Домашнє завдання

Culture and Arts of Great Britain

10 Form. Attention!

Домашнє завдання з курсу на п'ятницю, 01.12.17: підготувати аналіз текстів про культуру Великої Британії: знати загальну інформацію.

Culture: Great Britain is generally known as the country of reserved people with good tastes, with a healthy conservatism in everything, including culture.

Great Britain is one of the culturally rich and diverse countries in the world. Its culture is well reflected in architectural sights, music, art. Many scholars state that British culture is determined mainly by traditions of England. Of course, there has been the impact of Scotland, Wales and Ireland to a lesser extent. Speaking about architecture, most English cities were formed during the Roman era, which is clearly seen in many ancient constructions. One of such sights is the Hadrian’s Wall on the border with Scotland. Other early styles seen in stone-based sights are the remains of Anglo-Saxon era. Whatever was built in the Middle Ages is mainly of Gothic style. In fact, English Gothic is one of the most beautiful flows. Its typical features are huge arched windows, complex stone carvings and even floral ornaments. Outstanding examples of this style include King’s College at Cambridge and Henry VII’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey.

Speaking of music, I should outline that folk and jazz motives have been always very popular in the UK. You can hear them in cabarets, clubs and music halls, on TV or radio and even in some pubs. London could fairly claim being the classical music capital of Europe with its five symphony orchestras and high standards of performance. Britain has never been known for its great classical performances, but it has been able to attract world best performers and composers like Johann Christian Bach. Most classical music performers know that the invitation to perform in the famous Albert Hall or Royal Festival Hall is the sign of the universal recognition. Over years, English musicians have had an enormous impact on popular music – much greater, strangely, than their influence on "serious” music. The Beatles appeared after none the less famous Cliff Richard, who mainly imitated the style of Elvis Presley. Their style – turbulent and concerned not only with a catchy motive, but with a deep contents, gave rise to a long row of bands like the Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and some others. Young people from other countries often learned the English language specially to be able to understand their songs.

Words:

reserved [rɪ'zə:vd] – стриманий

diverse [daɪ'və:s] – різний,

scholar ['skɔlə] – вчений

era ['ɪ(ə)rə] – ера, епоха

flow [fləʊ] – напрям

arched [ɔ:ʧt] – арковий

carving ['kɔ:vɪŋ] – різблення

motive ['məʊtɪv] – мотив

cabaret ['kæbəreɪ] – кабаре

fairly ['feəlɪ] – справедливо

claim [kleɪm] – вимога

universal [ju:nɪ'və:s(ə)l]– загальний

recognition[rekəg'nɪʃ(ə)n]–визнання

enormous [ɪ'nɔ:məs] – величезний

turbulent ['tə:bjʊlənt] – бурхливий

catchy ['kæʧɪ] – легкий

Perhaps, the most striking demonstration of the art in Britain is presented by annual festivals, held from ancient times. In Wales, for example, there is the Royal National Festival which involves painting, music and literature. And, certainly, theater life and dramatic art are rather developed since the times of Shakespeare.

Literature of Great Britain is also worth learning English specially to be able to read it. William Shakespeare’s tragedies "Hamlet”, "Othello”, "King Lear” and others, as well as his sonnets, have entered the world’s treasure-house of literature. The writers of the 19th century, Conan Doyle and Dickens have created personages whom many people believe to be real. Letters from different countries of the world still come to the address where Conan Doyle’s world-famous character, Sherlock Holmes lived. The world readership enjoys literary works by Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wild – the writers whose outstanding subtle humour and wit have never been surpassed. Biting satire by William Thackerey, sentimental, mild and romantic novels by Emily and Charlotte Bronté, humorous, sad and romantic stories by Steven Leacock, Hector Munro, Jerome K. Jerome, are only gaining popularity in the course of time and inspire film directors of different countries to make new screen versions of their books.

British museums is also something on the one hand specifically English, and integrated in the world culture, on the other hand. One of the examples is Madam Tussauds’ Wax Museum. The idea has been picked up and now the production of wax figures has become the world-wide industry. So in many ways British culture has become an indispensable part of world culture as well.

Culture… It has so many various meanings. But first of all, it stands for the way of life (food, type of relationships), traditions and customs of different groups of people. The most important traditions of Britain are always connected with a family and friends. Examples are many snack and meal times. They are mostly excuses to have family time/meals or a social chat time.

Words:

striking ['straɪkɪŋ] – вражаючий

annual ['ænjʊəl] – щорічний

involve [ɪn'vɔlv] – включати

personage ['pə:s(ə)nɪdʒ] – персонаж

readership ['ri:dəʃɪp]– коло читатчів

subtle ['setl] – тонкий

wit [wɪt] – розум

surpass [sə'pɔ:s] – перевершувати

gain [geɪn] – здобути

inspire [ɪn'spaɪə] – надихати

screen version [skri:n 'və:ʃən] – екранізація книги

integrate ['ɪntɪgreɪt] – інтегрувати

wax [wæks] – віск

indispensable [ɪndɪ'spensəb(ə)l] – незамінний

excuse [ɪk'skju:s] – привід, виправдання