Notions: SPACES & EXCHANGES
Topic: "Is the United-Kingdom Really United?"
|
|
| ||||||
The Birth & Formation of the United-Kingdom.
|
|
| ||
Getting to know Each Other (texte étudié en classe en cours de LVA)
|
Télécharger le texte étudié en cours:
'Getting to Know Each Other', Auld Enemies, David Ross, 2012. |
| ||
|
Résumé du chapitre étudié:
In 1034, Scotland becomes a unified kingdom/realm. Indeed, before that, Scotland was made up of several little kingdoms independent from each other/one another. In 1034, Duncan 1st unifies Strathclyde Kingdom of which he has been the king since 1015, with the Scottish realm which he inherited from his grandfather |
|
|
Before 1066, the unification of the English kingdom is made with the arrival of the Anglo Saxons (Scandinavian tribes who settled in Southern/the South of England). The north, controlled by the Vikings, is later separated from the South with the Danelaw. In 1066, William the Conqueror unifies England and implements his laws and the French dialect of Normandy. In a way, it can be said that the British identity stems from the Norman Conquest.
Plus/Moreover/Furthermore, the border between England and Scotland was established near the Tweed River. It is interesting to point that it’s the narrowest region/part of Britain –it speaks volumes about the relationship between both countries/nations. This is very significant of the situation and it doesn’t foster the exchanges between the two nations. Moreover, the establishment of the border in this very place puts the stress/throws light on the superiority in size of the English territory in comparison to Scotland. As it is said in the text(quotation lines 9-11).England has always tried to absorb or conquer Scotland to make it a region or to isolate/ostracize it. (Quotation lines 19-20).
It is not until 1603 that the United Kingdom begins/starts to take shape. At that time, Queen Elizabeth 1st passes away without any heir. She was nicknamed the “virgin queen”; hence the state of Virginia in the US which was called after her. When Elizabeth 1st dies, King James of Scotland becomes James 1st of both England and Scotland. Here we have the unification of the crown of England and Scotland.
This being said, the two nations keep their own parliament and government. The Union Jack flag was first an idea initiated by James 1st but the Scottish people refused / dismissed it for they don’t want the Saint George cross to overlap the Saint Andrew one. They saw that as a sign of superiority from the English people. It’s not until 1707 that a political union between the two nations became official/took place. The Union Jack was born. At/during that time both parliament merged into one in Westminster in London.
Concerning/Regarding the concept of British identity, a sentence encapsulates the very complexity of this feeling (quotation lines 73-74). This means that the British identity has always been something difficult to define. It is an “official” term but – in truth – people feel either Scottish, Welsh, English or Irish. We may wonder if there is such thing as a British identity.
Plus/Moreover/Furthermore, the border between England and Scotland was established near the Tweed River. It is interesting to point that it’s the narrowest region/part of Britain –it speaks volumes about the relationship between both countries/nations. This is very significant of the situation and it doesn’t foster the exchanges between the two nations. Moreover, the establishment of the border in this very place puts the stress/throws light on the superiority in size of the English territory in comparison to Scotland. As it is said in the text(quotation lines 9-11).England has always tried to absorb or conquer Scotland to make it a region or to isolate/ostracize it. (Quotation lines 19-20).
It is not until 1603 that the United Kingdom begins/starts to take shape. At that time, Queen Elizabeth 1st passes away without any heir. She was nicknamed the “virgin queen”; hence the state of Virginia in the US which was called after her. When Elizabeth 1st dies, King James of Scotland becomes James 1st of both England and Scotland. Here we have the unification of the crown of England and Scotland.
This being said, the two nations keep their own parliament and government. The Union Jack flag was first an idea initiated by James 1st but the Scottish people refused / dismissed it for they don’t want the Saint George cross to overlap the Saint Andrew one. They saw that as a sign of superiority from the English people. It’s not until 1707 that a political union between the two nations became official/took place. The Union Jack was born. At/during that time both parliament merged into one in Westminster in London.
Concerning/Regarding the concept of British identity, a sentence encapsulates the very complexity of this feeling (quotation lines 73-74). This means that the British identity has always been something difficult to define. It is an “official” term but – in truth – people feel either Scottish, Welsh, English or Irish. We may wonder if there is such thing as a British identity.
Accents in The UK
Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning monarch.
|
|
Un mot sur la reine...
• C'est elle le symbol d'unité dans le Royaume-Uni. • The Queen represents Britain to the rest of the world. At times of national celebration or tragedy, The Queen publicly represents the nation's mood. • By means of regular visits through every part of the United Kingdom, The Queen is able to act as a focus for national unity and identity. Through her engagements and walkabouts, The Queen is able to meet people from every walk of life. |
|
Article du Los Angeles Times étudié en cours de LVA:
(cliquez pour télécharger) |
| ||
|
|
The Role of the British Monarch and Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Milesttone.
This article is an extract from the L.A Times which is an American newspaper. It’s worth mentioning it is American because of the way it is written. Indeed, the journalist details the role of the British sovereign. It was published on Sept. the 9th 2015 – the very date when she became the longest reigning monarch and overtook Queen Victoria.
She came to the throne and was crowned when she just turned 25 on Feb. 5th 1952 and when her dad, Georges VI, had just passed away. At 90; she’s (has) been reigning over the U.K for more than 63 years. To celebrate this royal milestone and record breaking, former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to her by delivering a speech in which he described her reign as a “Golden thread”. The meaning behind this expression is that she’s the link between the past, the present and the future. Actually, the role of the Monarch in Britain is to be a symbol of continuity through generations.
In practice the Monarch has no executive power but they are just a symbolic figurehead of the nation and they represent the people’s mood. Indeed, Queen Elizabeth has witnessed 12 Prime Ministers as well as 12 U.S president. It’s also worth saying she was the first Monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland after a bloody war which had created harsh and tensed relationships between both countries.
By the way, during this anniversary she was expected to give a rare public speech in Scotland which is a wink to her root, James 1st, the very first King of the U.K.
This article is an extract from the L.A Times which is an American newspaper. It’s worth mentioning it is American because of the way it is written. Indeed, the journalist details the role of the British sovereign. It was published on Sept. the 9th 2015 – the very date when she became the longest reigning monarch and overtook Queen Victoria.
She came to the throne and was crowned when she just turned 25 on Feb. 5th 1952 and when her dad, Georges VI, had just passed away. At 90; she’s (has) been reigning over the U.K for more than 63 years. To celebrate this royal milestone and record breaking, former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to her by delivering a speech in which he described her reign as a “Golden thread”. The meaning behind this expression is that she’s the link between the past, the present and the future. Actually, the role of the Monarch in Britain is to be a symbol of continuity through generations.
In practice the Monarch has no executive power but they are just a symbolic figurehead of the nation and they represent the people’s mood. Indeed, Queen Elizabeth has witnessed 12 Prime Ministers as well as 12 U.S president. It’s also worth saying she was the first Monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland after a bloody war which had created harsh and tensed relationships between both countries.
By the way, during this anniversary she was expected to give a rare public speech in Scotland which is a wink to her root, James 1st, the very first King of the U.K.
Scottish Independence and the 2014 Referendum.
|
Le référendum sur l'indépendance de l'Écosse s'est déroulé le jeudi 18 septembre 2014, conformément à l'accord d'Édimbourg signé le 15 octobre 2012 par le Premier ministre britannique David Cameron et le Premier ministre écossais Alex Salmond. La question posée aux Écossais était « Should Scotland be an independent country? », c'est-à-dire en français « L'Écosse devrait-elle être un pays indépendant ? ». À l'issue de la nuit de dépouillement, la victoire du « non » est annoncée le 19 septembre au matin. Si le vote avait été favorable, l'indépendance aurait été proclamée le 24 mars 20164, soit 413 ans jour pour jour après la mort d'Élisabeth Ire d'Angleterre et l'accession au trône d'Angleterre de Jacques VI, roi d'Écosse, qui scella alors l'Union des Couronnes d'Angleterre et d'Écosse. |
|
The English Education System Vs The Scottish Education System.
|
The first is Education. In Scotland, there are 4 levels:
-Nursery school, (kindergarten (US)) -Primary school, HIGH SCHOOL (lycée) -Lower secondary school, -Upper secondary school. The national final exam in Scotland is called “Highers”. If you want to go to university, you need the “Advanced highers”. In England, there are only 2 levels: -Primary school, -Secondary school. The national exam is the A-levels. When they take the exam they are 17 years old. Uniforms are compulsory in both Scotland and England. Universities are free in Scotland, except for English people and healthcare as well. In England, you must pay to attend universities, and it can cost more than £10,000 a year and for public universities. |
|
Brexit and Scotland's Wish to Hold a 2nd Independence Referendum. |
|
Télécharger l'article du New York Times étudié en cours de LVA:
|
| ||
What happened on the 12th, March 2017 ?
Nicola Sturgeon, who is the Scottish First Minister voiced her disagreement and discontent regarding Britain’s plan to leave the EU.
When would the next referendum be?The next referendum would be held in fall 2018 or the spring of 2019.
What is required for the referendum to take place?
They need both the approval of the Scottish parliament as well as the British Prime minister (T.May).
What happened in Sept.2014?
The first IndyRef took place and the result/outcome was a “no” vote.
What is Article 50? How long will it be?
Article 50 is the procedure that allows a member state to leave and withdraw from the Union. So T.May has triggered the procedure and withdrawal will take 2 years.
Nicola Sturgeon, who is the Scottish First Minister voiced her disagreement and discontent regarding Britain’s plan to leave the EU.
When would the next referendum be?The next referendum would be held in fall 2018 or the spring of 2019.
- What are the reasons given to justify another IndyRef? Because of Brexit since 62 percent of Scottish people voted to remain within the biggest single market.
- In Scotland people vote for either Labour or SNP MPs, whereas in England the trend is more in favor of Conservative leaders. It seems like there will be a conservative majority in the parliament until 2030 and beyond. Thus, Scottish people feel that they are useless and ruled by the English influence and leaders. In other words, they think that their voices are not heard.
What is required for the referendum to take place?
They need both the approval of the Scottish parliament as well as the British Prime minister (T.May).
What happened in Sept.2014?
The first IndyRef took place and the result/outcome was a “no” vote.
What is Article 50? How long will it be?
Article 50 is the procedure that allows a member state to leave and withdraw from the Union. So T.May has triggered the procedure and withdrawal will take 2 years.
What is 'Being British'?
|
Even if it’s a good example of open-mindedness, there are still other problems that people may encounter regarding some political parties and their agenda. A new party created by Nigel Faraj and called UKIP gathers more and more people and is a threat for democracy.
|
How British People see their Country and their Identity.
In this video, people are asked what being British is. British people have a big ego because they think that their union is a perfect one. They describe it as a mix of cultures that forms a melting pot, they describe it as united, working together and based on a collective identity. In the United Kingdom people have two types of identity: one for the nation they come from and the British one. Some of them define themselves as either Irish, Scottish or Welsh because they want to be independent and hate being seen as English. For Londoners Britain is London because it is what they think they are known for. However, most of the people don’t think that way. Although London is the capital of the UK and well-known for its landmarks such as Big Ben, London eye, Hyde Park, most of the people go on a walk in the countryside and live in the outskirts of big cities. They are fond of irony, understatements and keen on sarcasm. Indian culture had a big influence on British people and their cuisine. |
The 6 Nations Championship - 'United in Rivalry'
|
|
The document is an advert / commercial for the rugby competition called the Six Nations which takes place every year. The nations of the UK and both Italy and France play against each other.
At the beginning we can see supporters who repeat the same word “England!” They look like optimistic and they seem to support the English players. What is strange is that the supporters are all from different nations such as Irish people, Welsh people, and Scottish people except England. At the end we learn that it is a joke and they all want to see England loose. As shown in the video, they are “united in the rivalry”. In England the video was banned. We can say that England and the rest of the UK are the Best Enemies Forever. |
Document complémentaire
|
|
A girl brings her new boyfriend home to her dad. What could possibly go wrong...
In the clip, the father drinks Irn-Bru to keep his temper in check after his daughter’s new love interest shows off a World Cup 1966 shirt, and welcomes a bulldog draped in an England flag into the house - who then breaks wind on a Saltire rug. Read more: http://www.scotsman.com/news/odd/irn-bru-ad-faces-anti-english-watchdog-probe-1-2887221#ixzz3xmfFwvJ5 |