节目资讯
刊物:空中英语教室
日期:2012-01-11
难易度:High
关键字:vibrant, livestock, compulsory, shield, monarch
(Music).
Hello, friends.
Welcome back.
It's a land full of tradition and rituals.
We've seen how Swaziland looks like in its past with its rich heritage.
Before the break, we were talking about what it is traditionally like in
Swaziland with men herding cattle and boys learning how to raise livestock even
before they could read.
Now let's take a look at what Swaziland might look like today on line 15.
The Swazi Way of Life.
Large differences exist between the modern urban and conservative rural areas.
Those in urban areas enjoy far better access to cellphones, the Internet and
other basic services.
Despite these differences, the country has made solid progress in development
and economic growth over the years.
And while knowledge of English remains a major indicator of status, the country
has seven years of compulsory education.
Traditional culture remains important in Swaziland.
It isn't uncommon to spot a person wearing traditional Swazi dress or carrying
weapons like axes and shields.
(Music).
So now we are starting to see some of the differences that exist between what's
Swaziland used to be like traditionally and now what it is like today.
That's right. There are large differences that exist between it.
That's not... it's not something small anymore.
It's moved; it's progressed a lot.
That's right. And you can still see these differences today.
And "they exist between the modern urban and conservative rural areas." Let's
talk about that.
OK. When we talk about something being urban, that means it is from a city.
And if it is modern, that means it is up-to-date, it is from right now.
So it would be a... a today size... a modern day city.
That's right.
And something that is "rural" is referring to an area that is away from the
city.
And something that is conservative is more traditional.
So here you'll see these people are more traditional in... places away from the
city and more modern in the city.
Well, just how modern are these urban areas?
Well, you'll find out these urban areas enjoy far better access to cell phones,
the Internet and other basic services.
Now when we talk about that being a basic service, Ryan, that's not really
considered basics in a lot of the world unless you live in a modern urban area.
That's true, and if you're in a city that has this kind of services.
Of course, if you're out in rural areas, they're not as common.
They might not be considered basic services.
That's right.
So they may not have cell phones or Internet, but they stick a lot to their
older traditions, and they live out in the open space.
So, there are some positives and negatives to both ways of living.
Exactly. And you actually see here: Despite these differences, the country has
made solid progress in development and economic growth over the years.
That is impressive.
When we say that despite these differences, that means "even though." Even
though there are big differences between cities and countryside that the country
can still progress.
It can still move forward.
And Ryan, we don't see that in a lot of countries.
That's true, yeah. In fact, now we see Swaziland is actually making solid
progress even though they have these difficulties.
And that means that it's very strong progress; they are advancing very quickly.
Now we see: While knowledge of English remains a major indicator of status, the
country has seven years of compulsory education.
What does that mean?
OK. Well, let's first to talk about the status, how English is a status here.
What does that mean for a culture that does not speak English as a native
language?
Well, in many parts of the world, they need to use English for trade.
And so here the more English people know, then the higher status they are in
Swaziland.
And status is kind of their rank in society, where they belong maybe
financially, maybe in government.
So it's... it shows you how much they can progress.
That's status.
But even though English is... becomes that status mark, everyone is still in a
compulsory education system.
Exactly. And that's very important to know.
"Complusory" means that they are required to do it, usually by law.
So they have to get an education.
So that means they are constantly getting an education, they're smarter people.
And even though English is a status symbol, they still are all getting an
education.
That's right.
Everyone has at least seven years of education.
Now in most countries, we do have compulsory education.
I know in the United States, we have a lot of years of compulsory education.
We're required to be in school until we are at least 16.
But most of us stay in school until we are 18 in the United States.
So... but seven years is great for a country that does have these major
differences.
Yeah, for a country that is still developing.
Now that, of course, means that they are becoming more and more modern, but
traditional culture remains important in Swaziland.
That's wonderful.
I'm glad to hear that because a lot of places, as they progress, they leave
behind their culture.
They don't keep the traditions.
But the Swazis do, and that's what makes them so vibrant and colorful.
Exactly, yeah. They retain, or they keep their traditional heritage.
And they remember where they came from.
And they still like to show that even today.
Now it isn't uncommon when you're walking in Swaziland to spot a person wearing
traditional Swazi dress.
That would be very exciting.
If you go on vacation and you go to Swaziland, you expect to maybe you're in the
city.
And you expect to just be in a modern city.
But it's not uncommon to see someone wearing traditional dress.
That would make a trip very exciting.
Yes, it would.
And of course, the phrase "it's not uncommon" means that you probably will see
it.
It is actually common.
Now you might also see people carrying weapons like axes and shields.
That is also exciting.
But I'm going to say I would rather see someone in dress than carrying an axe or
a shield.
That's a little intimidating.
Yeah. Well, an axe is a weapon, of course.
People also use them to cut down trees.
But what is a shield, Kaylah?
A "shield" is a large piece of flat material that you carry on one arm that
protects you in battle.
So you can fight with one arm and the shield protects you from it in another.
And that is very traditional to see in Swaziland as well.
So that would be pretty exciting to see.
I don't think I would mind that as much.
It would be exciting.
I hope you're excited about the vibrant country of Swaziland and the Swazi
people.
We'll keep talking about them tomorrow.
Before we go, let's visit the Chat Room.
(Background Noise).
What is so funny, Ken?
I'm reading this biography of a Hollywood actress.
And it has some pretty funny stories about her suburban upbringing.
Oh, you mean her "suburban" upbringing.
Uh, "suburban"?
Is that how you're supposed to say it?
Yes, even though you have the prefix "sub-" onto the word "urban," you pronounce
it as suburban.
Suburban.
That's right. You got it.
OK. So the word "urban" has to do with cities, right?
That's right.
Those of us who live within the city limits live in an urban area.
So sub-urban... I mean, "suburban," refers to the area around the city?
Yes, especially the residential area made up of various towns around the city.
Individually they are called suburbs.
And as a whole, we can refer to the area as suburbia.
Suburbia. OK, got it.
So what's the opposite of urban?
Rural, which means outside the city, like an agricultural area or the
countryside.
So if you live on a farm, you live in a rural area or in the country.
What if I live in a small town?
Then you still live in a rural area, but not in the country.
If you live in the country, you do not live in a town of any kind.
I see. Well, thanks for the explanation, Bryan.
No problem.
(Chinese).
Hi, everyone. I'm Michelle.
(Chinese).
And we're running out of time.
Keep up the good work, and I'll see you next time.
Thank you, Michelle.
You know, personally, I think Swaziland has one of the most unique flags in all
the world.
When you first look at it, you think: Hey, there's a fish on that flag.
Let's talk about the flag's colors first.
The red color symbolizes the battles of the past.
The blue is for peace and stability.
And the yellow on the flag represents prosperity, through Swaziland's great
mineral wealth.
Now what at first glance might look like a fish is actually a black and white
shield made from an ox skin.
Together with the two spears, the shield stands for the protection of the
country.
OK, friends, join us tomorrow when we discuss some of Swaziland's stunning
ceremonies.
Have a great Wednesday.
Bye-bye.