Using Language
语言运用
Reading and Discussing
阅读和讨论
I Have Seen Amazing ThingsI
我看到了奇妙的东西
My first visit was to a space station considered the most modern in space.
我首先参观的是一个太空站，这个站被认为是太空中最现代化的地方。
Described as an enormous round plate, it spins slowly in space to imitate the pull of the earth's gravity.
太空站像一个巨大的圆盘，在太空中缓缓的旋转，以仿照出地球重心的引力。
Inside was an exhibition of the most up-to-date inventions of the 31 st century.
太空站里展出了31世纪一些最前沿的发明。
A guide showed us around along a moveable path.
有个导游带领我们站在一条移动的运送带上，到各处参观。
Good morning to all our visitors from 2008.
从2008年来访的朋友们，早上好。
First we're going to examine one of the latest forms of communication among our space citizens.
首先，我们要查看一种我们太空居民使用的最新的通讯方式。
No more typists working on a typewriter or computer!
再也不需要打字员在打字机或电脑上工作了！
No more postage or postcodes!
再也不需要邮费和邮政编码了！
Messages can now be sent using a "thoughtpad".
现在用一种“思想仪”就可以传递信息。
You place the metal band over your head, clear your mind, press the sending button,
你把金属带放在头上，整理思路，按下发送键，
think your message and the next instant it's sent.
集中精神想着你要发送的信息，片刻功夫信息就发送出去了。
It's stored on the "thoughtpad" of the receiver.
这个信息会储存在接受者的“思想仪”里。
It's quick, efficient and environmentally friendly.
它快捷有效，而且环保。
The only limitation is if the user does not think his or her message clearly, an unclear message may be sent.
唯一的缺点是，如果使用者不能想清楚要传递的信息，发送出去的信息可能是模糊不清的。
But we cannot blame the tools for the faults of the user, can we?
但我们不能因为使用者的使用不当而责备仪器，是不是？
During the explanation I looked at the pair of small objects called "thoughtpads" on a table.
在导游解说的时候，我观看着桌上这副被称为“思想仪”的小东西。
They just looked like metal ribbons.
它们看上去像金属带子。
So ordinary but so powerful!
那么普通，但却那么神通广大！
While I was observing them, the path moved us on.
正当我还在观察时，运送带向前移动了。
