BBC Learning English The English We Speak 26th April 2011 The Big Day

William: Li: William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, Im William Kremer. Im Yang Li and Im excited! So I see! Do you want to share with everybody what youre so excited about, Li? Oh come on Will, you know why Im excited. Im not sure I do know why you're excited. Well, heres a little clue

Li: William: Li:

Crowds of cheering people William: Lots of cheering people. Hmm, is that one of those 75% off sales on Oxford Street? No, no! Listen, heres another clue

Li:

Here comes the bride organ music William: Durr-du-duh duh! Hmm, organ music. Are you going to an organ concert, Li? I didnt know you were interested in that. OK, Im just going to tell you. This Friday is Prince William and Catherine Middletons big day, their wedding day. Ah, I knew that. I was joking. Of course you were joking William. Weve made lots of programmes about it havent we! Yes, we have. But Li, I think wed better explain the meaning of the big day. Here the big day means their wedding day. But does the big day always refer to weddings? Listen to these examples: Guess what? What? Marie and Phil are engaged!

Li:

William: Li:

William:

A: B: A:

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B: A: B: C: D: C: D: Li:

Youre kidding wow, thats fantastic news! I know! So whens the big day? Have they set a date yet? I dont think Charlie and I will ever get married. Oh. Whys that? Because of my mum and dad being divorced. I just know that at the wedding theyll end up having a massive argument; they cant help it. Oh, surely that wont happen. They would never ruin your big day. So in both those examples, the phrase big day was used to describe a wedding. Yes, it was. And I think this is how this phrase is usually used, exactly in the way that you used it, Li. People talk about a couples big day but Ive also heard people say her big day to describe the brides wedding day in particular. Its probably used a little bit less for men. Hmm, but do you, William, still remember your big day? I do. But I dont need to remember it now! What do you mean? Well, I always forget it on the day that I should remember it. Oh dear, on your anniversary. What a bad husband you are! You might be called William, but I think Prince William is much more romantic than you are! Well, well see won't we! Now, on our website youll find lots of other learning English resources relating to the royal wedding, including a photo gallery and a special blog. Not to mention my series, A royal wedding, an everyday love story. Oh yes, dont miss that! Bye! Bye bye.

William:

Li: William: Li: William: Li:

William:

Li: William: Li: William:

Here comes the bride organ music fading out

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