國發會與ICRT共同製播的時事英語廣播“The World in Brief”固定於每周三在雙語資源網更新，與大家一起聽時事學英文。

本周主題：泰勒絲學術研討會

澳大利亞和紐西蘭六所大學的學者主辦Swiftposium學術研討會，主要討論泰勒絲(Taylor Swift)在音樂、性別政治、健康和經濟等多個方面的影響力。除此之外，《時代雜誌》更將其選為2023年度風雲人物，而其他入選者包括OpenAI執行長奧特曼(Sam Altman)、阿根廷足球巨星梅西(Lionel Messi)等。“泰勒絲經濟學”(Taylornomics)這個詞由《華爾街日報》所創造，描述泰勒絲對美國經濟的貢獻。想知道更多嗎？讓我們用３分鐘一起跟著主持人了解更多吧！

您喜歡這則時事英語廣播嗎?進入表單與我們分享您對The World in Brief的喜好與看法吧！

 

Transcript

Voice: You’re listening to the World in Brief …

Crowd: … On tour!

James: ‘Dear ICRT, I’m a 60-year-old Swiftie! Where can I meet others like me?’

Host: James in Kaohsiung wants to hang with fans his own age! Let’s go!

Host: We’ve arrived! What is this place?! It’s a cinema, but it’s unlike any I’ve ever seen before. It feels like we’ve stepped back in time, to the ‘20s. Except, the roof is covered in glowing, multicolored crystals. It’s spectacular!

Expert: Hello! Welcome to The Capitol. How can I help you today?

Host: This is the capital? The capital of where? We’re not in Taipei, are we?

Expert: No! Not that kind of capital! This is The Capitol, one of Australia’s finest, most extravagant movie theaters.

Host: It’s very fine! It’s just … I’m not sure why we’re here, exactly …

Expert: I can’t help you there, I’m afraid. We’re super busy right now, there’s lots to do before Fanposium starts …

Host: Sorry, before what starts?

Expert: Fanposium. It’s an event just for Taylor Swift fans! Are you a Swiftie?

Host: No … but my friend in Kaohsiung is!

Expert: You should get them over here, to Melbourne! I’m sure they won’t want to miss Fanposium. Or Swiftposium, for that matter.

Host: Whoa! Hold up … What’s Swiftposium?

Expert: You don’t know?! It’s an academic conference all about Taylor Swift!

Host: For real?

Expert: For real! It’s being organized by scholars from six universities across Australia and New Zealand.

Host: OK, that sounds real enough! What could they possibly be talking about?

Expert: You’re kidding, right?! Taylor Swift is a cultural icon! A singing sensation! A powerhouse of pop! She’s influenced so much. Everything from music and gender politics to health and economics.

Host: Let me guess … you’re a Swiftie, right?

Expert: Isn’t everybody?! She’s the best! Taylor Swift is one of the highest-earning and most decorated artists of all time, and she’s only 34 years old! Time magazine named her 2023’s Person of the Year.

Host: Wow! How did they decide that?

Expert: They always choose someone whose power has transformed society. Take a look at their other selections last year. Entrepreneur Sam Altman was awarded CEO of the Year, his company runs ChatGPT. And Lionel Messi was named Athlete of the Year, he’s one of the greatest soccer players of all time!

Host: ChatGPT is everywhere! And Messi has broken all kinds of sports records. It’s easy to see their impact on the world. Is Taylor Swift so influential?

Expert: Of course! Ever heard of Taylornomics?

Host: What’s that? Her latest album?

Expert: No! It’s a phrase invented by the Wall Street Journal. ‘Taylornomics’ describes TayTay’s incredible impact on the economy. Some analysts argue she might have single-handedly saved the US from recession!

Host: What?! No way!

Expert: Yes way! The ripple effects of her record-breaking Eras Tour have injected an estimated US$4.5 billion into the American economy! Everywhere she goes, business is booming!

Host: That’s the power of celebrity for you, I guess …

Expert: Not just any celebrity. Taylor has the power to connect people all over the world. Fans from all walks of life are coming to Melbourne for Swiftposium this week. Everyone, from teenagers to seniors!

Host: Great! James in Kaohsiung will be so happy! I can’t wait to tell him. Thanks for all your help, bye everyone! 

 

Vocabulary

glowing 發光的 (adj.)；crystal 水晶 (n.)

On the day of the Fanposium, the glowing ceiling crystals at The Capitol may seem dim in comparison to the radiance of all the Swifties who got tickets for this sold-out event.

 

extravagant 奢侈的，浪費的 (adj.)

Giving $55 million in bonuses to her tour crew last year seemed extravagant, but it was a business decision that ensured Taylor Swift’s complex Eras Tour ran smoothly.

 

for that matter 而且，甚至 (phr.)

To attend Taylor Swift’s concerts, some fans are willing to buy last-minute plane tickets regardless of the cost, and scalped concert tickets too, for that matter.

 

scholar 學者 (n.)

Scholars at a number of highly ranked universities teach courses centered on or inspired by Taylor Swift, delighting students and stunning their parents.

 

influential 有影響力的 (adj.)

Taylor Swift is influential beyond the music industry: the Swiftposium suggested 12 themes covering various areas and received 400 proposals for academic papers across 60 areas.