『You are not alone』 says Queen in Christmas speech
——英國女王2020年聖誕演講：溫暖人心
前言
自從1952年以來，每年聖誕節的下午三點，女王伊莉莎白二世都會發布電視演講，總結一年的大事件，送出對大英國協國家人民在新的一年裡的祝福。之所以把演講播出的時間選為下午三點，為的是讓大英國協國家的觀眾無論在哪個時區，都不用熬夜觀看。可謂非常貼心。
2020年最大的事件莫過於和還未結束的新冠疫情進行的抗爭。新冠疫情如此殘酷，已經導致全球眾多人喪生，經濟損失不計其數。如此沉痛的事件，女王雖不得不對此發表演講和總結，但仍不忍心在佳節之際將其直接說出，所以女王在整篇演講中並未直接提到相關詞語，但仍然表達了對此次疫情對人們造成的傷害的悲痛之情，表達了對相關服務工作人員的感謝感激之情，也做出了對未來的展望，鼓舞民心，讓大眾充滿信心和希望，為獲取對抗疫情的最終勝利不斷努力。
同時女王表達了對民眾疾苦感同身受的理解，宛如自家長輩般安慰處於緬懷逝去親友悲傷情緒的人民，告訴大家：「You are not alone」，一語雙關，即安慰悲傷者，讓民眾感知到自己對此感同身受的情緒，又希望民眾感受到女王一直都在關注疫情，與民同在，共同與疫情抗爭的堅定決心和信心，同時也讓處於四級封鎖狀態的民眾雖然在物理距離方面處於相對分離，但在情緒和心理方面並不孤獨，堅定民眾從未被國家拋棄的信念。
「You are not alone」， 可以理解為「你不是一個人」，「我」與你同在，和「你」經歷類似情況的人也同在，即使家人逝去，但眾多沒有血緣關係的「親友」和「你」在一起。也可以理解為「你並不孤單」，「我」一直在關心「你」、為「你」祈禱，「你」可以向我傾訴。簡單一句話，卻可溫暖人心。
Every year we herald the coming of Christmas by turning on the lights. And light does more than create a festive mood —light brings hope.
每年，燈光亮起即預示聖誕的到來。光，不僅營造了節日的氛圍，也帶來希望。
Herald verb [T] formalMeaning: to be a sign that something important, and often good, is starting to happen, or to make something publicly known, especially by celebrating or praising it:Example: The president's speech heralds a new era in foreign policy.
For Christians, Jesus is 『the light of the world』, but we can’t celebrate his birth today in quite the usual way. People of all faiths have been unable to gather as they would wish for their festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid, and Vaisakhi. But we need life to go on. Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, as Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyous moments of hope and unity — despite social distancing.
對基督徒來說，耶穌是「世界之光」，但是今天我們無法以往常的方式慶祝他的誕生。不同信仰的人們無法像他們所希望的那樣歡聚、慶祝諸如逾越節、復活節、開齋節、光明節等節日。但是，生活還要繼續。上個月，印度教，錫克教以及耆那教慶祝排燈節，溫莎城堡的天空因此而煙花盛放，也帶來了希望和團結的歡樂時光，儘管仍需要保持社交距離。
social distancing noun [ U ]Meaning: The practice of keeping away from other people as much as possible, or of keeping a certain distance from other people, in order to stop a disease from spreading to a lot of people:Example: The various measures of social distancing – reducing use of mass transit, closing schools, canceling public gatherings and isolating the sick – were examples of measures that in combination can reduce risk.
Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer. Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.
值得注意的是，這個人與人必須保持距離的一年，反而在很多方面讓我們變得更加親近了。在整個大英國協地區，發生了眾多人們志願幫助那些需要援助的人的故事，我和家人被這些故事深深鼓舞。
In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit. To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played.
在英國和世界各地，人們出色地應對今年的挑戰。我被這種沉著冷靜而又不屈不撓的精神感動，也為其驕傲。特別是我們的年輕人，我要特別感謝你們，感謝你們所發揮的作用。
rise to somethingMeaning: to react to a difficult situation by working hard to succeed:Example: There were some other very good competitors, but Megan rose to the challenge and sang beautifully.
rise to the occasion/challengeMeaning: to show that you can deal with a difficult situation successfully:Example: In the exam she rose to the occasion and wrote a brilliant essay.
rise to fameMeaning: to become famous:Example: He rose to fame in the 90s as a TV presenter.
rise to the baitMeaning: to accept an offer or suggestion that seems good but is really a trick:Example: They offered a good salary, but I didn't rise to the bait.
This year, we celebrated International Nurses』 Day, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. As with other nursing pioneers like Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale shone a lamp of hope across the world. Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us - supported by the amazing achievements of modern science - and we owe them a debt of gratitude. We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that - even on the darkest nights - there is hope in the new dawn.
今年，在南丁格爾誕辰200周年之際，我們慶祝了國際護士節。和其他護理先驅例如瑪麗·西科爾一起，南丁格爾在全球點亮了希望之燈。如今，在現在科學令人驚嘆的支持下，我們的前線服務者也在為我們點亮這盞希望之燈，我們感激他們的付出。我們繼續被陌生人的善意所鼓舞，並得到安慰，即使在最黑的夜晚，新的黎明之中也一定會有希望。
owe a debt of gratitude/thanksMeaning: to have a reason to thank or feel grateful to another person for something good that they have done:Examples:There are no words that can express the debt of gratitude that future generations will owe them for their sacrifices.I owe my family a great debt of thanks for their support and encouragement while I was writing the book.
debt of honour UK (US debt of honor) noun [ C usually singular]Meaning: something such as thanks, praise, or a reward that is owed to someone because of their good actions:Examples:He said that he owed a debt of honour to the man who kept him sane during his captivity.I was offered a better-paid job, but feel I have a debt of honour to my boss.
Comfort noun [ U ]Meaning: A pleasant feeling of being relaxed and free from pain:Examples: She drew comfort from the fact that he died peacefully.Comfort noun (FOR SADNESS) [ C or U ]Meaning: The state of feeling better after feeling sad or worried, or something that makes you feel better in this way:Examples: I know she goes out a lot at night, but I draw/take comfort from the fact that she's always with friends.
註：
Mary Seacole瑪麗·西科爾
1805年出生於牙買加的金斯敦。母親經營一家專為病弱士兵提供住宿的旅店，由於精通草藥，母親經常拿草藥給傷兵治療。在母親過世後，瑪麗接手旅館並照料那些傷兵。1850年一場嚴重的霍亂在牙買加爆發了。瑪麗夜以繼日地照料霍亂受害者，並研發了治療此病的中草藥，挽救了成千上萬人的性命。
在克裡米亞戰爭爆發後，牙買加的軍隊被派往前線作戰，不久後，士兵們在前線的惡劣環境以及急需護理的消息傳到了金斯敦。瑪麗在1854年前往倫敦，找遍了所有的軍隊和護理機構，請示要以一名志願者護士身份趕往前線，但遭到拒絕。瑪麗獨身前往克裡米亞戰場，為獲取資金維持護理工作開了一家旅店，她經常不畏槍林彈雨，衝前線去護理傷員。獲得了士兵們的愛戴，稱她為黑人「南丁格爾」。
Florence Nightingale弗羅倫斯·南丁格爾(1820年5月12日-1910年8月13日)，英國護士和統計學家。
南丁格爾出生於義大利的一個英國上流社會的家庭。在德國學習護理後，曾往倫敦的醫院工作。於1853年成為倫敦慈善醫院護士長。克裡米亞戰爭時，她極力向英國軍方爭取在戰地開設醫院，為士兵提供醫療護理。她分析過堆積如山的軍事檔案，更用了圓形圖以說明這些資料。南丁格爾於1854年10月21日和38位護士到克裡米亞野戰醫院工作成為該院的護士長，被稱為「克裡米亞的天使」又稱「提燈天使」。
南丁格爾是世界上第一個真正的女護士，開創了護理事業。由於南丁格爾的努力，讓昔日地位低微的護士，於社會地位與形象都大為提高，成為崇高的象徵。「南丁格爾」也成為護士精神的代名詞。「5.12"國際護士節設立在南丁格爾的生日這一天，就是為了紀念這位近代護理事業的創始人。
Jesus touched on this with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The man who is robbed and left at the roadside is saved by someone who did not share his religion or culture. This wonderful story of kindness is still as relevant today. Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all, regardless of gender, race or background, reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God.
耶穌在寓言《善良的撒瑪利亞人》中提到了這一點。寓言講的是一個被打劫並扔在路邊的人，被與他信仰和文化不同的人所救。這個關於善良的美好故事在今天仍然存在。善良的撒瑪利亞人在社會各界不斷湧現，照顧和尊重大眾，無論受眾者是什麼性別、種族和背景，提醒我們每個人在上帝眼中都是與眾不同的，也是平等的。
the Good Samaritan，其典故出自《聖經·路迦福音10:30-36》。
大意為：
有一個人從耶路撒冷去耶利哥(Jerusalem to Jericho)不幸落到了一夥強盜手中。他們剝去了他的衣裳，把他打個半死扔在路旁。有一個祭司和一位利末人(Levite)先後路過這裡，都裝做沒看見，從他身邊過去了。惟有一個撒瑪利亞人(Samaritan)行路來到那裡，看見他就動了慈心，上前用油和酒倒在他的傷處，包裹好了，扶他騎上自己的牲口，帶到店裡去照應他。第二天，又拿出錢來，替他交給了店主。
後經常用Good Samaritan來指既沒有法定義務也沒有約定義務而出於內心的道德要求無償對他人進行救助的人，或任何不考慮回報而幫助他人的人、好心人、見義勇為者
The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship.
耶穌的教誨一直是我內心的明燈，正如我們聚集在一起敬拜的使命感一樣。
Teachings (plural noun)Meaning: an accepted set of beliefs, esp. religious beliefs:Example: the teachings of the Buddha/Koran/Catholic Church
In November, we commemorated another hero – though nobody knows his name. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior isn’t a large memorial, but everyone entering Westminster Abbey has to walk around his resting place, honouring this unnamed combatant of the First World War — a symbol of selfless duty and ultimate sacrifice. The Unknown Warrior was not exceptional. That’s the point. He represents millions like him who throughout our history have put the lives of others above their own, and will be doing so today. For me, this is a source of enduring hope in difficult and unpredictable times.
今年十一月，我們紀念了另一位英雄，雖然他是一名無名英雄。無名勇士之墓並不高大，但是每個走進西敏修道院的人都要走過他的安息之地，對這位一戰中的無名戰士表達尊敬，因為他代表的是無私奉獻的精神。這位無名勇士並不是個例，他代表的是歷史上和當今社會中千百萬個像他一樣將別人的生命置於自己之前的人。對我而言，這是在艱難和不可預測的時刻中，持久不斷希望的來源。
Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family-members distanced for safety, when all they』d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.
當然，對很多人來說，今年這個時刻會摻雜著悲傷：有些人在哀悼逝去的摯愛，有些人在思念為了安全而不能相聚的親友。雖然他們在聖誕節想要的僅是一個簡單的擁抱或是握手。如果你也是這其中的一員，那麼你並非獨自一人，我和你一樣並會為你禱告。
Tinge verb [ T usually passive]Meaning: To contain a slight amount of:Example: Her joy at the birth of her son was tinged with sadness that her father had not lived to see him.
The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth. Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead.
《聖經》講述過一顆星星如何出現在天空，用它的光亮指引牧羊人與三個智者前往耶穌誕生地的故事。讓聖誕之光——無私、愛與希望——在未來引導我們向前。
聖經馬太福音和路加福音都記載耶穌是瑪利亞所生的兒子，當時瑪利亞已經與大衛家族的約瑟訂婚，卻奇蹟般地由聖靈的能力懷孕，約瑟並非耶穌真正的父親。天使向一群牧羊人宣告耶穌的降生，至少40天之後來自東方的三個佔星術士也由於一個特別的星的引導前來祝賀。
路加福音強調耶穌的降生是為萬民預備的(路2:10、30-32)，他描述比較多個人事件，像牧羊人、西面、女先知亞拿等看見嬰孩耶穌歡喜的情形。
It is in that spirit that I wish you a very happy Christmas.
帶著這樣的精神，祝各位聖誕快樂。
本文作者
Viven老師
8年託福教學經驗
英國利物浦大學英語教育學碩士
擅長從中英思維差異
和批評性思維方向輔助教學
提分率近100%
託福寫作25分學員佔比70%
託福寫作考題70%以上命中率
著有《IBT託福寫作實戰寶典》