「翰林技術高中二年級上學期 Lesson 3: Follow the Signs」- Reading

全文瀏覽
重點單字片語 (29)

Signs are an important part of life, and we can see them everywhere. Because they are so common, we do not often consider their importance. However, most nonverbal communication is through signs, typically in the form of symbols that send out a message. Because of this, signs can be understood by almost everyone, regardless of language.

Often, the purpose of a sign is to show location. For example, when you need to answer a call of nature, you will be glad to come across a restroom sign. Maybe you answer a phone call, but carelessly leave your phone somewhere. Then, you will need to look for the "lost-and-found" sign so that you can get it back. Later, on your way home, your car might be running out of gas, so you will look around for a gas station sign.

You may find signs especially helpful when you are in another country. At the airport, signs will help you locate the baggage carts, currency exchange desk, and duty-free shops. Follow the signs to the exit, and you will see more signs which guide you to buses, trains, or car rental services. If you need to send an e-mail or want to use the Internet, you can simply look for a coffee shop with a "Free WiFi" sign.

These days, we often use technology such as GPS for directions. However, even in the age of smartphones, we still need signs. It could even be a matter of life and death. Signs not only provide information but also warn of possible danger. Those with red triangles tell people who are driving or riding scooters to pay attention to the road ahead. They also tell us to look out for possible danger, such as falling rocks and sharp bends. Images or words inside red circles usually refer to an action which is not allowed in an area. This could be littering, smoking, or taking photographs, for example.

Although people these days look at digital rather than physical sources of information, signs are still around for good reasons. They are the best way to quickly provide clear information and warnings to a great number of people. These shapes, colors, and symbols are there for your benefit, not for decoration. Pay attention to them!

標誌是生活中重要的一部分，我們隨處可見。因為它們太常見了，所以我們通常不會去細想它們的重要性。然而，大多數非言語溝通是透過標誌傳達，通常以符號的形式發出訊息。正因為如此，無論是以什麼語言，幾乎每個人都可以理解標誌。

通常，標誌的目的是指示地點。例如，當你內急需要上廁所時，你會很高興找到洗手間的標誌。也許你接了一通電話，但不小心將手機留在了某個地方。那麼，你需要尋找「失物招領」標誌，以便找回你的手機。稍後，在你回家的路上，你的車可能沒油了，因此你會四處尋找加油站的標誌。

當你在另一個國家時，你可能會發現標誌特別有用。在機場，標誌將幫助你找到行李推車、貨幣兌換櫃檯和免稅商店。按照標誌前往出口，你會看到更多標誌，引導你前往巴士、火車或汽車租賃服務。如果你需要發送電子郵件或想使用網際網路，你只需尋找個有「免費 WiFi」標誌的咖啡店即可。

現今，我們經常使用像是 GPS 之類的科技來導航。然而，即使在智慧手機的時代，我們仍然需要標誌。甚至可能是攸關生死的問題。標誌不僅提供訊息，還能警告潛在危險。帶有紅色三角形的標誌告訴正在駕駛或騎乘摩托車的人注意前方的道路。它們還告訴我們要注意可能的危險，例如落石和急轉彎。紅色圓圈內的圖像或文字通常指某個區域內不被允許的行為。例如可能會是亂丟垃圾、吸煙或拍照。

儘管現今人們習慣接收數位而不是實體的資訊來源，但標誌仍然有存在的強大理由。它們是向很多人快速提供清晰訊息和警告的最佳方式。這些不同的形狀、顏色和符號都是為了你好而存在，而不是為了裝飾。所以多注意它們吧!