第四十七讲

   Text explaniation
   Para. 3
   Foreigners are often amused that the English spend so much time discussing the weather. An important reason for this is that the climate in Britain is interesting and variable. Because the weather changes frequently, there’s always something to say about it, and this is probably the commonest way for strangers to start a conversation. At places like bus stop you might hear conversations start like this:
　　 1st person: Lovely day, isn’t it?
　　 2nd person: Yes, isn’t it.
   Language Points:
   1. Explanation of Difficult Sentences
   1) Foreigners are often amused that the English spend so much time discussing the weather.
   Analysis: That is often used to introduce a clause which gives the cause or the effect of an adjective, amused in this case.
   Translation: 外国人时常感到好笑，因为英国人花这么多时间讨论天气。
   Example: They are often puzzled that he spends so much time working without any relaxation.

   2) Because the weather changes frequently, there is always something to say about it, and this is probably the commonest way for strangers to start a conversation.
   Analysis: modifier
   refers to “the weather”
   refers to “saying about the weather
   structure: for sb. to do sth
   Translation: 因为天气多变,人们对天气总是有话可说,这或许就是不相识的人通常把它作为话题的原因。
   Example:
   2. Important Words
   1) amuse: v. make someone laugh; cause laughter in 逗乐，使发笑
   I am amused by his funny experience in Paris.
   He is amused by the little girl’s words.
   2) climate: v. n. the average weather conditions at a particular place over a period of year 气候
   I am still not used to the climate here.
   She gets to love this place because of its agreeable climate.
   Para.4 Then they may go on to talk about what the weather has been like recently or what it’ll be like next. Another reason is that the English are reluctant to converse about personal matters with people who are not friends. Mentioning the weather is also a useful way to greet someone you pass on the street; it’s inoffensive to begin a conversation with someone you don’t know at a social event. A comment on a nice day or a personal complaint about the rain is an easy way to break the ice.
   1. Important Words
   1)reluctant: a. unwilling and therefore perhaps slow to act 勉强的，不情愿的
   He is very reluctant to accept the date with the girl.
   You cannot depend on him, his promise is so reluctant .
   2)converse: v. talk informally 交谈，谈话
   After a year studying at university I feel able to converse with anyone about anything.
They often converse over the phone.
   3)personal: a. belonging or relating to a particular person, not to others 个人的，私人的It’s a matter of personal preference, I simply like the blue one.
   This is my personal problem, you have no right to know.
   4)social: a. relating to leisure activities that involve meeting other people社交的，交际的
   He is very shy on social occasions.
   You must take part in some social activities, otherwise you’ll have no way to make friends.
   5)comment:
   v. make a remark, give an opinion 评论
   n. (an) opinion, explanation, or judgment written or spoken about an event, book, person, etc. 评语，评论
   The coach refused to comment on the result of the football match.
   His friends commented humorously about his new haircut.
   What comments do you have on this event?
   This is only my personal comment, take it easy.
   6)complain: n. (cause or reason for) being not satisfied 抱怨，投诉
   I am fed up with your constant complaints about our present life.
   We can often hear his complaints about the Sales Department.
   7) break the ice: begin to be friendly with someone, make people feel comfortable 打破僵局，打破矜持
   Sometimes a cigarette is a way of breaking the ice among men.
   She is very active at social events and often the one who breaks the ice.
   Exercises: See the textbook.