从古欧洲的吟游诗人，到如今的国际街头艺术节，人们对街头艺术的看法向来是一分为二的。有些人认为它在本质上就是一种艺术，而另外一些人则认为，它与乞讨没有什么不同，只不过是一种高级的、体面的乞讨方式罢了。不过，话又说回来，能说服路人为你的表演买单，也算得上一种艺术了。

　　definition 定义解读

　　a busker is someone who performs music or an act on the street. the most common kind of busker plays a guitar. passers-by will drop money into his/her guitar case. however, players of other instruments, from the classical violin to the handsaw, are also buskers. in fact, any kind of street performance can be regarded as a form of busking. this includes fire-breathers, jugglers, storytellers, mime artists and dancers.

　　街头艺人是指在大街上演奏音乐或表演节目的人。最常见的街头艺人是吉他演奏者。路人会将钱丢入他/她的吉他盒中。不过，演奏其它乐器的人也算街头艺人，他们演奏的乐器囊括了从古典小提琴到锯琴的各种乐器。事实上，任何类别的街头表演都可以被当作一种街头艺术形式。这就涵盖了玩喷火把戏者、变戏法者、说书人、哑剧艺术者和舞者的各类人群。

　　busking and the city 街头表演与城市

　　in some cities busking requires a permit while in others it is tolerated as long as it doesn't ①interfere with noise and traffic regulations.

　　在某些城市中，街头表演需要得到许可，而在另一些城市中，只要它不违反噪音条例和交通法规就没有问题。

　　in europe, city authorities generally welcome buskers. it is believed that in busy city-centre areas street performers create a festive and lively atmosphere that helps to attract more visitors and shoppers. as passers-by stop to enjoy street performances, they are more likely to take notice of the nearby shops and businesses, and to make more purchases.

　　在欧洲，市政当局一般是对街头艺人持欢迎态度的。据信，街头艺人可以在热闹的市中心创造一种喜庆活跃的气氛，而这有助于吸引更多的游人和顾客。当路人停下脚步来欣赏街头表演时，他们很有可能会注意到附近的店铺和商行，从而购买更多的物品。