British Culture

2-9-2014

British Culture (Brittain for learners of English + workbook) Why do you offend a Scot or an Irishman by calling him ‘English’ They are not a part of the U.K. and are offended if it is implied that they are. What does the U.K. and GB stand for, and how many nations are included? United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Northern-Ireland and Wales. Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales. Where is the famous Hadrian’s wall? On the border of Ireland/England. To keep the Scots out. Which nations flags sports a dragon? Wales Whose statues are outside the house of parliament? Churchill, Oliver Cromwell Which notorious English king had six wives Henry VIII What are the ingredients of a fry-up and at what time of the day is it eaten? Beans, fried eggs, black pudding, tomatoes, bacon and sausages. When is Boxing day? The day after Christmas eve. Why did an English Queen condemn bishops to be burned alive? Mary,(bloody Mary) was a very devoted Catholic. But some bishops didn’t want to turn Catholic so she just burned them. What is haggis? Sheep intestines What does the colour orange symbolize in Ireland? William of Orange, and the protestant church Who is the British Minister and which political party is he the head of? David CameronWhat is so special about public schools? Uniforms, lunches, actually private school, like a boarding school. Name three British newspapers: Guardian, Sun, Times

2-9-2014 What is happening in Scotland o 18th of September in Scotland? They get to vote Where is (London) Derry? Ireland. Where does the name ‘Oxford’ come from? Ox: an animal (Oss) Ford: where Ox crosses the water Where and what is the ‘Giant’s Causeway’? Arden in Ireland. Very beautiful cliffs.

Chapter 1: Country and people 1: Explain the difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom The UK exists out of four nations while GB has three 2: What is meant by Albion, Britannia, Caledonia, Cymru, Cambria, Eire, Erin and Hibernia? Albion: a word used by poets and songwriters for England or Scotland or the whole of Great Britain. (means white) Britannia: The name the Romans gave to their province in Southern Britain. Britannia is also the female embodiment of Britain holding a trident and always wearing a helmet. Caledonia: Roman name for Scotland Cymru: Wales Cambria: Roman name for Wales Eire: Ireland Erin: A poetic name for Ireland. Hibernia: Roman name for Irleand 3: What Celtic languages are spoken in the UK? Gaelic -> In Scotland Irish (Gaelic) Welsh Manx Cornish 4: Why is the British flag called the Union Jack? Jack -> Jacobus -> James -> Jacobus-> Jack. Was a king. Mention a few symbols of England, Scotland and Wales England: the Rose and Saint Scotland: St. Andrew and thistle Welsh: daffodil and leek..

2-9-2014

Chapter 2: History (up to 1603) 1: Mention three characteristics of Stonehedge. It exists out of Stones which came from Wales It was used by druids for rituals It can be used as an astrological clock 2:Explain the terms B.C. and A.D B.C.: Before Christ. The time era before Jesus Christ was born is meant by this. A.D.: Anno Domini. (Year of our Lord) The time era after Jesus Christ was born is meant by this. 3: Mention the four invaders of Britain. The Romans in 43 AD. -> Latin Anglo-Saxons -> Germanic Vikings -> Scandinavian the Normans -> French 4: Explain the term ‘Danelaw’ A historical name which was given to the part in England where the laws of the Danes held sway. 5: What where the consequences of the Norman invasion? They introduced their culture and way of life and used Celtic Aristocracy to govern them. There became a divide between Ireland/England/Scotland. 6: What is the name of the first document signed by the king to restrict his absolute power? Magna Carta. 7: Which parties fought in the Hundred Years’ War and what was the role of Jeanne d’Arc in this was? House of Plantagenet versus House of Valois. Jeanne d’Arc claimed she was spoken to by god and told that she was supposed to drive the English away. She lifted the spirits of many and because of her the French conquered some strongholds on the Loire. 8: Which two parties fought in the ‘War of the Roses’ and what where their symbols? House of Lancaster, House of York. The White Rose of House of York The Red Rose of house of Lancaster. 9: Who founded the Church of England and why? Henry the VIII. He wanted to divorce his first wife and marry a second one, Anne Boleyn because his first wife didn’t give him a son. The Church did not allow this, so Henry decided to start his own church(??) 10: Who was ‘Bloody Mary’ and why was she given this name? She was the Daughter of Henry VIII. She was called this because she was Catholic and she burned 300 bishops who were Protestants.

2-9-2014 11: What was so important about the reign of Elizabeth I? She never got married because she did not trust men. She put everything back to order like her father. It got Protestant again. Famous persons: explain who they are and why they became famous? Queen Boadicea: Fought against the Romans because they killed her husband and raped her daughters. King Arthur: Legend of stories Thomas Becket: BFF of King Henry II.