56.曆史資料對複興語言的重要性
段落大意:文本資料及其他曆史資料對複興語言很重要。
The availability of texts and other historical sources in native languages is essential for groups that wish to revive a dead language. When sufficient written materials exist, as they did in the case of Hebrew, the language can be reconstructed. The restored language will not be identical(完全相同的) to the original one, but it can provide a satisfying approximation (近似物) that can be eventually learned by children. Using such sources, several Native American groups are working toward language restoration, such as the Mohegan (莫希幹人) and Pequot(皮科特族印第安人) in Connecticut(康涅狄格州). In many cases, however, little or no language material is available in any form. Linguists have therefore mounted a major effort to record languages, in written and spoken form, all over the world. These records may be of immense value to the preservation of a native community’s culture and history, even if the current generation does not achieve fluency in the language.
57.保護瀕危語種的最佳方式
段落大意:保護瀕危語種的最佳方式是使用它們,人們通過許多創新的教學方式來實現這一目標,比如加州大學伯克利分校開展了一項“師徒”項目。
The best way to preserve an endangered language is to keep it alive, and a variety of innovative teaching efforts are underway to achieve that goal. For example, the Master-Apprentice (師徒) program, pioneered in 1993.by linguist Leanne Hinton of the University of California at Berkeley, pairs a younger member of a group with an older speaker for one-on-one language training. By focusing on a single student, the teacher can make the learning faster, surer, and more permanent. The program’s goal is to make the younger person a fluent speaker who can train other members of the community and bring the language back into use. Approximately 60.masters and apprentices (學徒) participated in the program during the first three years of its existence, according to Hinton. Participants included speakers of 20.native American languages in California.
58.語種生存的條件
段落大意:語言能否生存取決於說這種語言的群體對語言的保護程度,可通過雙語模式來解決這一問題。
Whether languages survive or not will probably depend on how strongly the groups of people wish to keep their identity alive through a native language. To do so will require an emphasis on bilingualism (mastery of two languages). Bilingual speakers could use their own language in smaller spheres(範圍), at home, among friends, in community settings, and use a global language at work, in dealings with government, and in commercial circumstances. In this way, many small languages could sustain (維持) their cultural and linguistic integrity alongside global languages, rather than yield to (屈服) the homogenizing (同化的) forces of globalization.
59.影響文化多樣性的負麵因素
段落大意:影響文化多樣性的負麵因素有:人口增長導致大規模移民、大規模旅遊、全球化通信、大眾傳媒,以及跨國公司的擴張。
It remains to be seen whether the world can maintain its linguistic and cultural diversity in the millennium(一千年) ahead. Many powerful forces appear to work against it, including population growth, which pushes migration greatly, mass tourism, global telecommunications and mass media, and the spread of gigantic global corporations. All of these forces appear to foreshadow (暗示) a future in which the language of advertising, popular culture, and consumer products overwhelms all the other ones. English and a few other major tongues have already emerged as global languages of commerce and communication. For many of the world’s population, learning one of these languages is viewed as the key to education, economic opportunity, and a better life.
60.圖書館的概念
段落大意:圖書館收集書和其他信息材料,供人們閱讀、研究或參考。圖書館收集各種不同的信息載體,包括手稿、印刷品、藝術複製品、電影等音像製品、地圖、照片、縮微膠片、CD-ROM、在線軟件、數據庫等。現代圖書館還提供通信鏈接。
Library collects books and other informational materials and makes them available to people for reading, study, or reference. The word “library”comes from “liber,”the Latin word for “book.”However, library collections have almost always contained a variety of materials. Contemporary libraries maintain collections that include not only printed materials such as manuscripts (手稿), books, newspapers, and magazines, but also art reproductions (複製品), films, sound and video recordings, maps, photographs, microfiches (縮微膠片), CD-ROMs, computer software, online databases, and so on. In addition to maintaining collections within library buildings, modern libraries often feature telecommunications links that provide users with access to information at remote sites.
61.圖書館的主要功能
段落大意:圖書館的主要功能是收集、組織、保存並提供知識和信息,從而保存可傳承的文化記錄。
The central mission of a library is to collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to knowledge and information. In fulfilling this mission, libraries preserve a valuable record of culture that can be passed down to succeeding (後繼的) generations. Libraries are an essential link between the past, present, and future. Whether the cultural record is contained in books or in electronic formats, libraries ensure that the record is preserved and made available for later use.
62.圖書館的六大類別
段落大意:圖書館有六大類別:公共圖書館、中學圖書館、大學圖書館、研究圖書館、專業圖書館和政府圖書館。它們各司其職,服務於不同的群體。
Because no single library can contain the information sought by every potential user, different types of libraries exist to serve different needs. Libraries fall into six basic categories. The first is public libraries, which serve all members of the general public. The second is school libraries, which serve students and faculty (教員) in high schools. The third is college and university libraries, which serve students and faculty in higher education. The fourth is research libraries, which serve the needs of advanced scholars. The fifth is special libraries, which serve various organizations, industries, and governmental agencies. The last is government libraries, which serve governmental departments and agencies, and often the general public as well. Each type of library develops its collections, services, and facilities to satisfy the needs of its particular clientele (顧客).
63.公共圖書館的概念
段落大意:公共圖書館為社會上所有人提供服務,其規模不一,涵蓋麵廣。
Public libraries offer their collections and services to all members of the community. The libraries may range in size from one-room facilities in sparsely (稀疏地) populated rural areas to large multibranch(多分支的) systems that serve millions of people in urban areas. Urban public library systems generally maintain a large central library in the downtown area as well as several smaller branches, known as neighborhood or community libraries, in the various neighborhoods of the city. Some public libraries provide services to rural areas with bookmobiles (流動圖書館), which are trucks, trailers (拖車), vans (有篷貨車), or buses equipped to serve as traveling lending libraries.
64.公共圖書館滿足不同群體的需要
段落大意:圖書館有多種用途,可以滿足不同社會群體的需要,如年輕人會去圖書館學習或社交,家庭會從圖書館借閱休閑書籍資料等。
Users have a variety of reasons for using a library. For example, teenagers may go to the public library after school to study, to use computer workstations (工作區), or to socialize with friends. Families may use public libraries to gain access to recreational(休閑的) materials. Small-business owners may use public library collections to conduct research during the initial phases (階段) of forming a new business. Unemployed people may go there to find information about job opportunities. New immigrants may use the public library to gain language skills. With such diverse needs for information, public libraries face the increasingly difficult challenge of developing collections and services that reflect the full range of needs in their communities.
65.公共圖書館的收藏
段落大意:公共圖書館需要為許多不同的群體服務,因此它們的主要收藏覆蓋麵廣,種類繁多。
Because they serve such a diverse range of people, public libraries maintain collections that span (跨越) the spectrum (範圍) of human knowledge and opinions. Collections include printed materials such as reference sets, paperback novels, biographies, children’s and young adult literature, histories, newspapers, and magazines. They usually also contain photographs, maps, art reproductions, sound and video recordings. In addition to printed and audiovisual(視聽的) materials, most public libraries in the United States and Canada feature computer workstations with software, CD-ROMs, and connections to information worldwide through the Internet. As part of their mission to serve as a resource center for citizens in a participatory(參與的) democracy, public libraries in the United States and Canada maintain collections of public records, public policy statements, government documents, and tax forms.
66.公共圖書館提供多樣化的社區服務
段落大意:公共圖書館為滿足社區需求,提供一係列服務和活動,如故事會、手工品展覽、音樂會、講座等。一些公共圖書館為更好地服務於社區,對圖書館員工進行培訓。
In addition to maintaining diverse collections, public libraries offer a variety of services and activities in response to community needs. Common services range from story hours, crafts, and puppet shows for children to computer technology workshops, concerts, and lecture series for users of all ages. Many public libraries sponsor exhibits about historical events and popular culture. In addition, they host book discussion, lectures, film screenings, and live performances in auditoriums (會堂) or public meeting rooms. Many public library staff members are specially trained to recommend books to users of particular age groups or with specific interests. The librarians who offer these services first discern(分辨) the educational and recreational interests of a library user and then draw up a customized list of suggested books for the user to refer to. For example, a librarian might prepare a list of books about the local court system for someone planning to testify in small-claims court (小額索償法院). Or a children’s librarian might compile (編輯) a list of picture books for child-care providers.
67.公共圖書館專門針對年輕人的藏書和設施
段落大意:許多公共圖書館都有專門針對年輕人的藏書和設施,培養年輕人的閱讀興趣。
Many public libraries develop specialized collections and facilities to meet the unique needs and interests of teenagers and young adults. Young people in this age group have generally lost interest in children’s library materials, but many have not yet developed an interest in books and other materials from the collections designed for adult users. Public librarians may be specially trained to interest teens and young adults in particular materials and to direct them to adult collections when they are ready. These librarians also attempt to reach young high school dropouts (退學學生) through contacts with community leaders, outreach(擴大服務範圍) centers, and employers. A major aim of library service to young people is to attract and keep them as readers of books and users of libraries in adult life.
68.中學圖書館的收藏
段落大意:中學圖書館有一般圖書館該有的藏品,並提供一些特殊藏品與設施以符合中學生的學習特點。
School libraries usually maintain collections in a variety of media. In addition to books, magazines, and newspapers, school libraries may contain photographs, films, sound and video recordings, computers, CD-ROMs, games, and maps. Some school libraries contain real artifacts (手工藝品) such as various types of stones for the study of geology. An increasing number of school libraries have computer labs with computer workstations, software, and Internet connections. Because school libraries often emphasize the variety of media in their collections, they are sometimes referred to as library media centers. Most school libraries further enhance their collections by becoming members of school library networks, allowing them to share resources with libraries in other schools.
69.美國中學圖書館的經費
段落大意:在美國,中學圖書館經費來自聯邦政府,雖有大幅增長,但仍嫌不足。
Schools in the United States have not always had a large number of libraries. As recently as 1958, about half of the public schools in the United States had no libraries at all. The number of public school libraries increased dramatically when the federal government passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which provided funds for school to improve their education programs and facilities, including their libraries. Nevertheless, many educators claim that although the legislation was passed, federal spending has not increased sufficiently to meet the rising cost of new library technologies such as computer databases and Internet access.
70.公共圖書館的經費
段落大意:許多公共圖書館通過向用戶征收某些服務費來彌補經費不足,這一舉措引起評論家們的批判。
Many public libraries have responded to budget shortfalls by imposing (征收) user fees for some services. Public libraries have introduced fees for special services such as making photocopies (影印件) of library materials, providing access to specialized online databases, and responding to requests by businesses for reference services. Most studies estimate that between 70.and 80.percent of publicly-supported libraries in the United States routinely charge various sorts of user fees. Critics of user fees at publicly-supported libraries contend that such fees are a form of discrimination based on a user’s ability to pay. The American Library Association argues that librarians should develop “alternative models and methods of library administration that minimize distinctions among users based on their economic status or financial condition.”
71.大學圖書館
段落大意:大學圖書館又稱學術圖書館,其一大功能是提供高等教育所需要的各種資料,大多數大學圖書館都實現了與其他圖書館的互聯。
Research plays a central role in the academic work of students and faculty at colleges and universities. As a result, college and university libraries, also called academic libraries, are often considered the most important resource of an institution of higher education. Because students and faculty at colleges and universities may conduct research in different academic fields, the collections of academic libraries usually reflect a vast range of interests and formats. Academic libraries range in size from the modest collections found in small liberal arts (文科) colleges to the immense collections found at research universities. Research universities maintain some of the largest libraries in the world. Most academic libraries are linked to other libraries through cooperative networks, enabling them to share scarce and little-used materials required for advanced research. Many academic libraries open their collections to the public, although borrowing privileges are often limited for users affiliated with (隸屬於) the college or university.
72.酸對圖書館紙質媒介的侵蝕
段落大意:圖書館收藏最大的威脅來自紙張中的殘留酸對紙張的侵蝕。
One of the greatest threats to library materials stems from the acid content of paper in books, manuscripts, and other materials. Until the mid-19th century, nearly all the paper used for written or printed materials was made from cotton or linen rags (亞麻破布). This type of paper could last several hundred years without decomposition(腐爛). Since then, however, the vast majority of paper has been made from wood pulp(紙漿)treated with acidic chemicals. The residual (殘留的) acid slowly decomposes(分解) the paper, causing it to become extremely brittle(易碎的). The rate of decomposition depends on the original quality of the paper and the environmental conditions under which the materials have been stored. Acid-based paper is especially susceptible(敏感的) to light, heat, humidity (濕度), and pollution, all of which accelerate the decomposition of library materials. After a period of 50.to 100.years, books made with acid-based paper decompose to the point where they can crumble (粉碎) with any handling at all.
73.博物館的概念
段落大意:博物館是幫助人們了解和欣賞自然界、文明史、藝術作品、科技成果等的設施,收集、保存、詮釋並展示各種有意義的物品。
Museum is the institution dedicated to helping people understand and appreciate the natural world, the history of civilizations, and the record of humanity’s artistic, scientific, and technological achievements. Museums collect objects of scientific, aesthetic (美學的), or historical importance. They care for them, study, interpret, and exhibit them for the purposes of public education and the advancement of knowledge. There are museums in almost every major city in the world and in many smaller communities as well.
74.博物館的教育功能
段落大意:博物館作為教育機構,為具備不同年齡、興趣、背景和能力的人提供無與倫比的自學機會,還能豐富社區文化生活。
Museums offer many benefits to their visitors, their communities, and society as a whole. As educational institutions, they offer unparalleled (無與倫比的) opportunities for self-directed learning and exploration to people of diverse ages, interests, backgrounds, and abilities. They are public gathering places where visitors can be entertained, inspired, and introduced to new ideas. Museums enrich local cultural life and make communities more appealing places to live and to visit.
75.博物館對整個社會的作用
段落大意:博物館能為全社會提供無形的巨大的益處,反映社會的連貫性和變化,保護文化遺產。
For society as a whole, museums provide valuable intangible (無形的) benefits as sources of national, regional, and local identity. They have the capacity to reflect both continuity and change, to preserve and protect cultural and natural heritage while vividly illustrating the progression of the human imagination and the natural world.
76.博物館的展覽
段落大意:博物館的展覽有永久性和臨時性之分:永久性展覽主要以博物館的收藏為基礎;臨時性展覽是博物館的教育功能之一。
Permanent exhibitions are primarily based on a museum’s collection and are on view indefinitely (永遠地). Temporary or changing exhibitions deal with other topics related to a museum’s educational mission and goals. Temporary exhibitions may include materials from the core collection as well as objects borrowed from other sources. Some temporary exhibitions are traveling exhibitions assembled and circulated (傳遞) by a museum, a group of museums, or a nonprofit organization. These exhibitions bring museum collections to a wider audience. They are also economical, because several museums can share the considerable (可觀的) preparation costs. Temporary exhibitions may last from several months to a year or more, depending on the subject matter, the goals of the exhibition, and the museum’s needs.
77.博物館的教育責任
段落大意:博物館的教育責任滲透在其所有活動中。
The educational responsibility of a museum permeates (滲透) all of its activities. Through their collections, exhibitions, public and school programs, publications, public relations activities, scholarly activities, and other programs, museums stimulate a spontaneous (自發的), individualized form of learning and a lifelong educational process. Some learning in museums takes place in almost imperceptible(不知不覺的)ways, as visitors experience new ideas, view beautiful or unfamiliar objects, or are exposed to cultural values and experiences different from their own.
78.博物館舉辦的各種活動
段落大意:博物館為各種觀眾提供不同的活動,包括講座、討論、電影觀賞、音樂舞蹈表演、團隊參觀及藝術品展示等。
Most museums offer programs and activities for a range of audiences, including adults, children, families, school groups, teachers, and scholars. A museum’s educational programs may be held at the museum or at another location in the community, such as a neighborhood center or library. Programs for the public may consist of lectures and panel discussions(專題小組討論會) by museum staff or other experts, films or film series, performances of music, dance, or drama, group tours led by staff or trained volunteers, formal classes for adults or children, and art, craft, or technology demonstrations. Many museums offer family-oriented (以家庭為主導的) programs such as weekend festivals, hands-on workshops, and special tours.
79.博物館是非營利機構
段落大意:博物館是非營利機構,有多種資金來源,資金可能來自私人投資、大學、政府等不同渠道。
Museums are nonprofit institutions with different sources of financial support. Funding may come from private sources, a college or university, governments, or a combination of these sources. In some countries, the government is the only source of funding for museums. In others, the financial underpinnings (支撐) of museums are a complex blend (混合) of private funding and public revenue.
80.博物館麵臨的財政問題
段落大意:在美國,20世紀七八十年代博物館麵臨著財政問題,博物館通過減少開放時間或減少服務項目等方式節省開支。
In United States, museums faced financial challenges during the 1970s and 1980s, inspiring them to seek creative solutions. Government funding in many nations was reduced or remained stagnant (停滯的). In countries like the United States, where private support is a vital part of the funding of museums, there was strong competition for limited dollars. Some museums curtailed (削減) hours and eliminated programs, while most sought to charge fees for museum activities. Through the 1990s, however, many museums enjoyed the benefits of a healthy economy in which endowments (捐助) and contributions generally increased.
81.博物館的資金來源
段落大意:博物館的資金來源多種多樣,包括私人投資、公共資金等,博物館還通過一些方式自行籌集資金。
Private funding for museums may come from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Some museums also receive income from investments, endowments, or trusts(信托). Public funding may come from municipal (市政的), regional, state, and national governments. In the United States, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency, awards grants to museums of all types and sizes. Museums generate earned revenue through a number of their own activities. These include sales of publications, reproductions, and other items in museum gift shops and by mail order through catalogues and the Internet, museum restaurants, and travel programs and special events. Most but not all museums also earn revenue by charging admission (入場) fees. Other museums oppose such fees on the grounds that cultural and educational opportunities should be kept free. As a compromise, some museums have a voluntary contribution policy or charge admission only to special exhibitions.