Pronunciation Challenge【TED】Bastian Schaefer: A 3D-printed jumbo jet?

And finally, this bionic structure, which is covered by a transparent biopolymer membrane, will really change radically how we look at aircrafts in the future.

And finally, this bionic structure, which is covered by a transparent biopolymer membrane, will really change radically how we look at aircrafts in the future.

What’s up, everyone! It’s Hubert and this time I’m back with a video about 3D printing! 3D printing is finally a reality and here to stay, in my opinion. The possibilities are endless and in this video, this TED speaker (Bastian Schaefer) points to the benefits of 3D printing to aircraft design. With this technology, not only does it reduce the weight of an aircraft, which reduces greenhouse emissions, but can also change the way we enjoy our experience with air travel! He even talks about a social area in which you can play virtual golf! How cool is that?! This technology can revolutionize transportation as we know it and that’s only the tip of the iceberg! I’m so excited.

Today’s featured sentence:
“And finally, this bionic structure, which is covered by a transparent biopolymer membrane, will really change radically how we look at aircrafts in the future.”

I’ll say that again.

“And finally, this bionic structure, which is covered by a transparent biopolymer membrane, will really change radically how we look at aircrafts in the future.”

Ok, now time for the Pronunciation Tips.

Pronunciation Tips:

First word.
Structure (struhk·chr)
Two syllables. Struct (sounds like the word “struck”) - cher (hard “ch” sound with the “er” ending)

Next word.
Biopolymer (bai·ow·paa·luh·mr)
Five syllables. bai (as in “bye”) o (as in the letter “o”) paa (as in a dog’s “paw”) luh (as in the French word “le”) and mr (hard “er” sound with an “m” in the beginning)

Next up.
Radically (ra·di·klee)
Four syllables but actually sounds like three. Ra - di (sounds like “dig” without the “g”) - klee (two syllables blended into one to form “klee”. Sounds like the show “glee” but with a “k” beginning sound)



Moving onto Vocabulary!

The first word is:
1. Bionic (adj.) KK[baɪˈɑː.nɪk] IPA/baɪˈɒnɪk/
Definition
using artificial materials and methods to produce activity or movement in a person or animal 仿生學的

Used in a sentence you could say,
“While not fully a robot, astronaut Steve Austin of the 6 Million Dollar Man TV series became a bionic human with legs, an arm and even one eye replaced by robotic implants that transformed him into a superhuman.”


Next word,
2. Transparent (adj.) KK[trænˈsper.ənt] IPA[ˌtrænsˈpærənt]
Definition
a substance or object is transparent, you can see through it very clearly. 透明的
An example would be,
“They are so thin that they are quite transparent.”

And lastly,
3. Membrane (n.) KK[ˈmem.breɪn] IPA [ˈmembreɪn]
Definition:
a thin piece of skin that covers or connects parts of a person's or animal's body 膜
Used in a sentence you can say,
“The virus then passes through the cell membrane.”

Outro
That’s about it for today’s episode. Aren’t you guys excited about the future now?! The possibilities with 3D printing are endless. Aside from the virtual golf, I’m also excited for the adjustable seats that rotate around and the extra space this model aircraft presents. When Bastian mentioned no windows on the plane, it got me a little worried but my doubts were put to rest when he presented transparent windows! You could even look up in the sky through the transparent ceilings! Very cool and also presents an aircraft design with fewer structural points to falter. Can you imagine what this technology can do for all forms of transport? The future is here my friends.
Ok guys, you know what to do. Record your recordings, watch the video, and thanks again for tuning into Voicetube’s Pronunciation Challenge! See you next time.