Summary
Our daily lives have changed since the coronavirus outbreak started. We’ve had to change the daily routines we’ve become used to and this has led to a new expression that describes our new way of life. Find out more about it in this programme and see how Rob is getting used to it!
Transcript
Feifei
Hello everyone. This is The English We Speak with me, Feifei…
Rob
…. and me, Rob. Hey, Feifei, this is all a bit weird, isn’t it?
Feifei
A bit weird? What do you mean?
Rob
Well, us not being in the same studio. You not being able to make me a cup of tea. Us not going out for lunch. It’s not…
Feifei
…. it’s not normal! It’s certainly different, Rob. But it’s good to have some time apart, isn’t it?
Rob
I don’t know. It’s not like it used to be. Things have changed.
Feifei
Well, Rob, this is the new normal. It’s a new English expression that describes the way people will live their lives during and after this coronavirus outbreak.
Rob
Oh right. Does that mean I get some new examples as well?
Feifei
It does, and here they are…
Examples
After lockdown, things won’t be the same – we’ll have to get used to a new normal.
Getting up at 6am and going for a run every day is my new normal – and it feels good.
The new normal means working from home more and not going into the office.
Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and today we’re learning about the phrase ‘new normal’, which describes the way people will live their lives during and after this coronavirus outbreak. Rob, I’m sure we’ll get used to the new normal – sometimes it’s good to change our routine.
Rob
I like my routine – go to the office, drink tea, eat biscuits, talk to you, go for lunch.
Feifei
Hmmm, maybe the ‘new’ normal will be good for your health and your work.
Rob
Come on, Feifei, there must be something about old normal you miss?
Feifei
Let me have a think… making you tea, listening to your stories, giving you my biscuits… no, I think I’ll get used to the new normal – and so should you, Rob.
Rob
OK, Feifei. I’ll give it a try. Now, I had better go and do some work.
Feifei
Wow! That’s not normal, that sounds like a new Rob! Bye.
Rob
Bye.