ICRT BreakDown

Ep. 4: Net Zero by 2050 Hot topic alert! Join our hosts Tim and Paz and their guest, James Wang（王漢英）, Vice President and General Director of Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories at ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute). Learn what Net Zero means, what Taiwan’s strategies and efforts to achieve Net Zero by 2050 are, and how you – yes, you! – can contribute. Then find out whether greenwash and *carbon footprint *are this episode’s cat’s meows or pet peeves!* * —Vocabulary renewable（能源）可再生的 (adj) Taiwan is moving away from fossil fuels, but it faces constraints such as limited land or offshore areas when seeking potential sites for renewable energy projects. emit排出 (v.) The infrastructure that supports a growing array of digital services emits 1% of energy-related greenhouse gases; this must be halved by 2030 to achieve Net Zero by 2050. transition過渡；轉變 (n.) A just transition to Net-Zero emissions by 2050 is an integral part of Taiwan’s Climate Change Response Act; based on respect for human rights, it leaves no one behind. resolve解決 (v.) An important social issue that must be resolved well before a renewable energy project breaks ground is the project’s impact on the lives and livelihoods of nearby inhabitants. carbon footprint碳足跡（個人活動所產生的二氧化碳的份量） (n.) To reduce our carbon footprints, we need to assess the amount of greenhouse gases we produce by the activities we do, the products we have, and the services we use.

Ep. 3: 2024 Bamboo Expo and World Bamboo Congress Bamboo… so old-school, isn’t it? Well, no! Join Tim, Paz, and Dr. Ying-pin Huang, a Manager at the Industrial Technology Research Institute's Central Region Campus who works on bamboo technologies. Bamboo… technologies? Yes! There’s no bamboozling going on here! Find out about some bamboo applications that can help us achieve a sustainable world. Hear about the 2024 Bamboo Expo and the World Bamboo Congress. Then discover what Tim, Paz, and Dr. Huang think of to miss the forest for the trees, mycelium,* *and *infinity.* —Vocabulary resilient 有彈性的，有適應性的 (adj.) Bamboo, which is resilient against storms and droughts, has extensive root systems that can control soil erosion and stabilize slopes in landslide-prone areas. primitive 原始的 (adj.) A seemingly primitive, no-tech bamboo product, biochar, a type of charcoal, contains carbon captured from the atmosphere; when added to soil, biochar enriches it and creates a carbon sink. multiple 由許多部份組成的，多樣的 (adj.) The 2024 Bamboo Expo and the World Bamboo Congress, with the theme of “Next-Generation Bamboo,” is being held at multiple venues to showcase Taiwan’s bamboo culture and industries. limitation 限制，侷限 (n.) Although bamboo has been used in many ways for thousands of years, there seems to be no limitation except for imagination on the applications researchers are discovering for it.

Ep. 2: Lantern Festival Baiming Carnival Get a glimpse into the fascinating Matsu Islands’ Lantern Festival with Tim, Paz, and their guest, Matsu YouTuber Chami. Chami champions Matsu’s culture and dialect on her show, 掐米亜店, and you’ll learn some words that describe features of the festival procession perfectly: 擺暝 (pē màng / pě màng), 碗燕 (uāng iěng / uang ngiěng), 拍鼓板 (phák kū pēing / phǎh kú bēing), 迎神 (ngiàng sìng / ngiǎng nìng). You’ll want to see it for yourself! Finally, find out what Tim, Paz, and Chami think about the terms have receipts, dialect, and beat! —Vocabulary dedication致力，奉獻 (n.)；subtitle 字幕 (n.) Chami’s dedication to using the Matsu dialect in her videos is great, but since not many people know it, she adds Mandarin subtitles to make her content more accessible. procession 行列，隊伍 (n.) People following the festival procession know what section of the route it’s on since each features different musical instruments; a change means a different god is visiting. interaction 互動 (n.) In one captivating part of the Baiming procession, the deity palanquins weave and spin together as if in greeting; we can only imagine what the gods say in these interactions. nap 午睡，小睡 (n.)；insight 見解 (n.) On the 29th day of the first lunar month, you can take a nap at a temple; if you dream, dream interpreters can help you see if your dreams provide insights into your problems. embody 體現，使具體化 (v.) Chami’s favorite term in the Matsu dialect is "拍鼓板" (phák kū pēing / phǎh kú bēing) because the traditional drumbeat embodies the spirit of Matsu’s celebrations for her.

Do you ever wonder what’s behind the delicious parade of fruit and vegetables you eat throughout the year? Join BreakDown hosts Tim and Paz and their guest Leo, host of the podcast “農遊超市Farmtour Market,” to find out. Discover how this rice farmer is showing people aspects of agriculture in interesting, creative ways. Then hear if reap what you sow, hydroponics, aquaculture, aquaponics, and duck are pet peeves or cat’s meows to them! Vocabulary fundamental 基礎的，基本的 （adj.） Agriculture, fundamental to most economies and societies, faces huge increases in demand, space and water scarcity, climate change, and other critical challenges. sustainable （對環境沒有損害或損害很小因而）可持續的，能長期維持的 （adj.） A bird-loving rice farmer in Yilan convinced other local farmers to join him in growing organic rice, started an organic rice brand, and organized recreational tours on his farm, creating a sustainable business for the birds’ sake. prosperous 繁榮的;富裕的 (adj.) People gift tiny sweet and sour kumquats to wish the recipient a prosperous new year; the fruit is such a symbol of wealth that there’s a kumquat museum in Yilan County! sow 播種，種 (v.) The Lunar New Year is an important time of the year for rice farmers, whose paddies collectively cover just over seven percent of Taiwan; it’s when they sow their crops. fulfilling 令人愉快滿足的 (adj.) Connecting with agriculture in some way, such as going on a farm tour and meeting local farmers and eating the food they produce, can be a fulfilling experience.

Have a seat with BreakDown hosts Tim and Paz and their guest Peggy, Deputy Director of the Curatorial and Planning Center at Skills for U. Discover what Skills for U does, what the Taiwan Technical and Vocational Education and Training Conference features, why technical and vocational training and jobs are important, and what role English plays. Then learn about these terms: a jack of all trades and a master of none, MOOCs, and empower. —Vocabulary bilingual 雙語的 (adj.) A highly skilled workforce with many bilingual vocational and technical workers will contribute to raising Taiwan’s international competitiveness. corporate 公司的；團體的 (adj.) One challenge in vocational education that corporate ESG and CSR initiatives could address is providing resources for programs that lack up-to-date knowledge and equipment. Note: ESG - environmental, social, and corporate governance; CSR - corporate social responsibility sector 部門 (n.) The conference aims to break down silos in Taiwan’s vocational and technical education ecosystem by encouraging communication between the government, nonprofit, industry, and education sectors within it. incorporate包含；加上 (v.) Vocational and technical schools are incorporating English into their programs, helping to make the language alive and relevant for students, teachers, and Taiwan’s society. vocational 職業的 (adj.) In a society that values education and professional careers, many parents discourage their children from pursuing a vocational job, not realizing that these jobs can be highly satisfying and that they also contribute to a healthy economy. https://bit.ly/3GtvKZ4

Are you a fan of Chinese-language movies? Join the crowd! Get comfortable with hosts Tim and Paz and their guest, XXY, host of XXY梗你看電影, which covers everything related to movies. Learn what differences are disguised by the common comparison of the Golden Horse Awards to the Academy Awards. Find out what the range of nominated films and people reflects, and more. Then discover some interesting cat’s meows, pet peeves, and borrowed terms: popcorn, blockbuster, MacGuffin, schadenfreude, and deus ex machina! —Vocabulary nickname綽號 (n.) XXY’s nickname is not related to the movie of the same name or to a chromosomal anomaly; it’s an abbreviation created by the initials of the pinyin reading of his Chinese name. dialect方言 (n.) The Golden Horse Awards used to be exclusively for movies only in Mandarin, but in recent years, the Awards has become more inclusive and now considers Mandarin-based movies that include regional and indigenous dialects. essence本質；實質 (n.) The current crop of films with numerous nominations epitomizes the evolution of the narrative essence of Taiwanese cinema towards more serious themes. nominate 提名 (v.) “Snow in Midsummer”, the film nominated in nine categories at this year’s Golden Horse Awards, is a collaborative effort between Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore. marching orders逐客令 (n.) After an actor slapped a presenter at last year’s Academy Awards, the Academy gave him his marching orders, banning him from attending its events for ten years. MacGuffin麥高芬（指推動電影情節發展，但本身並不重要的細節）(n.) MacGuffin and deus ex machina are both names of plot devices that serve to move a story along, hopefully without confusing or alienating the audience.

Taiwan stands with diversity! Join BreakDown co-hosts Tim and Paz as they talk with Amy, Mooni and 咆哮蒂, co-hosts of the podcast “女同志週記lez.weekly”. Learn about Taiwan’s Pride event and its importance to the local and international LGBTQ+ communities and to Taiwan itself. Then hear about these pet peeves and cat’s meows: true colors, heteronormativity, pansexual, think without branding, and true self. —Vocabulary evolve逐步發展 (v.) Taiwan’s Pride event continues to evolve and now includes a sightseeing bus and short tours to introduce domestic and international visitors to Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ culture. inclusive（團體或組織）可以包容各種人的 (adj.) Beyond LGBTQ+ Pride events, the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples show how Taiwan is working to make its society inclusive. representation代表 (n.) Seeing representation of the LGBTQ+ community gives people who feel unseen or unsure about their place in society the encouragement to be themselves. advocate支持;提倡 (v.) International participation in Taiwan’s highly visible Pride Parade is a powerful way to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights everywhere. orientation（某人的）特別喜好，價值取向 (n.) Some people know what their sexual orientation is from a young age; others may need time to explore who they are and whom they are sexually or romantically attracted to.

A fitness trainer and a history buff? Wow! What an interesting combo! Join BreakDown hosts Tim and Paz as they chat with Light and Dan, co-hosts of the podcast 走鐘運動日記. Learn fascinating details about the Asian Games happening later this month. Then find out what the following mean and if they’re cat’s meows or pet peeves: jump the gun, ever onward, DNF, PB, and PR. —Vocabulary Predecessor 前任；前身；前輩(n.) The Far Eastern Championship Games, held from 1913 to 1934, and the West Asia Games, held in 1934, are considered the predecessors of today’s Asian Games, which held its first edition in 1951. Upcoming 即將發生的(adj.) The upcoming 19th Asian Games are eagerly anticipated in Asia and beyond; originally scheduled for 2022 and cancelled because of the pandemic, the Games open later this month. Kabaddi 卡巴迪(n.) In the 2018 Asian Games, Taiwan’s women’s team won the bronze medal in Kabaddi, a 4,000-year-old sport described as a combination of wrestling and tag. Glue 膠水；黏著劑(n.) 黏合；緊附(vt.) For 15 days from September 23rd to October 8th, sports fans everywhere will be glued to screens of all sizes, cheering for and occasionally screaming at their favorite teams and athletes competing at the multi-sport Asian Games. Jade 玉；翡翠(n.), lotus 蓮花(n.) Hangzhou, China, the host of the 19th Asian Games, displays its close relationship with its culture by including cultural and historical symbols, such as the lotus in both the stadium and tennis center and local geographical features and jade in the medals. 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

*配合8月航班，煙火施放時間調整至20:35* *To align with the August flight schedule, the fireworks display time has been adjusted to 8:35 PM.* Join Tim, Paz, and BreakDown guest Jerome, host of the travel podcast “旅行熱炒店”, as they discuss the fascinating history of Taipei’s Dadaocheng district, the exciting 51-day summer festival there, and some great photo tips for the festival fireworks! Then discover what they think of off the beaten path, no-brainer, and wanderlust. —Vocabulary Back alley陋巷；後巷(n.), eatery 餐館(n.), refined 精緻的(adj.), storefront 店面(n.) Exploring the back alleys of your city might yield unexpected finds hiding behind quiet storefronts, such as a lively neighborhood eatery offering a refined menu of exquisite dishes based on local ingredients. Compiled 編譯(v.) Unable to travel outside of the U.S. during the pandemic, Jerome instead traveled to the far reaches of the country – Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Hawaiian island of Moloka‘i, and Utqiagvik, the northernmost American city – and then he compiled stories of his explorations into a book titled 美國後巷 (American Back Alleys). Navigate 導航(v.) **Dadaocheng became a major international trading port in the late 19th century as ships found it increasingly difficult to navigate further up the Tamsui River. ** Fusion 融合(n.) **The many shops on Dihua Street reflect Dadaocheng’s past and present, with offerings ranging from the traditional to the trendy, along with innovative fusions of old and new. ** Matchmaker 月老、媒婆(n.) Dadaocheng’s Xia Hai City God Temple is famous for being a matchmaker temple in Taiwan and beyond; Taiwanese people and tourists from Japan and South Korea go there in hopes of being granted a romantic partner or a good marriage.  Vibe 氣氛(n.) A local team created light installations to complement the Dadaocheng Wharf area, giving it a romantic vibe at night.  搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> **https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

Who’s wearing the yellow jersey? Join BreakDown hosts Tim and Paz and their guests Alan and Greg, a.k.a. Uncle, hosts of the Bike Talk大叔愛輪事podcast, as they discuss the Tour de France, the legendary 23-day men’s bicycle race. Then learn about their cat’s meows: hitch a ride, peloton, cycling, and the Grand Tour! —Vocabulary Conquer, courageous 攻取；征服(v.) , 勇敢的(adj.) The courageous riders have to conquer a punishing 3405.6 kilometers route that takes them through all five of France’s mountain ranges. Prestigious 有聲望的(adj.) There are many important men’s bicycle races all over the world, but the Tour de France is regarded as the most prestigious. Classification , jersey 分類(n.) , 運動衫(n.) In the Tour de France’s main competitions, the winners of the general, mountains, points, and young rider classifications are awarded yellow, polka dot, green, and white jerseys respectively. Prowess 高超的技能(n.) The grueling Tour de France showcases the endurance and athletic prowess of its elite professional competitors. Gimmick 花招；把戲(n.) Who could have guessed 120 years ago that a gimmick by a newspaper, meant to get more readers by creating something exciting to report on, would endure and evolve into the grand spectacle called the Tour de France? 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> **https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

Tim and Paz talk with 兼叔 and 阿宏, hosts of the Car 浮浪 podcast, about charging electric vehicles (EVs). What are the advantages and disadvantages? Some may not be on your radar yet! Find out if tire kicker, go the extra mile, AI, and autonomous driving are cat’s meows or pet peeves! —Vocabulary Outlet 充電插座( n.) A major challenge of owning an EV in Taiwan is finding an electrical outlet where the car can be charged. Emission 排放(n.) Reducing carbon emissions by increasing the use of EVs is a long-term goal of the government. Infrastructure 基礎建設(n.) EVs, whose batteries make them much heavier than gas-fueled cars, have a bigger impact on infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Swap 交換(n.) There's an extensive network of battery swap stations for scooters in Taiwan, but it’s a completely different situation for EVs. Consolidate 整合(v.) In Taiwan, getting multiple EV charging companies to work together and consolidate information on their charging systems is difficult since the industry is rapidly growing and each company wants to keep its resources to itself. Unresolved 未解決的(adj.) Unresolved issues about the convenience and expense of charging EVs deter some prospective buyers. 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

Tim and Paz talk with guests Catherine and Howard, hosts of the Morning Taiwan Glocal News daily live podcast. Glocal? That’s a mash-up of “global” and “local”. Learn about the G7 Summit in Hiroshima and its relevance to Taiwan. Discover what you think about text abbreviations, hermit mode, gaslighting, and oxymorons! —Vocabulary Delegation代表團(n.) Sidelines 場邊(n.) Taiwan does not have an official governmental delegation at the G7 Summit; however, it may have contacts and connections on the sidelines. Imminent 即將發生的(adj.) Slogan 標語；口號(n.) Tired of empty slogans, Catherine wants the G7 Summit to result in more concrete changes and smart solutions about climate change because the threat it poses is more imminent now. Combat 戰鬥(n.) People are worried that there will be intensive military combat around the nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Aggression 侵略(n.) As China’s aggression becomes more obvious, more people in Taiwan are becoming interested in international news, aware that they should care more about what is going on in the world, how Taiwan is seen internationally, and how Taiwan presents itself. Broaden 變寬(v.) Relevance 相關性；意義(n.) Until recently, the audience for international news in Taiwan mostly consisted of highly educated people and people who have lived abroad, but it has broadened to include people who care about Taiwan’s relevance and presence in the world. 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

Join hosts Tim and Paz and their guest, Jeane Huang, host of the podcast “On the Right Side of the Ambassador”. You’ll get a taste of what diplomatic life is like for an ambassador’s wife. You’ll learn about Thailand’s Songkran, which is drenched in tradition, and find out what this episode’s cat’s meows and pet peeves are. —Vocabulary Spouse 配偶(n.) The territory of ambassadors’ spouses is often the home, where they may have extensive entertaining duties. Diplomatic 外交的(adj.) In diplomatic circles, the spouse of the ambassador always sits on the ambassador’s right side, a position that indicates respect. Strategically 有策略性地(adv.) In Chiang Mai, where a canal ensures a plentiful water supply, Songkran can be boisterous, with people strategically throwing water to get as many people and things as drenched as possible. Derive起源；衍生(v.) “Songkran”, the word used for Thailand’s New Year’s national holiday, is derived from a Sanskrit word that is related to the sun’s movement between constellations. Merit [-making] 功德(n.) Some examples of merit-making, acts of kindness and compassion, include releasing fish, birds, or turtles into their natural habitats and giving alms to monks in the form of food or new robes. Junk 舊物(n.) In Thailand, it’s traditional for people to clean their homes and get rid of their junk on the night before Songkran, just as people spring clean in preparation for the Lunar New Year in Taiwan. Symbolize 象徵(v.) Being doused with water during Songkran symbolizes being cleansed of bad luck and negativity from the prior year, enabling one to have a clean slate and good luck for the New Year. Underdog 劣勢者；弱勢(n.) People like to root for the underdog, the person who is pushed down in some way and expected to lose, but who, through persistence and courage, turns out to be the victorious hero or heroine. 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

Join Tim, Paz, and BreakDown guest Ted, an engineer and TechPorn podcaster, as they discuss the mind-boggling capabilities and implications of OpenAI's artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT. Learn how we can improve how we work in collaboration with AI and find out why natural language processing is compelling us to redefine how we learn. —Vocabulary Natural language input ChatGPT-4 can analyze natural language input and generate appropriate and humanlike text responses. Programmer 程式設計師(n.) According to Ted, AI can be a powerful tool in assessing the coding of programmers and software engineers. Implication 涉及(n.) All of the foreseeable implications of AI for education, industry, and society require deep consideration now. Collaborate 合作(v.) To collaborate effectively with AI systems, it is important for people to develop strong communication skills, including the ability to formulate good questions. Enhance 提高(v.) ChatGPT-4’s enhanced natural language processing capabilities, astonishingly advanced compared to those of ChatGPT-3.5, have a vast array of possible applications. 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

In this episode, Tim talks with Shio, ICRT’s weekend DJ and You Shang-Jie (游尚傑), host of Unlock the Earth, a travel podcast. You’ll learn about Ramadan and its fascinating fasting and feasting customs. Then you’ll hear about pet peeves, cat’s meows and - you’ll hear it here first - “cat’s peeves”. — Vocabulary Sacrifice 犧牲(v.) Muslims in Malaysia sacrifice eating from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during Ramadan. Amplify 放大(v.) He says social media can amplify someone’s mistake, especially if it goes viral. Cleanse their souls 淨化心靈 Purify their bodies 淨化身體 Exercise self-control 實踐自我控制 Draw closer to their God 更親近神 Crescent moon 新月 Mosque 清真寺 (n.) Bazaar 市集(n.) Cancel culture 指控文化 (n.) She doesn’t like cancel culture when someone does one thing wrong and is canceled without a chance to redeem him/herself. Woke (adj.) 保持清醒的 這裡是指人們應該了解發生在身邊的當代議題，通常帶有戲謔涵意 He doesn’t know or care about racial and social justice issues, but he pretends to be woke. Intermittent fasting 間歇性斷食(n.) 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

Recently, Taiwan has been celebrating the Lunar New Year, and the Lantern Festival. Join us as we talk about another celebration being observed in France, Italy, and Brazil! Take a break and learn about the origins and customs of Carnival around the world, with ICRT’s Paz and Tim, as they chat with Podcaster, Mary. ICRT BreakDown is a fun and relaxing podcast to help you build your English vocabulary, and improve your understanding of common expression in the news. So, join us with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Just sit back, relax, and listen! — Vocabulary Religious tradition 宗教傳統 The family followed the religious tradition of celebrating Easter with a big feast and church service. 這家人遵循以盛大的宴會和教堂禮拜慶祝復活節的宗教傳統。 Local custom 當地習俗 As a sign of respect for the local custom, visitors to the village are expected to remove their shoes before entering the temple. 作為對當地習俗的尊重，村里的遊客在進入寺廟前必須脫鞋。 Animal bladder 動物膀胱 In medieval times, the animal bladder was used as a tool for playing the traditional game of Hacky Sack. 在中世紀，動物膀胱被用作玩傳統沙包球遊戲的工具。 Pagan 異教徒 The villagers secretly practiced their pagan rituals under the cover of darkness, away from the judgment of the local church. 村民們在黑暗的掩護下秘密地進行異教儀式，遠離當地教會的審查。 Fasting禁食 Fasting is a common religious practice in many cultures, where individuals abstain from food or drink for a set period of time to show devotion and seek spiritual growth. 在許多文化中，禁食是一種常見的宗教習俗，個人在一段時間內禁食禁飲，以表示虔誠和尋求精神成長。 搭乘英語特快車，一起學英文👉English Express ▌English Exress>>https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌免費測試英文實力 >> https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/english-express/ ▌2分鐘填問卷，幫助我們創作出更好的內容 >> ​https://reurl.cc/lvEaLj

Good vocational skills can be the ticket to a rewarding career. But did you know, they might also win you a medal at an international competition? Join ICRT’s Hope, Jane and Tim as they chat with Nick and Samuel, two medalists at this year’s WorldSkills competition held at various cities around the world. Not only will you learn more about this competition, but also how good English skills gave them an upper hand. ⠀⠀ ICRT BreakDown is a fun and relaxing podcast to help you build your English vocabulary, and improve your understanding of common expression in the news. So, join us with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Just sit back, relax, and listen! ⠀⠀ 擁有優秀的職業技術，對於自己的職涯發展有極大助益。但是你可知道，還可以靠著這些技術贏得國際大獎？本次的「新聞說分明」節目，兩名獲獎者 Nick 和 Samuel 來到台北社區廣播電台，跟 Hope, Jane 還有 Tim 談到國際技能競賽，他們分享參加比賽的經過，並且都表示英文能力給了他們優勢。 ⠀⠀ ICRT「新聞說分明」是輕鬆有趣的播客節目，不但增進對某項新聞事件的了解，同時順便學一點英文表達方式。 端一杯咖啡或是好茶，來聽聽新聞說分明。 ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Vocabulary — 2022 WorldSkills Competition/compete 競賽 A World Cup is a global sporting competition in which the participants compete for the title of world champion. 世界盃是全球性的體育競賽，參賽者都要爭取世界足球冠軍的頭銜。 ⠀⠀ Ravage 造成嚴重傷害 After 8 months of war, physical and mental scars have ravaged generations of people across Ukraine. 八個月的戰爭下來，身心雙方面的瘡疤對烏克蘭好幾代的人都造成了傷害。 ⠀⠀ Talent 人才，才華 Leading high-tech companies are establishing colleges to help cultivate talents for the semiconductor industry. 居於領導地位的高科技公司，都在建立專科學校來培養半導體業的人才。** ** ⠀⠀ Health care 醫療 The health care industry is the largest single industry in the U.S., comprising 700,000 physicians and 5,000 hospitals. 醫療業是美國規模最大的單一產業，包括七十萬名醫生和五千所醫院。 ⠀⠀ Stroke 中風 When an area of the brain is damaged from a stroke, the loss of normal function of part of the body may occur. This may result in a disability. 腦部因為中風而部分受損時，身體也可能失去部分的正常運作，造成失能。  ⠀⠀ Dementia 失智症 In the early stages of dementia, a person might forget things easily and constantly lose things around the house. 失智症患者早期很健忘，並且老是搞丟家裡的東西。 ⠀⠀ Scenario 場景 **Imagine the scenario of you lying in the emergency room of a hospital with doctors and nurses all around, but you have no idea why you’re there. ** **想像這個場景，你躺在一所醫院的急診室，旁邊都是醫生護士，但是你完全不懂你怎麼會在那裏。 ** ⠀⠀ Full-fledged 羽翼豐滿的 She worked as a nurse for several years before entering the medical school. Now she’s a full-fledged doctor. 她在進醫學院之前當了好幾年的護士，現在她是經歷完整訓練的醫生。 ⠀⠀ Practical 實際的，theoretical 理論的 Theoretical thinking can be really helpful when you're trying to imagine something or problem-solve, but your theories should always be tested out in the practical world. 當你在想像某件事，或是想要解決某問題時，理論方面的思考會很有幫助。但是這些理論一定要在真實世界中測試。

What could be better than enjoying some good music on a cool autumn night? Well, for nine days in October, Taichung residents were serenaded by some of the best jazz music in Taiwan. Join ICRT’s Caitlin, Jane and Tim as they chat about the 2022 Taichung Jazz Festival, including the fun on stage and off stage. ⠀⠀ ICRT BreakDown is a fun and relaxing podcast to help you build your English vocabulary, and improve your understanding of common expression in the news. So, join us with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Just sit back, relax, and listen! ⠀⠀ 秋天微涼的夜晚，還有什麼比聽聽讓人陶醉的爵士樂更合適呢？ 台中市十月舉辦的爵士音樂節，長達九天，讓聽眾大享耳福，聽到台灣最高水準的爵士樂。 請加入 ICRT 的 Caitlin, Jane 還有 Tim 在播客節目「新聞說分明」裡面，討論這個音樂節舞台上以及舞台下的各種趣聞。 ⠀⠀ ICRT「新聞說分明」是輕鬆有趣的播客節目，不但增進對某項新聞事件的了解，同時順便學一點英文表達方式。 端一杯咖啡或是好茶，來聽聽新聞說分明。 ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Vocabulary — 2022 Taichung Jazz Festival Fusion 融合 The famous chef opened a new restaurant which features fusion cuisine, a mix of Japanese and French food. 這位名廚開了一家餐廳，提供融合法式和日式料理的餐點。 ⠀⠀ Genre (文學或音樂的)形式 What’s your favorite musical genre? 你最喜歡哪一種音樂? I think I’d have to say rock-n-roll, it’s the one type of music I never grow tired of. 我要說是搖滾樂。我對搖滾樂從來不會厭煩。 ⠀⠀ A cappella 無伴奏清唱 The band released an a cappella version of their hit song, and it is amazing. 這個樂團把他們最受歡迎的歌用清唱的方式發表，非常棒。 ⠀⠀ Birthplace 出生地 New Orleans is said to be the birthplace of jazz. 紐奧良是爵士樂誕生之處。 ⠀⠀ Bebop (咆勃爵士樂，又譯波普、比波普、或博普) 它是爵士樂的一種特殊旋律，節奏快速。 I was just listening to some bebop jazz on the radio, I really liked the sound. 我正在聽波普爵士樂廣播，很喜歡那種音樂。 ⠀⠀ Lecture 講授 The professor gave a lecture on the history of jazz, and its many genres. 教授講授爵士樂的歷史和它的多種形式。 ⠀⠀ Showcase 陳列 The film festival showcases the best of Taiwan cinema. 這個電影節放映台灣電影的最佳作品。 ⠀⠀ -friendly 友善的 User-friendly 對用戶來說友善的 English-friendly 對英語(使用者)來說友善的 The bilingual policy helps to make Taiwan more English-friendly. 雙語政策讓台灣的英語環境更加友善。 ⠀⠀ Indigenous 原住民的 The band fuses traditional indigenous music with jazz to create a uniquely Taiwanese jazz sound. 這個樂團融合傳統原住民音樂和爵士，創造了獨特的台式爵士樂。

No matter what you call it, soccer or football, this is a sport the entire world loves! The World Cup kicks off soon and Qatar, and we’re checking up on what to expect in this once every four-year championship series. Hope, Jane and Tim may not be very good on the soccer pitch, but luckily we have guest podcaster John joining us, to tell us all about the 2022 World Cup. ⠀⠀ ICRT BreakDown is a fun and relaxing podcast to help you build your English vocabulary, and improve your understanding of common expression in the news. So, join us with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Just sit back, relax, and listen! ⠀⠀ 足球在英文裡面有人叫它 Football，有人叫它 Soccer，但是不論名字如何，它是世界最盛行的運動項目之一。而即將在卡達舉行的 2022 年世界盃足球賽，更將吸引全球目光。雖然 ICRT 的Jane, Hope 還有 Tim 算不上足球專家，不過我們很幸運地有英國人 John 加入「新聞說分明」播客單元，來探討一下這四年才一次的世界盃足球賽。 ⠀⠀ ICRT「新聞說分明」是輕鬆有趣的播客節目，不但增進對某項新聞事件的了解，同時順便學一點英文表達方式。 端一杯咖啡或是好茶，來聽聽新聞說分明。 ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Vocabulary - World Cup 世界盃足球賽 FIFA 國際足球總會 它的原文來自法文，Fédération internationale de Football Association 它是足球界的管理機關，總部設在瑞士蘇黎世，最重要的工作就是主辦每四年舉辦一次的世界盃足球賽。 ⠀⠀ Champion 冠軍 Brazil is the most successful national team in the history of the World Cup, having been the champion five times. 巴西是世界盃歷史上最成功的國家，贏得世界盃冠軍五次。 ⠀⠀ Predict 預測 Some sports analysts predict that Argentina is going to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. 有的體育分析家預測，阿根廷會贏得今年世界盃足球賽冠軍。  ⠀⠀ Player 球員 Without any doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most popular football player in the world right now. 毫無疑問，C羅是目前全球最受歡迎的足球球星。 ⠀⠀ Gel together 融合在一起 Gel是凝膠。 ⠀⠀ Mascot 吉祥物 會帶來好運的人，動物或者是卡通圖像 The team’s dolphin mascot is beloved by many fans. 這支隊伍的吉祥物海豚受到許多粉絲喜愛。 ⠀⠀ Qatar 卡達 今年世界盃足球賽的主辦國，位於中東，波斯灣的西邊。 Qatar will open a Winter Wonderland in the desert for the “festive” World Cup. 卡達將在沙漠中設立「冬季樂園」，希望世界盃足球賽有節慶氣氛。 ⠀⠀ Super skilled player 非常厲害，技巧高超的球員 ⠀⠀ Acceptability 被接受 The social acceptability of smoking varies between countries. 各個國家對於吸菸接受的程度都不一樣。 ⠀⠀ Time difference 時差 The time difference between Taiwan and Qatar is 5 hours. Taipei is 5 hours ahead of Doha, Qatar’s capital. 卡達跟台灣的時差是五個小時。台北時間比卡達首都杜哈快五個小時。 ⠀⠀ Bags under eyes 眼袋 A: How do I get rid of the bags under my eyes? 我怎麼消除眼袋? B: Get enough sleep. It always works for me. 要睡夠。那對我總是有用。

Ghosts and goblins can be very scary. But once a year, these scary creatures turn into every child’s favorite friend — as Halloween brings the promise of fun and scary costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and of course, candy! Come trick-or-treating with ICRT, as Paz, Hope and Tim discuss the origins and traditions surrounding Halloween. ⠀⠀ ICRT Break Down is a fun and relaxing podcast to help you build your English vocabulary, and improve your understanding of common expression in the news. So, join us with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Just sit back, relax, and listen! ⠀⠀ 大鬼小鬼很嚇人，不過每年到了萬聖節，孩子們穿上各種鬼怪的服裝，出門去要糖果，玩「不給就搗蛋」的遊戲，可是很開心的！快加入 ICRT 的 Hope, Paz and Tim 在「新聞說分明」播客節目，輕鬆討論萬聖節的由來，還有各種相關習俗。 ⠀⠀ ICRT「新聞說分明」是輕鬆有趣的播客節目，不但增進對某項新聞事件的了解，同時順便學一點英文表達方式。 端一杯咖啡或是好茶，來聽聽新聞說分明。 ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Vocabulary—Halloween Halloween 萬聖節 我們所熟悉的萬聖節，其實指的是萬聖節前夕，也就是 10 月 31 號晚上的活動。 ⠀⠀ Costume 服裝，戲服，或某個國家或是地區的傳統服飾 Ruth Carter, the costume designer for the superhero film “Black Panther,” won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. 茹絲卡特是超級英雄電影「黑豹」的服裝設計師，她贏得那年的奧斯卡金像獎最佳服裝獎。 ⠀⠀ Dressing up 裝扮 Everybody is dressing up for the year-end feast! 大家都盛裝出席尾牙！ ⠀⠀ Celts 凱爾特人，居爾特人 指的是古時候住在中歐到西歐的居民，很多人相信萬聖節的起源，來自凱爾特人的慶祝農作物豐收習俗，跟基督教其實沒有太多淵源。 ⠀⠀ Ward off evil 避邪 People hang Chinese mugwort and sweet flag on doorframes to ward off evil during the Dragon Boat Festival. 端午節時人們會在門上掛艾草菖蒲這兩種有驅蟲效果的香草來辟邪。 ⠀⠀ Jack-o’-lantern 南瓜頭 萬聖節的時候，可常常看到有人把南瓜挖空，側邊挖出眼睛嘴巴的洞，在裡面點上燈，做為門口的裝飾。 ⠀⠀ **Trick-or-treat 不給糖就搗蛋 ** “treat” 有請客或是招待的意思，trick 則是騙術或是惡作劇。兒童在萬聖節前夕挨家挨戶討要糖果，會大喊 ”trick-or-treat” 意思就是不請我吃糖，我就要惡作劇。 ⠀⠀ Prank 搗蛋，惡搞 A: What pranks can you play on family members on Halloween? B: Well, you can maybe add one hour to all the clocks, watches, digital devices and iPads in the house. It will really mess them up! A：萬聖節可以對家人玩哪些把戲？ B：你也許可以把家裡的鐘錶，數位裝置，iPad之類全部撥快一小時。這真的會把他們搞糊塗！ ⠀⠀ Egg someone on 慫恿或煽動某人去做 （通常是蠢事或是危險的事…這個片語跟雞蛋不相關） He continued to take off his clothes while the crowd egged him on. 他在眾人慫恿之下繼續脫衣服。