An introduction: THE 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 London Scotland (Republic of) Ireland Northern Ireland The UK London Cardiff Edinburgh Dublin Belfast

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. Flags England Scotland Northern Ireland Wales United Kingdom

2. Flags

3. National symbols leek shamrock red rose daffodil thistle

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 Conservative Party (PM: David Cameron) minimal government interference in economy high priority to national defence Labour Party stands for equality concerned to provide full social services 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 Telegraph The Guardian The Times The Sun The Daily Mirror The Daily Mail

8. Housing “An Englishman’s home is his castle.” Importance of ownership: Almost everybody in Britain dreams of living in his own (detached) house Importance of privacy

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

A semi-detached house (schakelwoning) 8. Housing A semi-detached house (schakelwoning)

A terraced house (rijtjeshuis/rijtjeswoning) 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 & drinks English breakfast with toast, fried egg, tomatoes, bacon, sausages and mushrooms Tea & scones with jam and cream Fish and chips with mashed peas