早读英语精华本下册 Unit11

（单词翻译）

　　We thought we knew the English language, having even translated a whole book from English into Russian when we were in Siberia. I had learnt English in prison from a teach-yourself book, but had never heard a word of its spoken. Now that we were in London we found we could not understand a single word, and nobody understood us. At first this was very amusing², but although my husband joked about it, however he soon got down to learning the language.
We started going to all kinds of meetings, all we stand in the front row and carefully studying the speaker’s mouth. We went very often to Hyde Park, where speakers addressed the passing crowds on different subjects. We were particularly keen on listening to one man who spoke¹ with an Irish accent, which we found easier to understand. We learnt great deal by listening to spoken English. Afterwards, through an advertisement, my husband got in touch with two Englishmen who wanted to exchanging lessons, and he began studying with them. He got to know the language quite well.