英女王64年聖誕演講，90%的詞都是重複的…

04-22

每年聖誕講話都是由女王親自撰稿，對一年當中的熱點問題表達自己的觀點。

這是女王少有的、在沒有政府提供意見的情況下「說心裡話」的機會。

自1952年起，女王已經向全國發表了63次，大家每年都盼著能一睹女王的風采。

BUT，最近有一項研究指出，女王60多年來的演講當中，只有3991個不同辭彙從未被複述過...

Of the 42,000 words she has spoken, only 3,991 are distinct words which have never been repeated, according to mathematicians at University College London (UCL).

根據英國倫敦大學學院數學家們的研究，在女王說過的42000詞中，只有3991個不同辭彙從未被複述過。

Miss Fry said: 『Since she came to the throne in 1952, the Queen has given 63 Christmas broadcasts, only failing to appear once in 1969 when she issued a written message.」

弗里女士說：「自從女王於1952年登基以來，她發表了63次聖誕演講，只有1969年沒有露面，那年她發表了一篇書面訊息。」

『She could have said a lot in that time but if you analyse the text she has actually said very little and often repeated herself.』

「演講的時候，她本來可以說很多內容的，但是，如果你分析一下她的演講文本，（你就會發現）實際上她說的很少，而且經常在重複自己說過的話。」

女王的演講，只有9.5%是新詞，那其他的呢？都是模板啊？

英大幫大家找來了前幾年的聖誕演講，我們一起來看看這研究靠不靠譜：

2015聖誕演講

主題：光明照亮了黑暗，黑暗卻無法蒙蔽光明

金句：

Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christs unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.

基督短暫的一生中顛沛流離、飽受迫害，可他一如既往倡導的不是復仇和暴力，而是人人相愛。

At this time of year, few sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill than the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree.

每年此時，沒有什麼情景比一棵聖誕樹上閃爍的燈光更讓人感到歡樂祥和。

The popularity of a tree at Christmas is due in part to my great-great grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. After this touching picture was published, many families wanted a Christmas tree of their own, and the custom soon spread.

人們對聖誕樹的喜愛要部分歸功於我的曾曾曾祖父母——維多利亞女王和阿爾伯特親王。這張溫馨的圖片公布後，很多家庭都想要一棵自己的聖誕樹，這一習俗也很快普及開來。

In 1949, I spent Christmas in Malta as a newly-married naval wife. We have returned to that island over the years, including last month for a meeting of Commonwealth leaders; and this year I met another group of leaders: The Queens Young Leaders, an inspirational group, each of them a symbol of hope in their own Commonwealth communities.

1949年，初為軍嫂的我在馬爾他度過聖誕節。多年以來，我們多次回到馬爾他島，上個月還在那裡召開英聯邦領導人會議。今年我會晤了另一批領導人，「女王青年領袖」是一個鼓舞人心的團體，每個人都是各自英聯邦社區的希望。

Gathering round the tree gives us a chance to think about the year ahead -- I am looking forward to a busy 2016, though I have been warned I may have Happy Birthday sung to me more than once or twice.

聚在聖誕樹旁，讓我們有機會展望來年。我盼望著2016年忙忙碌碌，儘管有人說，我可能不止一次甚至兩次聽到生日歌。

It also allows us to reflect on the year that has passed, as we think of those who are far away or no longer with us. Many people say the first Christmas after losing a loved one is particularly hard. But its also a time to remember all that we have to be thankful for.

聖誕樹讓我們回首過去的一年，於是我們想到了那些遠離和已經離開我們的人。很多人說失去平生所愛後的第一個聖誕節是最艱難的，可此時也該想想我們要感恩的人。

It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it".

今年，世界不得不面對諸多黑暗時刻，這是事實。可《約翰福音》有一句充滿希望的話這樣說，聖誕讚歌中常常朗誦，「光明照亮了黑暗，黑暗卻無法蒙蔽光明。」

One cause for thankfulness this summer was marking 70 years since the end of the Second World War. On VJ Day, we honoured the remaining veterans of that terrible conflict in the Far East, as well as remembering the thousands who never returned.

今年夏天紀念二戰結束七十周年是一件值得感恩的事。在對日作戰勝利日，我們給在遠東那場可怕戰役中的在世老兵們授勛，緬懷數千名沒有回到祖國的犧牲者。

The procession from Horse Guards Parade to Westminster Abbey must have been one of the slowest ever, because so many people wanted to say "thank you" to them.

從騎兵衛隊場到威斯敏斯特宮的隊伍大抵是行進最慢的一次，太多的人想對他們說一聲「謝謝」。

At the end of that war, the people of Oslo began sending an annual gift of a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square. It has 500 light bulbs and is enjoyed not just by Christians but by people of all faiths, and of none. At the very top sits a bright star, to represent the Star of Bethlehem.

戰爭結束後，奧斯陸人民每年向特拉法加廣場贈送一棵聖誕樹。樹上掛著500個燈泡，不僅基督徒喜愛它，無論何種信仰或有無信仰的人們都喜愛它。在樹頂有一顆明星，它代表著「伯利恆之星」。

The custom of topping a tree also goes back to Prince Alberts time. For his familys tree, he chose an angel, helping to remind us that the focus of the Christmas story is on one particular family.

這一風俗也可追溯到阿爾伯特親王時代。他把一個天使放在家裡的聖誕樹頂，提醒我們聖誕節紀念了一個家庭的故事。

For Joseph and Mary, the circumstances of Jesuss birth - in a stable - were far from ideal, but worse was to come as the family was forced to flee the country. Its no surprise that such a human story still captures our imagination and continues to inspire all of us who are Christians, the world over.

對於約瑟和瑪麗而言，耶穌出生在馬廄，這樣的環境遠非理想，可更糟糕的是這家人還被迫逃離故土。這個人倫故事依舊捕捉著我們的想像力，繼續激勵著全世界所有的基督徒，這並不令人驚訝。

Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christs unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.

基督短暫的一生中顛沛流離、飽受迫害，可他一如既往倡導的不是復仇和暴力，而是人人相愛。

Although it is not an easy message to follow, we shouldnt be discouraged; rather, it inspires us to try harder: to be thankful for the people who bring love and happiness into our own lives, and to look for ways of spreading that love to others, whenever and wherever we can.

儘管踐行不易，我們也不要灰心。這鼓勵著我們要加倍努力，感謝那些給我們生命帶來愛和幸福的人，並想方設法將那份愛傳遞給他人——無論何時，無論何處。

One of the joys of living a long life is watching ones children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree. And this year my family has a new member to join in the fun.

長壽的喜悅之一是兒孫繞膝。先是兒女，然後是孫輩，現在有重孫輩幫我裝扮聖誕樹。今年，我家又有一位新成員共享天倫。

The customary decorations have changed little in the years since that picture of Victoria and Alberts tree first appeared, although of course electric lights have replaced the candles.

自維多利亞和阿爾伯特的聖誕樹出現以來，傳統的聖誕裝飾變化甚微，當然，電燈取代了蠟燭。

Theres an old saying that "it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness".

老話說，「點燃燭火勝過咒罵黑暗」。

There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.

今天，我們的世界，成百上千萬的人點燃希望的燭火。

Christmas is a good time to be thankful for them, and for all that brings light to our lives.

值此聖誕佳節，向他們表示感謝，對所有給我們生活帶來光明的人表示感謝。

I wish you a very happy Christmas.

願諸君聖誕快樂。

2014聖誕演講

主題：呼籲國際和解

金句：

Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord. But, as the Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women.

有時候「和解」看起來在戰爭和爭端中的可能性很小，但是，正如一個世紀前的聖誕節休戰提醒我們的：和平和友好意願在世人心中有著更恆久的力量。

In the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral is a sculpture of a man and a woman reaching out to embrace each other. The sculptor was inspired by the story of a woman who crossed Europe on foot after the war to find her husband.

在考文垂大教堂的廢墟上有一尊雕塑，一男一女張開雙臂擁抱彼此。這尊塑像源自於一個女人在戰後以步行的方式橫跨歐洲千里尋夫的故事。

Casts of the same sculpture can be found in Belfast and Berlin, and it is simply called Reconciliation.

相同的雕像還可以在貝爾法斯特和柏林被找到，人們賦予它一個簡單的名字，叫做「和解」。

Reconciliation is the peaceful end to conflict, and we were reminded of this in August when countries on both sides of the first world war came together to remember in peace.

「和解」是一場衝突之後的和平結局。8月份的時候，當一戰雙方國家聚集在一起和平紀念的時候，我們想起了這個這個辭彙。

The ceramic poppies at the Tower of London drew millions, and the only possible reaction to seeing them and walking among them was silence. For every poppy a life; and a reminder of the grief of loved ones left behind.

倫敦塔頂的陶瓷罌粟花萬人矚目，但真正看到它們並且在它們中間穿過的時候，你唯一的反映就是沉默。每一朵罌粟花代表一個逝去的生命，也是對至親們的哀思。

No one who fought in that war is still alive, but we remember their sacrifice and indeed the sacrifice of all those in the armed forces who serve and protect us today.

參戰的人可能已逝，但我們銘記他們的犧牲，同樣也銘記那些當今服務和保衛我們的陸海空三軍將士們的貢獻。

In 1914, many people thought the war would be over by Christmas, but sadly by then the trenches were dug and the future shape of the war in Europe was set.

1914年的時候，很多人以為戰爭會在聖誕前結束，不過不幸的是，戰壕卻在進一步擴大，歐洲的戰局也初步形成。

But, as we know, something remarkable did happen that Christmas, exactly a hundred years ago today.

但是，據我們所知，那個聖誕，也就是100年前的今天，的確發生了一些不尋常的事情。

Without any instruction or command, the shooting stopped and German and British soldiers met in no man』s land. Photographs were taken and gifts exchanged. It was a Christmas truce.

在沒有任何指令和命令的情況下，德國和英國的士兵走出戰壕在無人區自發休戰，有照片記載他們交換禮物，這是聖誕休戰。

Truces are not a new idea. In the ancient world a truce was declared for the duration of the Olympic Games and wars and battles were put on hold.

「休戰」並不是新事物，在古代，奧林匹克運動會時，也會休戰，所有戰爭和爭端在那時會暫緩。

Sport has a wonderful way of bringing together people and nations, as we saw this year in Glasgow when over 70 countries took part in the Commonwealth Games.

「運動」也是一個將所有人和國家匯聚在一起的極佳方法，比如今年的格拉斯哥，超過70多個國家參加的英聯邦運動會。

It is no accident that they are known as the Friendly Games. As well as promoting dialogue between nations, the Commonwealth Games pioneered the inclusion of para-sports within each day』s events.

英聯邦運動會又叫「親善友誼運動會」絕非偶然，它既促進了國家之間的對話，又首創性的在賽事中融合了很多其它項目(英聯邦運動會既有殘疾人項目，也包含了一些流行於英聯邦國家的項目如草地滾球、七人制橄欖球和無網籃球等)。

As with the Invictus Games that followed, the courage, determination and talent of the athletes captured our imagination as well as breaking down divisions.

而隨後的「不可征服運動會」(專門負傷軍人舉辦的運動會)，運動員們的勇氣，決心和才華既給我們留下了深刻的印象，同時也消除瓦解了隔閡和分級。

The benefits of reconciliation were clear to see when I visited Belfast in June. While my tour of the set of Game Of Thrones may have gained most attention, my visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol will remain vividly in my mind.

我今年6月去貝爾法斯特，和解的意義顯而易見，儘管大家對我參觀「權利的遊戲」片場關心的比較多，但克拉姆林道監獄之行卻歷歷在目。

What was once a prison during the Troubles is now a place of hope and fresh purpose; a reminder of what is possible when people reach out to one another, rather like the couple in the sculpture.

曾經紛爭中的監獄如今卻是一個充滿希望和主旨鮮明的地方，提醒大家擁抱彼此已成可能，而不再像雕像中的那對夫妻那樣。

Of course, reconciliation takes different forms. In Scotland after the referendum many felt great disappointment, while others felt great relief; and bridging these differences will take time.

當然，和解有不同的形式。蘇格蘭公投之後，不少人會很失望，但有些人則感到欣慰。聯結這些異見也需要時間。

Bringing reconciliation to war or emergency zones is an even harder task, and I have been deeply touched this year by the selflessness of aid workers and medical volunteers who have gone abroad to help victims of conflict or of diseases like Ebola, often at great personal risk.

把「和解」帶去戰爭或應急區是個更難的任務，我今年被無私的救援人員和醫務志願者深深感動，他們冒著個人的危險，到國外去幫助解決衝突，去幫助例如埃博拉等疾病的受害者。

For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.

對於我來說，耶穌---和平之君，他的生日，也就是我們聖誕慶祝的原因，是我生命中的鼓舞和依靠。

A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ』s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.

作為和解和寬容的榜樣，耶穌他帶著愛，接納和治癒伸出雙手，他教會了我們去追尋，尊重和珍惜每一個人，無論信仰如何。

On that chilly Christmas Eve in 1914 many of the German forces sang Silent Night, its haunting melody inching across the line.

在1914年的那個寒冷平安夜，很多德國軍人唱響「平安夜」這首歌，那令人忘懷的旋律跨越了戰線。

That carol is still much-loved today, a legacy of the Christmas truce, and a reminder to us all that even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found.

那首聖誕頌歌今天依然倍受歡迎，是聖誕休戰的遺產，也是在提醒我們：即使在最絕望的地方，希望仍在。

A very happy Christmas to you all.

祝大家聖誕快樂。

2013聖誕演講

主題：停下來想一想

金句：

With so many distractions, its easy to forget to pause and take stock.

紛繁的世界很容易讓人忘記要停下來好好想一想做過的事情。

I once knew someone who spent a year in a plaster cast recovering from an operation on his back. He read a lot and thought a lot and felt miserable.

我曾了解到有人因背部手術而被打上石膏近一年時間。這段期間，他廣泛閱讀，思考良多，感覺非常困苦。

Later he realized this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understand the world more clearly.

後來他意識到自己被強制性退出世界之後，這一次幫助他更好滴認識世界。

We all need to get the balance right, between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.

我們都需要行動，需要反思，平衡好這兩者之間的關係。有了那麼多的雜念，很容易忘了停下來評估情況。

Be it through contemplation, prayer or even keeping a diary, many have found the practice of quiet personal reflection surprisingly rewarding, even discovering greater spiritual depth to their lives.

不管是通過冥想、起到還是寫日記，很多人都發現反思以外的有收穫，讓我們的精神層次得到了更深度的發現。

Reflection can take many forms. When families and friends come together at Christmas, it』s often a time for happy memories and reminiscing. Our thoughts are with those we have loved who are no longer with us. We also remember those who through doing their duty cannot be at home for Christmas, such as workers in essential or emergency services.

有很多種沉思的方法。當家人和朋友在聖誕節歡聚一起，這往往是一個歡樂並會令人追憶的時光。我們的情感總是與那些已經逝去但我們深深愛著的人同在。我們依舊記得那些因為職責而不能在家過聖誕節的人比如一些必要的服務業。

And especially at this time of year, we think of the men and women serving overseas in our armed forces. We are forever grateful to all those who put themselves at risk to keep us safe.

尤其是每年的這個時候，我們會思念那些在國外駐紮的軍人，我們永遠不會忘記你們為了我們的安全所付出的一切。

Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear. They have an enduring value which spans the generations.

為國家效忠和服務這不僅僅是過去的堅持和信念，新一代的人也同樣體會著其重要的意義。

I myself had cause to reflect this year, at Westminster Abbey, on my own pledge of service made in that great church on Coronation Day 60 years earlier.

朕今年也有理由靜下心來自省，在西敏寺，回想60年前的加冕日里，朕在這座宏偉教堂中立下的登基誓言。

The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since the coronation, many of them for the better. And of the things that have remained constant, such as the importance of family, friendship and good neighbourliness.

今年的加冕紀念讓我想到了這60年中發生的各種重大變化，很多都是更好的變化。還讓我瞬間想了到了家庭、友誼和睦鄰的重要。

But reflection is not just about looking back. I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.

但是反思並意味著回憶過去。我還有很多人都非常期待明年在格拉斯哥舉行的英聯邦運動會。

The baton relay left London in October and is now on the other side of the world on its way across 70 nations and territories before arriving in Scotland next summer. Its journey is a reminder that the Commonwealth can offer us a fresh view of life.

My son Charles summed this up at the recent meeting in Sri Lanka. He spoke of the Commonwealth』s family ties that are a source of encouragement to many.

我的兒子查理近期剛在斯里蘭卡做了總結。他說英聯邦國家之間的團結給很多其他國家帶來了鼓勵。

Like any family, there can be differences of opinion. But however strongly they』re expressed, they are held within the common bond of friendship and shared experiences.

像任何一個家庭一樣，我們都會發生意見爭執，但是無論他們如何強烈的表示，都會仍然尊重友誼和互相理解。

Here at home, my own family is a little larger this Christmas. As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope.

今年我的家多了一個人。相信很多人都知道，小寶寶的降臨會給很多人帶來對未來的沉思、快樂和希望。

For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again. As with all who are christened, George was baptized into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service.

對於新的爸爸媽媽來講，他們的人生將再也不一樣。跟所有受洗的人一樣，喬治稱受洗成為了基督徒並擔當起應有的責任和服務。

After the christening we gathered for the traditional photograph. It was a happy occasion, bringing together four generations.

受洗完我們聚在一起照相，非常的開心，四世同堂。

In the year ahead, I hope you will have time to pause for moments of quiet reflection. As the man in the plaster cast discovered, the results can sometimes be surprising. For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God』s love as we strive daily to become better people.

在新的一年來臨之前，我希望你也可以花時間反思，你會發現意想不到的結果。對基督徒，乃至對所有心懷信仰的人來說，我們每天努力去做更好的人，這之中，內省、冥想、祈禱幫助我們在上帝的愛中重新認識我們自己。

The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.

聖誕所要傳達的信息是愛是給每一個人的，沒有人會被排除在外。

On the first Christmas in the fields above Bethlehem, as they sat in the cold of night watching their resting sheep, the local shepherds must have had no shortage of time for reflection.

Bethlebem北部曠野的第一個聖誕節，當地牧民坐在寒夜中，盯著他們休息的羊群時，他們最不缺的就是用來沉思的時間。

Suddenly all this was to change. These humble shepherds were the first to hear and ponder the wondrous news of the birth of Christ. The first Noel, the joy of which we celebrate today.

轉瞬之間一切都變了。謙和的牧民們第一次聽到並思索著基督誕世之奇聞。這就是第一個聖誕節，它所含的樂趣至今我們仍在慶祝。

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

祝你們聖誕快樂。

怎麼樣？大家有沒有發現，把of，the這類的常用辭彙除掉不算，

女王演講里經常重複的片語有：

families（家庭）

Commonwealth（英聯邦）

children（兒童）

peoples（人民）...

經常重複用的短語有：

tragic example（悲慘的例子）

shining example（傑出的榜樣）

weak and innocent（弱小又無辜的）...

確實是套路滿滿呢！

不過雖然重複辭彙多，但女王正宗的皇室英音拿來做最佳聽力材料還是綽綽有餘的啦！

一起期待女王2016的演講吧