Source:www.englishonline.org.cn

Series Two, Episode Eight: Happy New Year!

Johnny: So, after our successful Christmas, what are we going to do for New Year’s Eve?

Sarah: When is New Year’s Eve?

Harry: Tomorrow!

Sarah: New Year already! Christmas has only just finished!

Magda: Strictly speaking, Sarah, it still is Christmas – Christmas goes on until January 6th. New Year’s Eve is part of Christmas.

Sarah: Wow, it never ends...

Carlos: I can cook again! Is there a special dinner for New Year in Britain?

Harry: Not really

Johnny: In China there are lots of processions in the streets. Are there processions here?

Olivia: Not really

Sarah: In China New Year is a very important holiday. Is it very important in Britain?

Fadi: Not really

Johnny (sighs): So what do people do for New Year?

Harry: Depends...some people have parties, some people go to a pub or a club and drink a lot.

Olivia: Some people go and stand outside – quite a lot of people go to Trafalgar Square in the centre of London...

Johnny: Let’s do that!

Harry: No way! It’s too cold!

Fadi: And usually raining!

Olivia: And too chaotic!

Sarah: Do people drink a lot?

Harry: Some do.

Sarah: I hate drinking beer.

Harry: A lot of people stay at home and watch tv.

Olivia: Then sing a song at midnight

Sarah: What’s the song?

Olivia: It’s a Scottish song really... (sings a bit of Auld Lang Syne)

Sarah: That’s nice. What do the words mean?

Olivia: Erm, well, no one really knows...

Harry: Some people know..,

Fadi: In Scotland, probably.

Johnny: So what shall we do, then?

Sarah: I don’t want to go to a pub and get drunk.

Fadi: We could go to a club – I know some great places – we can go out dancing till dawn! Great music, lots of girls...

Olivia: You and your girlfriends...

Fadi: Ok, ok...let’s forget that idea then.

Harry: No, it’s not for me...I don’t think Bindyu would like it...

Fadi: Come on Harry, you can’t let Bindyu organise your life!

Harry: She doesn’t organise my life! I like being with her, and I like doing the things she wants to do...

Fadi (sighs): I’ve lost you, mate!

Harry (laughing): I think you need a girlfriend too!

Fadi: Hey! No way! I’ve got lots of girls...!

Johnny: Oh yeah? How come I’ve never met them?

Fadi: Well, erm, hey, erm...you know how it is....

Johnny: I think we should have a procession...

Olivia: Where?

Magda: Just around the café.

Tony: What’s that? A procession in my café?! Forget it! Anyway, I close early on New Year’s Eve, so you lot will need to find something else to do.

Johnny: We have to decide now then – what are we going to do on New Year’s Eve?

Harry: I’m going to see Bindyu. I think we’ll stay at home.

Olivia: I’m going to stay at home too. My sister’s going to a party with her husband, so I have to look after my nephew Joe.

Fadi: Now you tell me!

Olivia: Sorry...listen – why don’t you come round?

Fadi: Erm...ok then....

Carlos: Sarah...erm...I...er...would you like to come out with me?

Sarah: I can’t leave my friend Magda on her own!

Johnny: And hang on – what about me, too!?

Olivia: Ok, everyone...I guess you can all come to my house...but only until midnight! Then you all have to go home!

All: Hooray! Great idea! Happy New Year!!!!

（英國使館文化教育處提供）