Chapter2&10ThePeopleTheLanguage.doc

1、Chapter 2 the last is by the Normans. The modern Scots and Irish are the descendants of the Gaels of the Celtic tribes, while the Welsh are the descendants of the Britons of the Celtic tribes, who gave their name to the whole island of Britain. The three great Germanic tribes: the Angles, the Saxons

2、 and the Jutes which invaded Britain form the basic of the modern British People. Invaders ContributionsIberians ?Celts: GaelsBritonsScottish and Irish race and cultureWelsh race and cultureRomans Latin alphabet and civilizationAnglo-Saxons English race and languageDanes Some peculiarities of dialec

3、t in North and East EnglandNormans (French-speaking) Final unification of England. Great administrative progress. Foundation of aristocracy.Stage 2: After the Norman Conquest Who moved into Great Britain after the Norman Conquest?People, such as Dutch, Jews, Gypsies, Flemish (an ethnic group speakin

4、g Flemish and living in northern and western Belgium) later moved in after the last invasion by foreigners because of religious and political persecution, business, trade, and employment. From what time on, there was no more large immigration but emigration? And why?From 1700. Because North America

5、at that time became more competitive host countries to explore the new world.Stage 3: In the 20th Century Some groups still moved in but anti-immigration sentiment arose. The ethnic diversity is seen to have defined and added cultural value to the contemporary UK. British governments have sought to

6、seek fairness and justice for ethnic minorities with legislation and educational programs. However, inequality and discrimination do exist because of the differences in religion and race. III. Demographic Features The median age of the population rose. Family size decreased. Life expectancy is highe

7、r. The population is expected to continue growing slowly. It has an average population density of 243 persons per square kilometer, nine times as densely as the USA and 100 times as densely as Australia. England is densely populated, with a density of 383 persons per sq km. (China 130 persons per sq

8、 km but Eastern China more than 400 persons per sq km) The population is overwhelmingly urban.IV. The Language1. What is a language?Language is medium by which speakers communicate their thoughts and feelings.It is a tool by which people connect their business and government.It distinguishes humans

9、from other animals.2. What languages are spoken in Britain?English is the official language, but not all of the British people speak it. In Wales, many people speak Welsh (about one in four); in Scotland, about 80000 people in the Highlands possess their own Gaelic language. 3. What language family

10、does English belong to?Indo-European language family while Chinese belongs to Sino-Tibetan language family.4. How many periods is the evolution of English divided into? What are they?Three periods:Old English period (450-1150): The Anglo-Saxons language became the dominant language on the island. It

11、 has undergone such great change that one cannot read Old English without special study. Middle English period (1151-1500): Because of the Norman Conquest in 1066, French had a great influence on English. Modern English period (1501-now): The English spoken in London had been accepted as a standard

12、language in most parts of the country. The quality of the English language was greatly improved by extensive borrowing. The expansion of the British Empire helped facilitate the spread of English into many parts of the world. English became the native language or official language of many countries.

13、V. Class StructureThe UK is traditionally class conscious. Traditionally, its class system was divided into upper, middle and working classes. Upper class: a very small number of people (traditionally aristocratic group)Middle class (consisting of upper-middle class, middle class and lower middle cl

14、ass): constitute about 60% of the populationWorking class (skilled working class, semi-skilled and unskilled working class and those at the lowest): who compose about 40% of the populationSince the 1980s, arguments have been advanced that class is no longer of obvious significance, but class-based i

15、nequalities and class identity and awareness do exist. It is reported that 90% percent of the British still placed themselves in a particular class, 73% agreed that class was still an integral part of British society and 52% thought there were still sharp class divisions.VI. The Celebrities Politicians Scientists Stars in movies, music and television Stars in sports field