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Wales

BASIC FACTS:

National flag of Wales

• The patron saint of Wales: St. David.

• St. David’s Day: March 1,the Welsh national day.

• The symbols of Wales: Daffodil and leek.

• The capital of Wales: Cardiff.

• The highest mountain in Wales: Snowdon.

• Wales is famous for male choirs.

• In 1282 – 1284 Edward I of England conquered Wales, and in 1536 Henry VIII officially united Wales with England.

Task 5. Read the text and make a quiz on Wales. While reading continue the table of task 2.

Wales is very different from the rest of Great Britain, and not only in a physical sense. This peninsula, which stretches out into the Irish Sea is a true nation which is proud of its language and which jealously guards its age-old traditions. The history of this region is rich with tales of medieval heroes, furious battles, foreign invasions and desperate attempts at defence. The Welsh consider themselves as the only true Britons because their presence in the territory dates back to prehistoric times, as several pre-historical ceremonial stones and tombs dotted about the country can testify. Despite its early annexation to England in 1284 and the signing of the Act of Union in 1536 during the reign of the Tudors (who were of Welsh origin), the people of Wales have maintained their own distinct culture, which dates back to the pre-Christian kingdom created by the Celts in Britain. The landscape of Wales also has its own natural beauty. Green hills accompany the course of the rivers Wye and Severn, while, in the northwest, we encounter a bare mountainous landscape with paths winding between rocky outcrops and breath-taking beautiful lakes in the Snowdonia area. In sharp contrast with this is the area of the Black Mountains, the most industrialized and densely populated area in Wales.

Welsh is a language built on past echoes, still alive in legends, in folk songs, and in ballads which are an integral part of Welsh social life. Music becomes a cultural expression when poets, dancers, and choir singers come together at festivals called “eisteddfod” – where traditional costumes can be admired and Welsh friendly hospitality enjoyed. The Jury, whose task it is to choose the best poets and singers, are dressed as Druids.

The people living in Wales as well as those living in Scotland and Ireland are descendants of ancient Celts. Some of the traditions going back to Celts are wishing wells where people throw money wishing health and happiness to themselves or to their family and friends. Another custom is for young men to make wooden love spoons and send them to their sweethearts. If the girl keeps the gift all is well if she returns it she does not love the young man. This tradition nowadays is largely a source of popular souvenirs.

The Welsh call their country Cymru [kamri]. There are some large standing stones in Wales resembling the Stonehenge.

There are three national parks (Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast), extensive areas of picturesque hill, lake and mountain country, fine sandy beaches and many historic towns and villages.

The colourful scenery is enhanced by ancient castles, the most famous of which are: Harlech castle that heroically held out against the Yorkists during the Wars of the Roses and Caernarvon castle where the first Prince of Wales was born.

The traditional division of Wales was into six counties: Glamorgan [gle’mo:gen], Dyfed [‘d^vid], Gwynedd, Clwyd[‘klu:id], Powys [‘pouis] and Gwent. Now those are subdivided into Unitary Authorities. The Unitary Authorities are so called because they combine in a single layer of local government the duties and responsibilities of the earlier County and Borough Councils. The object of the change, which formally took place on 1st April 1996, is to reduce duplication of duties (and costs) and improve the accessibility and accountability of local government to the residents of the area.

Wales - changes of 1996
Administration 1974-1996	CCC	Successor Unitary Authorities
Clwyd	CWD	Conwy (U) Denbighshire (U) Flintshire (U) Powys (U) Wrexham (U)
Dyfed	DFD	Cardiganshire (U) Carmarthenshire (U) Pembrokeshire (U)
Gwent	GNT	Blaenau Gwent (U) Caerphilly (U) Monmouthshire (U) Newport (U) Torfaen (U)
Gwynedd	GWN	Aberconwy and Colwyn (U) Anglesey (U) Gwynedd (U)
Mid Glamorgan	MGM	Bridgend (U) Caerphilly (U) Cardiff (U) Merthyr Tydfil (U) Rhondda Cynon Taff (U) Vale Of Glamorgan (U)
Powys	POW	Powys (U)
South Glamorgan	SGM	Cardiff (U) Vale Of Glamorgan (U)
West Glamorgan	WGM	Neath and Port Talbot (U) Swansea (U)

Glamorgan was subdivided into Mid.,South and West Glamorgan. The capital of Wales is Cardiff. Cardiff grew on the site of a Roman fort. Another large city in this county is Swansea, which developed around a Norman castle. The county Dyfed has many dairy farms. The main city of the county, Carmarthen, has an ancient Norman castle.Dyfed includes Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Corodigion.

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The most famous town of the historic county Gwynedd is Caernarvon [ka:’na:ven].

There is an ancient castle, which was built by King Edward I and where the first Prince of Wales was born. Gwynedd also includes the Isle of Anglesey and Conwy.

Clwyd’s main city is Ruthin. Ruthin has a mineral water industry. There is another old castle there. Clwyd is subdivided into Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.

Powys is a mountainous area and is largely a farming area. It is not subdivided into unitary districts.

Gwent, contrary to Powys, is an industrial area with a large port called Newport.

Task 6. Check yourself questions:

1). Name the island in the south of England, which was a favourite place of queen Victoria.

2) In which county is the Stonehenge situated?

3) What are the mountains in Scotland called?

4) Which is the largest lake in the Lake District?

5) In what county is Stratford-upon-Avon situated?

6) To which part of the UK should you go to see the so-called Giant's walk?

7) In what town is the Thames called the Isis?

8) In what town is King's College Chapel situated?

9) From which English port did Pilgrim Fathers go to America on "Mayflower"?

10) Which island is famous for a special breed of tailless cats?

11) Name the islands to the west of England.

12) What are the mountains in England stretching from north to south called?

13) Where do the ships from/to Bristol sail in?

14) What is a group of islands to the west of Scotland called?

15) In which part of the UK do people celebrate Hogmany?

16) What town in Scotland is connected with oil industry?

17) What castle in Wales is connected with the title "Prince of Wales", Caernarvon or Harlech?

18) How did the Romans call Scotland?

19) In what city did "The Guardian" newspaper originate?

20) What town is famous for its Roman baths?

21) What town in Scotland has the name of the Scottish patron saint?

22) In what town is the oldest English University situated?

23) What English town is associated with Robin Hood?

24) What is the name of the sea separating Ireland and Great Britain?

25) In which part of the UK kilt is the national dress?

26) In what county is Canterbury situated?

27) Which county did A. Conan Doyle choose as the setting for his famous story "The Hound of the Baskervilles"?

Task 7. Odd Man Out:

One in the list of four is different from the other three. Point out the odd word and explain why it is different.

1. a) Leeds 2. a) Norwich 3. a) Cumbrians

b) Liverpool b) Meresey b) Cambrians

c) Severn c) Don c) Pennines

d) Stafford d) Thames d) Inverness

4. a) Durham 5. a) Highlands 6. a) Avon

b) Firth of Forth b) Hebrides b) Tay

c) Firth of Clyde c) Orkneys c) Ouse

d) Bristol Channel d) Shetlands d) York

7. a) Brighton 8. a) Belfast

b) Nottingham b) Cardiff

c) Bournemouth c) Glasgow

d) Plymouth d) Edinburgh

9. a) Windsor 10. a) Tweed

b) Kent b) Tyne

c) Sussex c) Tay

d) Yorkshire d) Ipswich

Task 8. Group or individual projects. Do you think you could work out a tour of the United Kingdom. Use the Internet as well as the textbook. Choose one of the options:

1. Historical Britain.

2. Literary Britain.

3. Scenic Britain.

4. Industrial Britain.

5. Sportive Britain.

6. The land of festivals.

7. Ecclesiastic Britain.

Task 9. Match up the national symbols of Scotland on the left with the explanations on the right. In case of difficulties use the Longman Dictionary of Language and Culture.

1.Balmoral Castle	a) a Gothic style monument on Princes Street. It is 200 feet high pillar with a pointed tip lovingly called “a poem in stone” by the Scots
2.The Scott Memorial	b) a dish eaten exclusively in Scotland, made from the heart, liver and lungs of a sheep, all chopped up and mixed with beef or mutton suet and oatmeal, seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper and other spices and boiled inside the sheep’s stomach. Usually served with boiled turnips and mashed potatoes, known in Scotland as “neeps and tatties ”. The two occasions during the year when it is served are Hogmanay (Scottish New Year) and Burns Night (25th January, R. Burns’s birthday) where it is ceremonially brought in to the accompaniment of bagpipes.
3.Princes Street	c) One of the two royal homes in Scotland (Grampian region)
4. Haggis	d) A mile-long line of streets running down the gentle, polished slope of the rock from the Castle Esplanade to Hollyroodhouse.
5. Cock-a-leekie	e) a Scottish cap, usually woolen and using a tartan pattern, with a pompom in the centre, worn pulled down on one side. Essential article of Burns’s poem and the name of its hero.
6.Skirl	f) Unlike haggis, oatmeal eaten as either oat cakes or oatmeal porridge appears to be typical Scottish food throughout the history. “Cakes and kebbuck” (oat cakes and cheese) are now consumed in large quantities on Hogmanay and other days during the year.
7.Tam-o’-shanter	g) Tha g) The main Edinburgh street running downhill a mile long, with many shopssh shops, banks, and a few monuments on it, including a monument to W. Scott.
8.The Royal Mile	h) Chicken broth with vegetables, especially leeks. Traditional main course at Burns Night’s suppers.
9. Tins of oatcakes	i) A loud high sound produced by the bagpipers.
10. Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850-1894)	j) Scottish economist who established a school of thought in economics and is best known for his work The Wealth of Nations.
11. Watt, James (1736-1819)	k) Scottish writer whose books (Treasure Island, Kidnapped) are among the best-known adventure stories in English.
12. Adam Smith (1723-1790)	l) Scottish engineer and inventor, the Father of the Steam Engine.l; 12 - Herriot-Watt University in Edinburgh honours his name.
13. The Palace of Holyrood-house (or just Holyrood Palace)	m) A military parade with band music (pipes and massed drums), happens two times a day during the 3 – week Edinburgh International Festival on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
14. The Military Tattoo	n) A large elegant house in Edinburgh which is the British royal family’s official residence in Scotland.

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Task 10. General knowledge. Let’s see if you know London. Match up the names of London’s famous landmarks and their descriptions, filling in the gaps.

a. Tower Bridge g. Trafalgar Square l

b. St Paul’s Cathedral h. Windsor Castle

c. the Houses of Parliament i. Westminster Abbey

d. Buckingham Palace j. Big Ben

e. Tower of London k. Parliament Square m. Piccadilly Circus l. the City

1. London, the capital of the United Kingdom, today covers more than 620 square miles. It began around the famous “square mile” of ______ and the area known as Westminster, along the River Thames. The Romans, Saxons, Danes and Normans all settled there in turn, and over the centuries considerable building took place as the city grew both in size and importance.

2. One of the best-known landmarks of London is ___________. Rebuilt in 1840 on an 8-acre site of the former royal palace, the elaborately carved stone building in Gothic style contains 11 courtyards. ______________ was initially built in the 11th century by Edward the Confessor and consecrated by him in 1065, shortly before his death in 1116.

3. The clock tower, one of the tourist attractions in London, rises to 320 feet.

______ is the name of the bell ( 13.5 tons in weight ) which is struck each quarter hour. A light in the tower tells that the House of Commons is in session at night.

4 __________ contains a wealth of British history and this superb example of Early English Gothic architecture is the burial place of kings and queens, poets, politicians, eminent scientists and churchmen. It is the premier church of England not of cathedral status and since 1066 every sovereign except Edward V has been crowned here.

5. _____________ stands between the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey and contains statues of many famous people, including Abraham Lincoln, and many former prime ministers such as Benjamin Disraeli and Sir Robert Peel. There is also a fine statue of Sir Winston Churchill, which was unveiled in 1973.

6. Named to commemorate Nelson’s great naval victory over the French in 1805, ___________ is a great rendezvous for pigeons and political demonstrations. Nelson’s

column rises to nearly 185 feet and around its pedestal are bronze relieves depicting the Admiral’s victories. Its four corners are guarded by bronze lions created by Sir Edwin Landseer. The fountains, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, were added in 1928.

A huge fir-tree is set up in ___________ each Christmas. It is a traditional gift from the people of Norway in thanks for the hospitality to their Royal Family during the Second World War.

7. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­___________ is famous for its shops, theatres and nightlife, and the Eros Statue on a peninsula on the south side is a memorial, designed by Sir Alfred Gilbert to the Victorian reformer Lord Shaftesbury.

8. The most famous dome in London is that of ____________, the seat of the Bishop of London, which stands on the site of former Saxon and Norman churches. The latter was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the present building, of Portland stone, was completed in 1710. It is the greatest masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren.

The dome is the largest church dome in the world after St Peter’s in Rome. The Whispering Gallery runs around the inside of the dome and derives its name from the fact that words whispered against the wall on one side can be heard near the wall on the opposite side, 107 feet away in a straight line. The surface of the inner dome is decorated with paintings by Sir James Thornhill, depicting scenes in the life of St Paul. Among the many people buried in ___________ are Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren himself. _____________ was also the setting for the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981.

9. For nearly a thousand years history has been made in _______________. William the Conqueror began the White Tower in 1078 and further building went on until the nineteenth century.

_____________ has been put to many uses such as a royal residence, zoo, Royal Mint and, most recently, a museum to house the national collection of armour and the Crown Jewels. It has perhaps been best known as a prison. Heroes and traitors from centuries of British history have been incarcerated within its walls.

10. The most famous and distinctive bridge in London, _________ raises its twin 1,000 ton drawbridges to allow ships to pass up river. Built in 1894, when Victorian engineering reached its zenith, the bridge is 800 feet long. Between its twin Gothic towers are the drawbridges, which take 1 1/2 minutes to rise. All the original machinery for raising and lowering is still in place with just one concession to modern technology: electric motors now replace the steam engines.

11. London has been the home of the British royal family for many centuries. Although many former places have now been converted for other uses, some remain royal residences. ______________ is the most famous royal home in the world. Built in 1703, it was bought by George III sixty years later for the bargain price of 28,000 pounds. Its ‘backyard’ is a 40-acre expanse of lawns and lake. Outside _______________, at 11.30 most mornings in summer and on alternate days in winter, the Changing of the Guards takes place to the accompaniment of the Guard’s bands. The royal family occupies the north wing of ________________ and the Royal Standard is flown when the Queen is in residence.

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12. _______________, the largest inhabited castle in the world, has been a royal home for 900 years. It was one of the first sites chosen by William the Conqueror as a massive link in a chain of castles he wanted to build around London to protect his newly acquired kingdom. Building started in 1070 on an ideal chalk outcrop, which reared 100 feet above the Thames, giving a commanding view over the countryside for miles around. In size and plan, the original castle is identical to the present one.

Task 11. Use the blank map below and

1. Show the four parts of the UK and their capitals.

2. Show and name at least five rivers in the UK.

3. Show and name some islands.

4. Where are the mountains situated? What are they called?

5. Show and name at least five cities, not including the capitals.

6. Name the most colouful parts of the British countryside.

7. Name the seas and channels surrounding the British Isles.

Task 12. Self Assessment. Make a pack of twenty cards for the game ‘Guess a county’. On one side of a card write about the geographical position of a county and its most interesting features by memory. Then check it with the text. In the description do not name the county. On the other side of the card write the name of the county.

Unit2. Population of the UK

BASIC FACTS:

Task 1. Read and comment on the facts below.

• Population of the UK : 59,778,002 (July 2002 est.)

• The Ethnic structure of the population: English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8%

• The age structure: 0-14 years: 18.7% (male 5,732,385; female 5,443,900)
  15-64 years: 65.5% (male 19,803,478; female 19,381,734)
  65 years and over: 15.8% (male 3,931,463; female 5,485,042) (2002 est.)

• People in Britain are divided into those with Celtic ethnic roots (the Scots, the Irish, the Welsh),those with Anglo-Saxon ethnic roots (the English)and those with Asian and other ethnic roots (the immigrants).

• People in England are also divided geographically: the North – South divide goes from the Severn estuary across to the Humber. The North is largely industrial. The level of unemployment is higher in the North and the level of life is lower.

Task 2. Read the text and discuss it with a partner.

Migration

Traditionally, there is a net population loss from Britain due to migration to the rest of the world, but since 1983 this tendency has been reversed, and in 1987 there was a net gain of 2,000. Between 1983 and 1987 some 946,000 people left Britain to live abroad and about 1-1 million came from overseas to live in Britain, so that net immigration increased the population by about 152.OOO. Of the 210,000 departing residents in 1987, 28 per cent left for Australia, Canada or New Zealand, 10 per cent for other Commonwealth countries, 28 per cent for other European Community countries, 16 per cent for the United States and 6 per cent for the Middle East. Of the 212,000 new residents, 15 per cent came from Australia, Canada or New Zealand, 20 per cent from other Commonwealth countries and 26 per cent from other European Community countries. About half of those coming into Britain, and over half of those going abroad, are British citizens. Many immigrants successfully adjust to life in Britain and prosper. According to the Independent there are more than 300 Asian millionaires in Britain nowadays.

The English

The English nation was formed as a result of mixture of Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans. They are supposed to be very polite, reserved, indirect, though the most violent football fans in Europe are English. Since the English avoid expressing their opinion directly, many outsiders think them to be hypocritical. The English value traditions, time, freedom of choice and independence. They are sportive, fond of animals and nature, practical and inventive. They have a wonderful sense of humour and common sense. Most popular English names in 2000 were: Thomas, Joshua, Daniel, Matthew, Chloe, Emily, Megan, Lauren, Charlotte, Jessica, Hannah, Olivia.

The Welsh

The Welsh originated from Celts. They have a great respect for the elders, like children, but are less sentimental about pets than the English. Wales is famous for its traditions of hospitality and male choirs. The Welsh are more straightforward than the English, and are not afraid to make their opinion known. They are shrewd, though inconsistent and unreliable at times. The Welsh are stubborn and religious. Typical Welsh names are: Willam, David, Thomas. Common welsh surnames are: Morgan, Lloyd, Pugh, Jones. The nickname of the Welsh is Taffy (from David). Some world famous Welsh are: Laura Ashley (a designer), Anthony Hopkins (an actor), Tom Jones (a singer).

The Scots

Like the Welsh and the Irish the Scots originate from Celts. They share the northern virtues that combine individualism and community spirit. They are flamboyant and colourful people, but serious, sometimes gloomy; they are sober and wild; traditional and innovative; inhibited and emotional. The outsiders consider them stingy. Typical Scottish manes are: James, Sean. Mac… in the family name means ‘ son of’. The Scots have strong links with Russia. General Patrick Gordon, Peter the Great’s adviser, Prince Mikhail Barclay de Tolly, commander-in-chief in the Napoleonic wars were of Scottish origin. The great Russian poet Lermontov also had some Scottish blood in his veins.

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The Irish

The Irish are artistic even theatrical people, many of them have a special ‘Irish charm’. They are fond of singing and dancing like the Scots and the Welsh. The Irish Catholics of Northern Ireland are stoic, nationalistic, religious, vindictive people. At the same time they have a bright sense of humour. Typical Irish names are: Sean [shon], Seamus [sheimes], Liam [liem]. Many Irish surnames begin with O’… meaning ‘from the family of’ or with Fitz…, Mc.., Kil…, Gil… all meaning ‘son of’. Paddy is the nickname of the Irish (from Patrick).

The History and Structure of Immigration

People have been coming to settle in Britain for centuries from many parts of the world. Some came to avoid political or religious persecution, others to find a better way of life or an escape from poverty. The Irish have long made homes in Britain, The large communities from the West Indies and South Asian sub-continent date principally from the 1950s and 1960s. There are also sizeable groups of Americans, Australians, Chinese and various European communities such as Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Italians and Spaniards. People from Latin America, Indo-China and Sri Lanka have sought refuge in Britain. The latest Census (2002) showed that 74,ooo people living in Britain were born in Poland, 78,000 in Cyprus, 91,000 in Italy, 215,000 in Germany.

One reason of people’s immigration to Britain was escape from persecution. Thus, Jews came from Spain at the end of the 15^th century, and the Protestant Huguenots came from France in the 1680s, both persecuted by Roman Catholic regimes. In the 19^th century Italian political exiles fled to Britain. Many Jewish refugees started a new life in the country towards the end of the nineteenth century and in the 1930s. After 1945 large numbers of other European refugees settled in Britain. The most recent arrivals in Britain have not been from the Commonwealth, but from countries affected by wars. In the late 1980s refugees from Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea came to Britain. Then refugees from Yugoslavia and Romania came. The Commonwealth of Nations consists of the former British colonies. The British monarch is the Head of the Commonwealth.

Another reason of immigration was the British labour market that was short of working hands, especially for less attractive jobs. As a result in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s people from the Caribbean, Africa, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Cyprus all came to Britain to work. They concentrated in large cities that offered a lot of jobs.

Nationality Legislation

Until 1962 all Commonwealth citizens had the right of free entry and settlement in the UK. In 1962 Britain passed the Commonwealth Immigration Act, which meant that people from countries like Canada, Australia, India, Jamaica and the like could no longer enter Britain unless they had a job there. A new Act passed in 1968 said that only people, whose fathers or grandfathers were born in Britain, were allowed to live there.

The first race relations legislation was enacted in 1965. Legislation passed in 1968 widened the scope of the former. It also strengthened the criminal law on incitement to racial hatred. The third Race Relations Act of 1976 set up the Commission for Racial Equality. This legislation was further reinforced by the Public Order Act of 1986.

Nationality legislation is embodied in the British Nationality Act 1981, which came into force on 1 January 1983. Under this Act, citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies was replaced by three citizenships: British citizenship for people closely connected with Britain, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man; British Dependent Territories citizenship for people connected with the dependencies; and British Overseas citizenship for those citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who did not acquire either of the other citizenships. Most of the citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who had the right of abode in Britain when the Act came into force acquired British citizenship.

Politics for promoting equality of opportunity in a multiracial society in which all citizens receive equal respect are pursued against a background of legislation against discrimination. The Race Relation Act 1976 makes discrimination unlawful on grounds of colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin the provision of good facilities and services, in employment, training and related matters, in education, in housing and in advertising.

Culture

Immigrants have immensely contributed to British cultural life. There is a rich variety of ethnic cuisine in Britain, especially in large cities. Italian, Indian, Chinese restaurants are enjoying a great popularity. Immigrants publish their own newspapers, organize ethnic festivals. One of the most colourful events is Notting Hill Festival in London. This is an annual carnival in August, mostly involving Afro-Caribbeans. The carnival attracts a lot of tourists and just on-lookers by its rhythmical music and bright exotic costumes. Immigrants contribute a lot to modern literature in UK. Among famous immigrant authors is Kazuo Ishiguro who was born in Nagasaki and raised in the home counties. In the 40 years since leaving Japan, Ishiguro has returned only once, on a brief "author's tour" in 1989 after the Japanese publication of his third novel, the Booker prize-winning The Remains Of The Day. Another well known writer of Asian origin is Salman Rushdie. He was born in Bombay, India, then in 1968 received M.A. from King’s College in Cambridge,UK, was an actor in London, then in 1975 began his authorial career. In 1981-82 he received literary awards for his ‘Midnight’s Children.’ His ‘The Satanic Verses’ (1988) became a very controversial novel.

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