(单词翻译:单击)
听力文本
Now, the VOA Special English program Words and Their Stories.
A proverb is a short, well known saying that expresses a common truth or belief. Many proverbs give advice about the best way to live.
We asked our listeners to send us their favorite proverbs. A short time later, we received suggestions from around the world. We heard from listeners in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
The top proverb among these listeners is this one: "Where there is a will, there is a way." This means that you can rise above your problems if you have a goal and work very hard.
Some listeners liked another proverb: "Strike while the iron is hot." This means it is best to take action quickly and at the right time. Another favorite proverb was, "God helps those who help themselves."
Xu Da-ju from China wrote that his country has thousands of proverbs. Several of them are also used in the United States. One example is "Birds of a feather flock together." This means that people who are alike often become friends or spend time together.
Another proverb is "Blood is thicker than water." This means family ties are stronger than other relationships. A similar proverb states "Charity begins at home." A person should help his family or close friends before helping others.
Alina from China sent us this proverb: "He who would climb a ladder must begin at the bottom." That is good advice when working around your home or looking for a job.
Antonio Jose from Brazil says his favorite proverb is "Tell me who walks with you, and I'll tell you who you are." Didier Vermeulen of France sent us this one: "It does not matter the speed you go. The most important thing is to never stop."
Wafaa from Egypt says his favorite proverb is, "Think twice, act wise." He also says he is making an effort to use this saying in his life.
Another favorite proverb among our listeners is "Practice makes perfect." This means you will become good at something if you keep doing it. Another popular proverb is: "If you want something done right, do it yourself."
Najeeb from Afghanistan sent us this proverb: "If you risk nothing, then you risk everything."
And, here is the favorite proverb of Marius Meledje in Ivory Coast: "Your defeat now is your victory in the future." He says it means you can learn from your mistakes. This will help you do better when facing similar situations in the future.
This VOA Special English program was written by Shelley Gollust. I'm Faith Lapidus. We will present more programs about proverbs in the future.
文本为51VOA听写整理
译文属可可原创，仅供学习交流使用，未经许可请勿转载
词汇解释
1.proverb n. 谚语，格言；众所周知的人或事
As the proverb goes, time is money.
俗语说，时间就是金钱。
2.flock vi. 聚集；成群而行
Sheep usually flock together.
羊通常是成群结队的。
参考译文
这里是美国之音慢速英语词汇典故。
谚语是一种短小的、广为人知的词语，能表达一个常见的真理或信条。许多谚语都给出最佳生活的建议。
我们请求观众向我们发送他们最喜欢的谚语，很快我们就收到来自世界各地的建议。这些听众来自非洲、亚洲、欧洲和南美洲。
听众最喜欢的谚语是：“有志者事竟成。”意思是只要有目标且工作努力，就一定能解决问题。
还有听众喜欢这一条：“趁热打铁。”意思是最好能在时机最佳时采取快速行动。另一个谚语是：“自助者天助之。”
中国的徐大菊(音译)说自己的国家有无数谚语，有的也在美国使用。一个是“物以类聚”，意思是相似的人们会成为朋友或呆在一起。
另一条是“血浓于水”，意思是家庭关系比其他关系更亲密。类似的谚语是“仁爱始于家”，人应该先帮助家人和密友，然后再帮助其他人。
中国的阿丽娜喜欢这条：“千里之行始于足下。”
