BBC Learning English

Words in the News

Beginning of the end for Japanese
whaling?
7 April 2014
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Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2014
Page 1 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com



Three Japanese ships have returned home at the end of the annual hunt for whales in the
Southern Ocean. Japan has said they will not set sail again next year, after the
International Court of Justice said the hunt was illegal.

Michael Bristow reports for the BBC.

It wasn't much of a homecoming: family and friends on the dockside. The crews waved
back and then unloaded their cargo of whale meat. It could be the last one for some
time from the waters off the Antarctic.

Japan has cancelled next year's hunt after the International Court of Justice said it was
illegal. Australia and New Zealand convinced the judges that Japan was not catching
whales for scientific research, as it had claimed - to get round a worldwide ban on
whaling.

Those welcoming home the flotilla were glum. One official bowed in apology. "People
don't understand Japanese ways," said this man.

The captain from one of the returning ships said he hoped he'd someday return to the
Antarctic. But next year will be the first time in 25 years that Japan has not hunted
whales in the Southern Ocean.





Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2014
Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com


Vocabulary and definitions

homecoming a time when someone or a group of people return home
cargo items or goods carried on a ship, plane or other large vehicle
convinced made someone certain about something
ban official rule saying something is not allowed
flotilla large group of boats or small ships
glum disappointed, unhappy; looking sad
bowed bent their body forward (here to show regret)



Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2014/04/140407_witn_whaling.shtml

Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26830505