25_Do_the_English_Speak_English

25 Do the English Speak English

I arrived in London at last. The railway station was big, black and dark. I did not know the way to my hotel, so I asked a porter. I not only spoke English very carefully, but very clearly as well. The porter, however, could not understand me. I repeated my question several times and at last he understood. he answered me, but he spoke neither slowly nor clearly. 'I am a foreigner,' I said. Then he spoke slowly, but I could not understand him. My teacher never spoke English like that! The porter and I looked at each other and smiled. Then he said something and I understood it. 'You'll soon learn English!' he said. I wonder. In England, each person speaks a different language. The English understand each other, but I don't understand them!

Words

• porter /ˈpɔrtɚ/ 搬运工
• several /ˈsɛvrəl/ 几个
• foreigner /ˈfɔrənɚ/ 外国人
• wonder /ˈwʌndɚ/ 惊讶

并列连词

1. and, but, or, so 同一主语情况下主语不必重复
2. both... and, either... or, neither... nor
3. either... or 连接主语时就近一致 Either the teacher or the students are wrong.
4. neither... nor 连接主语时就近一致 Neither dad nor mum is at home today
5. not only… but also (as well)
6. 连接主语时就近一致 Not only the doctor but also the patients do not know about it.