《中英對照讀新聞》English farm finds new income by livening up video conferences英國農場藉由帶給視訊會議歡樂 找到新收入

疫情期間，克倫蕭福德農場想到了提供山羊視訊的點子，讓農場得以繼續經營。（圖擷取自Cronkshaw Fold Farm官方網站）

◎黃靖媗

Cronkshaw Fold Farm in Lancashire, England, has been offering up their goats to make spontaneous, up-close appearances in virtual meetings anywhere in the world.

英格蘭蘭開夏郡的克倫蕭福德農場提供他們的山羊，讓牠們出乎意料、近距離地出現在世界任何一處的視訊會議。

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The goats drop in on otherwise mundane virtual gatherings, including seemingly serious business meetings, birthday parties, baby showers and high school math lessons. A goat will appear in the meeting with its name displayed on the screen.

山羊們參加許多平凡的線上聚會，包含看似嚴肅的商業會議、生日派對、新生兒派對，與高中數學課。山羊將會出現在會議中，牠的名字也會顯示在螢幕上。

It’s typically a surprise to all attendees but the organizer. For around 5 euros per visit, a goat will abruptly appear in the meeting.

這對主辦單位以外的所有與會者都是一場驚喜。每次造訪約為5歐元，1隻山羊會突然出現在會議中。

While the main idea is to get some laughs during a grim time, the goat video calls have managed to keep the 500-year-old farm afloat - and staff members employed.

這個點子在難熬的時間裡博得許多笑聲的同時，山羊的通話影片也讓500年歷史的農場得以存續，員工能繼續被聘僱。

【新聞辭典】

spontaneous：形容詞，自發的、即興的。例句：We are surprise at the spontaneous performance. （我們對這個即興的表演感到驚訝。）

afloat：形容詞，經濟上周轉自如、有償債能力。例句：During the pandemic, many small companies are struggling to keep afloat.（在疫情期間，許多小企業奮力地維持經營。）

abruptly：副詞，突然地、唐突地。例句：After the rain ended abruptly, we decided to go hiking.（在雨突然停了之後，我們決定去健行。）

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