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