Language Point 1
To talk about problem-solving or decision-making within a national environment means examining many complex cultural forces. (Para. 1)
Meaning: If you want to talk about the style of problem-solving or decision-making of a particular nation, you have to examine many complicated cultural forces of that nation.
Language Point 2
…examining many complex cultural forces. (Para. 1)
complex: a. made up of several connected parts and often difficult to understand; complicated a complex system of management 复杂的管理制度
You can't expect to find a simple solution when the problem is so complex. 问题如此复杂时，不能指望有简单的解决方法。
n. 1) a group or set of things, esp. buildings, designed for a particular purpose
a shopping complex 购物中心
a sports complex 体育馆
2) a mental problem that causes sb. to worry or be upset about sth.
an inferiority complex 自卑情结
He’s got a complex about his height. 他为自己的身高而烦恼。
Language Point 3
It means trying to measure the impact of these forces on contemporary life… (Para. 1)
the impact of these forces on contemporary life: the effects of these cultural forces on the life that people are leading now
Language Point 4
…and also coming to grips with changes now taking place. (Para. 1)
Meaning: …and it also means starting dealing with changes that are taking place.
Language Point 5
…and also coming to grips with changes now taking place. (Para.1)
come to grips with (also get to grips with): start dealing with a problem in an effective way
The new president's first task is to come to grips with the economy. 新总统的首要任务是着手解决经济问题。
The government is still trying to get to grips with inflation. 政府还在努力解决通货膨胀的问题。
Language Point 6
This is of extreme importance when trying to analyze the direction-taking or decision-making process. (Para. 2)
Meaning: This is very important when you try to have a careful examination of the direction-taking or decision-making process. be of importance: be important
Language Point 7
This is of extreme importance… (Para. 2)
extreme: a. 1) the greatest or strongest possible
You must take extreme care when driving at night. 你晚上开车得特别小心。
She crossed the street with extreme caution. 她非常小心地穿过街道。
2) as far away as possible; at the very beginning or at the very end
Kerry is in the extreme west of Ireland. 凯里郡在爱尔兰的最西边。
He lived in the room at the extreme end of the corridor. 他住在走廊尽头的房间里。
Language Point 8
At the least, it explains the greater job stability in Japan, in contrast to the great job mobility in America. (Para. 2)
Meaning: At least, it explains why the Japanese seldom change their jobs while the Americans change their jobs very often.
“It” here refers to “the most important thing in Japan is what organization you work for”.
Language Point 9
At the least, it explains the greater job stability in Japan… (Para. 2)
at the least: at least
You may use at least or at the least and at the very least to say that something is the minimum that is the case or should be done, although you think that more than this might be possible in the circumstances.
She could take a nice holiday at least. 她至少可以度个好假。
He is at least content that there will be no immediate use of force.让他满意的是，至少不用马上动武。
At the least, I needed some sleep. 我至少需要睡一会儿。
His possession of documents in his home was, at the very least, a violation of Navy security regulations. 他把文件放在家里至少违反了海军的安全条例。
Language Point 10
At the least, it explains the greater job stability in Japan… (Para. 2)
stability: n. the state or quality of being stable
After so much change we now need a period of stability. 经历了这么多变化，我们现在需要一个安定期。
Our production grows in stability. 我们的生产稳步上升。
Language Point 11
…in contrast to the great job mobility in America. (Para. 2)
mobility: n. the state of moving or being moved
Two cars gave them the freedom and mobility to go their separate ways. 两辆车使他们有了自由，可以分道走路。
High mobility is a sign of development. 机动性高是发达的标志。
Language Point 12
While we differ in many ways, such differences are neither superior nor inferior to each other. (Para. 3)
Meaning: Although the Japanese style and the American one in decision-making are different in many ways, such differences cannot be judged in terms of being better or worse; they are equally important.
Language Point 13
While we differ in many ways... (Para. 3)
differ: v.
1) be different
Management styles differ. 管理风格各有不同。
How does this car differ from the more expensive model? 这辆车与更贵的车型有何不同？
The story he told the police differed from the one he told his mother. 他对警察说的与对他母亲说的不一样。
2) have a different opinion
I’m afraid I differ with you on that question. 对于那个问题，恐怕我与你有不同的看法。
The two leaders differed on this issue. 对此问题两位领导见解不一。
Language Point 14
…such differences are neither superior nor inferior to each other. (Para. 3)
superior: a.
1) better than usual or than sb. or sth. else
He is clearly superior to all the other doctors. 他显然比其他医生高明。
She is greatly superior to her husband in education and sensitivity. 她比她丈夫受过更多的教育，也更敏感。
2) higher in rank
a superior officer 上级官员
n. a person of higher rank or position
The company president, and my immediate superior, is Harry Stokes. 哈利•斯托克斯是公司总裁，也是我的顶头上司。
Language Point 15
…such differences are neither superior nor inferior to each other. (Para. 3)
inferior: a. low or lower in social position, importance, quality, etc.
inferior products 劣质产品
He preferred the company of those who were intellectually inferior to him. 他喜欢与才智上不如他的人为伍。
I felt very inferior when they started using long words that I didn’t understand. 当他们开始使用长长的、我听不懂的单词时，我感到很自卑。
Cheaper goods are generally of inferior quality. 便宜没好货。
n. a person who has a lower social position
It was a gentleman's duty to be always polite, even to his inferiors. 绅士理应有礼貌，即使是对比自己地位低的人。
Language Point 16
A particular pattern of management behavior develops from a complex mixture of unique cultural factors — and will only work within a given culture. (Para. 3)
Meaning: A particular pattern of management behavior arises out of a complicated mixture of unique cultural factors, and it will only have effect within that particular culture.
Language Point 17
A particular pattern of management behavior develops from a complex mixture… (Para. 3)
develop from: grow from; arise out of
This tall tree develops from a small seed. 这棵大树源于一粒小种子。
Who knows what results will develop from your first success? 谁知道你的第一个成功会带来什么结果？
Language Point 18
Let me try to describe three or four characteristics of the Japanese environment that in some way affect decision-making or direction-taking and problem-solving. (Para. 4)
Please note that the that-clause in the sentence modifies “characteristics”.
Language Point 19
First, in any approach to a problem and in any negotiations in Japan, there is the “you to you” approach, as distinguished from the Western “I to you” approach. (Para. 5)
Meaning: First, in Japan when people try to solve a problem or have discussions, they adopt the method of “you to you”, which differs from the Western style of “I to you”.
Language Point 20
First, in any approach to a problem and in any negotiations in Japan… (Para. 5)
negotiation: n. talks or discussions in which people try to decide or agree on sth.
enter into a negotiation 进入谈判
break off a negotiation 谈判破裂
The salary is a matter for negotiation. 工资的事有待谈判。
The negotiations were extremely difficult. 谈判特别困难。
Language Point 21
…there is the “you to you” approach, as distinguished from the Western “I toyou” approach. (Para. 5)
distinguish from: show the difference between; set apart from
Elephants are distinguished from other animals by their long noses. 大象因其长长的鼻子而有别于其他动物。
There is something about music that distinguishes it from all other art forms. 音乐有其与其他艺术不同的东西。
as distinguished from the Western “I to you” approach: in contrast to the Western “I to you” approach
Language Point 22
The difference is this: in “I to you”, both sides present their arguments openly from their own point of view… (Para. 5)
from one's point of view: from one's position in life; in one's opinion
From my point of view it would be better to wait a little longer. 依我看，最好再等一会儿。
From my point of view it would be better if you could come tomorrow, but you may not want to. 我看你最好明天来，但你可能不想这样。
From an advertiser's point of view, television is a wonderful medium. 从广告人的角度来看，电视是绝佳的媒体。
Compare:in one’s opinion: as one thinks In my opinion people watch too much television. 我认为人们看电视看得太多了。
Language Point 23
A confrontation situation is thereby set up, and Westerners are very skillful in dealing with this. (Para. 5)
Meaning: In that way, a confrontation situation turns up, and Westerners have much experience in dealing with confrontation situations.
Language Point 24
A confrontation situation is thereby set up... (Para. 5)
thereby: ad. in that way
We started our journey early, thereby avoiding most of the traffic. 我们早早地上了路，因此避开了许多车辆。
Our bodies can sweat, thereby losing heat. 人体会出汗，以此来散发热量。
A firm might sometimes sell at a loss to drive a competitor out of business, and thereby increase its market power. 公司有时会低价销售，将竞争者挤出市场，以此增强自己的市场竞争力。
Language Point 25
A confrontation situation is thereby set up... (Para. 5)
set up: cause or produce; establish
The event set up a chain reaction in the stock markets. 这一事件引起了股票市场的连锁反应。
A special committee has been set up to examine the details of the suggestion. 建立了一个特别委员会来考察建议的细节。
Language Point 26
The “you to you” approach practiced in Japan is based on each side — automatically and often unconsciously — trying to understand the other person's point of view. (Para. 6)
Meaning: When people in Japan practice the “you to you” approach, they automatically and often unconsciously try to put themselves in the other side's position and understand its point of view.
Language Point 27
Thus, the direction of the meeting is a mutual attempt to reduce confrontation and achieve harmony. (Para. 6)
Meaning: So they make their meeting a mutual attempt at reducing differences and achieving agreements.
Language Point 28
Thus, the direction of the meeting is a mutual attempt to reduce confrontation and achieve harmony. (Para. 6)
harmony: n. a state of complete agreement (in feelings, ideas, etc.)
There is said to be a lack of harmony within the government. 据说这届政府内部不和。
We now come to realize that the idea that man should dominate nature rather than live in harmony with it is wrong. 我们现在逐渐意识到，人应征服自然而不与它和睦相处的观点是错误的。
Language Point 29
A second characteristic is based on “consensus opinion” and “bottom-up direction”. (Para. 7)
Meaning: A second characteristic of the Japanese environment is based on the idea of “general agreement” and “direction from the bottom to the top”.
Language Point 30
A second characteristic is based on “consensus opinion” and “bottom-up direction”. (Para. 7)
consensus: n. agreement among a group of people
We have reached a consensus after a long discussion. 经过长时间的讨论，我们达成了一致意见。
The consensus among the world’s scientists is that the world is likely to warm up over the next few decades. 全世界的科学家一致认为，地球很可能在今后几十年中变暖。
But there is no consensus among the scientists about the causes of the global warming. 但关于全球变暖的原因，科学家们尚未达成一致意见。
Language Point 31
In Japan great consideration is given to the thoughts and opinions of everyone at all levels. (Para. 7)
Meaning: In Japan people think about the ideas and opinions of everyone, from the bottom to the top.
Language Point 32
In Japan great consideration is given to the thoughts and opinions of everyone at all levels. (Para. 7)
consideration: n.
1) the act of thinking about sth. carefully or for a long time
I have given some consideration to the idea but I don't think it would work. 我考虑了这个主意，但我认为它行不通。
After careful consideration, we regret that we cannot offer you the position. 仔细考虑之后，我们认为不能把那职位给你，对此我们很遗憾。
Several proposals are under consideration by the committee. 有几个提议正在委员会的考虑之中。
2) the quality of thinking about other people's wishes and feelings
You should turn your music down out of consideration for your neighbours. 考虑一下你的邻居，你该把音乐放低些。
They showed consideration for other travellers. 他们关心其他旅客。
Language Point 33
This is true of both private enterprises and government ministries. (Para. 7)
Meaning: Both private enterprises and government ministries take into consideration the thoughts and opinions of everyone at all levels.
Language Point 34
This is true of both private enterprises and government ministries. (Para. 7)
be true of: be valid, relevant, or applicable to
The same is true of all other cases. 其他情形也都这样。
I accept that the romance may have gone out of the marriage, but surely this is true of many couples. 我承认婚姻没有了浪漫，但也肯定，许多夫妇都这样。
Compare:
be true to: be loyal to
David was true to his wife. 大卫忠于自己的妻子。
She has been true to her word. 她没有食言。
Language Point 35
In Japan there is a drive for unity within the group… (Para. 7)
Meaning: In Japan there is a great effort to achieve unity within the group.
Language Point 36
In Japan there is a drive for unity within the group… (Para. 7)
drive: n. a great effort by a group of people in order to achieve sth.
a sale drive 销售努力
They have played an important role in the drive towards peace. 他们在努力争取和平方面发挥了重要作用。
Language Point 37
In Japan there is a drive for unity within the group… (Para. 7)
unity: n. the situation in which people are united or in agreement
a national unity 国家统一
The choice was meant to create an impression of company unity. 这一选择意在给人以公司团结的印象。
They met to discuss the future of European economic unity. 他们聚在一起讨论欧洲经济统一的前景。
Language Point 38
…whether it is family, company, or Parliament. (Para. 7)
Meaning: …whether the group is a family, a company, or the Japanese Parliament.
Here “it” stands for “the group”.
Language Point 39
The difference is that Western style decision-making proceeds mostly from top management and often does not consult middle management or the worker while in Japan, ideas can be created at the lowest levels, travel upward through an organization and have an impact on the eventual decision. (Para. 8)
Meaning: The difference is that Western style decision-making begins mostly from the people at the top level, and often does not ask the people at middle or bottom level for opinions, while in Japan people at the lowest levels can offer their ideas, present them to the people at the top level through an organization, thereby influencing the eventual decision to be made by the top management.
Language Point 40
…and often does not consult middle management… (Para. 8)
consult: v. ask sb. or look sth. up in a book, etc. to get information or advice
You should consult a doctor if the symptoms get worse. 如果病情恶化，你该问问医生。
He consulted the map to find the shortest route. 他查看地图寻找最近的路线。
You’d better consult your teacher about the paper. 关于那篇论文，你最好请教你的老师。
Language Point 41
…a characteristic style of communication… (Para. 9)
Meaning: …a unique style of communication…
Language Point 42
…even if the deal falls through… (Para. 10)
Meaning: …even if the deal fails…
Language Point 43
…even if the deal falls through… (Para. 10)
fall through: fail to be completed
The plan fell through when it proved too costly. 当被证明成本过高时，该计划就落空了。
Our trip to Japan has fallen through. 我们去日本的行程落空了。
Language Point 44
…and will spend whatever time is necessary to determine a “you to you” approach, communicating personal views only indirectly and delicately. (Para. 10)
Meaning: …and will spend all the necessary time determining a “you to you” approach, only stating personal views in an indirect and skillful way.
Language Point 45
… communicating personal views only indirectly and delicately. (Para. 10)
delicately: ad. skillfully; carefully
She stepped delicately over the broken glass. 她小心翼翼地走过碎玻璃。
I phrased my comment delicately so as not to upset her. 我的评论措辞谨慎，以免使她不安。
Language Point 46
This places time in a different perspective. (Para. 11)
Meaning: This requires one to see time in a different perspective.
Language Point 47
In Japan the Western deadline approach is secondary to a thorough job. (Para. 11)
Meaning: In Japan the Western approach which usually sets a deadline for a job is considered less important than doing a complete, successful job.
Language Point 48
Owing to this difference in emphasis, the Japanese are thorough in their meetings as well as in their production. (Para. 11)
Meaning: Because of this different emphasis on a thorough job, the Japanese are complete in both their meetings and production.
Language Point 49
Owing to this difference in emphasis… (Para. 11)
owing to: because of
The match was cancelled owing to the bad weather. 因天气不好，比赛取消了。
He was out of work owing to a physical injury. 他因身体受伤而失去了工作。
Compare:
due to: because of; caused by
As due is an adjective, it seems that due to should really be used only with nouns.
For example, His absence was due to the storm. But educated speakers are now beginning to use due to with verbs, thus treating due to like owing to or because of.
e.g. He arrived late due to/owing to the storm.
Language Point 50
…the Japanese are thorough in their meetings as well as in their production. (Para. 11)
as well as: in addition to
He's worked in Japan as well as Italy. 他在日本和意大利都曾工作过。
It is in his best interests as well as yours. 这不仅最符合你的利益，而且也最符合他的利益。
She published historical novels as well as non-fiction study of women in the US. 她出版历史小说，也出版关于美国妇女的研究著作。
Language Point 51
Thus Americans are often frustrated by the many successive meetings in many Japanese businesses. (Para. 11)
Meaning: Thus Americans often feel angry at having meetings one after the other in many Japanese businesses.
Language Point 52
…by the many successive meetings in many Japanese businesses. (Para. 11)
successive: a. following one after the other
two visits on successive days 连续几天两次访问
Jackson was the winner for a second successive year. 杰克逊第二年连续获胜。
Language Point 53
But where the American is pressing for a specific decision, the Japanese is trying to devise a rather broad direction. (Para. 11)
Meaning: The American side is demanding a specific decision. In contrast, the Japanese side is trying to set a rather broad direction.
Please note here “where” is a conjunction used to introduce a clause that contrasts with the other parts of the sentence.
For example, Where some people learned to play accordion for dances in their community, others took music lessons. 有些人学弹手风琴为其社区居民的舞蹈伴奏，另一些人则上音乐课。
Sometimes a teacher will be listened to, where a parent might not. 有时候学生会听老师的而可能不听家长的。
Language Point 54
But where the American is pressing for a specific decision… (Para. 11)
press for: urge; demand; keep requesting
The rent collector is pressing for payment again. 收租的又在催付租金了。
We must press for a reduction in the number of students in a class. 我们必须要求减少每个班级的学生人数。
Many parents have been pressing for the local school to be reopened. 许多家长要求当地学校重新开放。
Language Point 55
On the other hand, once a given agreement is made… (Para. 12)
on the other hand: (used for comparing different things or ideas) as an opposite point
I know this job of mine isn't much, but on the other hand I don't feel tied down. 我知道我这件工作不重要，但从另一方面来说，我不觉得受束缚。
On the one hand, of course, cars are very useful. But on the other hand, they cause a huge amount of pollution. 汽车当然很有用，可是另一方面，它们也造成大量的污染。
Language Point 56
…it is the Japanese who sometimes wonder at the slow pace in which Westerners implement the decision. (Para. 12)
Meaning: …it is the Japanese who sometimes are surprised at the slow speed at which Westerners carry out the decision.
Language Point 57
…it is the Japanese who sometimes wonder at the slow pace… (Para. 12)
wonder at: be surprised by
I wonder at your allowing him to do such a thing. 我真纳闷你竟然会允许他做这种事。
I don’t wonder at your shock! 对你的吃惊我不感到惊讶。
I don’t wonder at her falling asleep in the middle of the play; it was a very uninteresting performance. 她戏看到一半就睡着了，对此我不感到惊讶，表演的确很乏味。
Language Point 58
The Japanese are eager to move forward and Westerners, perhaps, lag behind as they take the time for in-depth planning. (Para. 12)
Meaning: While the Japanese are eager to go along with the agreement, Westerners perhaps spend lots of time making plans in detail and therefore are left behind.
Language Point 59
The Japanese are eager to move forward… (Para. 12)
move forward: go ahead
At last the line of people waiting to go into the cinema began to move forward. 等待进入电影院的长队终于开始向前移动了。
They are moving forward into a better life. 他们的生活正向着更好的方向发展。
Language Point 60
…and Westerners, perhaps, lag behind as they take the time for in-depth planning. (Para. 12)
lag behind: be slower than; fail to remain level with
In steel production, they lag behind the rest of Europe. 他们在钢铁产量方面落后于欧洲其他国家。
He deliberately lagged behind so he could have a cigarette. 他为了抽烟故意落在后面。
We must not lag behind other nations in our efforts to help those people made homeless by the great floods. 在努力帮助那些因洪水而无家可归的人们时，我们决不能落后于其他国家。
Production is lagging behind last year’s total. 产量低于去年的总数。
Language Point 61
…and Westerners, perhaps, lag behind as they take the time for in-depth planning. (Para. 12)
take (the) time: use a certain amount of one's time to do sth.; make an effort
While he was in Britain making a film, he took time to see his parents. 当他在英国拍电影时， 他抽空去看了他父母。
He can’t even take time to visit his wife in hospital. 他甚至抽不出空去医院看他妻子。
Language Point 62
…and Westerners, perhaps, lag behind as they take the time for in-depth planning. (Para. 12)
in-depth: a. looking at all the details
an in-depth discussion 深入的讨论
an in-depth study 深刻的学习
Language Point 63
…they have not replaced the fundamental force of human energy and motivation. (Para. 13)
Meaning: …they (i.e., Japan’s industry and technology) have not taken the place of the basic force of human energy and motivation./ …men and their motivation are still considered as the main force in production.
Language Point 64
…they have not replaced the fundamental force of human energy and motivation. (Para. 13)
fundamental: a. important or basic; from which everything else develops
There will be fundamental changes in the way the school is run. 办学的方式将会发生根本变化。
There is a fundamental difference between the Japanese approach and the American one. 日、美方式之间有着根本区别。
Language Point 65
…the Japanese take great pride in doing a job well… (Para. 13)
Meaning: …the Japanese feel greatly pleased and proud about doing a job well…
Language Point 66
…the Japanese take great pride in doing a job well… (Para. 13)
take pride in: feel pleased and proud about
The manager took great pride in his team's success. 经理为他的队获得成功感到非常骄傲。
We take pride in offering you the highest standards. 我们为你们提供了最高标准，为此感到非常自豪。
Language Point 67
There is a commitment and sense of responsibility which have not yet been discarded in this age of machines. (Para. 13)
Meaning: The Japanese still have their commitment and sense of responsibility which they have not given up in this age of machines.
Language Point 68
…which have not yet been discarded in this age of machines. (Para. 13)
discard: vt. throw sth. away because it is not useful
look for discarded bottles 寻找被扔掉的瓶子
He is not the one who would discard his old friends. 他不是那种会抛弃老朋友的人。
Language Point 69
…how Nomura Securities has managed to escape the paper traffic jam… (Para. 14)
Meaning: …how Nomura Securities has been able to solve the problem with paper circulation…
Language Point 70
…how Nomura Securities has managed to escape the paper traffic jam… (Para. 14)
paper traffic jam: difficulty in paper circulation 交易单流通堵塞
Language Point 71
The Tokyo Stock Exchange often has between 200 and 300 million transactions a day. (Para. 14)
transaction: n. a piece of business; the act of transacting
financial transactions 金融交易
The store manager attended to the transaction of important matters himself. 商店经理自己出面处理重大交易。
Language Point 72
This volume is many times more than that of the New York Stock Exchange. (Para. 14)
Meaning: This amount is much more than the amount of the New York Stock Exchange.
Please note the word order in the phrase “ many times more than”: “x times” goes before “more than”; e.g. 3 times more than, 5 times more than, etc.
Language Point 73
This volume is many times more than that of the New York Stock Exchange. (Para. 14)
volume: n.
1)the amount of sth.
The volume of passenger travel on the railways increases during the Spring Festival. 春节期间，火车旅客流量会增加。
2) the amount of space that sth. contains or occupies
What is the volume of this sphere? 这个球的体积是多少？
A kilo of feathers is greater in volume than a kilo of gold. 一公斤羽毛比一公斤黄金的体积大。
3) a book, esp. one of a set or series
The library has over 100,000 volumes. 该图书馆藏书超过10万册。
The dictionary comes in three volumes. 该词典分三卷出版。
Language Point 74
How can it be feasible to handle this load? (Para. 14)
Meaning: How can it be possible to handle such a large amount?
Language Point 75
How can it be feasible to handle this load? (Para. 14)
feasible: a. possible to do
a feasible plan 可行的计划
She questioned whether it was feasible to increase investment in these regions. 她问是否可以增加对那些地区的投资。
The “I to you” approach is fine in the US, but it’s not feasible in Japan. “我对你”的方法在美国很好，在日本就行不通。
Language Point 76
First, we have very sophisticated computers. (Para. 15)
sophisticated: a.
1) (machines, systems, etc.) advanced and complicated
sophisticated computer equipment 精密的计算机仪器
sophisticated weapons 精密武器
sophisticated communication systems 复杂的交流体系
2) having or showing a lot of experience of the world and social situations; knowing about things such as fashion, new ideas, etc.
She’s a very sophisticated young woman. 她是个老于世故的年轻女子。
She learned all kinds of social manners to make herself sophisticated. 她学习各种社会礼仪以使自己老练一些。
Language Point 77
The operational personnel responsible for processing all these transactions stay and stay until the job is done. (Para. 15)
Meaning: The workers who are responsible for handling all these business won’t leave their office before the job is done.
Please note the repetition of “stay” for emphasis.
Language Point 78
The operational personnel responsible for processing all these transactions stay and stay until the job is done. (Para. 15)
operational: a.
1) of or about operations
operational costs 操作费用
The nuclear industry was required to prove that every operational and safety aspect had been fully researched. 核工业被要求证实，所有操作及安全方面的事宜都已经彻底检查过了。
2) (of things) in operation; ready for use
The new machines are not yet operational. 这些新机器还不能用。
The whole system will be fully operational by December 2003. 到2003年12月，整个系统将全面运行。
Language Point 79
…they will be more Westernized and insist on going home at five o'clock. (Para. 15)
Meaning: …these workers will become more Westernized and demand that they leave work and go home at five o'clock.
Language Point 80
…they will be more Westernized and insist on going home at five o'clock. (Para. 15)
insist on: say or demand
He always insists on the best. 他向来坚持要最好的。
My parents insist on coming to see me. 我父母坚持要来看我。
Language Point 81
There is a sincere concern for quality. (Para. 15)
Meaning: People today are still really concerned about quality.
Language Point 82
There is a sincere concern for quality. (Para. 15)
sincere: a.
1) (of feelings or behaviour) true; not pretended
Please accept our sincere apologies. 请接受我们真诚的道歉。
There was such a sincere expression of friendliness on both their faces that it was a joy to see. 他们俩人的脸上都带着非常真诚友好的表情，令人见了感到高兴。
2) (of people) honest; not pretending
Do you think she was being sincere when she said she admired me? 你认为她说羡慕我时说的是真心话吗？
He is sincere in his views about her personality. 他真诚地说出了对她性格的看法。
Language Point 83
This willingness to help in a pinch is an important aspect of Japanese problem-solving… (Para. 16)
Meaning: This willingness to help when needed is an important part of the Japanese way of problem-solving.
Language Point 84
This willingness to help in a pinch is an important aspect of Japanese problem-solving… (Para. 16)
in a pinch: if necessary but with some difficulty (This is American English. In British English we have at a pinch.)
We really need three but we could manage with two at a pinch. 我们确实需要三个，但必要时两个也可以应付。
Six people, and more in a pinch, could be seated comfortably at the table. 这张桌子可以舒舒服服地坐六个人，如果有必要，还可以多坐。
Language Point 85
This willingness to help in a pinch is an important aspect of Japanese problem-solving… (Para. 16)
aspect: n. one side, part, view of a subject; one of the ways in which a subject or situation may be looked at or thought about
There is much information about the aspects of British life in this book. 这本书里有很多介绍英国人生活各个方面的信息。
We must consider each aspect of this plan before we decide. 决定之前，我们必须考虑此计划的每个方面。
Language Point 86
…and you find it at every level. (Para. 16)
Meaning: …and you find the willingness at every level.
Here “it” refers to “this willingness to help in a pinch”.
Language Point 87
Also, when we at Nomura converted to computers about five years ago, the new system eliminated the jobs of 700 people. (Para. 17)
Meaning: Also, when we at Nomura Securities started to use computers about five years ago, the new system removed 700 people from their jobs.
Here “the new system” refers to the use of computers.
Language Point 88
Also, when we at Nomura converted to computers about five years ago… (Para. 17)
convert to: change to or use sth. else
People as they grow older often convert to new ways of thinking. 随着年龄增长，人们常常改变思维方式。
Does electricity convert easily to other forms of power? 电能很容易地变成其他形式的能源吗？
Difficulties were caused when Britain converted to a decimal money system. 当英国改用十进制货币体系时，出现了许多困难。
Language Point 89
We did not dismiss these people; rather, we converted them to securities sales people. (Para. 17)
Meaning: We did not fire these people; instead, we offered them posts as securities sales people.
Language Point 90
We did not dismiss these people… (Para. 17)
dismiss: vt.
1) order an employee to leave his or her job
He was dismissed for refusing to obey orders. 他拒绝服从命令，所以被解雇了。
She was dismissed from her post for being late often. 她常常迟到，所以被解雇了。
2) allow sb. to leave
The lesson ended and the teacher dismissed the class. 课讲完了，老师让学生们下课。
He dismissed the children as soon as they got back to the school. 孩子们一回到学校，他就让他们解散了。
Language Point 91
…and some of these are now our leading sales people. (Para. 17)
Meaning: …and some of these people are now our important sales people.
Language Point 92
Provided there is intelligence and a willingness to exert yourself, there is a place within the company to try and to succeed. (Para. 17)
Meaning: If you are intelligent and willing to make an effort, you can always find a place in the company to try and to succeed.
Language Point 93
Provided there is intelligence and a willingness to exert yourself… (Para. 17)
provided: conj. on the condition that
She agreed to go and work abroad provided that her family could go with her. 如果家里人能和她一起走，她就同意到国外工作。
Provided that they are fit I see no reason why they shouldn’t go on playing for another four or five years. 只要他们合适，我看不出为何他们不应再打四五年。
Language Point 94
Provided there is intelligence and a willingness to exert yourself… (Para. 17)
exert: vt. make use of sth. (e.g. influence, strength, etc.)
He exerted considerable influence on the thinking of his students on this issue. 在这个问题上，他对学生的思想影响很大。
Parents exert a powerful influence on their children's opinions. 家长对孩子们的观点影响很大。
exert oneself: make an effort
They get so absorbed that they don’t realize how much they're exerting themselves. 他们太专心致志了，以至未认识到自己是多么努力。
You won’t make any progress if you don't exert yourself a bit more. 如果你不多用点功，你就不会有长进。
Language Point 95
In Japan, a person's capabilities are not forced into an inflexible area. (Para. 17)
Meaning: In Japan, a person's abilities should not be restricted to one area.
Language Point 96
In Japan, a person's capabilities are not forced into an inflexible area. (Para. 17)
inflexible: a. not able to bend or be changed easily
He has a very inflexible attitude to changes. 他的态度是以不变应万变。
Workers insisted the new system was too inflexible. 工人们坚持认为新的制度太死板。
Language Point 97
And we feel the company owes a worker something for loyalty and commitment. (Para. 17)
Meaning: And we feel that the company should reward a worker for his or her devotion and commitment.
Language Point 98
And we feel the company owes a worker something for loyalty and commitment. (Para. 17)
loyalty: n.
1) the quality of being faithful
A dog is capable of great loyalty to its master. 狗可以对主人非常忠诚。
I have said my word of loyalty to the king. 我已发誓对国王效忠。
2) a feeling of friendship that makes one faithful towards sth. or sb.
I know where my loyalties lie. 我知道我该忠于谁。
She developed strong loyalties to her husband’s family. 她变得非常忠于她丈夫的家庭。
