دانلود مکالمات ضروری در زبان انگلیسی(با راهنمای فارسی)

[Persia1]

Talking about Meditation



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Mark: So what is meditation?
Alec: Hmm..good question. Well meditation is a huge variety of techniques that are used to move people into the moment…or to use a cliche, the “here and now”.
Mark: Hm-mm what kind of techniques? For example, can you give me an example?
Alec: Well…yeah…there are Buddhist techniques. There are many different types of Buddhist techniques but some of the main techniques are to do with using your breath so that you are focusing on your breathing and you’re bringing your mind, your thinking mind – what they call the aahm…what is it…the crazy monkey, is it?…or the mad monkey? The mad monkey mind…and you are bringing that… redirecting that…commanding the attention of your mind…your thoughts…and bringing it to the breath, focusing on the breath.
Mark: Focusing so like…controlling your mind and focusing on the breath.
Alec: No you don’t control your mind. That is impossible…you just have to gently redirect it…continually redirect it…towards focusing on your senses. So in a way…meditation – a big part of meditation – is using your senses to go…what do they call it?…beyond your senses.
Mark: And how long have you been meditating?
Alec: Since I was a teenager…and in my early twenties, you know. I started to meditate…I got hold of this…
Mark: So that is a hundred…
Alec: That is a thousand years ago.
Mark: Ha ha ha…
Alec: You know, several lifetimes ago. No, I was really into trying to work out what the hell was going on…because I…I had a lot of hang-ups…still do I suppose, but I can work with them much easier now.
Mark: You went to India, is that right?
Alec: No, no, no, I will just explain. I went to India very recently by comparison. When I was about twenty…ninteteen, twenty, I was reading one particular book I remember which really influenced me was by Alan Watts who wrote a lot of books about West meets East…
Mark: Um-hm
Alec: …which was very big at the time…it still is, you know…that…a lot of people were looking into the mystical philosophies of the Eastern way and I remember reading this and practicing it just sitting. I remember choosing…my first try at meditation was choosing various comfortable seats. I had my back straight and I was very relaxed and then focusing on parts of my body for example my hands…just to focus my attention just on how my hands felt…the sensation in my hand…or my whole body sometimes…and to focus on what occurred and by working on that…on a continual basis…it is a very transformational thing.
Mark: Mm.
Alec: So meditation is very very transformational.
Mark: You have done guided meditation with me before. What do you think we go upstairs and you take me through a guided mediation?
Alec: Yeah, ok, that would be great.
Mark: (Do) you want to do that now or later?
Alec: Whenever you want to because really aah…
Mark: Let’s sit here and talk a little and we will do that a little bit later.
Alec: Ok
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[Persia1]

Working in Bangkok




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Mark talked to Tim at his office in Bangkok.
Mark : Hello everybody. I am just sitting here in Bangkok at a UNESCO office with Tim Denny. Tim was working in Japan and then Cambodia and he has just moved over to Bangkok. What are you doing in Bangkok now, Tim?
Tim : Mark, nice to meet you today. I am working as a project assistant under a project, which we call ICT and teacher training. ICT is information, communication and technologies and we work with teacher education institutes in eleven specified countries in the Asia Pacific region.
Mark : Which countries do you go to?
Tim : So far we have had workshops in India, China and Malaysia. We are now working on three more countries; Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines and then we will select further countries after that..
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[Persia1]

Studying in India



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Mark: So I am just sitting in an Indian restaurant with my friend, Arthur. Arthur, you have been to India, haven’t you?
Arthur: Yes.
Mark: Tell us about it. When did you first go there?
Arthur: in September 1969…
Mark : September…?
Arthur: 1969.
Mark: Wow, that was a long time ago. Did you fly or did you take a boat?
Arthur: No, I flew…
Mark: You flew.
Arthur: Yeah.
Mark: And where did you fly to first?
Arthur: Tokyo.
Mark: Tokyo….Tokyo, India? Ha ha ha.
Arthur: No, Tokyo Japan.
Mark: And then you flew…to…from…?
Arthur: We stayed in Tokyo for about a week
Mark: Um-hm.
Arthur: We bought all cameras and everything. Everything was really cheap there…my friends all bought…I was with about eighty or ninety American students, so we all went together…so they all bought really good stereos and had them sent on to India.
Mark: Wow
Arthur: So we had good sound systems there. And then we went to Hong Kong and then Bangkok for like three or four days…and then we went straight to Calcutta.
Mark: This was during the Vietnam War, 1969…wow…and then from Calcutta…you flew to Calcutta?
Arthur: We stayed in Calcutta just I think one night and then we flew down to Bangalore.
Mark: And you went to India to study?
Arthur: Yeah, I was doing my third year of university.
Mark : Uhm-hm..
Arthur: It was a very liberal arts college that sent everyone abroad…a little bit later they went to Japan. When I was going there they were going to India…two or three years everybody went to India and we stayed in a hotel in Bangalore and we studied at Bangalore University.
Mark: And what kind of things did you study?
Arthur: aah Kanada, the language, Indian philosophy, Indian religion. I studied sitar.
Mark: …the musical instrument?
Arthur: Yeah, sitar.
Mark: Do you still play?
Arthur: Well, I haven’t played for a long time. I guess I…I don’t have a sitar any more.
Mark: Do you have a favorite raga?
Arthur: Mmm The first one I learned was Yeman.
Mark: Uh-huh.
Arthur: I liked Bhairavi.
Mark: Bhairavi. I like that one.
Arthur: I like Bhairavi. Yeman was a little bit difficult. It had a lot of notes. We usually start on that. I first started teaching (studying) with a disciple of Ravi Shankar
Mark: Wow!
Arthur: So he would stick us on one raga for a long time and I really enjoyed that and I decided that I wanted to concentrate more…and then I decided to go to Calcutta for three months to do independent study.
Mark: Right.
Arthur: So I asked the head of the school and he said that was ok.
Mark: Uh-huh.
Arthur: So I went to Calcutta and I found another teacher and his name was Balaram Hatta.
Mark: Say that again.
Arthur: Balaram Hatta.
Mark: I wonder if he is still around.
Arthur: His son is. He died.
Mark: Wow.
Arthur: His son is actually teaching in Belgium now.
Mark: Wow.
Arthur: His son’s name is Ashoka.
Mark: Uh-huh.
Arthur: He was my teacher he was the one I spent the most time with and I met…actually I met Ravi Shankar. I went to his house I went to a really rich Indians house and there was a small house and Ravi Shankar played…and I went around to all the…in Calcutta.
Mark: Mm.
Arthur: And I stayed for about five months and then I came back and did a recital, which constituted my grade. I passed.
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[Persia1]

Working as an Engineer



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Mark talks to Tony about a job in Kuwait

Mark: What kind of job in Kuwait?
Tony: Oh it would be ahh…well…it could be a number of things…in…civil engineering…you know…maintenance on the base…maintenance on the base, you know…evaluating contracts.
Mark: Are you a civil engineer?
Tony: Well I am not a cil..an engineer as in a graduate engineer but I am an engineer as far as managing construction projects, but having a degree as an engineer, no.
Mark: Right.
Tony: Yeah…but working in that background…under an engineer, yes. I would manage…you know…manage the job…or whatever.
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[Persia1]

Musical Scales



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Mark and Pedro and Be and Kenni are comparing Indian music and western music.
Mark: Hello everybody. I am just sitting here with Kenni and Pedro and Be and me, Mark. Be and I (are) from Australia and Kenni and Pedro are from Chile. And we were talking about music. Pedro, you were talking about do re mi and sa re ga..can you?..What are these notes here? What are these notes?
Pedro: Sa re..the harmonic scale..like this…different sounds…eight sounds…and you have…do re mi fa so la si do.
Everybody: Do Si La So Fa Mi Re Do
Pedro: In India, you have the same, no?…because you have other words but the same sounds…
Be: Different syllables…different syllables for the same notes. In India they use Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni Sa…
Mark: Different names for the same thing.
Be: Exactly. Shall we sing…the Indian way of singing the harmonic scale?
Mark: Let’s sing. Let’s sing!
Everybody: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni Sa…Sa Ni Da Pa Ma Ga Re Sa.
Pedro : Two times.
Everybody: Sa re ga ma pa da ni sa…Sa Ni Da Pa Ma Ga Re Sa.
Pedro: And now we change a little and we use ‘la’
Everybody: La la la la la la la la. La la la la la la la la.
Pedro: Two times.
Everybody: La la la la la la la la (up the scale)…la la la la la la la la (down the scale)
Mark: Wow!
Be: Thank you for the singing lesson, Pedro.
Kenni: Yeah.
Pedro: It is really the first part…it is very…more long, no?…because they use this to clean the…what do you say?
Kenni: The throat.
Pedro: The throat because first you need to clean and after that you make your exercise and after that you sing for a show or something…
Be: Exactly!…It is a preparation exercise (a warm-up exercise).
Pedro: Preparation…this kind of exercise.
Be: For the voice…
Pedro: And you clean…you clean…after that maybe half an hour…maybe one hour…
Be: Your voice becomes in better condition…
Pedro: Yes, and you clean these muscles inside…very good exercise…it is a kind of yoga, no….because you inhale and exhale…
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[Persia1]

Phrases for festivals

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Yang Li: Hello, I'm Yang Li and this is The English We Speak.
William: I'm William Kremer. Welcome to the programme.
Yang Li: Ah William, I am so excited!
William: Really? What's brought this on, then?
Yang Li: This weekend something really really really great is happening! Do you know what it is?
William: No...
Yang Li: It has to do with music...
William: Hmm. Is it a big opera?
Yang Li: No, it takes place outdoors...
William: Ah, is it opera in the park?
Yang Li: No, no, it's not opera. It's Glastonbury!
William: Oh wow, the huge music festival! I've never been. What's the line-up this year?
Yang Li: Oh no, you don't need to queue. You can just get tickets online. But of course, they are sold out now.
William: No, no, the line-up, Li. Who's playing?
Yang Li: Oh, I see. There's U2 and the Chemical Brothers and Fleet Foxes and Elbow... and loads and loads of bands of course. But William, I'm confused about this phrase line-up...
William: Well, in America to 'wait in line' means to queue. But a line-up refers to all the bands that are playing in a festival.
Yang Li: Oh right. So, is this phrase only used for music festivals?
William: No, it isn't. Listen to this:
Man: Is Jones playing this weekend?
Man 2: No, he's still injured so he's not in the line-up.
William: So in that example 'the line-up' meant the members of a sports team playing in a match. The line-up.
Yang Li: Well anyway, it's a pretty good line-up at Glastonbury this weekend. I can't wait.
William: Who's headlining on Sunday?
Yang Li: Eh, what?
William: Headlining. Who's headlining? Ah, I think I know why you're confused. 'To headline' doesn't mean to be in the newspapers. It means to be the main act in a festival. The main act is 'the headline act'.
Yang Li: Oh right. I think Beyoncé Knowles is headlining on Sunday. She is the headline act.
William: Ah yes, Beyoncé. I've heard of her. Is she the one that does that dance, like this...
Yang Li: Oh William, stop it! Stop it! You are not Beyoncé Knowles! It looks wrong!
William: (laughing) OK, OK. So, what time do you leave?
Yang Li: Eh?
William: What time are you going to Glastonbury? It's quite a long way, you know Li. You should probably be getting on a train about now.
Yang Li: Oh no, I'm not going! It costs an absolute fortune, you know, and it can be so muddy! And I don't like the idea of those festival toilets. Oh, no, no, no, it's not for me. I'm just going to watch it on telly.
William: Oh OK, right! Well, for everyone who is going to a music festival this year, we hope you have a fantastic time. I hope that the line-up is great and that the headline act doesn't disappoint. Bye!
Yang Li: Bye.




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[Persia1]

Teetotal

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is William Kremer.
Helen: And I'm Helen. Hello.
William: So, are you going to go out after work tonight, Helen?
Helen: You mean for Rob's birthday? What's the plan?
William: Well, I think we're just going to head to the Fox and Flowerpot at 6.00pm.
Helen: Going to the pub again? No, I think I'll give it a miss this time.
William: Oh no! Why? Have you got plans?
Helen: No, it's just...
William: You don't like Rob, maybe?
Helen: No, no – that's not the reason. I just don't like going to the pub all the time. I don't really drink, you know, and I always feel a bit awkward.
William: Ah, I didn't know you were teetotal, Helen!
Helen: Teetotal?
William: Teetotal. This is an adjective that describes a person who doesn't drink alcohol.
Helen: Right - so does this person just drink tea?!
William: Well maybe! But actually, the word teetotal doesn't have anything to do with tea. It's spelled T.E.E.T.O.T.A.L. Let's listen to this example of the word being used:
Man: Have you bought the drinks for the party yet?
Woman: Yep – I've got a case of wine and two boxes of beer. I've also got some soft drinks for Granny. She's teetotal nowadays.
Helen: Can you say, "I don't feel like drinking beer tonight... I'm going to have a teetotal evening"?
William: Well not really. We describe people as teetotal, and it means that they never drink alcohol. Now, teetotal is an adjective, but there is also a noun that we can use. See if you can hear it in this example:
Man: My father used to drink heavily, you know. Every night he'd have a bottle of Scotch. Maybe that's why I've always been a teetotaller.
Helen: I heard the word teetotaller. And the speaker in that clip was describing why he was a teetotaller. Now William, where does this word come from?
William: Well no-one is really sure, Helen. But it's worth saying that in the past it was used to describe someone who didn't drink and who also thought that drinking alcohol was a bad thing. I think nowadays it's a little bit softer.
Helen: Well, truth be told William, I'm not a teetotaller. I like a drink every now and then but I just can't drink pint after pint of beer like you English people!

William: Well, good for you Helen! But why don't you come to the pub anyway? You can just have an orange juice or a lemonade. No-one will laugh at you.
Helen: No, they won't laugh at me, but they will ask me to drive them home! No, please tell Rob happy birthday but I don't feel like it tonight. But thanks for telling us about this interesting word, William.
William: Well, don't mention it, Helen. Right, I'm off to the pub now.
Helen: Don't drink too much!
William: I won't! Bye!
Helen: Bye!




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[Persia1]

Swizz

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm William.
Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li.
William: You look very pleased today Li.
Yang Li: Well, I should be. I've just won a prize!
William: Wow, great! What did you win?
Yang Li: I don't know yet. I ate this bar of chocolate and it told me to phone a number to find out my prize.
William: Oh wow, cool. Let's call them.
Yang Li: OK.
Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won.
Yang Li: Wow, this is exciting!
Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won.
William: Hmmm.
Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won.
Yang Li: It can't be long now...
William: Li, can I see that chocolate wrapper?
Yang Li: OK. What does it say?
William: It says "Calls to this line are charged at £20 a minute"!
Yang Li: What?! No way! Well, shall we hang up?
William: I should think so! What a swizz.
Hangs up
Yang Li: A swizz?
William: Yes, a swizz. A swizz is a scheme that tricks people to make money. Like this company is making you call an expensive phone line – it's a swizz.
Yang Li: I see.
William: We might say "What a swizz", or "That's a bit of a swizz".
Yang Li: So, how do we spell this word, swizz?
William: Well you know, I'm not too sure. I've seen it spelled S.W.I.Z.Z. but I've also seen S.W.I.Z.
Yang Li: You mean you don't know how to spell it? But this is BBC Learning English! We should know how to spell it. What a swizz!

William: Ha ha. Yeah, I'm sorry! But that's just the way English is sometimes, it's always changing! At least you know -
Phone rings
Yang Li: Oh! Hello?
Choc Person: Hello is that Yang Li?
Yang Li: Yes.
Choc Person: We have a missed call from you. Just ringing to say you've won a prize!
Yang Li: Wow, what is it?
Choc Person: You need to ring this number to find out. 0800 23 4…
Yang Li: Ha! What a swizz. Bye.
William: Bye.




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[Persia1]

To nip something in the bud

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Helen: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Helen.
William: Hi, I'm William. Today Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is opening.
Music, birdsong
Helen: Oh, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show – the world's largest flower show! I've seen it on the news before. If only I had a garden!
William: Ah yes, you live in an apartment, don't you Helen?
Helen: Yeah. So William, let me guess, today we are going to do a phrase relating to flowers and gardening?
William: Exactly.
Helen: So...? What's the phrase?
William: Er... Well, how about... how about... er. No, it's gone. It's no good. I can't think of a phrase right now.
Helen: Oh well. Let's just have a chat instead. I'm tired of learning new phrases anyway.
William: OK. Well, how are you Helen? How are the kids?
Helen: Oh they are both really well. My little boy eats too much chocolate though!
William: Oh really? Well, you want to nip that in the bud.
Helen: Eh? Nip it in the bud?
William: Nip it in the bud. If you nip something in the bud, you stop it before it becomes a problem. Listen to this example from a business context:
Man: The last few deliveries we've had from this company have all had broken parts in them.
Woman: Well, we need to nip that in the bud. Tell them that unless their service improves, we're going to look for another supplier.
Helen: So in that example, the man was complaining about poor service from a supplier. The woman wanted to nip it in the bud.
William: That's right. She wanted to take steps to improve the service before it got even worse.

Helen: So where does this phrase come from William – to nip something in the bud?
Birdsong and music
William: Well, it comes from gardening, actually. A bud is the part of a plant that becomes a flower, a leaf or stem. If you nip something in the bud, you cut the bud off the plant before it has time to grow.
Helen: Oh. That's not very nice.
William: Well, gardening is a tough game, Helen. You have to nip things in the bud sometimes. You also have to kill slugs and snails.
Helen: Eugh! I'm glad I don't have a garden.
William: Bye!
Helen: Bye!




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[Persia1]

Two Ticks

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm William Kremer.
Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. So how are you today?
William: Two ticks...
Wang Fei: What?
William: Give me two shakes, Wang Fei, I just need to...
Wang Fei: Eh? What's that?
William: I'll be with you in a jiffy...
Wang Fei: In a jiffy. What's a jiffy? William, what are you talking about?
William: There, done now. I just needed to send a text.
Wang Fei: But what were all those ticks and jiffys?
William: Ahh, and shakes?
Wang Fei: Yes.
William: Well they're all expressions of time, Wang Fei. So they're ways of saying 'just a moment', or 'just a minute'.
Wang Fei: I see.

• Can you come and help me lift this sofa?
• Yeah, I'll be with you in two ticks.

William: Two ticks. In English, we say clocks make this noise: tick tock, tick tock. So two ticks is just like saying two seconds.

• I said, can you come and help me here? It's too heavy for me.
• Yes, yes. I'll be there in two shakes.

Wang Fei: Hmm. Two shakes?
William: Yeah, the full phrase here is 'two shakes of a lamb's tail', but we shorten this to 'two shakes'.
Wang Fei: Oh I see. Two shakes of a lamb's tail. English can be a very weird language!
William: Yes, it can be! I guess that this is because lambs' tails shake very fast, so two shakes is a short time! And finally...

• Look Neil, this sofa isn't going to lift itself. Get a move on!
• I know, I know. I said I'll be with you in a jiffy.

Wang Fei: In a jiffy. So in a jiffy also means 'in a short space of time'. But what's a jiffy?

William: Well, you know what, Wang Fei? Nobody is completely sure of the origin of this word. But it has been in use for over 200 years!
Wang Fei: 200 years! That's quite a long time. More than a jiffy!
William: Yes, and that's several billion shakes of a lamb's tail.
Wang Fei: Yes and all those ticks of a clock! Bye for now.
William: Bye bye.

• Are you going to help me with sofa or not?!
• What sofa? You need help with a sofa?

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[Persia1]

Icebreaker

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]

Wang Fei: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Wang Fei.

Rob: And I'm Rob Carter.

Wang Fei: Rob, I'm going on a hot date tomorrow and I'm feeling a bit nervous now. I think I need your help.

Rob: Hmm. It is a scary thing to do. What you need is some kind of icebreaker.

Wang Fei: An icebreaker? That sounds quite cold!

Rob: Don't worry, it's not. But an icebreaker has got something to do with warming up a cold situation. It will make things more relaxed.

Wang Fei: An icebreaker is something you can do or some words you can say to make people feel relaxed. So an icebreaker will make things less formal?

Rob: Yes, that's right. Doing something or saying something at the start will hopefully make your date more relaxed and less tense.

Wang Fei: I see. An icebreaker will make people feel more relaxed. Maybe I should sing a song or do a dance?!

Rob: Now that's a bit over the top – why not start with a joke?

Wang Fei: If singing or dancing is a bit over the top, or too much, I will think of a joke then.

• Telling a joke is an excellent icebreaker.
• That party needed an icebreaker to make it less formal!

Wang Fei: So just now we heard people using icebreaker in their conversation. Rob, does icebreaker literally mean breaking the ice?

Rob: It does. You can do it when you start a new job. Everything feels so formal that it's good to break the ice. We British can be a bit reserved or formal so it's good if someone can break the ice.

Wang Fei: Yes, I agree. Sometimes British people can be quite reserved and formal. Rob I'm not good at jokes. Do you have any I can use?

Rob: Let's have a think. How about telling this one? "With my last girlfriend it was love at first sight – then I took a second look!"

Wang Fei: It's a good joke. But honestly, did it work for you?

Rob: Um... It didn't actually. But it might be good for you!

Wang Fei: Hmm… Actually I think I would rather find a good story on our website as an icebreaker.

Rob: Yes. Don't forget our website is a good place to learn some English phrases that might help you break the ice at a party.

Wang Fei: And our website is…

Rob: www.bbclearningenglish.com. Bye bye.

Wang Fei: Bye!





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[Persia1]

Good Egg

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]

Rob: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Rob Carter.

Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. Did you enjoy the party at the weekend, Rob?

Rob: Of course! And it was good of William to buy all that food and drink – he's a good egg!

Wang Fei: A good egg?

Rob: Yes, he's someone who is good to other people and he's generous too!

Wang Fei: So you're telling me William is a good egg because he's a generous person and he put on a good party?

Rob: Well not just that. He's reliable too – he always does what he says he will do – like helping me with the decorating.

Wang Fei: So a good egg is really a nice person to know then?

Rob: Yes, a good egg is an all round good guy.

Wang Fei: A good guy. Are we really talking about William?!

Rob: We are.

• Thanks for buying me lunch, you really are a good egg!
• I think we can trust her, she really is a good egg.

Rob: So these examples of using good egg mean someone is a reliable, trustworthy and generous person.

Wang Fei: It's a very British term isn't it?

Rob: It is, which is why I tend to say it in a posh voice – good egg. Of course, the opposite of a good egg is a bad egg. Let's hear how this term is used…

• He's a bad egg. I can't rely on him to do anything!
• How can I trust you to be on time? You're such a bad egg!

Rob: So in these examples bad egg is used to describe someone who is not reliable and untrustworthy.

Wang Fei: Actually Rob, I meant to tell you - I bought all the food and drink for William's party. He had forgotten to get any.

Rob: Really? Did he have egg on his face?

Wang Fei: Excuse me?

Rob: If you have egg on your face it means you're extremely embarrassed by your actions.

Wang Fei: Oh I see! William certainly had egg on his face but we still had a good party.

Rob: Of course we did!

Wang Fei: Well don’t forget to check our website.

Rob: That's www.bbclearningenglish.com for lots more useful English words and phrases.

Both: Bye bye.





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[Persia1]

Touchy-feely

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Li: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Yang Li.
William: (subdued) I'm William Kremer.
Li: So, what English are we speaking today, William?
William: (sigh) I don't know.
Li: Oh what a big sigh! What's wrong?
William: Oh, it doesn't matter.
Li: Oh, come on! I can see something's not right. What's wrong?
William: (sigh) It's... well, if you must know, it's Tigger... he's died.
Li: Tigger? Who's Tigger?
William: Tigger... Tigger is... Tigger was my beautiful cat. He was my best friend. I suppose you could say that. I'm going to miss his stripey face in the morning. And his purr, yeah, I'm going to miss that. But, you know, these things happen. I shouldn't get so upset...
Li: Why not? I think it's normal to be very sad when a pet dies.
William: No, no, it's silly! I'm getting upset over an animal! I'm not a baby! I should grow up.
Li: But you might find it helpful to talk about your feelings for Tigger.
William: No, no, no, no! I hate all of that touchy-feely stuff!
Li: Touchy-feely?
William: Yeah, if something is touchy-feely it's very emotional. If you are a touchy-feely person you don't mind talking about your feelings and maybe actually hugging people.
Li: I see. So is this a negative phrase, touchy-feely?
William: Yeah, a little bit. Let's hear a couple of examples of it in use:

• Man: Do you know, I never once saw my mum and dad kiss or hug.
• Man 2: Really? Gosh, that seems incredible.
• Man: But I think they really loved each other. They just weren't all touchy-feely about it.

• Woman: Did you go to that drama group?
• Woman 2: Yeah. I don't think I'll go again.
• Woman: Oh? Why not?
• Woman 2: Well, the acting was fine. But it's all that touchy-feely stuff they do that I don't like.

Li: Look, you English people! You just can't talk about your feelings, can you?
William: Well, you might be right Li – we're not famous for talking about our feelings. Now, before we finish, I have heard this phrase touchy-feely being used in a very different way too. Listen to this:

• Woman: I love your sweater!
• Man: Thanks.
• Woman: It's so soft! I love this material. It's so touchy-feely!
• Man: OK. Shall I take it off and then you can touch it properly?!

Li: So in that example, 'touchy-feely' was being used to describe a kind of material.

William: Yes. If something is touchy-feely it is very soft. You want to stroke it, just like Tigger. I'm going to miss stroking Tigger.
William: The way he used to purr... And sometimes he would bring me a little present, you know. A dead mouse or maybe a little bird. So thoughtful.
Li: Hmm. It's OK to cry you know, William...
William: (recovering himself) No! No it's not. No touchy-feely stuff!
Li: Oh I give up. Goodbye everyone.
William: Bye!




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[Persia1]

To blow your own trumpet

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​

[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is William Kremer.
Helen: And I'm Helen.
William: I've got something for you, Helen.
Burst of loud classical music (Beethoven's '5th Symphony')
Helen: It's nice to have a bit of music William, but why...
Burst of different classical music (Mendelssohn's 'Dance of the Clowns')
William: What do you think... nice music, huh?
Helen: Well, it's certainly dramatic! So are we having a special musical edition today, William?
William: Well, yes we are Helen. The BBC Proms start this Friday, remember?
Helen: Ah, of course. The BBC Proms is a huge classical music festival that the BBC sponsors. It's over 100 years old.
William: Yes and every day for the next two months hundreds of music fans will queue to get their hands on a £5 ticket.
Helen: Wow. Are you going to go?
William: No, I hate queuing! But anyway, I thought we could have a music-themed programme. And our phrase this week relates to one instrument in particular...
Trumpet music solo
Helen: The trumpet?
William: Yes, do you know what it means to say someone 'blows his own trumpet'?
Helen: Yes. It means that someone is talking too much about his achievements, right?
William: Exactly. Let's listen to an example.
Woman: Who's going to be there tonight?
Man: I think Angela and Mark and that guy Martin...
Woman: Oh no, not Martin! He's such a bore. He's always blowing his own trumpet. Last time I saw him he went on and on about how he had been promoted twice in six weeks.
Helen: So this is quite a negative phrase then?
William: Yes, sometimes. But interestingly, it isn't always used in a negative way. Listen to this example. A woman is talking to her niece.
Woman: I didn't know you'd come top in the class again! Why didn't you tell me? You really must start blowing your own trumpet a bit more!

Helen: So in that clip, the woman was telling her niece she ought to blow her own trumpet more?
William: Yes. And English people sometimes use this phrase because they are embarrassed to talk about their achievements. Listen to this clip:
Man: How's it going at your work nowadays?
Woman: Well, at the risk of blowing my own trumpet, it's going very well. In fact, I've just won an award!
Helen: She said "At the risk of blowing my own trumpet".
William: Yeah, so that's like saying "Excuse me while I talk about my achievements"!
Helen: Well, I wonder whether we should blow our own trumpet a bit more. I mean here we are with a really popular website, bbclearningenglish.com...
William: ...yeah, making lots of little programmes that are entertaining, fascinating, useful...
Helen: …and best of all, it's all free! Brilliant, huh?
William: Yeah, that's brilliant! But maybe we should stop blowing our own trumpet now! Shall we have some more of that nice music again to finish off?
Helen: Oh yes! Bye!
William: Bye!




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[Persia1]

The Big Day

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm William Kremer.
Li: I'm Yang Li and I'm excited!
William: So I see! Do you want to share with everybody what you're so excited about, Li?
Li: Oh come on Will, you know why I'm excited.
William: I'm not sure I do know why you're excited.
Li: Well, here's a little clue...
Crowds of cheering people
William: Lots of cheering people. Hmm, is that one of those 75% off sales on Oxford Street?
Li: No, no! Listen, here's another clue...
'Here comes the bride' organ music.
William: Durr-du-duh duh! Hmm, organ music. Are you going to an organ concert, Li? I didn't know you were interested in that.
Li: OK, I'm just going to tell you. This Friday is Prince William and Catherine Middleton's big day, their wedding day.
William: Ah, I knew that. I was joking.
Li: Of course you were joking William. We've made lots of programmes about it haven't we!
William: Yes, we have. But Li, I think we'd better explain the meaning of 'the big day'. Here 'the big day' means their wedding day. But does 'the big day' always refer to weddings? Listen to these examples:

• A: Guess what?
• B: What?
• A: Marie and Phil are engaged!
• B: You're kidding – wow, that's fantastic news!
• A: I know!
• B: So when's the big day? Have they set a date yet?

• C: I don't think Charlie and I will ever get married.
• D: Oh. Why's that?
• C: Because of my mum and dad being divorced. I just know that at the wedding they'll end up having a massive argument; they can't help it.
• D: Oh, surely that won't happen. They would never ruin your big day.

Li: So in both those examples, the phrase 'big day' was used to describe a wedding.
William: Yes, it was. And I think this is how this phrase is usually used, exactly in the way that you used it, Li. People talk about a couple's big day but I've also heard people say 'her big day' to describe the bride's wedding day in particular. It's probably used a little bit less for men.
Li: Hmm, but do you, William, still remember your big day?
William: I do. But I don't need to remember it now!
Li: What do you mean?
William: Well, I always forget it on the day that I should remember it.
Li: Oh dear, on your anniversary. What a bad husband you are! You might be called William, but I think Prince William is much more romantic than you are!
William: Well, we'll see won't we! Now, on our website you'll find lots of other learning English resources relating to the royal wedding, including a photo gallery and a special blog.
Li: Not to mention my series, 'A royal wedding, an everyday love story'.
William: Oh yes, don't miss that!
Li: Bye!

William: Bye bye.
'Here comes the bride' organ music fading out.




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[Persia1]

Tastic

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]

Finn: Welcome to the slang-tastic programme, The English We Speak.

Wang Fei: Hello I'm Wang Fei.

Finn: This is our word-tastic programme where you learn the latest English-tastic phrases.

Wang Fei: Yes… erm…

Finn: We hope you have a learning-tastic time with us today…

Wang Fei: Finn, sorry for interrupting you, but why do you keep adding 'tastic' to all these words?

Finn: Sorry Wang Fei, I should have said. Tastic is our new word, or should I say, new suffix, for the day.

Wang Fei: A suffix is something you add onto the end of another word to change the meaning.

Finn: That's right.

Wang Fei: So when we add tastic, what does that mean?

Finn: Well, it's kind of related to the word fantastic. When you add tastic to a word, for example slang, it means 'fantastic in terms of slang'. So English-tastic means 'fantastic in terms of English'.

Wang Fei: And learning-tastic means fantastic in terms of learning?

Finn: It does, absolutely. Let's hear a couple more examples.

• A: Did you hear Britney's new song?
• B: Yes. It's pop-tastic! I love it.

• A: Did you have a good time yesterday?
• B: It was so much fun. Fun-tastic! Ha ha.

Wang Fei: Wow, very good examples. So can I say example-tastic?

Finn: Example-tastic, you can! Now, this way of making new words is very informal – it comes from pop culture – so you probably wouldn't see it in a business letter.

Wang Fei: So, it's not business-tastic?!

Finn: It's not business-tastic. Not really, unless you work in an industry like fashion or pop music. Anyway, I think it's time to tell our listeners about our website.

Wang Fei: Yes, and our web-tastic site is www.bbclearningenglish.com! You can learn English for free, and even download programmes to your mp3 player.

Finn: Yes, it's download-tastic! Time to go, now. Bye!

Wang Fei: Bye!




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[Persia1]

gate

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello, I'm William Kremer and this is The English We Speak.
Wang Fei: Hi there. I'm Wang Fei.
William: So, Wang Fei, today is 3 May.
Wang Fei: Yes.
William: Do you know what 3 May is?
Wang Fei: Hmm… a Tuesday?
William: Yes, it's a Tuesday, but it's not just any Tuesday. Today is World Press Freedom Day. This is the day that the United Nations has chosen to highlight the importance of a free press around the world.
Wang Fei: A free press. So, newspapers that are free to write anything they think the public need to know and TV news that can report anything?
William: Yes they can report anything, including things that look bad for the government! Scandals.
Wang Fei: A scandal, so something very bad that damages someone's reputation.
William: Exactly. And one of the most famous scandals from American history is the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s.
Wang Fei: Watergate… that was why President Nixon had to resign wasn't it?
William: Exactly, yes, because he was shown to have lied to the American people and basically obstructed the course of justice. The whole thing started when five men were arrested for breaking into an office block called Watergate. This was where the Democratic Party had their headquarters. Later on, the men were linked to the campaign to re-elect President Nixon, who was in the Republican Party.
Wang Fei: Well, this is very interesting but what has it got to do with The English We Speak, William?
William: Well, because Watergate was such a massive scandal, Wang Fei, the word -gate is now sometimes used as a suffix to suggest that something is a scandal. So, to give you an example from last year, when Gordon Brown was trying to get re-elected as British Prime Minister, he was overheard calling an old lady a "bigot" – a very strong word for somebody who is intolerant and close-minded. Anyway, this was a big scandal and it came to be known in the media as 'bigotgate'.
Wang Fei: Bigotgate. That sounds almost a little bit funny.
William: Yes, you're right. I think using -gate on the end of a word can make it seem a little humorous. This term -gate is used more in the USA, but another recent example from the UK is 'Climategate' – that was when some emails and other documents from a university in England led to people asking questions about the way that scientists researched climate change. Climategate.
Wang Fei: So, can we use –gate in normal English conversation too?
William: Yes, you can – if you want to make a joke. Listen to this:

Man A: Have you seen Mark recently?
Man B: Mark – he hasn't spoken to me since beergate!
Man A: Beergate? What do you mean?
Man B: We had a big argument because I said Mark never bought a round of beer in the pub! He got very upset and went home.
Wang Fei: So in that example, the speaker coined the word beergate to describe an argument about paying for beer!
William: Yeah, which is obviously very silly. But of course, this suffix -gate is used in very serious situations too. And it was thanks to members of the free press, including the Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, that the public came to know about Watergate.
Wang Fei: Yes. Check our website this week for more information and learning English programmes about World Press Freedom Day. Goodbye.
William: Bye!




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[Persia1]

Glamping

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Neil: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm Neil Edgeller.

Feifei: And I'm Feng Feifei. Neil you're looking very relaxed and healthy today.

Neil: Oh, thanks Feifei, I've just come back from a camping holiday actually.

Feifei: A camping holiday?! Most people come back from camping looking like they need another holiday because of the lack of comfortable facilities!

Neil: Ah, well actually I cheated. I went glamping.

Feifei: Glamping?

Neil: Yes, glamping. Although I was staying in a tent, it was already set up when we arrived at the campsite, we slept on proper beds and even had a kitchen with a cooker and fridge.

Feifei: Wow, that sounds more glamorous than camping!

Neil: Exactly! Glamorous camping. Put those two words together and you get…

Both: Glamping.

Feifei: Oh I see… glamping is a word made up of two words: glamorous…

Neil: And camping.

Feifei: It's glamorous because there are lots of facilities you don't normally get in a tent, such as proper beds and even a kitchen.

Example

A: I really hate camping… It reminds me of miserable holidays as a kid, sleeping on a cold, wet floor and eating horrible food!
B: You should try glamping. You get to spend time in the great outdoors but in a proper bed and with nice meals! It's wonderful!

Feifei: So do people really use this word 'glamping'?

Neil: Yes, it's quite a new word and a bit of a joke, but you can read it and you do hear people use it because there are more and more companies offering glamping holidays.

Feifei: Hmm…

Neil: What's up Feifei? I know you're a city girl, but wouldn't you like to try glamping?

Feifei: I'm not sure about that… Is there room service?

Neil: Room service?! That's a step too far! I'm afraid that's too glamorous for glamping!

Feifei: OK, how about a spa and massage room?!

Neil: Spa and massage room?! Honestly, it's still camping. Bye for now.

Feifei: Ha ha! Bye!




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[Persia1]

Do

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​

[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Neil: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Neil Edgeller.

Feifei: And I'm Feng Feifei. Neil, you look terrible! You've got red eyes, grey skin and your voice is so rough!

Neil: Oh, Feifei, you're right. I feel terrible. I went to a leaving do last night and I drank too much beer... and wine...

Feifei: A leaving do? Do?

Neil: Yes, a leaving do. A colleague has got a job at another company and had a party to celebrate his last day.

Feifei: So it was a party?

Neil: Yes, that's what I said. It was a leaving do.

Feifei: Right, so 'do' is a noun and it means party?

Neil: Yes, that's right. It's British English. Urgh.

Feifei: Ah, so in British English, another word for party is 'do'.


A: Did you enjoy Mary's wedding?
B: Oh, it was an amazing do. The food was delicious and there was an excellent band playing. We danced all night!

A: Oh, hi Dave. We're having a bit of a do on Saturday and wondered if you and Sally would like to come over?
B: Thanks, that would be great. You two always put on a good do.

Feifei: So is this a common word?

Neil: Yes, you'll hear it all the time: especially in certain phrases.

Feifei: Like what?

Neil: Well, a leaving do.

Feifei: A leaving do.

Neil: And a bit of a do – we're having a bit of a do.

Feifei: A bit of a do. So, was it a good leaving do last night?

Neil: Um, yes, yes, yes it was very good... I think. I can't really remember...

Feifei: Go home and get some sleep!

Neil: That's a very, very good idea. Bye for now.

Feifei: Bye!





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[Persia1]

Gatecrash

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Wang Fei: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm Wang Fei.

William: And I'm William. Welcome to the programme. You look very smart today, Wang Fei.

Wang Fei: (false modesty) Mm, really? Do you think so?

William: Oh, yeah - very smart. Look at your bow tie! And your evening jacket!

Wang Fei: Well, this is just a little something I get out every now and then. I'm sure George and Jack and Tom will be will be wearing something similar.

William: Who? George, Jack and...?

Wang Fei: (off-hand) Oh yeah, you know. George Clooney, Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise.

William: What? You're going to see George Clooney and Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise tonight?!

Wang Fei: Yep. Cannes Film Festival opens tomorrow so I'm going to a little party tonight.

William: Wow! That's incredible! How did you get a ticket?

Wang Fei: Erm... well, I don't have a ticket as such. I'm just going to show up. I'm sure if I'm dressed like this they'll let me in.

William: Right... so basically you're going to gatecrash a celebrity party.

Wang Fei: Gatecrash? What’s that?
William: To gatecrash a party. It means to go to a party even though you haven't been invited. Let's hear some more examples.
Examples
Woman A: What was the party like last night?
Woman B: Oh it was awful! All these kids crashed it and drank all the beer.
Man A: How are the preparations going for the party tonight?
Man B: Yeah, not bad.
Man A: Aren't you worried it might get gatecrashed?
Man B: Yeah, we’re going to pay a guy to be on the door to stop people coming in.

Wang Fei: In the first example, the speaker described a party that was ruined because kids crashed the party. So, to crash a party means to gatecrash a party?

William: Yeah. And in that second example, the speaker said that he was going to pay a guy to be on the door.

Wang Fei: 'To be on the door' – so this man will check that everyone who comes in has an invitation. Hmm… do you think that there might be someone on the door at this party tonight?

William: The one that you’re going to?

Wang Fei: Yes.

William: The celebrity one in Cannes with George and Jack and Tom?

Wang Fei: Yeah.

William: Yeah, I think, Wang Fei, there might be.

Wang Fei: (crestfallen) Ah!

William: Well, I tell you what, Wang Fei, my friend's having a birthday party in the pub down the road. Why don't you come to that instead? You'll be a little bit overdressed but I'm sure it will be fun.

Wang Fei: I was just looking forward to a bit of glamour for a change, with George, Jack and…

William: … and Tom, yeah I know. One day, Wang Fei, if you keep making great programmes with BBC Learning English then I’m sure that one day you’ll be mixing it with George and Jack and Tom.

Wang Fei: But for now, I’ll have to be happy with the pub. Again. Bye.

William: Bye!





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[Persia1]

Rabbit in the Headlights

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]

Finn: Hello. I'm Finn.

Li: And I'm Li.

Finn: And we're whispering – we're talking very quietly - because we are about to watch an awards ceremony for the best dancer in the UK.

Li: Yes – I think it's going to begin now. Shh.

Awards Host: And the award for best dancer this year goes to… Timmy Tapper! (Applause)

Timmy Tapper: Erm, thank you!

Awards Host: Timmy, would you like to say a few words?

Timmy Tapper: Yes, erm, thank you… to… everybody! Thanks.

Awards Host: Great. Well thank you Timmy. You've done a fantastic job this year!

Finn: (whispers) Li, what happened? He was like a rabbit in the headlights.

Li: I don't know, he was very nervous. But what did you say, Finn, about rabbits?

Finn: Oh, rabbits, yes. A rabbit in the headlights. It's a phrase used to describe someone who is so nervous that they can't move or speak.

Li: I see. Someone who is too nervous to move or speak. But why does it involve headlights – the lights at the front of a car?

Finn: Well if you think about if you are driving a car at night and you have your headlights on. Suddenly, a rabbit appears in the middle of the road. But it is too scared by the car driving towards for it to run away. It's a rabbit in the headlights.

Li: That's a rabbit in the headlights. Oh, Finn, I think Timmy Tapper wants to say something.

Finn: Oh yes.

Timmy Tapper: Oh, sorry. Can I just say one more thing?

Awards Host: Sure, go ahead, Timmy! (Timmy starts tap dancing)

Awards Host: Well, isn't that amazing!

Li: Ha ha. I think Timmy was nervous speaking in front of everyone here just now, but now he's happy to express himself through tap dancing!

Finn: He looks very happy doesn't he? And while Timmy dances, I have some advice for everyone. If you want to speak confident English, and not be like a rabbit in the headlights, why not visit our website explore our free English learning materials?

Li: bbclearningenglish.com

Finn: That's it. Bye.

Li: Bye.(Timmy tap dancing)​

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[Persia1]

Loved Up

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]

Finn: Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Finn.

Li: (Very happy) And I'm Yang Li…

Finn: How are you today, Li?

Li:(Dreamy, romantic voice) Oh fantastic. Just great. Amazing…

Finn: Really? Great… ok. Are you ready to start the programme?

Li: (Dreamy, romantic voice) Any time… Isn't life wonderful?

Finn: Are you sure you're alright?

Li: Perfect. He's lovely, isn't he? He's perfect!

Finn: Oh, I see! You're talking about your new boyfriend. You're so loved up right now, Li!

Li: But he has the most beautiful eyes and smile. And when he dances…

Finn: Li! (To audience) Well, I think Li is completely loved up - which is our phrase for the day. When you're loved up, it means you are really happy because you're in love.

Li: He dances like a dream, especially salsa…

Finn: You know, I think I'm going to have to present the rest of this programme on my own. As you can see, when you're loved up, sometimes you don't pay a lot of attention to things around you.

• She's so loved up at the moment. She even forgets to eat lunch.

Finn: It can also be used to describe a couple who are very much in love, and who openly show their affection in public.

• They're always together; holding hands, laughing. They seem so happy. They're really loved up!

Finn: Li, Li… Li, how long have you been in love? Hello?!

Li: Ooh, I'm going salsa dancing tonight with him, and I can't wait. Oh, he's so gorgeous. Don't you think, Finn?

Finn: Yes, sure, he's so gorgeous. Anyway, I'm getting a bit lonely here. Maybe I should take up salsa dancing too? Ok, bye for now everyone! Li, time to say goodbye.

Li: Oh yeah, goodbye, bye, bye!





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[Persia1]

Baby Talk

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello! Hi! My name's William. I'm six years old and this is my best friend, Wang Fei.

Wang Fei: Oh… hello everybody.

William: (Yawn) I feel sleepy! It’s almost time for beddy-byes!

Wang Fei: Er… William, why are you speaking so strangely?

William: I'm pretending that I’m six years old.

Wang Fei: Six years old! No wonder you sound more intelligent than normal.

William: Ha ha, very funny. Well, the reason I'm talking like a six-year-old is that last Sunday, 15 May, was International Day of the Family. So I thought it might be nice to look at some language which is used by children and with children.

Wang Fei: So is the language used with children special in some way?

William: Yeah, I think in English, like in any language, you wouldn’t use difficult words when you are talking to young children. And probably, like in any language, there are some special words that we tend to use only with children.

Wang Fei: Special words… such as?

William: Such as the phrase that I used a moment ago, beddy-byes.

Wang Fei: Beddy-byes. What's this?

William: Well, if I say, 'beddy-byes', that means, 'time for bed'. Let’s listen to this clip of a father talking to his little boy. As you listen, see if you can hear some other examples of baby talk.

Example

Father: Come on Alex, beddy-byes! Beddy-byes! Have you got your teddy? Put on your jim-jams. Put on your jim-jams - that’s it! On they go. Jump into bed, then. Sleepy time!

Shall I sing you a song? “Twinkle, Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.” Night-night!

Wang Fei: In that clip, I heard the man say 'jim-jams'.

William: Yes, he said 'put on your jim-jams'. Jim-jams is a baby phrase for pyjamas – the clothes that we wear to sleep in. He also made sure that his little boy had his teddy, his soft cuddly toy.

Wang Fei: And then at the end, he didn’t say goodnight to him.

William: No, he said 'nighty-night'. Now, there was a lot of language in that clip, so let’s hear it again.

Example

Father: Come on Alex, beddy-byes! Beddy-byes! Have you got your teddy? Put on your jim-jams. Put on your jim-jams - that’s it! On they go. Jump into bed, then. Sleepy time!

Shall I sing you a song? “Twinkle, Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.” Night-night!

William: (as a six-year-old) Wang Fei, do you want to see my teddy?

Wang Fei: Er… not really.

William: Here he is! He’s called Badger.

Wang Fei: A badger?! Oh, wow, he looks so old and… tired. Why? Where are his eyes?

William: Well, he's been cuddled a lot. And, Wang Fei, do you want to see my jim-jams?

Wang Fei: No, I think we should end today's programme here, because I can tell that William is getting ready for beddy-byes.

William: Look, Wang Fei, they’re blue and they've got racing cars on!

Wang Fei: I don’t want to see! I don’t want to see! Goodbye!





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[Persia1]

On a roll

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Helen: Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is Helen.

Steve: And I'm Steve. How are you, Helen?

Helen: Actually, I'm feeling very positive, thanks Steve.

Steve: Why? What's happened?

Helen: Well, I found out on Friday that I'm getting a promotion at BBC Learning English, then on Saturday I won £1,000 on the lottery.

Steve: Wow, that's brilliant!

Helen: Yes, and then on Sunday it got even better. I found out that some paintings I've done are going to be displayed at an art gallery in London!

Steve: That's amazing, Helen – you're on a roll at the moment, aren't you!

Helen: Er… I'm on a what?

Steve: On a roll…

Helen: Roll? I don't roll… I walk, or sometimes I run if I want some exercise. A football rolls if I kick it across the ground.

Steve: Sure, a football rolls, but you can be on a roll. It means you're experiencing lots of success or good luck at the moment.

Helen: I see, the phrase 'on a roll' means you are having lots of good luck in your life. Let's listen to an example.


Man: I hear your sister's getting married.

Woman: Yeah, she met this amazing guy while she was working in the theatre in London, and six months later they're engaged! And then, yesterday she was offered the lead part in the theatre's new play. She's really on a roll!

Helen: So that woman is excited because her sister is on a roll – she met an amazing guy who she's now engaged to, and then she was offered the lead part in a play.

Steve: Yes, if you're on a roll it means lots of things are going well for you at the moment. Here’s another example.


Man 1: How are Arsenal doing in the Premier League these days?

Man 2: Oh, they're totally on a roll! They've won all three games this month, including the one against Man United!

Helen: So that man thinks his favourite football team are on a roll because they've won all their games?

Steve: Yes, they've won every game they've played this month – they're playing really well.

Text message sound

Helen: Oh, wait a second. I've got a text message from my husband.

Steve: What's he saying – have you won the lottery again? Are you still on a roll?

Sound effect of car braking suddenly
Helen: No… actually, he's just had his bike stolen, and earlier he lost his car keys!

Steve: Oh, dear, that's bad luck! Unlike you, he's definitely not on a roll.

Helen: No… I'd better go and help him look for those keys. Bye!

Steve: Bye!




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[Persia1]

In the nick of time

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Helen: Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is Helen.
Rob: And I'm Rob. Helen, you look like you've been rushing. Here, have some water.
Helen: Oh thanks. I'm a bit out of breath. My appointment at the bank took longer than expected.
Rob: You got here just in the nick of time then.
Helen: Just in the nick of time? Shouldn't it be just in time?
Rob: You can say both. It means at the very last moment. Let's hear how this phrase is used.
Woman 1: Alice gave birth to a baby girl last night.
Woman 2: I thought she wasn't due for another three weeks.
Woman 1: It was early and they got to the hospital just in the nick of time.
Man: Sarah and I were on our way to see Beyonce in concert. But she left her mobile in the office, so we had to go back and get it.
Woman: Did you miss the show?
Man: Thankfully not, we got there just in the nick of time.
Helen: In the first example, we heard one woman got to the hospital just before her baby was born. And in the second example, a couple nearly missed their Beyonce concert.
Rob: That would've been awful. You hear this phrase often used to suggest a disaster had been averted. If the action happened any later, then something awful could happen.
Helen: I see. I have another question – is this phrase a British expression?
Rob: I don't think the phrase 'in the nick of time' is specifically British. It originated from the UK, but English speakers from all over the world use it.
Helen: Let's listen to a few more examples then.
Man: We arrived just in the nick of time. Another five minutes, our plane would have left without us.
Woman: Sam was experimenting with stir frying last night and the wok caught fire. Luke rushed in with the fire blanket just in the nick of time.
Helen: That was close. Stir frying can get pretty hot sometimes. And it's good that Luke didn't try to put out the fire with water.
Rob: That would have been a catastrophe. So Helen, are you the kind of person who likes to do things at the very last minute?

Helen: Well, I'd like to think of myself as a person who can do things in the nick of time. Thanks for listening. Bye.
Rob: Bye.




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[Persia1]

The special relationship

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm William Kremer.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li.

William: Let me play you something, Li.

British national anthem.

Yang Li: Oh, God Save the Queen; the British national anthem. Are you in a patriotic mood, William?

William: Ah, but wait...

USA national anthem.

Yang Li: Eh? The Star Spangled Banner - The American National Anthem. But this is the BBC, William!! British Broadcasting Corporation!

William: Yeah, I know, Li. But a very special visitor is coming to Britain today. Barack Obama is visiting the UK on a three-day state visit.

Yang Li: Ah, yhat's right. But tell me something, William, be honest. Do the Brits and Americans like each other?

William: Well, that's a very difficult question to answer in ninety seconds, Li. But it's fair to say that our two countries have a lot in common. Not only do we share the same language but economically and politically Britain and the USA have a close connection. And this connection is often called the special relationship.

Yang Li: The special relationship.

William: Here are a few examples of this phrase being used, which I found on the BBC website:

Examples

Britain's former Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, talks to Katty Kay about recent remarks in which he described the 'special relationship' between America and Britain as a fiction that should be dropped.

Isabel Hilton and guests discuss the past, present and future of what people on this side of the Atlantic like to call 'the special relationship' between Britain and America. But is it really that special?

Files newly released by the Wikileaks website highlight what is described as the UK's 'paranoia' about its so-called special relationship with the US.

Yang Li: It sounds like people are starting to question how special the special relationship is!

William: Well, that might be true, and you can see that this is an issue that is easier to talk about because there is a special phrase for it.

Yang Li: So does the UK have a special relationship with other countries too?

William: Yeah, of course. And occasionally you might read about 'a special relationship with Australia' or 'a special relationship with India', for example. But the phrase 'the special relationship' by itself usually refers to the USA and Britain.

Yang Li: We have a special relationship, don't we William?

William: Yeah, of course we do, Yang Li! And do you think our special relationship is like the special relationship?

Yang Li: Well, that depends, who is who in this relationship? Am I the USA or am I the UK?!

William: Hmm. Well, that's an interesting question but also quite a strange one! So let's end today's programme there. Bye bye!

Yang Li: Can I be America? I can take you for a ride in my Cadillac!
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[Persia1]

Green

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]
Wang Fei: Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Wang Fei!

Finn: And I'm Finn!

Wang Fei: Finn has decided to take us out for a ride on his new motorbike today and he's very proud of it.

Finn: I am, very proud of it. I thought it would be good to get out of the studio. Look at all the beautiful, green fields around us, Wang Fei.

Wang Fei: Yes, beautiful green fields. That's the word for the day isn't it: green?

Finn: Green, yes!

Wang Fei: A bit easy, isn't it? Everyone knows the colour green!

Finn: The colour green? No, not that meaning, Wang Fei!

Wang Fei: So, what do you mean? Green as in good for the environment?

Finn: No, not that green either!

Wang Fei: Oh, ok, maybe another green? Oh ok, maybe, green with envy? I know that phrase, that means to envy somebody, doesn't it?

Finn: Yes, that's right. But what are you envious about, Wang Fei? That's not what we're… oh! ... ahhh!

FX - CRASH

Both: Ow!

Wang Fei: Finn, you are a terrible, terrible driver!

Finn: I know.

Wang Fei: Will you tell me what this green means?!

Finn: I'm sorry Wang Fei. What I mean is I'm very green at riding motorbikes, that's what I wanted to say. Green means inexperienced or new to something.

Wang Fei: Oh, I see. So when do we use it?

Finn: Well, normally we use it to describe someone who is new to a particular job or skill.

Wang Fei: Ooh, I see. But I'm not feeling good. So why don't we listen to some examples for a moment?

• I'm a bit green at video editing, so it takes me a long time to edit things.

• He's a bit green in this job so he's bound to need some help.

• My uncle's very green at searching the internet. He prefers to go to the library.

Finn: Ok, time to go again, Wang Fei!

Wang Fei: (To himself) Hmm. But I'm still not feeling that great to be honest…

FX - BIKE STARTS

Finn: What was that, Wang Fei?

Wang Fei: Oh nothing. Let's go.

Finn: Wow, what beautiful countryside…

Wang Fei: Gosh, I'm really feeling ill to be honest. I'm worried we're going to crash again.

Finn: Wang Fei, what did you say? Are you ok?

Wang Fei: Not really.

Finn: Oh no, you look bad. You've gone green!

Wang Fei: What?

Finn: You've gone green – it means you look ill!

Wang Fei: Another green phrase… Finn – can't you just concentrate on your driving!

Finn: Ok, sorry. OK then! Bye everyone…

Wang Fei: And wish me luck. Bye.





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[Persia1]

Wee

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[h=2]The script from this programme:[/h]

Finn: Welcome to The English We Speak, I'm Finn.

Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. So, what English word do we have today?

Finn: Well, Wang Fei, today's English word is actually a Scottish one!

Wang Fei: A Scottish phrase on The English We Speak?

Finn: That’s right.

Wang Fei: Finn, I know you're from Scotland, but this is The English We Speak, not the Scottish!

Finn: Not the Scottish I know, but actually, Wang Fei, this is a word that is very widely used.

Wang Fei: Ok, what's the word, then?

Finn: Today's word is wee.

Wang Fei: Wii – oh, I know! Isn't that a kind of Japanese game console? Surely that's The Japanese We Speak?!

Finn: No, not that Wii! That Wii is spelt W-I-I, and the word I mean is spelt W-E-E. And it means… small or little.

Wang Fei: Ok – so that's very nice and easy to remember!

Finn: It is. Quite often, you'll hear it together with the word 'bit'. A wee bit. Listen to these examples.

Examples

I might be a wee bit late, please just wait for me.

You're looking a wee bit tired, are you ok?

I'm a wee bit hungry, fancy getting a sandwich?

Wang Fei: So a wee bit is just like a little bit. How else can we use this word, Finn?

Finn: Well a wee bit is probably what you'll hear most often. What do you think it means in this sentence?


Example

When I was wee, I used to eat to love climbing trees!

Wang Fei: When I was wee… is that when I was young?

Finn: That's right – when I was young, when I was wee - though you'll more likely hear Scottish people say this! And there is another phrase using wee which I'm going to tell you in a moment, but first – tell me, what is the most famous Scottish drink, Wang Fei?

Wang Fei: That’s easy – whisky!

Finn: Whisky – yes it is! Do you like whisky?

Wang Fei: Oh, yes, but it’s a bit strong, isn’t it! Maybe I would just have a small glass.

Finn: Well, we have a word for a glass of whisky, which is a dram.

Wang Fei: A dram.

Finn: That’s right, D-R-A-M, a dram.

Wang Fei: Mm, a dram.

Finn: So if you want a small dram, what do you say?

Wang Fei: Can I have a wee dram?

Finn: Can I have a wee dram – that’s it! Really? Would you like a wee dram, Wang Fei?

Wang Fei: OK, great, yeah!

Finn: We're in the studio!

Wang Fei: Yes, maybe later!

Finn: Maybe later!

Wang Fei: Well, that's the word for today, wee, W-E-E.

Finn: If you have time, why not have a wee look at our website!

Wang Fei: Mm – and it's bbclearningenglish.com!

Finn: That’s right, bye for now!

Wang Fei: Bye.





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[Persia1]

Bounce

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is William Kremer.
Li: I'm Yang Li.
William: Li, do you mind if we don't look at a phrase today?
Li: Don't look at a phrase? So what do you want to do today instead?
William: Erm, nothing actually. I've got to go and meet a friend at the airport.
Li: So what are you saying, William? That you don't have time for today's programme?
William: Is that all right?
Li: Oh well...
William: Well, thanks Li! I'm just going to bounce.
Li: Hey, William, wait, wait! What do you mean? What did you say just now?
William: I'm just going to bounce; I'm going to leave.
Li: I think we need to hear another example of that phrase.
Man: Hey Tom – where are you going? The party's just getting started!
Man 2: Ah sorry dude, I gotta bounce. I'm on an early shift tomorrow.
Li: In that clip we heard someone saying he had to leave a party.
William: Yes, that's right. He said "I gotta bounce".
Li: To bounce usually means for something to go up and down. But where does this slang usage come from, William?
William: Well, 'bounce' meaning 'to leave' comes from the USA and it's urban slang, so it's something that young cool kids might say.
Li: Not you, then.
William: What do you mean?
Li: Well you're not young or cool. You are a middle-class Englishman in his thirties.
William: Li, that's not fair! I listen to hip hop. And one of my jumpers has a hood.

Li: Anyway, we have talked about a phrase now. So if you like, you can bounce now.
William: Right. Bouncing.
Li: Now that he's gone let's relax with some nice music...




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[Persia1]

To nick

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[h=2]The script for this programme[/h]

Helen: Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is Helen.
Rob: And I'm Rob.
Helen: I saw you looking for your headphones earlier; did you find them?
Rob: No, Helen. I looked for them everywhere. Someone must have nicked them.
Helen: Nicked them? What do you mean?
Rob: Oh, sorry, what I mean is someone stole my headphones. To nick something means to steal something.
Helen: That's terrible. But how is it spelt?
Rob: It's spelt N.I.C.K. nick, to nick something.
Helen: My son's best friend is called Nick. It's the same spelling, isn't it?
Rob: It is, but not the same meaning. Here the word 'nick' is a verb and it's British slang too.
Helen: Let's hear a couple of examples. What items have been stolen?
Man: Someone nicked my bike this morning.
Lady: Oh, no. Did you report it to the police?
Man: Yes, I did.
Man 1: Where are the chocolate biscuits I was saving? I am sure I saw them yesterday.
Man 2: Sorry, I don't know. Blame Dave, he's always nicking things.
Rob: So, one of them lost a bike and the other one lost his chocolate biscuits.
Helen: Unlucky chaps. Maybe the police can help them.
Rob: Yes. The police can definitely help them by nicking those petty thieves.
Helen: That's very confusing. The police can nick too? They can steal?
Rob: No, no, no, no. The police can't nick things from people. But when they arrest someone, we can say the person is nicked. It means they're arrested by the police.
Woman: Have you heard from Inspector James?
Man: No. He's working on a big case. I think they have just nicked the main suspect!
Helen: So if a criminal is caught by the police, then we can say he's nicked.
Rob: That's right. Let's go over the two meanings of the verb 'to nick'. First, if something is nicked, it means it's stolen.
Helen: Like my pen got nicked.
Rob: Yes, that's right. But if a person gets nicked, we mean he's arrested by the police.

Helen: A comedian got nicked for throwing a pie at Rupert Murdoch.
Rob: Yes, he did. Helen, you've got it. Just remember it's not a formal expression.
Helen: Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. Bye for now.
Rob: Bye!




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