英语听力精选进阶版 6257

In the UK a tiny animal has kicked off a big debate.

'Rastamouse' is a much talked-about new animated¹ BBC children's show. The star of the programme is a cute Rastafarian mouse who, together with his reggae band, solves crimes.

The show has caused a stir with viewers of all ages. Its humour has won it many devoted² adult followers³ and it has been praised for its educational value.

Rastamouse

Rastamouse likes skateboarding and loves music.

But it is the way Rastamouse and his band – Da Easy Crew – speak that has put the cat among the pigeons. The characters talk in a Caribbean English patois⁴. For example, Rastamouse's motto is "makin' a bad ting (thing) good". The characters greet each other by saying "Wagwan!" (What's going on?).

For many, it's part of the show's appeal. But some parents have complained that it is encouraging the use of slang amongst their children. Other viewers feel that the mice are stereotyped⁵ or condescending⁶ versions of Rastafarians. Around 190 complaints have been submitted to the BBC.

The show's creators – one of whom is himself a Rastafarian – insist that no offence was intended and the BBC has defended the show for its "compelling stories, great music and positive messages".

The backlash hasn't halted Rastamouse's progress. He has already released a single – Ice Popp – and an album is also planned.

Glossary 词汇表 

to kick off a big debate

引发了一场大辩论

much talked-about

议论纷纷的

Rastafarian

信奉拉斯特法里教的

to cause a stir

引起争议

devoted followers

忠实的追随者

to put the cat among the pigeons

惹事生非

patois

方言/土语

stereotyped

老套的

compelling

有说服力的

backlash

1 animated   

adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的

参考例句：

• His observations gave rise to an animated and lively discussion.他的言论引起了一场气氛热烈而活跃的讨论。
• We had an animated discussion over current events last evening.昨天晚上我们热烈地讨论时事。

2 devoted   

adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的

参考例句：

• He devoted his life to the educational cause of the motherland.他为祖国的教育事业贡献了一生。
• We devoted a lengthy and full discussion to this topic.我们对这个题目进行了长时间的充分讨论。

3 followers   

追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件

参考例句：

• the followers of Mahatma Gandhi 圣雄甘地的拥护者
• The reformer soon gathered a band of followers round him. 改革者很快就获得一群追随者支持他。

4 patois   

n.方言；混合语

参考例句：

• In France patois was spoken in rural,less developed regions.在法国，欠发达的农村地区说方言。
• A substantial proportion of the population speak a French-based patois.人口中有一大部分说以法语为基础的混合语。

5 stereotyped   

adj.(指形象、思想、人物等)模式化的

参考例句：

• There is a sameness about all these tales. They're so stereotyped -- all about talented scholars and lovely ladies. 这些书就是一套子，左不过是些才子佳人，最没趣儿。
• He is the stereotyped monster of the horror films and the adventure books, and an obvious (though not perhaps strictly scientific) link with our ancestral past. 它们是恐怖电影和惊险小说中的老一套的怪物，并且与我们的祖先有着明显的（虽然可能没有科学的）联系。

6 condescending   

adj.谦逊的,故意屈尊的

参考例句：

• He has a condescending attitude towards women. 他对女性总是居高临下。
• He tends to adopt a condescending manner when talking to young women. 和年轻女子说话时，他喜欢摆出一副高高在上的姿态。