英语听力精选进阶版 7178

Background:新一代的法国摇滚乐队打破长久以来的传统，唱起了英文歌曲。近日，法国乐坛中越来越多的歌手和乐队告别以往尽力维护法语及法国文化的传统，开始尝试用英语创作歌曲。

The breakthrough for bands that sing in English has not been straightforward¹. Under France's cultural protection laws, radio stations can only play a set amount of English-language music, and most prefer to fill their quota² with actual British or American bands.

That means little airtime for French-English bands.

There's also a feeling among some critics that singing in English is perhaps a bit of a cop out. But for the members of Anorak, in rehearsal³ here outside Paris, singing in English is simply a recognition of changing times.

The internet generation cares little for national barriers, today's French youngsters are tuned⁴ into English like everyone else is, so why feel guilty? Language has always been a vital part of French culture, so whether you like it or resent it, what's happening is undoubtedly⁵ significant. Young French musicians are abandoning their linguistic⁶ heritage, and joining the globalised world.

Glossary⁷ 词汇表

breakthrough 突破 

quota 限额 

airtime 播出时间 

a feeling among 同感 

cop out 逃避（繁琐的法语歌词） 

in rehearsal 彩排中 

internet generation 网络一代 

a vital part 很重要的一部分 

undoubtedly 毋庸置疑的 

linguistic heritage 语言遗产

Questions and Answers

What made French bands avoid singing in English? 

It was the existence of French cultural protection laws.

Do French radio stations give British bands a lot of airtime? 

No. There is a quota that limits airtime for songs in a foreign language.

True or False: French musicians are singing in English to reach more listeners. 

True. The generation that grew up with the internet is more used to English.

True or False: French people value their language a lot. 

True. It is a big part of their culture.

1 straightforward   

adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的

参考例句：

• A straightforward talk is better than a flowery speech.巧言不如直说。
• I must insist on your giving me a straightforward answer.我一定要你给我一个直截了当的回答。

2 quota   

n.（生产、进出口等的）配额，（移民的）限额

参考例句：

• A restricted import quota was set for meat products.肉类产品设定了进口配额。
• He overfulfilled his production quota for two months running.他一连两个月超额完成生产指标。

3 rehearsal   

n.排练，排演；练习

参考例句：

• I want to play you a recording of the rehearsal.我想给你放一下彩排的录像。
• You can sharpen your skills with rehearsal.排练可以让技巧更加纯熟。

4 tuned   

adj.调谐的，已调谐的v.调音( tune的过去式和过去分词 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调

参考例句：

• The resort is tuned in to the tastes of young and old alike. 这个度假胜地适合各种口味，老少皆宜。
• The instruments should be tuned up before each performance. 每次演出开始前都应将乐器调好音。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 undoubtedly   

adv.确实地，无疑地

参考例句：

• It is undoubtedly she who has said that.这话明明是她说的。
• He is undoubtedly the pride of China.毫无疑问他是中国的骄傲。

6 linguistic   

adj.语言的，语言学的

参考例句：

• She is pursuing her linguistic researches.她在从事语言学的研究。
• The ability to write is a supreme test of linguistic competence.写作能力是对语言能力的最高形式的测试。

7 glossary   

n.注释词表；术语汇编

参考例句：

• The text is supplemented by an adequate glossary.正文附有一个详细的词汇表。
• For convenience,we have also provided a glossary in an appendix.为了方便，我们在附录中也提供了术语表。