外研版必修一册第二单元听力练习

Unit 2 Exploring English

Lecturer: G'day mate! This is the informal greeting that you will often hear if you go to Australia. It is a friendly way of saying “Good day”, with the addition of “mate” meaning “friend”. Australian English is famous for its abbreviations, or shortening of words, as well as for its interesting expressions. We are here today to answer some visitors' questions about Australian English.

Student A: I always hear people saying “Aussies” – what does this word mean?

Lecturer: Australians usually refer to themselves as “Aussies” and anything from their own country can use the term. For example, the most popular sport in Australia is known as “ARL” which stands for “Aussie Rules Football”. When talking about one's parents, Aussies may use the term “oldies” as a sign of friendship. “Arvo” is of course short for afternoon.

Student A: Oh I see.

Lecturer: While these short forms are easily understood, some of the expressions may not be so obvious. For example, talk is often called “yabber”, as in “Jerry can't stop yabbering today”. Do you know what I mean by “ripper?”

Student B: I haven't heard that word before. What does it mean?

Lecturer: To say something is “ripper” means it is fantastic.

Student B: That's interesting.

Student C: I have heard my friend's father say, “Fair dinkum.” What does it mean and where does it come from?

Lecturer: Some Aussie expressions are quite confusing. “Fair dinkum”, meaning real. As the word dinkum came from the late nineteenth century, was an old English word meaning “hard work”.

Student C: Thanks for explaining that.

Lecturer: No worries. In Australia you will hear all these terms and more. Enjoy the colourful and creative Aussie language and maybe try to use some of the expressions yourself. Go on, “give it a burl,” as they say.