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  3. One of the surviving traditions in historic Stone Town is the coffee baraza. Baraza means "gathering of people", and here refers

One of the surviving traditions in historic Stone Town is the coffee baraza. Baraza means "gathering of people", and here refers

admin2009-04-23  68
问题     One of the surviving traditions in historic Stone Town is the coffee baraza. Baraza means "gathering of people", and here refers specifically to small crowds of people who gather over a cup of kahawa for the latest gossip. Historically the elders, or "wazee", would congregate in the centre while the young would line the fringes. Age denoted respect.
    Today, the baraza atmosphere is less formal, and reflects the local flavour or atmosphere. Some barazas are located in places with colourful names, such as "Kwa Haji Tumbo"(Haji with the Big Stomach’s Place), "Kwa Boko"(Place of the Hippo), "Mfereji Maringo"(Place of the Clogged Water Tap), or "Shangani"(Place of the Beads).
    An integrated part of cultural and religious traditions, the baraza also has a social monitoring function. Children, although often sent to buy coffee for parents or grandparents, are denied drinking it. "It is bad for you," the wazee might say. Having bought the coffee, with a bit of luck the young boys and—girls were never allowed to buy coffee at the baraza—have been able to snatch the salient parts of the latest gossip as well.
    During the fasting and spiritual cleansing month of Ramadan, Muslims very often break their fast after sunset to a free first serving of baraza coffee. Following evening prayer, everybody returns for second or third rounds of coffee.
    Zanzibari coffee is made from locally grown beans, and served plain and strong, in small cups similar to jasmine teacups from Chinese restaurants. Although not quite as hair-raising as espresso, it beats filter coffee by a long shot for both flavor and texture.
    The baraza is the first place where people meet after prayer, weddings, births, funerals, or other important events. In the old days, a "muuza kahawa," or coffee vendor, would "patrol" the streets on foot. He carried cups and coffee beans in large pockets on his robe, and a classic brass coffee pot in his hand. In ways almost reminiscent of European ice-cream vans, the muuza kahawa would rattle his coffee cups in a certain rhythm, and sing a slogan that would be specific to him alone. People would quickly recognize the sound, and make their way to their usual spot.
    Although the muuza kahawa is gone today, the baraza remains the focal point for local happenings and gossip. It is where the grapevine starts or ends, and where potent Arabica coffee can be enjoyed by anyone passing by, for a few shillings. For visitors to the island, the baraza offers an excellent opportunity to have a relaxed chat with locals. Many of the wazee have rich experiences to draw on, and can furnish you with unique and compelling stories of Zanzibar back in the days. They often speak very good English, sometimes even other languages as well.
选项 A、are supposed to have rich experiences and lots of stories of local history
B、can speak good English and Chinese besides the local language
C、used to be the centre of the latest gossip
D、usually send their boys and girls to buy coffee at the baraza
答案A
解析 细节题。见文章最后一段倒数第二句。表明他们会讲的语言是English，以及“sometimes even other languages”，因而选项B太过于绝对；选项C错误，因为他们不是最近的传闻或流言的焦点，恰恰相反是他们在谈论的这些传闻，见第一段第二行；选项D与第三段第三行两个破折号之间的“girls were never allowed to buy coffee”矛盾，故也错误。
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大学英语四级

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