雅思口語Part3：Buildings
Q1.What aspect of culture do buildings reflect?
A1.Well, since human beings started to design, construct, decorate and refurbish their buildings thousands of years ago, and we’ve just long been accustomed to the sheltering of walls and roofs, I would say buildings themselves are part of our culture and show almost every aspect of our life, especially customs, traditions, values and beliefs. And it is an excellent way to know more about a certain culture by studying its buildings.
Take tepees of the Native Americans for example. Those conical tents are made with only bison skins and wooden poles. But the simple structure of them makes it possible for the Indians to disassemble and pack way very quickly. And that reflects a typical nomadic culture.
Q2.Do you think it’s worth the money to preserve old buildings?
I would say a definite ‘yes’. Old buildings are precious to all of us in that they represent periods of human history and that they reflect the values and beliefs of our cultures. They are not only important to anthropologists and archaeologists who need to do their study. Actually they also mean cultural identity to us. In this sense, the buildings are part of everyone’s past and present. And they are a part of everyone’s future. It would be a pity if our children and grandchildren did not have a chance to visit many of these priceless buildings.
