DIALOG 71:MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

1--There seems to be some sort of commotion up the

street in the next block.

2--Yeah, I thought I heard shouts or screams.

1--It sounded more like shouts to me.

2--Think we should investigate?

1--I don't think that's a good idea. I don't like to get

involved in other people's quarrels--if it is a

quarrel.

2--Yeah. I know what you mean. What's that old

proverb? Something about anyone who meddles

in a quarrel not his own is like a guy who grabs a

passing dog by the ears?

1--That sounds pretty good to me. My folks always

taught me to mind my own business, and I think

that's good advice!

===================================

注解：

1）commotion：骚动；混乱。

2）scream：尖声的哭喊。

3）investigate：调查；了解。

4）got involved in：卷入。

5）proverb：谚语；格言。文中的谚语与汉语

中的“打狗不着反被狗咬”近似。

6）meddle：干预。

7）a passing dog：无主的野狗。

8）my folks：（口语）亲人；家属。通常指父母。

9）mind your own business：直译是管自己的事。译文

用反译，更合中文习惯。

===================================

译文：

1--邻街好象出了点什么乱子！

2--我似乎听到有人嚷嚷或是哭喊的声音。

1--我听着象是有人嚷嚷。

2--我们是不是去看看？

1--我看没必要。如果是吵架的话，我可不愿卷进去。

2--是的，我明白你的意思。有句谚语是怎么说来着？

什么不请自来管闲事儿好似去抓狗耳朵。

1--这谚语说得不错。我父母总是教我少管别人的闲事。

这是一条很有用的劝告。