195. Although a strong pound and weak markets in Asia play a role in the downsizing, the layoffs in Stoke have their roots in earthshaking social shifts.
译文
尽管英镑的坚挺和亚洲市场的疲软对（这次陶瓷业）规模的减小有重要影响，但Stoke临时裁员的行为还是源于巨大的社会变化。
点睛
本句的主干是the layoffs have their roots。although引导让步状语从句。
downsizing本义为“缩小规模”，本句中意为“（公司）裁员”。如：
1) They're downsizing, and I got my walking papers last week. 公司裁员，我上周收到了解聘书。
2) Downsizing the work force is the better way to cut down the cost of production.
削减劳力是降低生产成本的更好方法。
layoff意为“临时解聘，裁员”。如：
Workers were re-employed after the layoff. 暂时解雇不久后，工人们又再度受聘。
shift意为“变化；移转”。如：
A sudden shift in the wind warned of the coming storm. 风向的突然转变预示着暴风雨即将来临。
考点归纳
play a role in意为“在……中起一定的作用；在……中扮演角色”，可以与play a part in替换。如：
Computers play an increasingly important role in our studies.（＝Computers play an increasingly important part in our studies.）在我们的学习中，电脑起着越来越重要的作用。
Mrs. Green always plays the leading role.（＝Mrs. Green always plays the leading part.）格林太太总是扮演主角。
