英美文化15个话题

1.What different ethnic(民族的）groups are there in UK? Why are there so many? Where do they live? How are they different from the majority of people: language? Clothing? Music? What effect do different ethnic groups have on a country?

different ethnic groups：

（1）English people：The English are an ethnic group native to England, who speak the English language.

（2）Scottish people：an ethnic group native to Scotland

（3）Irish people：The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland.

（4）Welsh people

Why are there so many?

The late 3rd century, the Pits invaded Britain’s north of Hadrian’s Wall.

In the 6th century, the Scots settled in Pitish territory.

In the mid-5th century, a new wave of invaders Jutes, Saxons and Angles came to Britain.

From the end of the 8th century, Viking and Danish attacked England. With the development of industry and the process of Economic Globalization, Britain keeps receiving more and more citizens of the whole world, as a result of which, the peoples and culture in Britain will be increasingly colorful.

Where do they live?

England people live on the central and southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain, plus such offshore islands as the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly. Scotland people live on the mainland of Scotland which lies off the north-west coast of Continental Europe.Northern Ireland people live on the north-east of the island of Ireland,shares a border to the south and west with the Republic of Ireland.Wales people live on the Welsh Peninsula(威尔士半岛）.

Scottish Gaelic, the Celtic language historically restricted to most of the Highlands. About 80000 people still speak this old Celtic language, with most living on coastal islands and north-western Highlands

Scottish kilt :A knee-length garment with pleats（褶）at the rear（背面）, originating in the traditional dress of men and boys in the Scottish Highlands of the 16th century. It is most often made of woolen cloth in a tartan（花格）pattern.

Different ethnic groups have on a country can promote the exchange of different cultures,but it Easily lead to ethnic conflict.

1.How would you describe the traits(特点) of the people in Britain? Mainly from two aspects: (1) appearance & (2)character

(1)Appearance

ruddy complexion(红润的肤色)；white；plump(胖乎乎的、丰满的)；athletic(健壮的)；chiseled face(脸部轮廓分明)

(2)Character（& examples）

✓Conservative保守的(British still uses mile, instead of metric system 公制；still keeps the monarchy君主制)

✓Polite(It can be seen from their conversation. For example, “I don’t really like to ask you, but…”)

✓Aloof and quiet冷漠安静(In the morning subway, people just read their newspaper, seldom talk to each other.)

✓Humorous

✓Privacy and individualism注重隐私、个人主义(My home is my castle. The wind can come in, but the Kings and Queens and human beings can never come in without my permission.)

2.Do you think people all over the world are basically the same or

basically very different?

As a famous going says, “You can not find two leaves which are exactly the same in the world.” That is like you and me. Neither the same nor very different, people are similar in some ways and different to some extent.

For examples, everyone has a name. All names are symbols. And people all over the world wear clothes which are different, but it shares a same purpose, that is, to keep out of the cold or to be beautiful.

(More examples: food,house,transport,faith…)

3.How are the British people different from Chinese?

Aspects: appearance, body, (略)eating habits, traits