Topic reading

TOPIC READING

Different kinds of English

随着英语在世界上的广泛使用，它不断地吸收、交融、容纳、创新，于是，各种各样的带有国家、民族、地区特色的英语逐渐形成。

English usage in other countries has traditionally followed one model or the other. Throughout most of the Commonwealth (英联邦), the spoken English has its roots in the British version, though local expressions are very different. British English is the dialect taught in most countries where English is not a native language, though there are a few exceptions where American English is taught, such as in the Philippines and in Japan.

Although American and British English are generally mutually intelligible, there are enough differences to cause awkward (尴尬的) misunderstandings or complete failures to communicate sometimes. George Bernard Shaw said that the United States and United Kingdom are “two countries divided by a common language”.

In addition to its use in English-speaking countries, English is used as a technical language around the world, in medicine, computer science, air traffic control, and many other such areas of concentrated expertise (专门技能). Such speakers may be fluent in English within their discipline (知识领域), but not generally fluent in English.

There are also many surviving dialects and local differences in English. Certainly the Alabama truck driver, the Highlands crofter, and the Harvard professor can all speak English, but they would have to work at it to talk among themselves. And the Finnish air traffic controller might still feel left out.

Read the passage carefully and match the words with their meanings.

1. intelligible

said

2. divide B. that can be easily understood A. used to add another piece of information to what you have just

3. in addition to C. to feel that you are not accepted or welcome in a situation

4. survive D. to continue to exist after a long time