Language Point 1
Does this mean that French men seeking work with the Disney organization must shave off their moustaches too? (Para. 3)
Meaning: Does this mean that French men who want to work with the Disney organization must also remove their moustaches? Generally speaking, French people prefer to wear mustaches while the Americans not. In the following part you may find that employees in Euro Disney are required to shave off their moustaches just to add an American touch to the theme park. And this is a cultural clash brought about by Euro Disney.
Language Point 2
…French men seeking work with the Disney organization must shave off their moustaches too? (Para. 3)
shave off:
1) remove (a thin covering, esp. hair) with sth. sharp
Shave off the top branches of that bush. 把那棵灌木的顶枝修剪掉。
2) reduce the amount of sth.
The new high speed train will shave 25 minutes off the journey time. 新的高速火车会使旅途的时间减少25分钟。
Language Point 3
It depends. (Para. 4)
Meaning: It hasn't been decided yet.
Language Point 4
A labor inspector took the Disney organization to court this week, contending that the company's dress and appearance code — which bans moustaches, beards, excess weight, short skirts and fancy stockings — offends individual liberty and violates French labor law. (Para. 5)
Meaning: A labor inspector forced the Disney organization to answer charges in a court of law this week. The inspector stated that the company's rules — according to which its employees are not allowed to have moustaches or beards, their body weight should not exceed its standards and they are not allowed to wear short skirts and fancy stockings — disregard individual liberty and fail to comply with French labor law.
Language Point 5
A labor inspector took the Disney organization to court…(Para. 5)
take sb. to court: force sb. to answer charges in a court of law
She's decided to take the manager of the company to court. 她决定对这家公司的经理提起诉讼。
Language Point 6
…contending that the company's dress and appearance code…(Para. 5)
contend: v.
1) state as the truth
The lawyer contended (that) her client had never been near the scene of the crime. 律师声称她的委托人从未走近过犯罪现场。
The police contended that the man was in the area at the time of the robbery. 警察声称那人在抢劫案发生时在该地区。
2) compete against sb. in order to gain sth.
There are three world-class tennis players contending for this title. 有三位世界级的网球选手争夺这项冠军。
Language Point 7
… which bans moustaches, beards, excess weight, … (Para. 5)
ban: v. forbid, esp. officially
The bill bans any invasion of sovereign territory, air space and maritime zones. 这个议案禁止对主权国家领土、领空、领海的任何形式的侵略。
Meetings of more than five people were banned in the western area. 在西部地区禁止举行五人以上的集会。
The civil rights march was banned because they were proposing to march through areas that would provoke serious riots. 争取公民权利的游行示威被禁止了，因为示威者打算穿过那些可能引发严重骚乱的地区。
Language Point 8
… which bans moustaches, beards, excess weight, … (Para. 5)
excess: a. & n. (an amount which is) more than acceptable, expected or reasonable
We seem to be carrying excess supplies, but they would be necessary in case of emergency. 我们似乎带的东西太多了，可是情况紧急时，它们会派上用场。
Because our suitcases were so heavy we had to pay excess luggage. 由于箱子太重，我们不得不交超重运费。
An excess of enthusiasm is not always a good thing. 过分热情并不总是一件好事。
He was spending in excess of his income. 他的花费超过了收入。
Language Point 9
…contending that the company's dress and appearance code…(Para. 5)
code: n. a set of rules which are accepted as general principles, or a set of written rules which state how people in a particular organization or country should behave
From next month on, clinics will be subject to a new code of conduct. 从下月起，诊所将遵守新的行为规范。
The objective is to draft a code of practice and collect data on the health of workers. 目标是起草一个作业规范，并收集关于工人健康的数据。
a code of behavior 行为规范
Language Point 10
…offends individual liberty and violates French labor law. (Para. 5)
offend: v. seem bad or unpleasant to sb.; make sb. angry or upset; do sth. that is a crime
He apologized to her for having offended her visitors. 他因为冒犯了她的客人而向她道歉。
I hope you won't be offended if I don't finish this cake. 我如果吃不完这块蛋糕，希望你不要生气。
Some music offends, rather than pleases, the ear. 有些音乐听上去不是悦耳而是刺耳。
Language Point 11
…offends individual liberty and violates French labor law. (Para. 5)
violate: v. break or act against (esp. a law, agreement, principle, etc., or sth. that should be treated with respect)
Before the recent revision of Article 92, state-financed support, in whatever form, violated the principle of free competition. 在条例第92条最近被修改之前，政府的财政支持，无论以任何形式出现，都违反了自由竞争的原则。
The construction of the building violated fire rules /regulations. 那幢大楼的建造违反了消防准则/规章。
Language Point 12
The case is an illustration of some of the delicate cultural issues the company faces…(Para. 6)
Meaning: This case provides a good example of some of the cultural issues the company is now faced with and these issues need to be treated carefully or sensitively in order to avoid causing offence or failure…
Language Point 13
The case is an illustration of some of the delicate cultural issues the company faces…(Para. 6)
illustration: n.
1) a story, event, action, etc. that shows the truth or existence of sth.
Illustration by example is better than explanation in words. 用实例说明比用词语解释强。
And on every page, you'll find warmth, humor and lively illustration making the educational process as joyful as it is instructive. 在每一页你都会发现一些温馨、幽默、生动的例子，这就让整个教育过程变得既有启发性又有趣味性。
2) a picture in a book, article, etc., esp. one that helps you to understand it
The book contains lots of beautiful illustrations. 这本书有许多精美的插图。
The magazine has illustrations in black and white and in color. 这本杂志配有黑白及彩色插图。
Language Point 14
The case is an illustration of some of the delicate cultural issues the company faces…(Para. 6)
delicate: a. needing careful treatment, esp. because sth. is easily damaged
I'd offer to pay for her if I thought she wouldn't be offended, but it's a rather delicate issue /matter/ question/ subject. 如果不是认为她会生气，我就主动替她付账了，但这是一个相当微妙的问题。
The pay negotiations have reached a delicate point /stage. 工资谈判到了一个敏感的阶段。
Delicate plants need to be kept in a greenhouse during the winter. 冬季，娇嫩的植物要养在温室里。
Language Point 15
… which is assembling what it calls a “cast” of 12,000 to run the theme park, … (Para. 7)
assemble: v. join or bring (parts) together in a single group or place, or (of parts) come together like this
When the fire alarm rang we assembled outside the emergency exit. 当火警信号响起时，我们都聚集到紧急出口外面。
The bookcase is very easy to assemble. 这书架很容易组合。
Some boys like to assemble model airplanes. 有些男孩喜欢组装模型飞机。
Language Point 16
Anyway, a company spokesman says, no one has yet put his moustache before a job. (Para. 7)
Meaning: A company spokesman said that people believed that a job was more important than their moustaches.
Language Point 17
As one new “cast member” put it: “You must believe in what you are doing, or you would have a terrible time here.” (Para. 7)
Meaning: One of the new employees of the theme park said that as employees they had to obey rules and had to think what they were doing was right, otherwise they would find it was very difficult to work there.
Language Point 18
For all its concern about foreign cultural invasion and its defense against the pollution of the French language by English words, France's Socialist government has been untroubled about putting such a huge American symbol on the doorstep of the capital. (Para. 9)
Meaning: In spite of the facts that the government has been worried about the negative effects of foreign cultures on the country and it has taken measures to defend the purity of the French language, France's Socialist government has not felt worried about having in its capital Disneyland, which symbolizes American culture.
Language Point 19
For all its concern about foreign cultural invasion…(Para. 9)
for all: despite
For all his knowledge and experience, he is not conceited. 尽管他有丰富的知识和经验，可他并不自满。
For all the talk of “cuts”, state spending on health has increased by nearly a third in real terms since 1979. 尽管一直在谈”削减”，但实际上政府在健康问题上的开支从1979年以来上涨了三分之一。
Language Point 20
For all its concern about foreign cultural invasion…(Para. 9)
invasion: n.
1) the usu. unwanted arrival in a place of a lot of people or things
cultural invasion 文化入侵
economic invasion 经济入侵
Invasion of local markets by foreign electronics manufacturers has been extensive. 外国电子制造商大规模侵入当地市场。
This town always has an invasion of tourists in the summer. 这个小镇每年夏天总有大批的旅游者涌入。
2) an occasion when one country's army enters another country by force, in order to take control of it
Many refugees left the country after the invasion by hostile forces. 许多难民在国家受到敌方部队侵略后离开了。
Language Point 21
It made an extraordinary series of tax and financial concessions to attract the theme park here rather than let it go to sunny Spain. (Para. 9)
Meaning: In order to compete with Spain, the government agreed to let the Disney organization have a lot of special privileges in tax reduction and financial preferential rights to attract the theme park to Paris.
Language Point 22
It made an extraordinary series of tax and financial concessions to attract the theme park here rather than let it go to sunny Spain. (Para. 9)
extraordinary: a. very unusual, special, unexpected or strange
He told the extraordinary story of his escape. 他讲述了他不同寻常的逃跑经历。
I thought he was a very amusing and extraordinary person. 我觉得他是一个非常有趣、不同寻常的人。
Language Point 23
It made an extraordinary series of tax and financial concessions to attract the theme park here rather than let it go to sunny Spain. (Para. 9)
concession: n. sth. which is allowed or given up, often in order to end a disagreement, or the act of allowing this or giving this
He always summarizes the concessions which he has agreed to make during the bargaining process but omits to mention those offered by the other party. 他总是总结在谈判过程中他所做的让步，而对对方所做的让步却只字不提。
The prime minister has made it clear that no concessions will be made to the strikers. 首相明确表示对罢工者将不会做出任何让步。
Language Point 24
…stretching far into the next century, … (Para. 10)
stretch: v. continue over a period of time
a research program stretching over several years 一项延续几年的研究项目
Although we were supposed to finish this month, it looks like the work will stretch well into next year. 尽管我们预计在本月完工，但看上去这项任务好像要延续到明年。
Language Point 25
…an extension of Paris's regional express railway…(Para. 10)
extension: n.
1) (an example of) the act of extending or being extended
a further extension of the power of central government 中央政府权力的进一步扩大
The extension of police powers in the province has been heavily criticized. 这个省警力的扩张受到了严厉的谴责。
2) a new room or building which is added to an existing building or a group of buildings
We're building an extension to / on our house. 我们在扩建我们的房子。
3) one of many telephone lines connected to the single switchboard in a large building
When you call, ask for extension 3276. 你打电话来时，要3276分机。
I think you have the wrong number — he's on a different extension. 我想你的号码错了，他是另一个分机号码。
Language Point 26
… and is scheduled to come into service in 1994. (Para. 10)
Meaning: …and is planned to begin to be in operation /to be used in 1994.
Language Point 27
… and is scheduled to come into service in 1994. (Para. 10)
schedule: vt. include sth. in a programme of work to be done or of planned events
The meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. 会议安排在明天下午。
They've scheduled Jack to speak at three o'clock. 他们将杰克的发言安排在三点钟。
The restoration work is scheduled to begin early next year. 修复工作定于明年年初开始。
Language Point 28
… and is scheduled to come into service in 1994. (Para. 10)
come into: begin to be in (a state or activity)
The new subway will come into service early next year. 新的地铁明年年初开始运行。
The new machine will come into use next week. 新机器下周将投入使用。
A new party has come into power. 一个新的政党已经上台了。
Legally, the treaty would come into effect once ratified by the parliaments concerned. 依照法律，这一条约一旦由相关议会正式批准立即生效。
New regulations come into force today requiring people out of work for more than 13 weeks to accept low-paid jobs or risk losing their benefit. 新的规定今天开始实施，要求那些失业超过13周的人接受低工资的工作，否则就要冒失去救济金的风险。
Language Point 29
… where theme parks already in France have so far failed… (Para. 11)
so far: until now; up to this /that point, time, etc.
Only one of the escaped prisoners has been captured so far. 迄今为止，只抓住一个逃跑的囚犯。
The results have been encouraging, so far. 到目前为止，结果一直是鼓舞人心的。
Language Point 30
Financial experts say that Euro Disneyland, the first phase of which is costing an estimated $3.6 billion, is essential to Disney's overall fortunes, which have been hit by competition and declining attendance in the United States. (Para. 11)
Meaning: Financial experts said that the first stage of building Euro Disneyland was costing an estimated $3.6 billion and Euro Disneyland was extremely important to the whole Disney organization financially because it had been severely affected by competition and the number of the people who visited Disneyland and Disney world in the United States was declining.
Language Point 31
…is essential to Disney's overall fortunes, … (Para. 11)
overall: a. & ad. including everything; total; taking everything into consideration;
general
Recently there has been an overall improvement in the management. 最近管理有了全面的改进。
The overall situation is good, despite a few minor problems. 虽然有一些小问题，局势总的来说是好的。
Overall, consumers save more than they borrow, though in last year or so borrowing has accelerated more than saving. 总的来说，消费者的储蓄额高于借款额，尽管在去年前后借款额比储蓄额增长得快。
Language Point 32
…and declining attendance in the United States. (Para. 11)
attendance: n. the number of people who attend a game, concert, meeting, etc; the number of times that one goes to a meeting, class, etc. that is held regularly
If your conference has a significant attendance, it may be worthwhile for you to stage an exhibition and sell stands to related groups. 如果你们的会议有不错的出席率，那就值得去办一个展览会，向相关团体出售摊位。
It is the prospect of this examination that seems to fill many students with terror, even to the point at which it provides the reason for putting off attendance. 正是这种考试的前景会让很多学生充满惧怕感，甚至成为他们推迟参加考试的原因。
Language Point 33
French intellectuals have not found many kind things to say about the project. (Para. 12)
Meaning: French intellectuals have reacted to the project negatively. / They have been critical of the project.
Language Point 34
The kids, however, will probably never notice. (Para. 12)
Meaning: The children, however, will probably never be aware of the criticism of the project.
Language Point 35
The Disney management is stressing this tradition in an apparent response to suggestions that it is culturally insensitive. (Para. 13)
Meaning: The Disney management is giving special importance to this tradition as a clear reply to suggestions that it does not take into consideration the fact that each country has its own unique cultural tradition.
Language Point 36
…in an apparent response to suggestions that it is culturally insensitive. (Para. 13)
in response to: as a reply or reaction to an event or sth. that is said
Management have granted a 10% pay rise in response to union pressure. 在工会的压力下，资方已经提高了10%的薪酬。
In response to your appeal, I am enclosing a check for 10 dollars. 依照你的要求，附上10美元的支票一张。
Language Point 37
…that it is culturally insensitive. (Para. 13)
insensitive: a. (disapproving) (of a person or their behavior) not aware of or
showing sympathy for other people's feelings, or refusing to give importance to (sth.)
He apologized for his insensitive remarks about the homeless. 他为说过关于无家可归者的冷漠的话而道歉。
In an indifferent and often insensitive world, we so often feel alone and misunderstood. 在这个冷漠的、麻木的世界上，我们常感到孤独和遭人误解。
No violence to animals and no insensitive, deliberate exploitation of nature can be permitted or tolerated. 任何对动物的暴力举动和对大自然麻木地、蓄意地开发都是不能被允许和容忍的。
Language Point 38
… “Euro Disneyland will be unique in a manner appropriate to its European home,” the company says. (Para. 13)
Meaning: The company said that… Euro Disneyland would have its special features which are suitable for its European settings.
Language Point 39
…“Euro Disneyland will be unique in a manner appropriate to its European home,” the company says. (Para. 13)
unique a. being the only existing one of its type; having no like or equal
Each person's genetic code is unique except in the case of identical twins. 除了同卵双胞胎以外，每个人的基因密码都是独有的。
Do not miss this unique opportunity to buy all six books at half the recommended price. 不要错过这个半价购买所有六本书的惟一机会。
Ian was later murdered by a terrorist bomb, but nothing can destroy the memory of a unique politician and man. 伊恩后来被恐怖分子的炸弹谋杀了，但是这不能抹杀他在人们心目中作为一位独特政治家和英雄的地位。
Language Point 40
“The legends and fairy tales which come from Europe figure prominently in the creative development of the theme park.” (Para. 13)
Meaning: “The legends and fairy tales which originate from Europe are important and are included noticeably in the creative development of the theme park.”
Language Point 41
“The legends and fairy tales which come from Europe figure prominently in the creative development of the theme park.” (Para. 13)
figure: v. be important in a process, event, or situation, and be noticed because of this
These commodities figure little in foreign trade. 这些商品在对外贸易中无足轻重。
One major theme, already mentioned in the previous chapter, is the search for coordination, a search that has figured prominently in a number of urban programs. 上一章已经提到过的一个重要主题就是寻求协调发展，这一点在一些城市规划中起着举足轻重的作用。
This issue figured strongly in the election campaign, and appeared to benefit the Conservative Party, which won more seats than expected. 这一问题在选举运动中举足轻重，而且似乎有利于保守党，他们赢得了比预期更多的席位。
Language Point 42
“The legends and fairy tales which come from Europe figure prominently in the creative development of the theme park.” (Para. 13)
prominently: ad. in a way that is very noticeable, well known or important
These issues are expected to figure prominently in the debate. 这些问题会在辩论中占重要的位置。
The notice was prominently displayed. 这布告公布在很显眼的地方。
Compare:
prominent: a. very noticeable, well known, or important
The recent scandal involved a number of the country's most prominent politicians.最近的丑闻牵涉到了这个国家一些最有名的政治家。
She was prominent in the fashion industry. 她在时装业很出名。
The government should play a more prominent role in promoting human rights. 政府应该在促进人权方面起更重要的作用。
Language Point 43
… in a medieval European book. (Para. 13)
medieval: a. of or from the Middle Ages (= the period from about 1100 AD to 1500 AD, or from about 500 AD to 1500 AD)
This is a medieval building /painting /town. 这是一幢中世纪的建筑/一幅中世纪的绘画/ 一座中世纪的城镇。
Language Point 44
“The challenge is telling things people already know — and at the same time making it different,” the spokesman said. (Para. 14)
Meaning: The spokesman said that the thing that needed great mental efforts was telling things people were already familiar with in a different way so that it would attract people.
Language Point 45
On the other hand, this effort is not being taken too far. (Para. 15)
Meaning: On the other hand, they are not going to extremes in their effort to make Euro Disneyland have its unique European features.
Language Point 46
In this way, he said, people who might otherwise have contemplated a vacation in the United States will be happy to stay on this side of the Atlantic. (Para. 15)
Meaning: He said that in this way people who might otherwise have considered spending a vacation in the United States would be ready to have their vacation in Europe.
Language Point 47
…people who might otherwise have contemplated a vacation in the United States…(Para. 15)
contemplate: v. spend time considering (a possible feature action), or consider (one particular thing) for a long time in a serious and quiet way
This is a complicated area, where professional advice is recommended if you are contemplating a change. 这是一个复杂的领域，如果你想有所改变，最好寻求专业指导。
You're not contemplating a change of job, are you? 你不打算换工作，是吗？
Language Point 48
The Disney organization does seem to focus a bit too much on hair. (Para. 16)
Meaning: The Disneyland's organization does seem to care a bit too much about hair /pay a bit too much attention to hair.
Language Point 49
The Disney organization does seem to focus a bit too much on hair. (Para. 16)
focus on: direct one's attention to
We didn't really focus on any specific area — we just talked generally about the problem. 我们没有真正集中谈论某个具体方面，我们只是针对这个问题泛泛而谈。
The beams of light moved across the sky and focused on the aircraft. 一束束阳光穿越天空聚集到飞机上。
Language Point 50
Euro Disneyland's short distance to Paris is a definite attraction. (Para. 17)
Meaning: The short distance between Euro Disneyland and Paris is clearly one of the reasons that make people want to go to Euro Disneyland.
Language Point 51
Anyone tiring of American or fake European culture… (Para. 17)
fake: a. not genuine, though intended to appear so
The problem is often not just whether it is genuine or fake, but what has subsequently been done to the object. 问题不在于这件东西的真伪，而在于接下来对它采取了什么措施。
The actors were covered in fake blood to make it look as though they were injured. 演员们身上涂了假血，使他们看上去像是受了伤。
Compare:
fake: n. an object (e.g. a work of art) that seems genuine but is not
Experts have revealed that the painting is a fake. 专家们揭露这幅画是赝品。
I had no way of knowing if the gun in his hand was a fake or was real. 我无从知道他手中的枪是真是假。
Language Point 52
…in a flash. (Para. 17)
in a flash: quickly or suddenly
The ceremony was over in a flash. 典礼很快就结束了。
Each of us has sadness which cannot be dealt with in a flash: the frustration of unemployment; the unhappiness of rebellious children; friction between family members. 我们每个人都有无法立即解决的悲伤，比如失业带来的挫折感，小孩不听话带来的苦恼，或者家庭成员之间的摩擦。
Language Point 53
Communications figured largely in the Disney organization's decision to site its fourth theme park near Paris. (Para. 18)
Meaning: Communications played an important role in the Disney organization's decision to build its fourth theme park near Paris.
Language Point 54
The opening of Eastern Europe is another prize for the company, which thinks that millions of people will put Disneyland at the top of a list of places to visit on their first trip to Western Europe. (Para. 18)
Meaning: The opening of Eastern Europe is another big and exciting opportunity for the company because it believes that millions of people will first visit Disneyland when they travel to Western Europe for the first time.
