How does modern technology change the handicraft industry?

Question

魔语雅思 · Accepted Answer

**答案:**

Modern technology has significantly transformed the handicraft industry, introducing both **opportunities** and **challenges**. On one hand, digital platforms allow artisans to showcase their work to a global audience, enhancing **visibility** and increasing sales potential. Social media and e-commerce websites provide artisans with tools to market their products more effectively, thereby reaching customers beyond local markets.

Moreover, technology has enabled the integration of advanced tools and techniques into traditional crafting processes. For instance, CNC machines and 3D printing allow artisans to experiment with intricate designs that were previously time-consuming or difficult to achieve by hand. This fusion of technology and craftsmanship can lead to a new wave of **innovation**, allowing artisans to expand their creative horizons.

However, the rise of mass production technologies poses a threat to traditional handicrafts, as consumers may favor lower-priced, machine-made alternatives over handmade items. This trend can undermine the **cultural significance** and value of traditional crafts. Therefore, while technology offers exciting possibilities, it is crucial for artisans to maintain the essence of their craft, ensuring that they embrace innovation without compromising on authenticity.

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**助记:** modern technology, opportunities, challenges, visibility, e-commerce, advanced tools, CNC machines, 3D printing, innovation, cultural significance, authenticity

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**翻译:**

现代科技显著改变了手工艺行业，带来了**机遇**和**挑战**。一方面，数字平台使工匠能够将他们的作品展示给全球观众，增强了**可见性**并增加了销售潜力。社交媒体和电子商务网站为工匠提供了更有效地营销产品的工具，从而使他们能够接触到超出地方市场的客户。

此外，技术使传统工艺过程能够融入先进的工具和技术。例如，CNC机床和3D打印使工匠能够尝试以前费时或难以通过手工完成的复杂设计。这种技术与工艺的融合可以引领一波新的**创新**，使工匠能够拓展他们的创造力。

然而，大规模生产技术的兴起对传统手工艺构成威胁，因为消费者可能更倾向于选择价格较低的机器制造替代品，而不是手工制作的物品。这一趋势可能削弱传统工艺的**文化意义**和价值。因此，虽然科技提供了令人兴奋的可能性，但工匠们必须保持他们工艺的本质，确保在拥抱创新的同时不损害真实性。

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**笔记:**

1. **modern technology** (/ˈmɒd.ən tɛkˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/) - the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes in various fields, 现代科技
2. **opportunities** (/ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.tiz/) - favorable circumstances or chances for advancement, 机遇
3. **challenges** (/ˈtʃæl.ɪn.dʒɪz/) - difficulties that require a solution, 挑战
4. **visibility** (/ˌvɪz.ɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/) - the state of being seen or noticed, 可见性
5. **e-commerce** (/ˈiː.kɒm.ɜːs/) - the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet, 电子商务
6. **advanced tools** (/ədˈvɑːnstd tuːlz/) - modern equipment that enhances productivity and creativity, 先进工具
7. **CNC machines** (/siː en siː məˈʃiːnz/) - computer-controlled machines used for manufacturing, CNC机床
8. **3D printing** (/θriː diː ˈprɪn.tɪŋ/) - a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file, 3D打印
9. **innovation** (/ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/) - the introduction of new ideas or methods, 创新
10. **cultural significance** (/ˈkʌl.tʃər.əl sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kəns/) - the importance of a cultural practice in conveying values and identity, 文化意义
11. **authenticity** (/ˌɔː.θenˈtɪs.ɪ.ti/) - the quality of being genuine or true to its origins, 真实性