Welcome to BBC Xtra English!

In today's programme Doug and Louay talk about happiness.

Scientists at Edinburgh University have been studying identical twins and non-identical twins to see what influence genes have on happiness.

Identical twins have the same genes while non-identical twins are genetically different.


The scientists asked the twins questions to measure how satisfied they were with their lives.

The results were interesting. Identical twins were generally equally happy even when their lifestyles were very different.How can this be?

The scientists have linked certain personality traits with happiness. These include not worrying too much, being sociable and even being conscientious at work.

50% of these personality traits are inherited so the scientists think our genes might contribute to 50% of our general happiness and satisfaction with life.

What makes you happy? Tell us in English


.happiness
السعادة

identical twins
توأم متماثل تماماً في الشكل

non-identical twins
توأم بينهما إختلافات في ملامح الشكل

genes
جينات وراثية

genetically different
مختلفين جينياً

satisfied
راضياً

equally happy
سعداء بشكل متساوي - سعداء بشكل متماثل

lifestyles
أنماط الحياة -أساليب الحياة - الطرق التي يعيش بها الناس حياتهم

personality traits
مزايا - خواص شخصية

conscientious
واع - حي الضمير

inherited
ورث