8. Make a plan of the text "Holidays in the usa". Retell the text using your plan. Part VI Anglosphere6

1. Read the text below and answer the question "What is anglosphere?"

The word Anglosphere describes a group of anglophone (English-speaking) nations which share historical, political, and cultural characteristics rooted in or attributed to the historical experience of the United Kingdom. The Anglosphere includes those former colonies and dominions of the UK where English is the main language.

About three hundred million people speak English as their mother tongue and hundreds of millions speak English as their second language.

Many centuries ago English was spoken in England only. Then English was brought to other lands in different parts of the world, lands which were British colonies. There were British colonies in America, Asia, Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand. The English language was first brought to the North American continent by English people in 1607.

Today the largest English-speaking country is the USA, the second largest is Canada. Many islands in the Caribbean, south of the United States, also speak English. On the other side of the world, Australia and New Zealand speak English as a native language. English is also spoken in India and South Africa, as well as in many other African countries.

2. Read and translate into Russian the following interview between historian and geographer, Professor Bloomfield and a journalist, who is asking different questions about history, culture, ways of life, etc. of English-speaking countries. Before reading the text, study the necessary words and word combinations.

Native Americans ultimately settlement unique cultural heritage to resemble current previous maple leaf spider genus

коренное население Америки в итоге поселенец уникальный культурное наследие иметь сходство современный предыдущий кленовый лист разновидность паука

Anglosphere factfile

JOURNALIST: Can we start with the USA where the most English-speakers live?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: Of course. I think it would be logically to do so.

JOURNALIST: What can you tell us about Native Americans?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: The story of a Native American – or an American Indian – is one that is unique, tragic and ultimately inspiring. It is unique because the Indians were the first settlements of the American continent and experienced every phase of its European settlement. It is tragic because the first contacts of the Indians and the whites resulted in great conflicts. It is inspiring because today Native Americans are people that are proud of their cultural heritage.

JOURNALIST: Could you describe the character of a modern American?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: I think nowadays American people are open-hearted, sociable, rather talkative, boastful, of course, they are very hard-working, especially those who live in big cities.

JOURNALIST: Is there any similarity between the character of the British and American people?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: I don't think so. They are absolutely different. The only thing that makes them resemble each other is their language.

JOURNALIST: As it is known the second largest English-speaking country is Canada. My next question is about this country. What is its capital?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: The capital of Canada is Ottawa.

JOURNALIST: What is the main symbol of Canada?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: The use of the maple leaf as a Canadian symbol dates back to the early 18th century, and is depicted on its current and previous flags, the penny, and on the coat of arms (or royal arms).

JOURNALIST: What is the most amazing in Canada?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: The Niagara Falls, one of the most splendid sights in the world. They are situated on the Niagara River.

JOURNALIST: Well. Now I want to ask you some questions about another country. This country is considered as the largest island and the smallest continent.

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: Oh, you are speaking about Australia. Such a beautiful country. But many years ago it was used as a colony for criminals and convicts.

JOURNALIST: Was it a British colony?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: Yes, it was. By the way, do you know the official name of Australia?

JOURNALIST: Not actually.

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: The Commonwealth of Australia.

JOURNALIST: Oh, I see. What are the symbols of Australia?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: The symbols of Australia are the kangaroo and the emu. They are depicted on Australia's coat of arms.

JOURNALIST: Is that true that the Alps are situated not only in Europe but also in Australia?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: Yes, in fact, Canberra, the capital of the Commonwealth of Australia, is situated at the foot of the Australian Alps.

JOURNALIST: And the last country we discuss today is New Zealand.

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: I am sure that if you ask people about its capital, only 15 or 20% will answer that it is Wellington.

JOURNALIST: Why so?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: Today people are not really interested in history or geography of the countries.

JOURNALIST: I can't agree with you.

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: If to speak about New Zealand I want to mention firstly its real name.

JOURNALIST: What's that?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: Aotearoa [aoֽtea'roa], of course.

JOURNALIST: What is it?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: Aotearoa is a Maori name of New Zealand. Aotearoa is actually a spider genus that exists only in New Zealand.

JOURNALIST: That's very interesting. And what is a national symbol of New Zealand?

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: The symbol of this country is a small flightless bird – kiwi. As to the flag of New Zealand, it is made up of a European woman holding a New Zealand flag and a Maori woman holding a Taiata (Maori weapon).

JOURNALIST: Thank you very much for such interesting facts about English-speaking countries.

PROFESSOR BLOOMFIELD: You are welcome.