For many years, we couldn't talk with the deaf. These deaf people couldn't use a spoken language.

    But beginning in the 1700s, the deaf were taught a special language. Using this language, they could share thought sand ideas with others. The language they used was a language without sound. It was a sign language.

    How did this sign language work? The deaf learnt to make certain movements with their hands, faces and bodies. These movements stood for things and ideas. People might move their forefingers accross their lips. This meant "you are not telling the truth". They might tap their chin with three fingers. This meant "my uncle".

    The deaf learned to see a finger alphabet. They used their fingers to make the letters of the alphabet. In this way, they spelled out words. Some deaf people could spell out words at a speed of 130 words per minute.

    The deaf don't use the sign language andfinger spelling as much as they once were. Today, the deaf learn to understand others by watching their lips. They also learn how to speak.

    This is a song， and millions of Americans will hear it on New Year's Eve. It is called "Auld Lang Syne" (《友谊地久天长》). It is the traditional music played during New Year's celebration. "Auld Lang Syne" is an old Scottish(苏格兰)poem. It tells about the need to remember old friends.

    The words "auld lang syne" mean "old long since". No one knows who wrote the poem first.

    However， a version(版本)by Scottish poet Robert Burns was published(出版)in 1796. The words and music we know today first appeared(出现)in a song book three years later.

    The song is played in the United States mainly on New Year's Eve. The version you are hearing today is by the Washington Saxophone Quartet. One of the 4 musicians in the group is VOA's Rich Kainfaite. As we end our programme with "Auld Lang Syne"，I would like to wish all of our radio friends a very happy New Year! This is Buddy Thomas.

    Every year there is a Spring Festival in China. Usually it is in January or February. It is the most important festival in China. So before it comes, everyone has to prepare things. They buy pork, beef, chicken, fruits and many other things. And they often make a special kind of food—“dumplings”. It means “come together”. On the day before the festival, parents buy new clothes for their children. Children also buy presents for their parents. On the Spring Festival Eve（除夕）, all the family members come back to their hometown. This is a happy moment. Some sing and dance，some play cards and others get the dinner ready. When they are having dinner, they give each other the best wishes for the coming year. They all have a good time.

参考单词：1. decent 合宜的, 得体的; 2. reputation 名声; 3. incidental 伴随发生的

    Hollywood movies are regularly filled with sex and violence. They can be exciting films but sometimes all you want is a little light-hearted entertainment.

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    Have you heard of Bollywood? All singing, all dancing and unrealistic, it is the perfect alternative to normal Hollywood movies. Bollywood is the Indian film industry, based in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. Most Chinese school kids have probably never seen an Indian Filmgare Awards, Bollywood's Oscars, turn 50 years old.

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    The typical Bollywood movie usually has the following ingredients: a cup of romance, a teaspoon of comedy, a dash of international sight- seeing, served with a huge slice of singing and dancing. There will also be one brave hero, one beautiful heroine and one baddie. The result is a fun-filled musical.

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     There is never any mention of politics, poverty or war. The actors change clothes and locations within a single song. But the audiences don't mind. To Indian movie lovers, especially the poor, such films are a gateway to heaven and the stars are their gods. The films take them to a magical world away from their everyday troubles. The films tell them the impossible is possible and that true love conquers all.

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    But, behind the beautiful scenes, Bollywood still emphasizes traditional family values. In moat films, if two lovers want to break an arranged marriage, they can't just run away. They must win over their parents.

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    So if you are tired of all that Hollywood actions, check out the following Bollywood films. They will take you to a brighter, cheerier and more colorful world, where it's still cool to dance around a tree and sing a love song.

    Dragon Boat Festival is very popular in China. It usually comes in May or June. On that day, people eat special food " rice dumplings. It is known for the dragon boat race. The dragon hoar race is the most popular activity during the festival. A dragon boat looks like a dragon, and is painted red, white, yellow or black. Usually, a dragon hoar is 20 to 40 metres long, and needs 20 people to row. Boatmen row the boat in cadence(节奏) with the drumbeats(鼓声), and a man in the front of the boat waves a small flag to help coordinate(使动作协调) the rowing.

    The dragon boat race becomes a popular activity in. South China. The international(国际的) dragon boat race is held in Guangzhou and Hong Kong every year.

    Do you use WeChat or QQ to chat with your friends? If yes, then you must be a user of memes(表情包), too. Memes are now an important part of online chatting among Chinese.

    Memes can be pictures of GIFs. They are usually of stars, TV and film scenes or animated images(动画形象). There is often a line of text in a meme. It explains the picture.

    The memes of singer Huang Zitao are very popular. Huang runs and says his famous line, "I will not easily go die."

    There are some other popular memes, too. TV hostess Dee Hsu rolls her eyes. Actor Zhou Jie shouts with anger. Basketball player Yao Ming laughs but looks like he is crying.

    These people have exaggerated(夸张的)facial expressions. Users make memes of them for fun. On the other hand, memes can give people information in an easy, funny way.

    If you are tired of using the popular memes, then make your own. Meme apps can help you do that. Why not try it for yourself?