阅读理解
What is the hottest word of 2008 in China?Google, the world's top search engine, gave its list at the end of this year.“Shanzhai”, a Chinese term, which literally refers to the mountain strongholds of bandits(强盗)but has changed to mean “copycatting(复制)”, came at the top.
It's true that “Shanzhai” is everywhere.There are “Shanzhai” phones called “Nakia” and “Anycoll”.There are “Shanzhai” stars who dress and act like celebrities such as Jay Zhou.There are “Shanzhai” versions of movies, songs and TV programs.And recently a crowd of youths has drawn eyes from around the country preparing for the amateur Spring Festival gala(联欢会), in which ordinary people are invited to show their work.“I want to watch the amateur gala on Spring Festival eve,” said 19-year-old Fan Xiaojie in Wuhan.“The performers will express themselves in a bolder and funnier way than those on CCTV.”
“‘Shanzhai'is a way for young people to have their voices heard in a world ruled by authorities,” said Gu Haibin, a sociologist from Remin University.Made cheaply and easily, “Shanzhai” versions gave ordinary people an opportunity to express themselves.Gu said the copycat trend also promotes a DIY(do it yourself)attitude.“With the spread of the Internet, it has become easier to publish works and get an access to technology.This has made DIY more possible.”
Li Xinlian, a psychologist in Beijing, thought about why “Shanzhai” is getting popular at this particular time.“It meets people's need to release, especially after this year's many gloomy events, such as the snowstorm, earthquake and financial crisis,” said Li.“The ‘Shanzhai'spirit makes fun of authorities and of ourselves.It provides a release.”
However, experts remind that copycat works can break copyright laws.The law allows copying the format of a copy-righted work, but not the content.Lyrics or melody(词曲)of a song are also protected from commercial uses.
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