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料庫學習資源網更新，與大家一起聽時事學英文。

本周主題：歐洲歌唱大賽

歐洲歌唱大賽(Eurovision Song Contest, 簡稱Eurovision)今年於英國舉辦，參賽國家的代表需選擇一首歌曲進行演唱，再由觀眾進行投票選出他們最喜愛的歌手。獲勝者除獲得冠軍獎盃、知名度之外，下一屆的歐洲歌唱大賽將由該國家舉辦。想知道更多嗎？讓我們用3分鐘的時間一起來聽聽記者Max McGrath怎麼說吧！

您喜歡這則時事英語廣播嗎?借用你3分鐘的時間讓我們知道你對The World in Brief的喜好與看法吧！

(https://tinyurl.com/jjz9p5bs)

 

【Transcript】

Nora: The biggest news …the best guests …the boldest events …This is ‘The World in Brief’ with Max McGrath.

Nora: This month saw the finals of this year’s epic Eurovision Song Contest! Roving reporter Max McGrath joins us live from Liverpool, UK, the host city of this year’s fabulous event! Max?

Max: Thanks Nora. I’m here at Liverpool’s famous Pier Head, chosen location for this year’s Eurovision Village. I’m joined by self-described Eurovision super-fan Chrissie Platz, who’s travelled an incredible 17,000 kilometers just to be here! Chrissie, hi there!

Chrissie: G’day Max!

Max: So, you flew all the way from Australia for this competition …

Chrissie: Sure did, I’ve followed it ever since I was a little girl! It’s taken me to some wonderful countries all over Europe, singing and dancing! It’s so much fun!

Max: But you grew up in Australia. How did you even hear about it?

Chrissie: Oh, Eurovision’s really popular Down Under! Everyone watches it.

Max: Really? Why?

Chrissie: I don’t know exactly … I think it’s because we like ABBA so much!

Max: ABBA? You mean the band?

Chrissie: Duh! Of course! They won for Sweden back in 1974. That’s how they got so famous!

Max: What was the song?

Chrissie: “Waterloo! Knowing my fate is to be with you …”

Both: “... Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo! Finally facing my Waterloo.”

Max: I love that song! That came from Eurovision?

Chrissie: It sure did! This contest’s seen lots of great bands and artists: Olivia Newton-John, Maneskin, Celine Dion …

Max: … And they all had to represent a country, right? You can’t just enter on your own.

Chrissie: That’s how it works, yeah. Then voters across Europe get to pick their favorite … Along with us Aussies too, of course! Whoever gets the most votes wins!

Max: What do they win?

Chrissie: They get a trophy. Plus worldwide fame! And their country gets to host the next year’s event.

Max: This time Sweden won. So you’ll be in Scandinavia next year?

Chrissie: Yeah, I can’t wait! Their act was so great, she deserved to win.

Max: You mean their singer Loreen. She’s won before, hasn’t she?

Chrissie: She has! Back in 2012. She’s the first woman ever to have won twice!

Max: She clearly has lots of fans, her name is everywhere! On banners and posters …

Chrissie: You’ll see lots of that here in the Eurovision Village! This is where all the fans hang out. It’s the place to be! A week before the final they have special one-off shows here, live performances, DJ sets … it’s more like a music festival really.

Max: There’s a party atmosphere here for sure, the vibe is electric! And there are flags from all over Europe. That rainbow flag, that’s an LGBTQ+ symbol …

Chrissie: Yes it is! Back in 1998 Israel’s Dana International became Eurovision’s first transgender winner. It’s a safe space for everyone here: gay, straight or otherwise. It’s diversity that makes this competition so fun!

Max: Chrissie, thank you for your time. Maybe I’ll see you in Sweden next year?

Chrissie: I’ll be there!

Max: No doubt! This is Max McGrath reporting live from Liverpool, UK. Nora?

Nora: Thanks Max! I had no idea you were such an ABBA fan! Thank you for the music. And thank you all for listening, I’m Nora Yu.

 

【Vocabulary】

Voters 投票人(n.)

According to the contest rules, voters can vote for any contestant except the one representing their country.

 

Vibe 氣氛(n.)

With its eight days of free special shows, live performances, and DJ sets, the Eurovision Village, which is open to the public, has the electric vibe of a music festival.

 

Epic 規模極大的(adj.)

Eurovision, with its 37 talented contestants, was an epic feast of songs.

 

Banners 橫幅布條(n.)

Everywhere Max looked, he saw Loreen’s name and image emblazoned on banners and posters.