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!

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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。

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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。