【Transcript】

Nora: … 新年快樂! Soon people all over the world will be welcoming the Year of the Rabbit! Roving reporter Max McGrath joins us live from Sydney, Australia, where celebrations have already begun! Max?

Max: Thanks Nora. I’m here at Sydney’s famous Cockle Bay Wharf, joined by local Chinese zodiac enthusiast, Kim Doyle. Kim, welcome!

Kim: Thanks Max! Max: What are you pushing there?

Kim: It’s a dragon boat! You know what a dragon boat is, right?

Max: Of course! But, Dragon Boat Festival isn’t until June … I thought we were celebrating the Lunar New Year …?

Kim: We are! This is all part of the 2023 Sydney Lunar Festival, one of the biggest celebrations of its kind outside Asia! We have a big race every year.

Max: How else do you celebrate?

Kim: There’s always a huge street party, that’s my favorite bit! There are tons of live shows, and every year they have these beautiful traditional Chinese Lion dances. Plus there are street performers, market stalls, even DJs! Max: Sounds like there’s lots to see!

Kim: So much! Many different countries celebrate the Lunar New Year, and Sydney is so diverse! We have shows from all over Asia: Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan … and, of course, Taiwan! Max: Of course! What can you tell us about the Chinese zodiac?

Kim: I love that story so much! Long ago, the Jade Emperor set up a great race, and invited all the animals in the world to take part. Whoever came first got the first year, second the second year, and so on …

Max: And we’re entering the Year of the Rabbit …

Kim: Right! The rabbit came fourth, after last year’s animal: the tiger! Max: What can we expect this year?

Kim: Last year might have felt kinda crazy! That’s because of the strong tiger. 2023’s rabbit will be much calmer, with plenty of time for rest and relaxation.

Max: That sounds nice! Kim: It gets better! It’s also considered the most fortunate animal, so everyone should have a lucky 2023! Rabbits are affectionate, so we’ll all be especially lucky in love … Of all the signs, the rabbit loves a cuddle!

Max: Sounds like a great year! Thank you Kim, good luck with the dragon boat race! This is Max McGrath reporting live from Sydney, Australia. Nora?

Nora: Thanks Max! The Sydney Lunar Festival sounds like a wonderful way to welcome in the New Year! The Year of the Rabbit runs from January 22nd, 2023 to February 9th, 2024. Happy New Year! I’m Nora Yu.

 

【Vocabulary】

 

Wharf 碼頭(n.)

Kim enjoyed the scenic ferry ride from Tamsui Wharf to Fisherman’s Wharf.

 

Chinese zodiac 十二生肖(n.)

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the year of the Rabbit.

 

Enthusiast 愛好者(n.)

He is an enthusiast about Chinese zodiac. Diverse

 

多元的(adj.)

The food court in Taipei 101 has a diverse range of cuisines.

 

Relaxation 放鬆(n.)

We have plenty of time for rest and relaxation.

 

Affectionate 充滿愛意的(adj.)

Max smiled and gave his cat an affectionate pat on the head.

 

Cuddle 抱抱(v.)(n.)

Kim cuddled her young son until he calmed down and stopped crying.