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MODERN REALIA OF THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

 

Through political methods, we provide non-confrontational presence in Kazakhstan and in the region of the world's leading political and economic powers. Today, Kazakhstan has a strategic partnership with Russia, the United States and China. Construction of a stable, predictable and constructive cooperation with these world powers in a permanent confrontation of different directions and contradictory interests in the region thanks to the authority of President Nursultan Nazarbayev and carefully thought-out foreign policy strategy. Thus, our diplomacy is strictly consistent with the economic potential and political opportunities in Kazakhstan. We have successfully solved the problem of providing a favorable external environment reforms in the country by establishing a stable and friendly relations, especially with neighboring states.Strategic achievements in this direction is the legal registration of the entire land border of Kazakhstan, which ended this year. This - the achievement of great importance, which opens up the possibility of a new quality of cooperation with our neighbors. Russia was, is and will be our key partner and ally. Our bilateral relations are characterized by scale, dynamic and high level of understanding. Between us was unique practice issues on a parity basis, in the interests of both countries.

MODERN REALIA OF THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

 

GEOGRAPHY OF THE UK

 

UK is an abbreviation of “the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” (which is the political name of the country). The country is made up of four constituent parts – England, Scotland, Wales (Cymru in Welsh) and Northern Ireland (sometimes known as Ulster)*.

1. Geographical position of the UK

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles – a large group of islands lying off the north-western coast of Europe and separated from the continent by the English Channel and the Strait of Dover in the south and the North Sea in the east.

The British Isles consist of two large islands – Great Britain and Ireland – separated by the Irish Sea, and a lot of small islands, the main of which are the Isle of Wight in the English Channel, Anglesea and the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, the Hebrides – a group of islands off the north-western coast of Scotland, and two groups of islands lying to the north of Scotland: the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands**.

The total area of the United Kingdom is 244 square kilometres.

2. State symbols of the UK

2.1. The flag of the UK

The flag of the United Kingdom, known as the Union Jack*** is made up of three crosses.

 

 

 

The upright red cross is the cross of St George, the patron saint of England.

 

 

 

The white diagonal cross (with the arms going into the corners) is the cross of St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

 

 

 

The red diagonal cross is the cross of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.



 

 

The national flag of Wales is a red dragon on a background of white and green. Wales is not represented in the Union Jack because when the first version of the flag appeared Wales was already united with England*, but the Welsh flag is in widespread usage throughout that country.

 

2.2. The Royal Coat of Arms is the official coat of arms of the British monarch.

The Coat of Arms depicts the shield supported by a crowned lion (on the left) and a unicorn (on the right).

The shield is quartered: the top left and the bottom right quarters depict the three lions passant guardant which is the symbol for England; the top right quarter – the rampant lion and double tressure fleury-counter-fleury for Scotland; the bottom left quarter – a harp for Ireland. Above the shield there is the crown – the symbol of the monarch. The crest above the crown is a lion statant guardant wearing the imperial crown.

The supporters of the shield – the crowned lion and the unicorn symbolize England and Scotland respectively. According to legend a free unicorn was considered a very dangerous beast; therefore the heraldic unicorn is chained

The coat features both the motto of English monarchs, Dieu et mon droit (God and my right), and the motto of the Order of the Garter, Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shamed be he who thinks ill of it) on a representation of the Garter behind the shield. The mottoes are old French and date back to the days when French was the court language.

The Queen has a separate version of her arms for use in Scotland, giving the Scottish elements pride of place.

The Coat of Arms depicts the shield supported by a crowned lion (on the right) symbolizing England and a crowned and chained unicorn (on the left) symbolizing Scotland. Between each supporter and the shield is a lance displaying the flag of their respective kingdom.

The shield is quartered: the top left and the bottom right quarters depict the lion rampant of Scotland; the top right – the three lions passant guardant of England; the bottom left – the harp of Ireland.

The crest atop the Crown of Scotland is a red lion, seated and forward facing, itself wearing the Crown of Scotland and holding the two remaining elements of the Honours of Scotland – namely the Sword of State and the Sceptre of Scotland. Above the crest appears the motto, which is an abbreviated form of the full motto: In My Defens God Me Defend.

The coat also features both the motto Nemo me impune lacessit (No-one wounds (touches) me with impunity) and, surrounding the shield, the collar of the Order of the Thistle.

2.3. The National Anthem of the United Kingdom is “God Save The King”. It was a patriotic song that dates back to the 18th century. The words and tunes are anonymous.

In September 1745 the “Young Pretender” to the British Throne, Prince Charles Edward Stuart, defeated the army of King George II at Prestonpans, near Edinburgh. When the news reached London the leader of the band at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, arranged “God Save the King” for performance after a play. It was a tremendous success and was repeated nightly. Other theatres later started to practice singing the song after a play.

Thus the custom of greeting monarchs with “God Save The King” as he or she entered a place of public entertainment was established. The words used today are those sung in 1745, substituting “Queen” for “King” where appropriate.

The words of the National Anthem are as follows:

God save our gracious Queen!
Long live our noble Queen!
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen.

Thy choicest gifts in store

On her be pleased to pour,

Long may she reign.

May she defend our laws,

And ever give us cause,

To sing with heart and voice,

God save the Queen.

On official occasions, only the first verse is usually sung.

3. The symbols of the UK’s four constituent parts


Date: 2015-01-02; view: 2731


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