英语听力精选进阶版 7178（在线收听）

Background:新一代的法国摇滚乐队打破长久以来的传统，唱起了英文歌曲。近日，法国乐坛中越来越多的歌手和乐队告别以往尽力维护法语及法国文化的传统，开始尝试用英语创作歌曲。

The breakthrough for bands that sing in English has not been straightforward. Under France's cultural protection laws, radio stations can only play a set amount of English-language music, and most prefer to fill their quota with actual British or American bands.

That means little airtime for French-English bands.

There's also a feeling among some critics that singing in English is perhaps a bit of a cop out. But for the members of Anorak, in rehearsal here outside Paris, singing in English is simply a recognition of changing times.

The internet generation cares little for national barriers, today's French youngsters are tuned into English like everyone else is, so why feel guilty? Language has always been a vital part of French culture, so whether you like it or resent it, what's happening is undoubtedly significant. Young French musicians are abandoning their linguistic heritage, and joining the globalised world.

Glossary 词汇表

breakthrough 突破 

quota 限额 

airtime 播出时间 

a feeling among 同感 

cop out 逃避（繁琐的法语歌词） 

in rehearsal 彩排中 

internet generation 网络一代 

a vital part 很重要的一部分 

undoubtedly 毋庸置疑的 

linguistic heritage 语言遗产

Questions and Answers

What made French bands avoid singing in English? 

It was the existence of French cultural protection laws.

Do French radio stations give British bands a lot of airtime? 

No. There is a quota that limits airtime for songs in a foreign language.

True or False: French musicians are singing in English to reach more listeners. 

True. The generation that grew up with the internet is more used to English.

True or False: French people value their language a lot. 

True. It is a big part of their culture.