English Lesson (Listening): "AI and White-Collar Job Loss" B2

Vocabulary 1
A. Automation- Use of machines to perform tasks automatically. French: automatisation
B. Blue-collar workers- Workers doing physical or industrial jobs. French: ouvriers
C. Manual laborers- People performing physical work with their hands. French: travailleurs manuels
D. White-collar- Related to professional or office-based work. French: employés de bureau
E. Threaten - To put something at risk of harm. French: menacer
F. Carry out - To perform or complete a task. French: effectuer

Guide Questions
1. What does the speaker say about the twentieth century?
2. What were young people encouraged to do, and why?
3. What does the speaker say about AI today?

Brun Online Magazine · AI and White-Collar Job Loss Part 1 

TRANSCRIPT 1

In the twentieth century, automation changed the job market by replacing many blue-collar workers with machines. Factory workers and manual laborers lost their jobs as companies focused on efficiency and profit. As a result, young people were encouraged to study information technology, software development, and other white-collar skills, which were seen as stable and secure careers. Today, however, artificial intelligence is starting to threaten those same professions. AI can now write code, analyze data, prepare reports, and carry out complex office tasks. Just as machines replaced physical labor in factories, AI is beginning to replace mental and technical work once done by highly educated professionals. White-collar workers, including IT specialists and software developers, now face similar risks to those experienced by blue-collar workers in the past. Most of the benefits from this change go to large technology companies and billionaire investors, which increases inequality. (144 words)

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Vocabulary 2
A. Disruption - Major change causing instability or difficulty. French: bouleversement
B. Resistance - Opposition to change or new policies. French: résistance
C. Labor unions - Organizations protecting workers’ rights and interests. French: syndicats
D. Regulations - Official rules controlling activities or behavior. French: réglementations
E. Basic income - Regular government payment to all citizens. French: revenu de base

Guide Questions
1. What does history teach us?
2. What does the speaker say about the Industrial Revolution?
3. How might people react to AI?
4. What does the speaker say about the future of workers?
5. What point does the speaker make at the end?

 

Brun Online Magazine · AI and White-Collar Job Loss Part 2

TRANSCRIPT 2

If history teaches us anything, it is that this kind of disruption does not happen without resistance. During the industrial revolution, workers created labor unions, and governments introduced regulations and social protection systems to defend their rights. A similar reaction could happen in response to AI, with stricter rules for technology companies, new worker movements, and policies such as universal basic income. The future of workers will depend not only on technology, but also on political and social decisions. AI can either increase inequality or be managed in a way that shares its benefits more fairly. The key question is not whether AI will change the world of work, but who will control its power and profits. (117 words)