Unit 3. London part 1

PRACTICE YOUR TRANSLATION SKILLS

Text 1

Read the article using a dictionary and say which of the sentences below gives the message of the text.

To manage London's brand image carefully means:

a) to preserve London's traditions, historic sites and ceremonies;

b) to enlarge the number of internationally recognised events;

c) to strengthen London's international character;

d) to integrate all the features of the city;

e) to develop modern forms of communication.

It is far from being a question of historic sites and ceremonials – important though these are. London is a 24-hour city with nightlife, clubs, restaurants and internationally known events. It plays the role of any great city throughout the ages – bringing together in one place a critical mass of economic, scientific, cultural and intellectual possibilities.

But a key question is how to unite these elements physically. What makes this possible is London's combination of tradition with its status as the world's most internationalised. Both are rooted in the city's unique history – for several centuries London was the world's major port. This made it possible to bring together "tradition", in the sense of a long uninterrupted history, and the greatest multicultural centre in the world.

Since London became the greatest melting pot in the world, diversity and the most modern forms of communications are integral to London's character. That creates the city's unique character and attraction. If London is to continue to develop its tourist industry, this requires an integrated approach in policing, transport, culture, and business.

In short, strengthening London as one of the world's greatest tourist centres is not going to lessen the attraction of the city for its inhabitants. What makes London a great place for tourists is not only its tradition, but that it is a modern, "lived-in" city.

Fill in the gaps in this summary of the text, using the words from the box.

 unite  integrated approach  attraction (2)  historic sites  key

The author thinks that tourism is one of London's 1)... industries. London's 2)... for tourists is not only its 3)… but the fact that it is a modern, "lived-in" city. At the moment a key question is how to 4)... these elements. For London to continue to develop its tourist industry will require an 5)... to all sides of life in the city. According to Ken Livingstone, strengthening London as one of the world's greatest tourist centres is not going to lessen the 6)... of the city for its inhabitants.

Text 2

Read the text using a dictionary if necessary and get ready to answer the questions.

LONDON

London is the capital of Great Britain. The full name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. London is an ancient city. It grew up around the first point where the Roman invaders found the Thames narrow enough to build a bridge. They found a small Celtic settlement then known as Londinium and by A. D. 300 they had turned it into a sizeable port and an important trading centre.

Over 8 million people live in London. The city dominates British life. It is the home of the nation's commerce and finance, the main centre of its legal system and the press. It has the largest university and the greatest possibilities for entertainment and for sport in the country. London is one of the most famous capital cities of the world, and every year it attracts crowds of visitors from home and abroad. They come to explore its historic buildings, to see its museums and galleries, its streets and parks, and its people.

London is a city of great contrasts. Its western part is the richest part of the town with its cosy mansions, beautiful avenues, shops, restaurants and hotels. The East End is the district inhabited by the poor. Quite an army of people live from hand to mouth in its slums and miserable houses lining dreary narrow streets. Industry is chiefly found in that part of the city, grey with soot and smoke.

The heart of London is the City – its commercial and business centre. Here is situated the Tower of London that comes first among the historic buildings of the city. St. Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of English churches, is situated not far from the Tower. Not far away, in Westminster, where most of the Government buildings are situated, is Westminster Abbey. Many English sovereigns, outstanding statesmen, painters and poets are buried here. Walking around London one can also see and admire Westminster Palace, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, the British Museum and many other places in the city.

Questions:

1. What is London?

2. When was London founded?

3. Who turned London into a sizeable port and an important trading centre?

4. Why is London one of the most famous capital cities of the world?

5. Is London a city of great contrasts?

6. What part of London is the richest one? Why?

7. What district is inhabited by the poor?

8. Where is industry chiefly found?

9. What is the heart of London?

10. Where is the Tower of London situated?

11. Where are outstanding statesmen, sovereigns, painters and poets buried?

Text 3

Translate the paragraphs and get ready to answer the questions after each part.