第一篇:奥巴马每周演讲中英文对照2012年1月14日
Helping American Business Succeed
帮助美国企业成功
As you can see , I bought a few things with me for this week's video.A padlock , a pair of boots , a candle and a pair of sock.We're not having a yard sale.And these products may not appear to have much in common.But they're united by three proud words : “Made in America '
如你所见,为这周的视频我买了几样东西。一把锁,一双靴子,一根蜡烛和一双袜子。我们不是进行旧货拍卖。这写东西看上去没什么共同之处。但是他们被一句话联系起来:美国制造。
They're manufactured by American workers , in American factories , and shipped to customers here and around the world.The companies that make these products are of a hopeful trend : they're bringing jobs back from overseas.You've heard of
outsourcing-well, this is insourcing.And in this make or break moment for middle class and those working to get into the middle class, that's exactly the king of commitment to country that we need.它们由工人在美国的工厂生产并销售国内和世界各地。生产这些产品的公司是把工作岗位从国外带回国内这一趋势的一部分。你肯定听说过外包,这是内包。在这个对中产阶级和即将成为中产阶级的人们来说十分重要的时刻,这正是我国希望的承诺。
This week , I invited executives from businesses that are insourcing jobs to a forum here at the White House.There are CEOs who take pride in hiring people here in America,not just because it's increasingly the right thing to do for their bottom line.But also because it's the right thing to do for the workers and for our communities and our country.I told those CEOs what I'll tell any business leader.Ask yourself what you can do to bring more jobs back to the country that made you success possible.And I'll make sure you've got a government that does everything in its power to help you succeed.这星期,我邀请了内包工作机会的商业主管们参加在白宫举办的论坛。这些CEO 们以雇佣美国本地人为骄傲。不仅是因为这是对他们的底线来说正确的事。而是因为这是对我们的工人,社会和国家正确的事。我告诉这些CEO们我将对所有商业主管们要说的话,问一下你自己是不是把工作岗位带回国内会使你更大可能的成功。并且我确保你遇到了一个愿意在权利范围内做任何事来帮助你成功的政府。
That's why, in the next few weeks , I will put forward new tax proposals., that reward companies that choose to do the right thing by bring jobs home and investing in America , and eliminate tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas.It's also why on Friday, I called on Congress to helo me make government work better for you.Right now, we have a 21st century economy, but we've still got a government organized for the 20th century.这就是在接下来的几周内我将要提出一项新的税收建议的原因。这个建议将鼓励那些选择把工作机会带回国内和在国内投资的企业。并将解除在海外投资企业的税收减免。这也是在周五,我呼吁国会帮助我建立一个高效政府的原因。现在我们有着21世界的经济,却是20世纪的政府结构。
Over the years, the needs of Americans have changed, but our government has not.In fact, it's gotten even more complex, and that had to change.That's why I asked Congress to reinstate the authority that past presidents have had to streamline and reform the Executive Branch.This is the same sort of authority that every business owner has to make sure that his or her company keeps pace with the times.It's the same authority that presidents had for over 50 years-up until Ronald Reagan.这些年来,美国人的需求已经改变,但我们的政府没有。事实上,变得越来越复杂,以至于很难改变。这也是我告诉国会恢复过去总统拥有的进行政府部门改革权利的原因。这是和每一个企业家确保自己的公司与时俱进的相同权力。这也是50年前罗纳德*里根时总统的权利。
And let me be clear : I will only use this authority for reforms that result in more efficiency , better service and a leaner government.These changes will make it easier for small business owners to ger the loans and support they need to sell their products around the world.For example, instead of forcing small business owners to navigate the six departments and agencies in the federal government that focus on business and the trade.We'll have one department.One place where entrepreneurs can go.From the day they come up with an idea and need a patent.To the day they start building a warehouse , to the day they're ready to ship their products overseas.And in the
meantime, we're creating a new website-Business USA,that will serve as a one-stop shop with information for businesses small and large those want to start selling their stuff around the world.This means that more small business owners will see their hard work pay off.More companies will be able to hire new workers.And we'll be able to rebuild an economy that's not known for paper profits or financial speculation.But for making and selling products like these products-”Made in America"
让我来澄清:我只会用这权力来改变政府使其高效提供更好的服务并且更简单。这些变化将使小企业主更容易获得贷款和帮助来销售他们的产品到全世界。例如,取代为小企业主服务的6个有关商业贸易的联邦政府部门。我们只会有一个部门。企业家们只需要去一个地方。从他们有了新的想法并需要帮助的时候。到他们开始修建仓库的时候,到他们准备好运送产品到海外的时候。在此期间,我们建立一个商业美国网站。为想要销售商品到世界的大小企业提供一站式信息服务。这意味着更多的小企业将看到他们的艰辛劳动获得回报。更多的企业将能雇佣新的工人。我们也能重建我们的经济,不是纸面上的利润或者商业投机。而是生产和销售这些美国制造的产品。
Thank you , and have a great weekend.谢谢!周末快乐!
第二篇:奥巴马致辞演讲,中英文对照
Remarks in an Exchange of Toasts at State Dinner
by Barack Obama, President of the United States of America State Dining Room, White House, Washington
January 19, 2011
在欢迎胡锦涛主席国宴上的致辞
美利坚合众国总统 巴拉克·奥巴马
美国华盛顿 白宫 国宴厅
2011年1月19日
Good evening, everybody.Please have a seat.On behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House.And thank you for joining us as we host President Hu and the Chinese delegation, and as we pay tribute to the bonds between two great nations and two proud peoples.大家晚上好。请坐。米歇尔和我欢迎大家光临白宫。感谢各位与我们一道欢迎胡锦涛主席和中国代表团,对中美两国和人民的紧密关系致意。
There are too many distinguished guests to mention all of you tonight.But I do want to acknowledge a few who have championed relations between our nations:First of all, President Jimmy Carter and his wonderful wife Rosalynn Carter are here.As well as President Bill Clinton and my outstanding Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.今晚在座的有非常多的贵宾,我想特别介绍一下对我们两国关系起到关键作用的人:吉米·卡特总统和他的夫人罗萨琳·卡特,还有比尔·克林顿总统及我们出色的国务卿希拉里·克林顿。
President Hu, we have met today in a spirit of mutual respect:the United States--the oldest democracy in the world, and China--one of the oldest civilizations in the world.And while it’s easy to focus on our differences of culture and perspective, let us never forget the values that our people share:A reverence for family;the belief that, with education and hard work and with sacrifice, the future is what we make it;and most of all, the desire to give our children a better life.胡主席,今天的聚会体现了我们相互尊重的精神,美国是世界上最悠久的民主制度国家,中国是世界上最古老的文明之一。我们很容易将注意力放在文化与观点的差别之上,但我们也不应该忘记两国人民共有的价值观——对家庭的重视,对通过教育、勤奋和牺牲创造未来的信念,更重要的,对子女提供更好生活的愿望。
Let’s also never forget that throughout our history our people have worked together for mutual progress.We’ve traded together for more than 200 years.We stood together in the Second World War.Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans have helped to build America, including many who join us here tonight.我们也不应该忘记历史上我们两国人民为了共同的进步而共同努力。我们有二百多年的贸易历史,在二战中我们并肩作战,中国的移民和华裔美国人对美国的建设做出了贡献,其中包括许多今晚在座的嘉宾。
The Chinese and American people work together and create new opportunities together every single day.Mr.President, today
we’ve shown that our governments can work together as well, for our mutual benefit.And that includes this bit of news-— under a new agreement, our National Zoo will continue to dazzle children and visitors with the beloved giant pandas.中美两国人民每天都在共同努力创造新的机会。主席先生,今天我们也表明了两国政府可以同样为了共同的利益一起努力,其中也包括这条消息——根据一项新的协议,我们的国家动物园将可以继续保留吸引孩子和游客们的中国大熊猫。
I'm told that there is a Chinese proverb that says:If you want one year of prosperity, then grow grain.If you want 10 years of prosperity, then grow trees.But if you want 100 years of prosperity, then you grow people.我知道一句中国的谚语:一年树谷,十年树木,百年树人。
And so I propose a toast--to our people, the citizens of the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.May they grow together in friendship.May they prosper together in peace.And may they realize their dream of the future for themselves, for their children, and for their grandchildren.所以我提议让我们一起举杯——为我们的人民,中华人民共和国和美利坚合众国的公民。愿两国人民加深友谊,和平繁荣,实现自己及子孙的未来的梦想!
Ganbei.干杯
第三篇:奥巴马演讲中英文对照学习
Hi, everybody.大家好!
Restoring the idea of opportunity for all requires a year of action from all of us.Wherever I can acton my own, I will – and whenever I can ask more Americans to help, I’ll do that too.为所有人恢复机会的想法,需要我们大家在今年做出不懈努力,在我能独自采取行动的地方,我会毫不犹豫地这样去做——在我可以请求美国人民帮助的时候,我也会毫不迟疑地发出声音。
In my State of the Union Address, for example, I asked more business leaders to take action toraise their employees’ wages.Because even though our economy is growing, and our businesseshave created about eight and a half million new jobs over the past four years, average wages havebarely budged.例如,在国情咨文中,我请求更多的企业领袖采取行动,提高员工工资。因为,尽管我们的经济正在增长,过去四年中,我们的企业已创造了八百五十万个新工作,可我们的平均工资却几乎没有增加。
So it’s good news that, earlier this week, one of America’s largest retailers, The Gap, decided to raisewages for its employees beginning this year.Their decision will benefit about 65,000 workers in theU.S.That means more families will be able to raise their kids, finish their studies, or keep up on theirbills with a little less financial stress and strain.所以,本周早些时候,美国最大零售商之一盖普公司决定,今年开始为员工提高工资,这是个好消息。他们的决定将惠及约65,000名美国工人。这意味着更多的家庭,将能以更小的财政压力和负担,抚养孩子、完成学业或支付账单。Gap’s CEO explained their decision simply – he said, ―[It’s] right for our brands, good for ourpeople, and beneficial to our customers.‖ And he’s right – raising Americans’ wages isn’t just agood deed;it’s good business and good for our economy.It helps reduce turnover, it boostsproductivity, and it gives folks some more money to spend at local businesses.盖普的首席执行官简单解释了他们的决定——他表示:―[这一决定]对我们的品牌是合适的,对我们的员工是有帮助的,对我们的客户也是有益的。‖他是正确的——提高美国人民的工资,不只是件善事;它是件好事,有益于我们的经济。它帮助减少人员流动率、它提高生产力,它给人们更多的钱可以花到当地企业身上。
And as a chief executive myself, that’s why I took action last week to lift more workers’ wages byrequiring federal contractors to pay their employees a fair wage of at least $10.10 an hour.正是出于这一理由,作为美国总统,我上周采取行动,要求联邦承包商支付员工每小时至少10.10美元的合理工资,以此提高更多工人的工资。
In the year since I first asked Congress to raise the minimum wage, six states have passed laws toraise theirs, and more states are working on it as we speak.But only Congress can finish the joband lift Americans’ wages across the country.自我首先请求国会提高最低工资以来的一年中,六个州已通过提高最低工资的立法,就在我们谈话过程中,更多的州正在完成立法程序。但是,只有国会可以完成这一工作,在全国范围提高美国人民的工资。
Right now, there’s a bill before Congress that would boost America’s minimum wage to $10.10 anhour.That’s easy to remember –
―ten-ten.‖ That bill would lift wages for more than 16 millionAmericans without requiring a single dollar in new taxes or spending.But even though a majorityof Democrats, Independents, and Republicans across the country support raising the minimumwage, Republicans in Congress don’t want to give it a vote.此刻,就有一份把美国最低工资提高到每小时10.10美元的法案已送达国会。这很容易记住——―两个10‖。不需要增加一美元的税收或财政支出,这份法案将为1600万美国人提高工资。不过,尽管全国绝大多数民主党人、无党派人士和共和党人都支持提高最低工资,国会共和党人却不想就该法案进行表决。
Hardworking Americans deserve better than ―no.‖ Let’s tell Congress to say ―yes.‖ Pass that bill.Give America a raise.Because here in America, no one who works hard should have to live inpoverty – and everyone who works hard should have a chance to get ahead.勤奋工作的美国人民应该得到比―不‖更好的答案。让我们告诉国会说―同意‖吧。通过这一法案!给美国加薪吧!努力工作的人,不应该生活在贫困之中——每位努力工作的人,都应该拥有获得成功的机会!Thanks, and have a great weekend.谢谢!祝周末愉快!
In the Garden:Getting the Most Out of Mums
This is the VOA Special English Agriculture Report.People have grown chrysanthemums for more than two thousand years.Chinese and other Asian cultures make tea with the flowers.But mums also make bright and colorful gardens.One basic kind of mum is the hardy or garden mum.The other basic kind is the florist mum.The garden mum is better able to handle different growing conditions than the florist mum.There are many varieties of mums.The decorative mum is often seen in gardens.Another popular type, the quill mum, has long, straight petals like a tube or needle.Chrysanthemum blooms can be white, yellow, gold, red or other colors.The plants often grow to one meter in height.The soil should be kept moist but well drained so it does not get too wet.Newly planted mums should be watered two or three times a week, depending on conditions.Plants established in the ground may do well just with normal rainfall.In dry conditions they will need more water.Mums grow best in full sunshine.They produce colorful blooms when days get shorter and nights get longer.The life cycle of the plant depends on the amount of daylight.This is why experts advise against placing mums near nightlights or streetlights.The light may interfere with their normal growth cycle.The plants may develop buds too soon.In climates where temperatures fall below freezing, plant mums at least six weeks before the first frost is expected.That way, the plants will be well established for cold weather.Placing mulch around the plants can protect them from the cold.Doug Akers from the cooperative extension service at Purdue University in Indiana suggests straw or shredded leaves for the mulch.The material will also add nutrients to the soil.Some gardeners say the most beautiful presentation comes from planting mums close together.But they also advise leaving enough space between the plants so air can flow.If not, the chance of disease may increase.To get more blooms, gardeners pinch back the branches when new growth has extended to fifteen centimeters.Squeeze about five to seven centimeters off each branch.Pinch again when a branch grows another twelve to fifteen
centimeters.Stop pinching about one hundred days before you want the plants to bloom.And that's the VOA Special English Agriculture Report, written by Jerilyn Watson.You can find all of our reports with transcripts and MP3s at /20100629/22404.html
第四篇:奥巴马上海演讲中英文对照
奥巴马上海演讲稿 2009-12-13 14:53
奥巴马上海演讲稿
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good afternoon.It is a great honor for me to be here in Shanghai, and to have this opportunity to speak with all of you.I'd like to thank Fudan University's President Yang for his hospitality and his gracious welcome.I'd also like to thank our outstanding Ambassador, Jon Huntsman, who exemplifies the deep ties and respect between our nations.I don't know what he said, but I hope it was good.(Laughter.)
奥巴马总统:你们好。能够有机会在上海跟你们大家交谈,我深感荣幸。我要感谢复旦大学的杨校长,感谢他的款待和热情的欢迎。我还要感谢我们出色的大使洪博培,他代表了我们两国之间的深远联系和相互尊重。我不知道他刚才说什么,但是希望他说得不错。(笑声)
What I'd like to do is to make some opening remarks, and then what I'm really looking forward to doing is taking questions, not only from students who are in the audience, but also we've received questions online, which will be asked by some of the students who are here in the audience, as well as by Ambassador Huntsman.And I am very sorry that my Chinese is not as good as your English, but I am looking forward to this chance to have a dialogue.我今天准备先做一个开场白,但我真正希望做的是回答问题,不但回答在座的学生提出的问题,同时也回答从网上提出的一些问题,这些问题由在座的一些学生和洪博培大使代为提出。很抱歉,我的中文不如你们的英文,但我期待着这个和你们对话的机会。
This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic country.Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world--the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling streets and entrepreneurial activity.And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past.Tomorrow and the next day I hope to have a chance when I'm in Beijing to see the majesty of the Forbidden City and the wonder of the Great Wall.Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future.这是我首次访问中国,看到你们壮丽的国家,我感到很兴奋。在上海,我们看到了全球瞩目的发展——高耸的大厦、繁忙的街道、创业的动态。这些都是中国步入 21世纪的迹象,让我感到赞叹。同时,我也期盼看到向我们展现中国悠久历史的古迹。明天和后天我会在北京,希望有机会看到壮观的故宫和奇迹般的长城。的确,这是一个既有丰富的历史,又对未来的希望充满信心的国家。
The same can be said of the relationship between our two countries.Shanghai, of course, is a city that has great meaning in the history of the relationship between the United States and China.It was here, 37 years ago, that the Shanghai Communique opened the door to a new chapter of engagement between our governments and among our people.However, America's ties to this city--and to this country--stretch back further, to the earliest days of America's independence.我们两国的关系也是如此。毫无疑问,上海在美中关系史上是一个具有重大意义的城市。正是在这里,37年前发布的《上海公报》(Shanghai Communique)开启了我们两国政府和两国人民接触交往的新篇章。然而,美国与这个城市以及这个国家的纽带可以追溯到更久远的过去,直至美国独立初期。
In 1784, our founding father, George Washington, commissioned the Empress of China, a ship that set sail for these shores so that it could pursue trade with the Qing Dynasty.Washington wanted to see the ship carry the flag around the globe, and to forge new ties with nations like China.This is a common American impulse--the desire to reach for new horizons, and to forge new partnerships that are mutually beneficial.1784年,我们的建国之父乔治•华盛顿主持了“中国女皇号”(Empress of China)的下水仪式。这条船前往中国海岸,寻求与清朝通商。华盛顿希望看到这条悬挂美国国旗的船前往世界各地,与像中国这样的国家缔结新的纽带。这是通常的美国人的愿望——希望达到新的地平线,建立新的、互利的伙伴关系。
Over the two centuries that have followed, the currents of history have steered the relationship between our countries in many directions.And even in the midst of tumultuous winds, our people had opportunities to forge deep and even dramatic ties.For instance, Americans will never forget the hospitality shown to our pilots who were shot down over your soil during World War II, and cared for by Chinese civilians who risked all that they had by doing so.And Chinese veterans of that war still warmly greet those American veterans who return to the sites where they fought to help liberate China from occupation.在此后的两个世纪中,历史洪流使我们两国关系向许多不同的方向发展,但即使在动荡的岁月中,两国人民也抓住机会发展了深入的、甚至极不平凡的关系。例如,美国人民永远不会忘记,二战期间,美国飞行员在中国上空被击落后,中国公民冒着失去一切的危险护理他们。参加过二战的中国老兵仍然热情欢迎故地重游的美国老兵,他们曾经在那里作战,帮助中国从占领下获得解放。
A different kind of connection was made nearly 40 years ago when the frost between our countries began to thaw through the simple game of table tennis.The very unlikely nature of this engagement contributed to its success--because for all our differences, both our common humanity and our shared curiosity were revealed.As one American player described his visit to China--“[The] people are just like us„The country is very similar to America, but still very different.”
近40年前,简单的乒乓球比赛带来了两国关系的解冻,使我们两国建立起另一种联系。这种接触令人意外,但却恰恰促成了其成功,因为尽管我们之间存在许多分歧,但是我们共同的人性和共同的好奇心得以从中显现。正如一位美国乒乓球队员在回忆对中国的访问时所说:“那里的人民和我们一样„„这个国家和美国有许多相似之处,也有很大区别。”
Of course this small opening was followed by the achievement of the Shanghai Communique, and the eventual establishment of formal relations between the United States and China in 1979.And in three decades, just look at how far we have come.无须赘言,这个小小的契机带来了《上海公报》的问世,并最终促使美中两国在1979年建立正式外交关系。请看在此后的30年,我们取得了多么长足的进展。
In 1979, trade between the United States and China stood at roughly $5 billion--today it tops over $400 billion each year.The commerce affects our people's lives in so many ways.America imports from China many of the computer parts we use, the clothes we wear;and we export to China machinery that helps power your industry.This trade could create even more jobs on both sides of the Pacific, while allowing our people to enjoy a better quality of life.And as demand becomes more balanced, it can lead to even broader prosperity.1979年,美中贸易额约为50亿美元,今天,贸易额已经超过4000亿美元。贸易在许多方面影响着两国人民的生活,美国电脑中的许多元件以及我们身穿的服装都是从中国进口的,我们向中国出口你们的工业需要的机器。这种贸易可以在太平洋两岸创造更多的就业机会,让我们的人民过上质量更高的生活。随着需求趋于平衡,繁荣的范围将进一步扩大。
In 1979, the political cooperation between the United States and China was rooted largely in our shared rivalry with the Soviet Union.Today, we have a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship that opens the door to partnership on the key global issues of our time--economic recovery and the development of clean energy;stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and the scourge of climate change;the promotion of peace and security in Asia and around the globe.All of these issues will be on the agenda tomorrow when I meet with President Hu.1979年,美中之间的政治合作主要立足于双方共同面对的竞争对手苏联。如今我们享有积极的、建设性的、全面的关系,为我们在当今时代的关键性全球问题上建立伙伴关系打开了大门,这些问题包括:经济复苏和清洁能源开发、制止核武器扩散和气候变化的影响、在亚洲及全球各地促进和平与安全。所有这些问题都是我明天与胡主席会谈的内容。
And in 1979, the connections among our people were limited.Today, we see the curiosity of those ping-pong players manifested in the ties that are being forged across many sectors.The second highest number of foreign students in the United States comes from China, and we've seen a 50 percent increase in the study of Chinese among our own students.There are nearly 200 “friendship cities” drawing our communities together.American and Chinese scientists cooperate on new research and discovery.And of course, Yao Ming is just one signal of our shared love of basketball--I'm only sorry that I won't be able to see a Shanghai Sharks game while I'm visiting.1979年,我们两国人民的联系十分有限。今天,我们看到当年乒乓球队员的好奇心已经化为许多领域的纽带,中国留学生在美国的人数名列第二,而在美国学生中,学中文的人数增加了50%。我们两国有近200个友好城市,把我们的社区连接在一起。美中科学家合作进行新的研究与发现。而姚明是我们两国人民都热爱篮球的仅仅一个标志而已——令我遗憾的是,此行中我不能观看上海大鲨鱼队的比赛。
It is no coincidence that the relationship between our countries has accompanied a period of positive change.China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty--an accomplishment unparalleled in human history--while playing a larger role in global events.And the United States has seen our economy grow along with the standard of living enjoyed by our people, while bringing the Cold War to a successful conclusion.我们两国之间的关系相伴着一个积极变化的时期,这不是偶然的。中国实现了亿万人民脱贫,这一成就史无前例,同时,中国在全球问题中也在发挥更大的作用。美国在促使冷战顺利结束的同时,经济也取得了增长,人民的生活水平提高。
There is a Chinese proverb: “Consider the past, and you shall know the future.” Surely, we have known setbacks and challenges over the last 30 years.Our relationship has not been without disagreement and difficulty.But the notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined--not when we consider the past.Indeed, because of our cooperation, both the United States and China are more prosperous and more secure.We have seen what is possible when we build upon our mutual interests, and engage on the basis of mutual respect.中国有句名言:“温故而知新。”当然,过去30年中我们也曾遇到挫折和挑战,我们的关系不是没有分歧和困难。但是,“我们必然是对手”的概念并非是注定不变的——回顾过去不会是这样。由于我们的合作,美中两国都更加繁荣、更加安全。我们已经看到我们本着共同的利益和相互的尊重去努力所能取得的成果。
And yet the success of that engagement depends upon understanding--on sustaining an open dialogue, and learning about one another and from one another.For just as that American table tennis player pointed out--we share much in common as human beings, but our countries are different in certain ways.可是,这种接触的成功取决于理解,取决于继续进行开诚布公的对话,相互了解,相互学习。正如前面提到的那位美国乒乓球队员所说——作为人,我们有着许多共同之处,但是我们两国在某些方面存在着差别。
I believe that each country must chart its own course.China is an ancient nation, with a deeply rooted culture.The United States, by comparison, is a young nation, whose culture is determined by the many different immigrants who have come to our shores, and by the founding documents that guide our democracy.Those documents put forward a simple vision of human affairs, and they enshrine several core principles--that all men and women are created equal, and possess certain fundamental rights;that government should reflect the will of the people and respond to their wishes;that commerce should be open, information freely accessible;and that laws, and not simply men, should guarantee the administration of justice.我认为每个国家都必须规划自己的前进方向。中国是一个文明古国,文化深远。而美国相对而言是一个年轻的国家,它的文化由来自许多不同国家的移民以及指导我国民主制度的建国纲领所形成。这些纲领中提出了对人类事务的简单明了的瞩望,并包含了一些核心原则——不论男女人人生而平等,都享有某些基本权利;政府应当反映民意,并对人民的愿望作出回应;商贸应该是开放的,信息应该自由流通;司法保障应该来自法治而不是人治。
Of course, the story of our nation is not without its difficult chapters.In many ways--over many years--we have struggled to advance the promise of these principles to all of our people, and to forge a more perfect union.We fought a very painful civil war, and freed a portion of our population from slavery.It took time for women to be extended the right to vote, workers to win the right to organize, and for immigrants from different corners of the globe to be fully embraced.Even after they were freed, African Americans persevered through conditions that were separate and not equal, before winning full and equal rights.当然,我国的历史也并非没有困难的篇章。在很多方面,在很长的时间里,我们要通过斗争去实现这些原则对全体人民的承诺,缔造一个更趋完善的联邦。我们曾打过一场很痛苦的南北战争,将我国的一部分人口从奴役下解放出来。妇女获得投票权、劳工赢得组织权、来自世界各地的移民得到完全的接纳——这些都是经过了一段时间才实现的。非洲裔美国人即使在获得自由后依然生活在被隔离和不平等的条件下,他们经过不懈努力才最终赢得全面、平等的权利。
None of this was easy.But we made progress because of our belief in those core principles, which have served as our compass through the darkest of storms.That is why Lincoln could stand up in the midst of civil war and declare it a struggle to see whether any nation, conceived in liberty, and “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” could long endure.That is why Dr.Martin Luther King could stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and ask that our nation live out the true meaning of its creed.That's why immigrants from China to Kenya could find a home on our shores;why opportunity is available to all who would work for it;and why someone like me, who less than 50 years ago would have had trouble voting in some parts of America, is now able to serve as its President.所有这些都不曾轻而易举。但是,由于我们对这些核心原则的坚定信念,我们取得了进步,这些原则指引我们冲过了最黑暗的风暴。这就是为什么林肯能在南北战争中挺身而出并宣布,这是一场考验一个孕育于自由之中、“忠实于人人生而平等这一原则”的国家能否永存的斗争。这也就是为什么马丁•路德•金博士能够站立在林肯纪念堂的台阶上,要求我们的国家实践自身信仰的真正含义。这也就是为什么来自从中国到肯尼亚的各国移民能够在我国的土地上安家;为什么所有努力寻求机会的人都能获得机会;为什么像我这种在不到50年前在美国的某些地方连投票都遇到困难的人,现在能够出任这个国家的总统。
And that is why America will always speak out for these core principles around the world.We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation, but we also don't believe that the principles that we stand for are unique to our nation.These freedoms of expression and worship--of access to information and political participation--we believe are universal rights.They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities--whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation.Indeed, it is that respect for universal rights that guides America's openness to other countries;our respect for different cultures;our commitment to international law;and our faith in the future.这就是为什么美国一直在全世界为这些核心原则而大声疾呼。我们不寻求把任何政治体制强加给任何别的国家,但是我们也不认为我们主张的这些原则是我们国 家所独有的。表达自由和宗教信仰自由——获得信息和政治参与的自由——我们认为这些自由都是普世的权利,所有人都应当享有,包括少数民族和宗教少数派,不管是在美国、中国还是在任何其他国家。正是对普世权利的尊重指导着美国向其他国家开放,尊重各种不同的文化,致力于遵守国际法,并对未来抱有信念。
These are all things that you should know about America.I also know that we have much to learn about China.Looking around at this magnificent city--and looking around this room--I do believe that our nations hold something important in common, and that is a belief in the future.Neither the United States nor China is content to rest on our achievements.For while China is an ancient nation, you are also clearly looking ahead with confidence, ambition, and a commitment to see that tomorrow's generation can do better than today's.这些都是你们应当了解的美国的情况。我也知道中国有很多有待我们了解的情况。环顾一下这座伟大的城市——环顾一下这个大厅——我确信我们两个国家有一个很重要的共同点,那就是我们对未来的信念。美国和中国都不想满足于已取得的成就,止步不前。虽然中国是一个古老的国家,但你们显然也对未来满怀信心、雄心和使年轻一代能比这一代人更有作为的决心。
In addition to your growing economy, we admire China's extraordinary commitment to science and research--a commitment borne out in everything from the infrastructure you build to the technology you use.China is now the world's largest Internet user--which is why we were so pleased to include the Internet as a part of today's event.This country now has the world's largest mobile phone network, and it is investing in the new forms of energy that can both sustain growth and combat climate change--and I'm looking forward to deepening the partnership between the United States and China in this critical area tomorrow.But above all, I see China's future in you--young people whose talent and dedication and dreams will do so much to help shape the 21st century.我们不但钦佩中国日益增长的经济,还赞赏你们在科学研究方面极不平凡的努力——从你们建设的基础设施到你们使用的技术,均体现出这种努力。中国现在是世界上最大的互联网使用国——这也是我们今天很高兴能把互联网作为此次活动的一部分的原因。这个国家目前拥有世界上最大的移动电话网络,它正在投资发展既能维持可持续增长,又能应对气候变化的新型能源——我期待着明天在这个至关重要的领域中深化两国的合作关系。然而,最重要的是,我在你们身上看到了中国的未来 ——年轻一代的聪明才智、献身精神和梦想将为塑造21世纪发挥巨大作用。
I've said many times that I believe that our world is now fundamentally interconnected.The jobs we do, the prosperity we build, the environment we protect, the security that we seek--all of these things are shared.And given that interconnection, power in the 21st century is no longer a zero-sum game;one country's success need not come at the expense of another.And that is why the United States insists we do not seek to contain China's rise.On the contrary, we welcome China as a strong and prosperous and successful member of the community of nations--a China that draws on the rights, strengths, and creativity of individual Chinese like you.我已说过多次,我相信我们现在的世界是紧密相连的。我们所做的工作,我们所建设的繁荣,我们所保护的环境,以及我们所寻求的安全——所有这一切都是共有的。鉴于这种相互联系,在21世纪,权力不应再成为一场零和游戏;一国的成功发展不应以他国为代价。这也就是为什么美国坚决表示我们不谋求遏制中国的崛起。恰恰相反,我们欢迎中国成为国际社会中一个强大、繁荣、成功的成员——一个从你们这样的每个中国人的权利、实力和创造力中获得力量的中国。
To return to the proverb--consider the past.We know that more is to be gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide.That is a lesson that human beings have learned time and again, and that is the example of the history between our nations.And I believe strongly that cooperation must go beyond our government.It must be rooted in our people--in the studies we share, the business that we do, the knowledge that we gain, and even in the sports that we play.And these bridges must be built by young men and women just like you and your counterparts in America.回到前面提到的那句古语——回顾过去。我们知道,大国之间选择合作而非对抗会带来更大的惠益。这是人类不断汲取的一个教训,我们两国的关系史中也不乏其例。我深信,合作必须不止于政府间的合作。合作必须植根于我们的人民——植根于我们共同进行的研究,我们的商贸活动,我们所学到的知识,乃至我们的体育运动。这些桥梁必须由你们这样的年轻人和美国的年轻人共同构筑。
That's why I'm pleased to announce that the United States will dramatically expand the number of our students who study in China to 100,000.And these exchanges mark a clear commitment to build ties among our people, as surely as you will help determine the destiny of the 21st century.And I'm absolutely confident that America has no better ambassadors to offer than our young people.For they, just like you, are filled with talent and energy and optimism about the history that is yet to be written.因此,我高兴地宣布,美国准备将在中国留学的美国学生人数大幅度增加到10万人。这种交流是对在我们两国人民之间建立联系的明确承诺,毫无疑问,你们将帮助决定21世纪的命运。我完全相信,对美•来说,再好的使者莫过于我们的年轻人。因为他们和你们一样,才华横溢,充满活力,对有待书写的历史篇章充满乐观。
So let this be the next step in the steady pursuit of cooperation that will serve our nations, and the world.And if there's one thing that we can take from today's dialogue, I hope that it is a commitment to continue this dialogue going forward.那么,就让这个举措成为我们稳步寻求合作的下一个步骤,这种合作有利于我们两国乃至整个世界。如果能从今天的对话中得到一点启示的话,我希望那就是致力于今后继续进行这种对话。
So thank you very much.And I look forward now to taking some questions from all of you.Thank you very much.(Applause.)
非常感谢诸位。现在我希望回答你们大家提出的一些问题。非常感谢。(掌声。)
第五篇:奥巴马芝加哥演讲中英文对照
This victory belongs to you 胜利属于你们
A speech by the new president-elect of the United States of America, Barack Obama 2008年美国总统选举,奥巴马获胜后在芝加哥发表的演讲。
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.如果,还有人怀疑美国是一切皆有可能的国度,还有人怀疑国父们的梦想在我们的时代是否还存在,还有人怀疑我们的民主所拥有的力量,那么今晚,你听到了回答。
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.是那些今天在学校和教堂排着长队、数不胜数的选民做出了回答;是那些为了投票等待了三四个小时的人们做出了回答。他们中的很多人,是有生以来第一次投票,因为他们相信,这次真的不同――他们的声音会让这次不同。
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled.Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.We are, and always will be, the United States of America.这个回答来自青年、老人、穷人、富人、民主党、共和党人、黑皮肤、白皮肤、拉美人、亚裔、印第安人、同性恋和非同性恋者、残疾人和健全者。美国告诉世界,我们从来就不是一半红、一半蓝(译者:分别代表民主党和共和党。),我们是——美利坚合众国。
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.很多人,在长久以往的耳濡目染中愤世嫉俗、担忧、怀疑。但今天他们做出了回答。他们的双手扭转了历史,让历史转向充满希望的新的一天。
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.我们等待了很久。但今夜,因为我们今天的努力、因为这次选举,在这决定性的时刻,美国终于迎来了转变。
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen.McCain.Sen.McCain fought long and hard in this campaign.And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves.He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine.We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.I congratulate him;I congratulate Gov.Palin for all that they've achieved.And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.我刚刚收到麦凯恩参议员打来的电话,他非常诚挚。在这次漫长的竞选中,他付出了艰苦的努力。而为这个他所爱的国家,他付出得更多、时间也更长。他忍受过的牺牲,是我们很多美国人无法想象的。这位勇敢而无私的领袖的付出会让我们的国家更强大。对麦凯恩参议员和佩林州长所取得的成绩,我这里也表示钦佩。我期待在接下来的几个月中,与他们一道重拾美国的承诺。I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.我要感谢我的竞选伙伴。他发自内心地投入竞选,他的声音代表了那些在他成长的斯克兰顿街生活的人们的声音,代表那些和他一道乘火车上下班的特拉华州人民的声音。现在他将是美国的副总统,他就是乔·拜登。
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine.And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.如果不是我过去十六年间最亲密的朋友、我的家庭的基石和我一生的至爱给予的支持,今晚我不会站在这里。那就是我们国家的下任第一夫人,米歇尔·奥巴马。还有我的女儿,萨沙和玛丽亚。我是如此爱你们。我们会带着你们刚赢得的小狗一起搬进白宫。And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am.I miss them tonight.I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.而我的外祖母,虽然此刻他已经离我们而去,但我知道她在看着呢——和带给我生命、定义了我人生的家人们一道。今夜,我想念他们。我知道我欠他们的难以偿还。
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me.I am grateful to them.我的妹妹玛雅,我的妹妹阿尔玛,我的所有其他的兄弟姐妹们,感谢你们给了我这么多的一切支持,我感谢他们。
And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best--the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.感谢我的竞选经理——大卫·普劳夫(David Plouffe),我的首席战略官大卫·阿克塞罗德(David Axelrod),以及美国政治史上最棒的竞选团队,是你们造就了今天,对你们的付出和牺牲我永远感谢。
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to.It belongs to you.It belongs to you.但最重要的是,我永远不会忘记这一胜利真正属于谁。它属于你们!I was never the likeliest candidate for this office.We didn't start with much money or many endorsements.Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington.It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.我从来都不是总统的最佳人选。刚开始时我们没有太多经费也没有很多要人的支持。我们的竞选不是孵化自华盛顿的会议大厅,而是始于得梅因(美国衣阿华Iowa州的首府)的后院、康科德市普通人家的客厅、以及查尔斯顿的某个前廊。
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.这一胜利来自于普通工薪阶层人民,他们从微薄的积蓄中拿出五元、十元来支持我们的理念。我们的胜利来自于年轻人——那些远离家人承担辛苦但收入微薄的竞选工作的年轻人。他们反驳了关于他们是冷漠的一代的谬论。
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.我们的胜利也来自于那些已不再年轻的人们,他们在严寒或酷暑中走街串巷向完全陌生的选民进行宣传。我们的胜利来自数以百万计的美国人民,他们的志愿参与和组织证明了两个多世纪之后,那个民有、民治、民享的政府仍然长存。这个胜利属于你们!This is your victory.And I know you didn't do this just to win an election.And I know you didn't do it for me.You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime--two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.我知道你们这样做不仅仅是为了这次竞选,不仅仅是为了我。你们这样做是因为你们知道我们面临的任务之艰巨。即便我们今晚在此庆祝,我们也知道明天的挑战是前所未有的——两场战争、一个奄奄一息的星球、和一场百年不遇的经济危机。
即便我们今晚在此庆祝,我们也清楚地知道那些勇敢的美国人明早会在伊拉克的沙漠或是阿富汗的山地中醒来——他们在为我们冒生命危险。
我们知道父母们在孩子睡下后辗转难眠,不知如何才能偿付按揭、医疗账单、或是为孩子上大学筹款。
我们需要去开发新能源、创造新就业机会、建设新学校、面对新挑战、和修复我们的战略联盟。
The road ahead will be long.Our climb will be steep.We may not get there in one year or even in one term.But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.前路严峻而漫长,我们也许在一年甚至一届总统任期之内都无法解决这些问题。但是美国,我从来没有像今晚这样有信心,相信我们会解决它们。我向你们承诺:我们,美国人民会解决这些问题。
I promise you, we as a people will get there.There will be setbacks and false starts.There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president.And we know the government can't solve every problem.But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years--block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.前面会有挫折和弯路。很多人不会完全同意我作为总统做出的政策和决定。而且我们知道政府不会解决所有问题。但关于面对的挑战,我会始终对你们坦诚相告。我会倾听你们的声音——特别是当我们意见相左时。而最重要的是,我请你们加入到家园的重建中来,用二百二十一年以来我们唯一的方法,美国的方法——一砖一瓦,水滴石穿。
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.This victory alone is not the change we seek.It is only the chance for us to make that change.And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.二十一个月之前那个深冬开始的胜利之路,不会在今天这个秋夜止步。这个胜利本身并不是我们所追求的。这只是给了我们机会,去实现我们期待的转变。而如果我们退回原地则什么也不会发生。没有你们的参与,没有你们的服务与牺牲精神,也不会发生。So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.因此,让我们呼唤一种全新的爱国主义,一种投入与责任感——我们每个人都更努力地工作,不仅考虑到我们自己,还要考虑到他人。如果这次金融危机有什么教训的话,那就是实体经济受损,华尔街也不可能繁荣。在这个国家,我们荣辱与共。