The Roma People

Few truly understand the culture of this proud people group.
罗姆人对于这个自豪族群的文化，真正了解的人并不多。

Centuries ago, a group of people left India. No one really knows why. Over time, they journeyed west to Europe, where most have lived ever since. These people called themselves the Roma. But Europeans, thinking they came from Egypt, called them "gypsies." Many people think of gypsies as wandering groups of people. They are associated with colorful clothing, fortune telling and music. But this is not the real picture of Roma culture.

In fact, not all Roma are travelers. Those in Western Europe have historically moved from place to place. But others who settled in Eastern Europe built homes and stayed in one place. Roma culture varies among regions. But most speak both the language of the surrounding people and their own language, Romany.

For centuries, Roma practiced traditional trades. Some were horse traders or musicians. Others made things out of metal or wood. But today, Roma may be found in any profession.

Music
Each Roma settlement developed its own musical style, combining local music with Roma traditions. These styles often sound similar to the music of the surrounding culture. However, most Roma music shares some characteristics, including the timing of the notes and the harmonies. Roma music has also affected the music of other cultures. Roma influences have shaped European folk and classical music and even some American styles.

Stories
Like people of many cultures, the Roma love to tell stories. Their conversations of often include brief references to tales that the entire settlement knows. But they also tell long stories during the evenings or while working. Some stories are funny; others pass down Roma traditions. Over the years, the Roma have faced many challenges. Their neighbors often did not accept them and even accused them of being thieves. Today, many face poverty, prejudice and other problems. Nevertheless, the Roma people are proud of their history and their rich culture.

Grammar Tips:
But this is not the real picture of Roma culture.
"picture " - to take a picture, painting, to draw a picture.
" picture " - what something is really like.
Ralph went to Italy and learned he had the wrong picture of Italian food.
Many people think that show business is very glamorous, but that is not the real picture.

Vocabulary Tips:
journey (n) -travel.旅行，旅程。
journey (v)- 行走，行驶，旅行。
*We journeyed across the countryside on bikes.
journey to - travel from one place to another.
*The violinist journeyed to many countries to perform.
associate -联想
*People often associate obesity with laziness.
associate -connect to or related to. 有关联
associate with - 与什么有关联用"with"。
*Phillip's mom doesn't want him to be associated with those drop-outs.
historically -在历史上，根据史实（记载）的。historical -历史的。
*Historically, these two counties were at war many times.
*Historically, the fund has produced high yields over the past five years.
gypsy -who travel a lot.
wandering - wandering around with no specific direction.
varies - vary, very different in some area, such as size, shape, ..)
Romany- Roma people's language we called "Romany".
settlement - 拓荒者，或移民的人的定居地。stay  and live at a place. settle (v) -定居。
*The settlement's sheriff often dealt with intruders.-侵入者，干扰着，妨碍着。
-争端，债务的解决。
*The two companies are negotiating a settlement that will satisfy both parties.协商。。解决办法。。
characteristic - 特质，特色。typical, noticeable.
*An upbeat personality is one of the family's great characteristics. 乐观的性格。。
*The book is aimed at helping parents define their children's characteristics. 明确找出。。孩子的特质。
reference -提及，谈到。 refer -提及。
*The mayor made no reference to yesterday's incident.
reference -参考，参考文献。
*References are listed at the end of the article.文章的最后列出了参考资料。
intrude (vi/vt) -塞入，挤入，进入，强使，迫使，闯入。
harmonies - (music) different note play at the same time.
shaped something -create & effect .
tale - story. sound same as "tail".
pass down - give to next generation or the youngest one.
accuse - someone said you did something wrong or illegal.
prejudice - not fair opinion that don't like you with no reason. unreasonable dislike someone. Being prejudice is wrong.
thief - thieve : take something that is not yours.

Chat Room:
This is not the real picture of Roma culture.
picture -局面，状况.
I get the picture. You won't be able to make it to the party. 我了解状况了，我懂你的意思了。。
big picture -大幅的画。
the big picture -大局面，整体状况。
Look at the big picture.-以大局为重，从大局来看。从大局，大环境看。
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Brief references to tales that the entire settlement knows.  (folk tales)
folk tales -民间故事。
fairy tales - 童话故事。
fairy-tale wedding - 美丽如童话般的婚礼。
fairy tale - 虚构的故事无稽之谈。

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