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In the Market for Something Unique 创意市集挖宝趣

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繁體中文譯本

Rows of tightly-packed stalls compete for the attraction of passers-by. All kinds of products are on display, from clothing and accessories to artwork. This scene could be from any number of markets in Taiwan, except that everything on sale here is mostly handmade and one of a kind. Welcome to the world of the “creative market!”

放眼望去，一排排琳琅满目的摊位好似在竞相吸引路人的目光。摊位上展示着各式商品，从衣服、饰品、到艺术品，应有尽有。这样的画面可能出现在台湾任何一个市集里，唯一不同的是，这里贩卖的商品几乎全是手工制作且独一无二──欢迎你来到创意市集的天地。

These kinds of markets have their roots in “flea markets,” which first became widespread in many countries during the 19th century. But whereas flea markets tend to deal in second-hand goods, creative markets focus more on handmade merchandise. London’s Spitalfields Market is one great example of a market that has successfully combined both styles. Creative markets have also been springing up around Taiwan recently. For example, in Taipei, you can now check out the Campo Fashion Market in Ximending and the Creative Market in Tianmu every weekend.

这类市集的概念源自于19世纪在各地兴起的跳蚤市场。不过跳蚤市场所贩卖的商品趋向以二手物品为主，而创意市集标榜的是手工制作的商品。伦敦的Spitalfield Market就是把这两种模式成功结合在一起的最佳典范。近来创意市集全台遍地开花。以台北来说，有西门町的CAMPO创意市集和位于天母的创意市集，每个周末都有摆摊，可以去看看。

As the name suggests, the most treasured commodities in creative markets display creativity and originality. While some stallholders hope to use the markets as a springboard for wider commercial success, others are motivated by the simple pleasure of sharing their own creations. For the rest of us, creative markets offer a fun shopping experience with an individual flavor. And who knows, you could end up buying something from the next Anna Sui!

如其名所示，市集里最具收藏价值的商品必定具备了「创意」与「独特性」。有些摊贩希望利用创意市集作为进军商场的跳板，也有人纯粹喜欢与他人分享自己的创作，并因此受到鼓舞。对于我们这些逛市集的人，创意市集提供了一种既具个人风格又有趣的购物经验。谁知道，搞不好你买回家的宝贝最后会变成下一个安娜．苏的作品也说不定！

−by David Vickers

Vocabulary

单词发音

accessory [ækˋsɛsərɪ] n. 附件，配件

widespread [ˋwaɪd͵sprɛd] adj. 普遍的；广泛的

deal in something 经营…,做…生意 to buy and sell something

commodity [kəˋmɑdətɪ] n. 商品

originality [ə͵rɪdʒəˋnælətɪ] n. 创造力；独创性

More Information

单词发音

stall [stɔl] n. 摊位

passer-by [ˋpæsɚˋbaɪ] n. 过路人

one of a kind 独一无二的 the only item of a particular type

merchandise [ˋmɝtʃən͵daɪz] n. 商品，货物

spring up 突然出现 to appear or develop suddenly; to sprout, as with a seedling

stallholder [ˋstɔl͵holdɚ] n.【英】摊贩；租用摊位者

springboard [ˋsprɪŋ͵bord] n. 跳板

Reading Questions

1. According to the passage, what would you likely NOT find at a creative market?

A. Unique paintings and crafts.

B. Handmade necklaces and earrings.

C. Canned goods and vegetables.

D. Household decorations.

2. What is the relationship between flea markets and creative markets?

A. The two kinds of market always exist side by side.

B. Flea markets copy the ideas of creative markets.

C. Flea markets have been replaced by creative markets.

D. Creative markets have grown out of the tradition of flea markets.

3. Which of the following can be implied from the article?

A. Creative markets are an increasingly common sight in Taiwan.

B. Anna Sui started off her career by running a creative market stall.

C. London was the site of the very first creative market.

D. Creative markets in Taiwan have inspired those in other countries.

old spitalfields market

Answer