Have you ever called a hotline?

Liu Jia: 欢迎收听BBC英国广播公司的地道英语，我是刘佳。

Helen: Today we’re going to look at words and phrases that have recently become part of the English language.

Liu Jia: 地道英语带大家一起学现代英语的新词汇，和流行的习惯表达。

Helen: It’s very important to stay up-to-date with English as new words and expressions enter the language all the time.

Liu Jia: 没错，Helen, 快来告诉我们今天的新词是…?

Helen: Today’s word is ‘hotline’ – H.O.T.L.I.N.E. hotline.

Liu Jia: Hotline. 这个词是什么意思呢？

Helen: Well, a hotline is a direct, quick telephone line that gives you access to help or information.

Liu Jia: 哦，明白了，a hotline 就是一个又快又方便的直播电话，提供一些相关的信息和帮助。

Helen: Yes. For example, when there is a disaster, like a plane crash, there is usually a telephone number to call for information. This is a hotline.

Insert

A: I’m worried about my brother in the USA. There have been enormous storms where he lives.

B: Call this number. It’s a 24-hour hotline and they should be able to help you.

Helen: Have you ever called a hotline?

Liu Jia: No, have you?

Helen: Yes. When I was in Edinburgh recently there was a problem at the airport and many planes were cancelled.

Liu Jia: So what did you do?

Helen: I had to call a hotline to find out if my flight was cancelled.

Liu Jia: And was it?

Helen: Yes, unfortunately. I called the hotline the next day, and luckily it was back on.

Liu Jia: That’s not too bad; at least you got back safely.

Helen: Yes, the hotline number was very useful. Anyway, to recap a hotline is...

Liu Jia: Hotline 就是热线电话，你可以通过它得到相应的信息和帮助。 And that’s all we have time for today.

Helen: Yes, it’s time for us to go. You’ve been listening to Real English from BBC Learning English. Join us again soon for more up-to-the-minute Real English. Bye.

Liu Jia: See you next time.