helen: welcome to real english from bbc learning english. i’m helen.

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.