進入英語學習論壇下載音頻 去聽寫專區一展身手

Perched on a wooden dais in front of 600 workers rolling Cuba's legendary cigars, Grisel reads aloud - poems, novels and even sex tips from the newspaper - keeping workers entertained, their attention rapt, just the way it has been done for 150 years.

Grisel, 55, a petite former teacher who wears reading glasses she adjusts frequently, may have a job that predates electricity.

But nobody in Cuba seems to have any interest in replacing her with a radio or TV. Indeed, she prides her old-school duties for its content and delivery - in a range of voices (a different one for each character) when reading a novel, for example - as well as careful preparation before her sessions.

She chats with workers between reading stints to get feedback and take requests. She is one of about 300 of cigar factory "readers" who have been brightening the long and monotonous work day of cigar rollers for over a century and a half.

To some the tradition is so unique and valuable that UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization has proposed including it as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. Most workers spend 10 hours rolling, clipping and trimming tobacco with a few simple tools, for under $20 a month.

The day often starts with readings from the Cuban press, poetry and classic novels like The Count of Monte Cristo.

"The reader is extremely important for us. Because she broadens our cultural horizons," said Julia Curbera, deftly handling the leaves with the ease of someone who has been making the same movements for 30 of her 47 years, on a table that looks like a 19th century schoolhouse desk.

On this day, Grisel's sweet and reassuring voice echoes through the H. Upmann building in central Havana, where the world-class Montecristo brand is made, reading out headlines about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the national mango harvest and government calls on workers to boost their productivity. The cigar factory reader tradition in Cuba dates back to at least 1865.

For more than a century, the workers themselves pooled their money to pay the readers to keep their minds occupied. Now the company foots the bill, though it's not a huge one. "I make 315 pesos ($14) a month, but I feel really appreciated. "I know that I am very useful; they need me," Grisel smiles during a break after a sex and love advice column that is one worker's favorite.

Questions:

1. How many cigar factory readers have been brightening work days for a century and a half?

2. What is the name of the cigar made in the factory?

3. When does the tradition date back to?

Answers:

1. 300

2. Montecristo

3. 1865

（中國日報網英語點津 Julie 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.