An introduction:THE BRITISH ISLESTHE BRITISH ISLES

1. The British Isles

Geographically speaking: two islands•Island 1 = Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)

•Island 2 = Ireland (The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)

1. The British Isles

Capital city•England•Wales•Scotland•(Republic of) Ireland•Northern Ireland•The UK

• London• Cardiff• Edinburgh• Dublin• Belfast• London

1. The British Isles

Politically speaking: two states•Republic of Ireland (= Eire)

•The United Kingdom (= The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

2. Flags

Union Jack

2. FlagsScotlandEngland

Northern Ireland

Wales

United Kingdom

2. Flags

3. National symbols

red rose

thistle

shamrock

daffodil

leek

4. Monarchy

4. Monarchy

Princess Diana (1997)

4. Monarchy

4. Monarchy

Royal family = the House of Windsor•Queen Elizabeth II•Prince of Wales (Charles): heir to the throne•Prince William: second in line to the throne•Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge•Prince Harry (William’s brother)•Prince George Alexander Louis: First Royal Baby•Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana: Second Royal Baby

Family tree:

http://images.gmanews.tv/interactive/houseofwindsor.swf

5. National anthem

6. Political parties

1. Conservative Party (PM: David Cameron)• minimal government interference in economy• high priority to national defence

2. Labour Party• stands for equality• concerned to provide full social services

3. Liberal Democratic Party• strongly in favour of the EU• more emphasis on the environment

7. The media

7. The media

7. The media

Quality papers Popular papers

= ‘broadsheets’ = ‘tabloids’

larger shape ? shape

for better educated readers much larger readership

more text more ?, larger headlines

more ? English easier English

politics, serious news scandal stories

The Daily TelegraphThe GuardianThe Times

The SunThe Daily MirrorThe Daily Mail

8. Housing

“An Englishman’s home is his castle.”

1.Importance of ownership:• Almost everybody in Britain dreams of

living in his own (detached) house

2.Importance of privacy

8. Housing

The most desirable home (but very expensive)= a detached house (vrijstaand huis)

8. Housing

A semi-detached house (schakelwoning)

8. Housing

A terraced house (rijtjeshuis/rijtjeswoning)

8. Housing

A flat (appartement)

9. Food & drinks

“On the continent people have good food; in England people have good table manners.”

•British food is said to have very little taste. Food and drink is given relatively little attention.

•The British are extremely open to the cuisine of other countries!

9. Food & drinks

When people eat what (meals):•Breakfast: cereal or English breakfast•Elevenses: cup of tea and some biscuits•Lunch: sandwiches•Afternoon tea: cup of tea and a snack•Supper: evening meal

(‘dinner’ is more formal, e.g. Christmas dinner)

9. Food & drinksTea & scones with jam and cream

English breakfast with toast, fried egg, tomatoes, bacon, sausages and mushrooms

Fish and chips with mashed peas