even let out the" secret" that they had been practicing using chopsticks in the White House for their visit to China. [01:35.44] For half a year the Nixons had been using chopsticks instead of knifes and forks for their meals. [01:42.25] Nothing gave the Nixons more delight than to be praised by their host for their skill in using chopsticks. [01:49.32] The success and prestige of a statesman is fully proved when he is praised by his host for immersing himself into the culture of the country he is visiting. [02:00.51] Trifling as the technique of using chopsticks may appear, it takes much time and hard work for a westerner to master it if he does not want to make mistakes. [02:11.45] President Nixon had taken the matter very seriously. [02:15.30] He had inquired from the President of Pakistan about what kind chopsticks were used at state banquet in Beijing and how many courses there usually were, [02:26.23] and then he started to seriously practice with similar chopsticks. [02:31.35] The two countries had not established diplomatic relations when Nixon first visited China so his visit was not an official state visit, [02:40.54] nevertheless he was careful with every single minor detail. [02:45.28] Later US Presidents visiting China followed his example and paid special attention to minor details.

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