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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 Hadrians 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 didnt 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 Cameron-
What is so special about public schools?
Uniforms, lunches, actually private school, like a boarding school.

Name three British newspapers:
Guardian, Sun, Times
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What is happening in Scotland o 18
th
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 Giants 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..
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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 dArc in this
was?
House of Plantagenet versus House of Valois.
Jeanne dArc 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 didnt 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.
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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.