A: Hello, this is Marc. Welcome to Word Wise on Language Tips.
B: Hi, I’m Meggie. What’s the topic for today, Marc? I know you’ve worked a lot on Beijing Olympics recently. What did you find out?
A: Oh, I have learned a lot, Meggie. Let me start with Fuwa, the mascot for Beijing Olympics.
B: 今天Marc要跟大家說說我們北京奧運會的吉祥物“福娃”，看看他對北京奧運會了解多少。It seems that the five characters interest you very much.
A: Yes, and I like their cute names: "Beibei", "Jingjing", "Huanhuan", "Yingying" and "Nini" , altogetherthey mean “welcome to Beijing”.
B: Good, you’ve remembered their names. But do you really know what they represent? It may be the mascot having the richest meanings in Olympic history.
A: I’ve done a lot of homework on this. They represent the five Olympic rings and also the five elements in Chinese philosophy. The five image of Fuwa come from the original shape of Chinese sturgeon, panda, Olympic flame, Tibetan antelope and swallow.
B: Exactly. 北京奧運會的吉祥物由5個"福娃"組成："福娃貝貝"是魚娃，來自江河湖海，代表繁榮。"福娃晶晶"的原型是熊貓，來自森林，代表歡樂。"福娃歡歡"以奧運圣火為原型，代表激情。"福娃迎迎"的原型是藏羚羊，來自草原大地，代表健康。"福娃妮妮"的原型是京燕，來自天空，代表幸運。Marc, I’m sure you don’t know what cultural meanings these five Fuwa have. They are various and hard for foreigners to understand.
A: Ah, you underestimate me, Meggie! Beibei passes the wish of flourish and harvest. Jingjing brings joy and happiness. Huanhuan symbolizes Olympic spirit and passion. Yingying means health. Nini brings us luck. Am I right?
B: Absolutely! You pass the test!
A: Well, can I get any prize from the test?
B: Yes. Here is the prize, Fuwa Nini. Wish you good luck.
A: Thank you, Meggie. It’s very lovely and cute, just like you. Okay, that’s our topic for today-Fuwa. For more Olympic English, please log on our website language.chinadaily.com.cn. 再見！
