Jo: This is Real English from BBC¹ Learning² English. I’m Jo.

Jean: And I’m Jean.

Jo: Today we’re going to look at words and phrases³ that have recently become part of the English language.

Jean: 在我们今天的《地道英语》节目当中，我们要来了解和学习一些英国英语语言当中新出现的新词汇和短语。

Jo: Today’s word is helpdesk. That’s help H.E.L.P. and desk D.E.S.K. Helpdesk.

Jean: Helpdesk. 帮助，还有这个桌子，这是什么意思呢？

Jo: Well, a helpdesk is somewhere you call to get help with your computer, for example.

Jean: OK 我知道了，a helpdesk 就是给用户大众提供帮助而设置的咨询或是信息服务台。

Jo: Yes. If you have a new computer system at work, you might have problems and say let’s call the helpdesk.

Jean: 或者如果我说 I work on a helpdesk 就是说我在信息咨询服务台工作。

Example

A: Whatever I do my computer won’t connect to the internet.

B: Well, why not call the helpdesk? They’re open 24 hours.

Jo: Do you like my new mobile⁴ phone, Jean?

Jean: Yes I do, is it good?

Jo: Yes, but it was difficult to use at first. I had to call the helpdesk to find out how to use it properly.

Jean: Really?

Jo: Yes. But they were very helpful.

Jean: How many times did you call?

Jo: Quite a few times. I’m not very good with technology. Fortunately the people on the helpdesk were very patient.

Jean: Well that’s good that they’re very patient with you. 好了，今天我们学到的新词 helpdesk 就是在车站酒店等公共场所服务机构所设置的咨询服务台。And that’s all we have time for today.

Jo: Yes, that’s all. You’ve been listening to Real English from BBC Learning English. Join us again soon for more up-to-the-minute Real English. Bye.

Jean: See you next time.