還記得在 UPenn 時，有一位日本籍教授曾經說，有眾多研究顯示，亞洲的留學生在校園生活時，有時寫作、講話太過直接，讓美國教授感覺到不禮貌。後來追究原因，發現因為這些學生在國內不斷被提醒「亞洲語言的間接在美國文化是行不通的，應該要直接一點！」以致於矯枉過正。

近期是美國的找實習、找工作季，對於每個留學生來說，有好消息、必然也有壞消息，特別是像 Google、Netflix、Uber、Airbnb 般的熱門公司，每年要發出的「拒絕信」如雪片般多。我們今天就一起來看看 Uber、Airbnb 這兩個熱門公司的拒絕信，窺探一下美國文化是否「真的都那麼直接」。

【Airbnb】

Hi XXX,

Thank you again for applying for the Software Engineer, Intern 2020 (San Francisco) role at Airbnb. We’re truly inspired by the talented people who find their way to us, and we know that it took a lot of time and effort on your part.（暖心廢話）

While this is never easy news to share,（繼續讓步）we’ve decided not to move forward with your application for this position.（其實就是 decided to ditch you）We appreciate your care in sharing your qualifications and experience.（感謝不完，再感謝一次）

Even though this position didn’t work out, we will keep your information on file — if there is another opening that is a better match, we will contact you.（最好是會）You should also feel free to keep an eye on our careers page for future positions that might be of interest to you. 

看完 Airbnb，我們再來看看 Uber。

【Uber】 

Hi Kevin, 

Thanks for taking the time to chat with Linda. I hope it was a positive experience for you! 

While Linda thoroughly enjoyed meeting you,（讓步廢話來了）we will not be moving forward with your candidacy for her role.（有夠間接）She commented on your strong visual design skills,（好話說在前）but is looking for a more robust UX background at this time. 

We hope you keep Uber in mind for future opportunities,（鼓勵藕斷絲連）Kevin, and best of luck finding that perfect summer internship.（祝你好運，掰～）

看完了這兩個例子，還覺得美國人都很直接嗎？也許你會說看狀況。但在專業的場合，不論文化，「禮貌、合宜、專業」應該是共同文化。這時，寫作要知道如何寫「讓步」(make concessions) 就非常重要了，這也是不論是要寫好學術寫作、議論文寫作、business email 都要有的技能。

原文發表於：Alexander Wang 王梓沅英文・ Feb 19