Добавил:
ivanov666
Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз:
Предмет:
Файл:Практика английской речи = English Speech Practice 2-й курс
.pdf
UNIT 3
F
BELARUS
At the Crossroads of Europe
Belarus is a new state, sovereign now after many years of being subsumed within more
powerful neighbouring states. Geographically positioned in the centre of Europe, between
Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine, Belarus has at times been in union with or
a part of nearly each – the medieval Kievan Rus state, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, interwar Poland, and the Soviet
Union.
The Republic of Belarus came into existence at the end of 1991 as the independent
successor state of the B.S.S.R.
Because of several historical issues, the country's name has had a large number of
spelling variants in English over the years (Byelorussia, Belorussia, Bielarus, White Russia, etc.). Belarus (with the adjective Belarusian) is the preferred spelling now.
The name of the country goes back to the twelfth century and its origins have as many
explanations as its various spellings.
In 1999 Belarus had a population of 10,8 million; now the country shows some decrease in population, especially in rural areas. According to the census of 1999 Belarusians make up about three-quarters (82%). Russians form the second largest ethnic group.
Most of the remainder are Poles, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Jews, Tatars and Gypsies.
Belarusian and Russian are official languages. Russian is spoken in urban areas, and
Belarusian – in the countryside and among some of the intellectual elite in the cities.
Unfortunately, many ethnic Belarusians own comparative lack of concern for the Belarusian culture and language.
Nevertheless, a new sense of national identity and a revival of interest in Belarusian
culture are evident.
Although the Belarusians belong to the East Slavic ethnic group, there is a strong mixture of Baltic and Scandinavian elements in their racial, linguistic and cultural background.
Most Belarusians follow either the Belarusian Catholic religion or the Eastern Orthodox
faith.
Physical Geography
The landscape is mostly flat. The highest point, Dziarzhynskaya Mountain, is only 345
metres above sea level. Elevated areas occupy about one-third of the republic's territory.
Southern Belarus is made up of marshes, swamps and forests. The vast, forested swamps
(the largest in Europe) are called the Prypiats Marshes. (Palesse)
251
Belarus is a country of long rivers and numerous rivulets and streams and beautiful
lakes.
The major rivers are the Neman (Nioman), and the Western Dvina flowing into the Baltic Sea, and the Dnieper flowing into the Black Sea. Lake Narach, located in the picturesque pine-covered country, is the largest. Lake Svitsiaz is more famous for its marvellous
beauty and fascinating legends.
Forests cover 40 percent of the country's surface. The best known are the Belavezha
Forest (Pushcha) and the Naliboki Forest. The Belavezha Forest is the largest syrviving
area of primeval mixed forest in Europe. It has majestic old spruces and rare animals. The
reserve in Belavezha is the major home of the European bison (aurochs).
Belarus has a continental climate moderated by maritime influence from the Atlantic
Ocean. Average January temperatures range from – 4°C to – 8°C, but thaw days are frequent. Maximum temperatures in July are about +17°C to +19°C. Rainfall is moderate,
with its maximum from June to August.
Manufacturing and Agriculture
Belarus is known for its heavy-duty trucks and tractors. Its plants and factories manufacture computers, engineering equipment, metal-cutting tools, and such consumer goods
as bicycles, clocks and watches, motorcycles, refrigerators etc.
Belarusian forests yield many wood products.
The country's major crops include barley, flax, potatoes, rye and sugar beat. Farmers
raise cattle and pigs.
Priority areas in the cultural policies
• protecting the nation's historical heritage;
• supporting the unique character of the national culture;
• promoting amateur and professional arts;
• developing the national language;
• building healthy moral values, ideals and traditions;
• expanding cross-cultural links.
Welcome to Belarus
Belarus is a wonderful country of great past, a hospitable land of friendly people, a small
part of Europe, which boasts calm and lovely scenery of great natural beauty. The variety
and charm are created by rolling hills and green valleys, thick forests and picturesque
woods, golden fields and fragrant meadows, ribbon-like rivers and crystal-clear lakes. Here
you can admire the striking beauty of stone palaces, sacred temples, ancient towns and
belfries. Even though you can see only remnants of some castles and churches, many of
which are being restored now, you will feel the historical and cultural heritage of the land
where the past and the present exist side by side. All the sites bear witness to the heroic
past, they preserve the spirit of our ancestors.
Travelling about Belarus you will enjoy the discovery of the country in every season of
the year; this marvellous land is ready to award you with enchanting images in flowery
spring and sunny summer, in golden autumn and snowy winter. We invite you to explore
252
the country, and we wish you all the best in search of new spots. And each spot, believe
me, is distinctive, unique and attractive. The sights and smells will greet you each step of
the way on your journey through the country.
There are five major centres besides Minsk in Belarus. The first trip will take you to
Brest, the gateway to Western Europe.
Brest, a major point of entry to Belarus by rail from Poland, was the site of the Religious
Union of Brest (1569) and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918). In the post-World War II period the city was known mainly for its fortress, where Soviet soldiers resisted the German
Army in 1941. Take a walk about the fortress, linger near the cracked walls of the Citadel
and explore the museum, which contains more than 30000 exhibits.
One of the impressive sights of the area is the Kamianets (White) Tower, a 13
th
-century
fortress. Situated on a high hill near the river, it dominates the scenic countryside and offers you a visit to the local museum of flora and fauna.
A pleasant 20-minute drive will bring you to the Belavezha Forest which is the highlight
of most visits to Belarus. Located in the forest, Viskuli is known for the agreement to dissolve the U.S.S.R. in 1991. The three contracting republics (Belarus, Russia, Ukraine) recognized each other's sovereignty and agreed to form the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).
Another western city is Hrodna / Grodno. It is located in picturesque surroundings on
the glorious Nioman River. The one characteristic of the city that never fails to draw compliments from visitors is the number of ancient buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and
wonderful churches. Hrodna is one of the places that has retained much of its ancient
charm and individuality.
After 1392 Hrodna enjoyed the status of a second capital of the G.D.L. (Grand Duchy of
Lithuania).
A short walk along the steep bank of the river towards the famous Kalozha Church, a
rare specimen of old Russian and Byzantine architecture (12
th
century), will be a remarkable experience. The profile of Farny Church, the largest Catholic church in Western Belarus and a fine example of baroque architecture, is unmistakable.
Literary connections and associations are visible in many streets where you can see the
murals or visit the literary museums (Azheshka, Bahdanovich).
The centre of north-western Belarus is Vitsebsk, a port on the Western Dvina, now famous for its churches, its distinct style of painting and memories of Marc Chagall who was
born in its vicinity.
In 974 Vitsebsk played an important role as a main point on the route from Scandinavia
to Byzantium.
The Yakub Kolas Drama Theatre of Vitsebsk enjoys a deserved reputation for presenting the best of national and foreign playwrights on its stage and for participating in European festivals (Venice, Edinburgh).
For the diversity of cultural life Vitsebsk claims to be a rival of Minsk. It warmly invites
you to discover all the visitor's opportunities.
Further south is another river port, Mahilou / Mogilev. The Dnieper divides the city into
two parts.
Mahilou is also a crossways of railroads and serves as intermediary between Western
Europe and Russia.
The city preserves some significant historic sites, including churches (St.Nicola's
Church, 1669-1772), the House-Museum of the painter Bialynitski-Birulia and civic buildings.
Take a stroll along the scenic Dnieper River to feel the romantic atmosphere of the area.
253
Homiel / Gomel is an important railroad link, now one of the most industrialized centres
of Belarus. It is rich in cultural and educational life. Among its attractions we should first
mention the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul and the marvellous park which was laid out in
the 18
th
-19th centuries. It is worth a visit. Wander along its shady alleys, view the River
Sozh from the steep bank, linger near the palace to enjoy its classical beauty. Its fourtiered tower dominates the park and produces an unforgettable impression.
You'll find your journey to this city captivating, rewarding and memorable.
Smaller towns are of no less historical value. They offer the visitor a discriminating
choice of sightseeing attractions; they possess an array of historical wonders; they help to
trace the history of Belarus from ancient times to the present day.
Polatsk, the capital of the first Belarusian state (988) and the birthplace of Francisk
Skaryna and Euphrasyne Polatskaya, is the major source of pride. For taste of real beauty,
take a walk along the Western Dvina bank to St.Sophia's Cathedral, the sight of which is
truly impressive. It's one of the country's landmarks and a prime destination for many tourists. The cathedral was built in the 11
th
century as a symbol of power and prestige. Near at
hand is St. Euphrasyne Church, a place of worship and pilgrimage.
With its historical buildings, libraries and art galleries, as well as scenic surroundings,
Polatsk attracts more and more visitors with every coming year. Belarusians are justifiably
proud of this town and its heritage.
In the very centre of Belarus you can see two small towns – Niasvizh and Mir. They are
also worth a journey, as they hold the traces of the past, and the visitors can enjoy traditional Belarusian charm there.
Niasvizh is famous for its role in past centuries. First mentioned in 1223, it was the capital of the medieval duchy ruled by the family of Radzivil family who built a splendid palace.
For centuries the town was one of the richest in cultural treasures with a huge library, a
printing house historical archives, theatre, schools of ballet, churches, etc. The beauty of
the park is as hard to define as it is easy to enjoy. Do not miss the chance! The history and
the splendour will make your walk educational, inspirational and enjoyable.
Mir, a small settlement, founded in 1395 is renowned for its world-famous 16
th
-century
castle, now under reconstruction. This majestic structure is on the UNESCO list of the
world's architectural treasures. With the tranquillity of the countryside around, the castle is
breathtaking in its perfection.
The provincial town of Navahrudak was the first capital of the G.D.L. The town boasts
scores of interesting attractions, which include the Ruins of the Fortress, churches and the
Mickiewicz House-Museum.
Designed to dominate the hilly countryside, the Castle was one of the most powerful in
th
the 10
century. Later it was ruined by crusaders and invaders. But every June knights
from different countries get together on the hill to revive the glorious and romantic traditions
of the past. Join them for the annual gathering and you will feel that the charm and spirit of
history still hang in the air.
Adam Mickiewicz's early life is connected with this town and its surroundings, the
source of the poet's inspiration. The museum is one of the best in Belarus, it contains numerous exhibits illustrating various aspects of the poet's life.
An hour's ride west will take you to the ancient river-town of Slonim. A short walk along
the town's narrow streets will remind you of the famous theatre built by the statesman,
254
composer and poet Michal Ahinski. Within ten kilometres of Slonim rests the village of
Zhyrovichy, the place of pilgrimage for many Christians who come to see one of the main
objects of worship, the Icon of the Mother of God. Other sights include the 16
th
-century
monastery and the Theological Seminary of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. The charm of
ancient buildings and orchard-filled areas is truly unforgettable.
Are you tired of cities and towns? Do you need relaxation? Then do not miss a chance
of jumping into the soft waters of Lake Naroch or a chance of exploring the woods round
the blue sparkling Braslau Lakes. Many other lakes beckon you for swimming, dramatic
sunrises and romantic walks.
If your prime interest is sport, you can have a pleasure of watching water-skiing races
on Lake Ptsich, or, in wintertime, ski jumping and biathlon contests in Raubichy, an Olympic Complex in the hilly forested countryside. If you seek mystery, Lake Svitsiaz brings a
specific opportunity and pleasure to listen to fascinating legends and to capture the vibrant
colours of autumn woods nearby.
On your routes, short or long, you will see small villages dotted on the hills or scattered
on the riverbanks and outlying farms hidden in the woods. You will be surprised, if not
struck, to see a family of storks building their nests above the temples, towers and old
trees. The white stork is the symbol of Belarus, the Land Beneath White Wings (as
Uladzimir Karatkevich called it). And these wonderful wings symbolize life and a bright future.
All of this and more await you in Belarus. You are welcome!
Word Meaning
Ex 1 Find in the texts the equivalents to the following words or phrases:
возрождение сельская местность
возвышенные территории национальное самосознание
болотистые леса ель
зубр первобытный, доисторический
восходит к ________ столетию перепись населения
средневековый проследить историю
договор увлекательный
доминировать веха, ориентир
суверенитет цель путешествия
отличительные черты место поклонения и паломничества
разнообразие хранить следы прошлого
множество величие
значительный захватывающий дух своим совершенством
источник вдохновения
наследие
рыцарь башня, колокольня
справедливо гордиться предки
255
Word Use
Ex 2 Find in the text the adjectives that describe the following nouns. The first is
done for you. Some nouns have more than one attribute.
people heritage
images sights
experience countryside
architecture surroundings
hills streets
valleys charm
land bank
forests specimen
woods legends
fields colours
rivers sunrises
meadows walks
beauty traditions
temples gathering
towns structure
spot treasures
scenery destination
lakes
Ex 3 Do you know your homeland? Can you do this quiz? Try to match the places
with the sights or associations.
1. Viazynka
2. Strochytsy
3. Zaslaue
a) Tadeusz Kosciuszko's birthplace; Ruins of the Palace
b) Composers Moniuszko and Ravensky; linguist Leo Shcherba
c) Skansen village, open-air museum of old Belarusian rural
architecture
4. Kosava
5. Ruzhany
6. Turau
7. Ivanava
8. Cherven (district)
9. Smarhon (district)
d) Yanka Kupala's birthplace; House-Museum
e) The Museum of Popular Arts; Rahneda
f) Artist and composer Napaleon Orda (1807-1883)
g) Sapieha's residence; Ruins of the Palace
h) Centre of the Principality; birthplace of the first manuscript
i) Sporting centre
j) Church-fortress
10. Kreva
11. Staiki
12. Synkavichy
256
k) Ruins of the Castle, historic village
l) The Academy of Training Bears; writer Bahushevich; com-
poser Ahinsky
Class Communication
Ex 4 Act out a talk between a foreign student whose major interest is history and
ethnic studies and a Belarusian student The former wants to acquire some information about Belarus for his project.
Writing
Write a leaflet or a small brochure to attract foreign tourists to the part of Belarus
you know best.
Project Work
Work in teams of four or five.
A foreign travel agency has announced a tender for a tour of Belarus. Several Belarus-
ian travel agencies compete for the tender and present their tours.
Minsk is an unavoidable stopover for tourists on their way from Warsaw to Moscow. Vis-
itors are sure to discover more than they ever expected. The centres of government and
law, culture and education, business and finance are all here. Whether you are interested
in arts, shopping, architecture, history or sightseeing the capital is bound to offer enough to
fill up your days.
Today Minsk is the capital of a sovereign state, a cosmopolitan city, where people of different ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs reside, a city on the move. It sprawls over
vast distances along the Svisloch River in the rolling hills of central Belarus. It has gradually taken over its own satellite villages.
Minsk was first described in the Story of Bygone Years, an early chronicle, as a fortress
of the Polotsk Principality associated with a feudal battle on the Nemiga River in 1067.
The streets of Minsk tell the visitor their story of growth and change. Historically, the
Upper Town, a vast area of old Minsk with its centre in Cathedral Square, was the city's
most important section. The main construction took place in the 16
Hall, St Bernard monastery, St Basil convent, the 17
well as other public and residential buildings were put up there.
The city steadily increased in importance, first as a provincial centre, after the third partition of Poland in 1793, and later as an industrial centre, after the building of the MoscowWarsaw and Libava-Romny railways through Minsk. According to the census of 1897
Minsk, had 91, 500 inhabitants, which made it a sizeable town of the Russian Empire. In
1919 it became the capital of the newly proclaimed Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic.
In 1939 Minsk numbered 237, 000 inhabitants, but only about 50,000 in 1944. After the war
the population grew rapidly. About two million people reside in Minsk today.
Minsk
th
th
– 18th century Catholic Church, as
century. Later the City
257
Explore the streets and lanes of the old town and plunge into the atmosphere of bygone
days. Visit the old Troetskoye Predmestie (the Trinity Suburb), for instance. In the 1980's it
was reconstructed and modernized to make a single architectural ensemble. It is a quiet
and isolated neighbourhood where the old picture-postcard houses seem to whisper their
secrets across the cobbled way. The complex of curio shops and restaurants attracts visitors for respite either from a day of work or hectic sightseeing.
Minsk is a city that demands a great deal of walking. It is even possible to get away
from the crowds – turn off many a busy thoroughfare and you will find yourself in a park or
a leafy courtyard. Minsk is dotted with parks, including Gorki Park, Yanka Kupala Park,
Cheluskintsy Park, Victory Park, Alexandrovski Garden, the Central Botanical Gardens and
the water-and-park Svisloch reserve. They are playgrounds and tributes to nature. The
parks provide an escape from the city's maze of streets and buildings. The profile of concrete buildings softens against a horizon interspersed with lush green. Take some time to
enjoy them. Indulge yourself in just sitting back and watching people go by, and children
play. In the Botanical Gardens you can stroll from a rainforest to a formal French park, explore an alpine rock garden, or learn about plants of the Far East – all in one afternoon.
A well-planned city, Minsk has developed its own sense of architectural continuity, balancing the monolithic buildings of business with the living needs of its people. The presentday city is almost entirely of new construction; most of the principal buildings in the centre
are in the architectural style of the early Soviet period – the Government House, the building of the Central Party Committee, the Red Army Club, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the
Academy of Sciences and others.
The Holy Spirit Cathedral, the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Church of St. Mary
Magdalene, Maryinski Cathedral, the Church of St. Roch all survive as relics of the past. St
Symon and St Alena Church, or the "red church" was ordered to be built by a noble family
upon the premature death of their two children. The towers house three bells named for the
church founder, his father and his dead son: Edward, Michael and Simon.
The major Minsk theatres and museums were instrumental in turning the city into a cultural mecca of Belarus: the Belarus State Theatre of Opera and Ballet (or the Belarus Bolshoi), the Yanka Kupala National Drama Theatre, The Gorky Drama Theatre, the National Art
Gallery, the State Museum of History, the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, among others.
No other city in Belarus rivals the number of activities Minsk offers for sheer entertainment. A keen theatre-goer can choose from musical and drama venues. The active type
will find numerous sports facilities: soccer, tennis and ice-hockey grounds are built to welcome international events. Minsk City Festival is one of the events that make the capital
worth a visit. The parade, performances by professional and amateur musicians, folk dancing, the noise, the cheerful crowd, the kaleidoscope of colour and expression – everything contributes to its success. Minsk's dwellers and visitors alike revel in its many surprises.
Minsk’s charm is not easy to describe. How can one define its essence when its two million inhabitants and numerous visitors will give you as many answers? When snow blankets the city, when flowers redolent of spring-time scent the air, when summer dawn sheds
a rosy light on the numerous streams and creeks, when the autumn haze lends the city a
mysterious air – the city never fails to impress the visitor. At work or at play, the inhabitants
ultimately do create the city's character, but its physical presence – bustling streets, concrete texture, park oases, the skyline over the Svisloch – sets the pace for the citydwellers.
(Contributed by M. Bendetskaya)
258
Word Meaning
Ex. 6 Match the definitions with the words from the right column.
1. a short stay somewhere between parts of a
a) cosmopolitan
journey
2. an old object or custom that reminds peo-
b) tribute
ple of the past
3. a place which consists of people from
c) ensemble
many different parts of the world
4. something that you say, do, or give in order
d) stopover
to express your respect or admiration
5. an official process of counting a country's
e) census
population
6. A set of things that go together to form a
f) relic
whole.
Word use
Ex.7 Insert prepositions if necessary.
− battle __________ the Nemiga River
− according __________ the census
− bring the city back __________ life
− increased __________ importance
− plunge __________ the atmosphere __________ the bygone days
− indulge yourself __________ just plain sitting back
− tribute __________ nature
− contribute __________ the success
Ex. 8 Find in the text the nouns that are described by the following adjectives:
unavoidable residential
architectural bygone
religious isolated
provincial bustling
cosmopolitan feudal
sizeable vast
rolling
ethnic
259
Impressions of Minsk
We asked some British students who were taking a course of Russian in Minsk
to share their impressions of the city. Here is what they wrote:
Minsk is a very beautiful city. It is extremely clean and well maintained. The parks in the
city are a wonderful haven of serenity in a very busy city. The numerous opportunities a visitor or
resident has to sit in a park and enjoy some ice cream are well appreciated. The parks are beautiful and are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the city and the people.
The people of Minsk are very hospitable and friendly. They are extremely helpful to those
who do not speak Russian. Somehow communication takes place and both parties are happy.
Everyone has been extremely helpful and friendly, and this is much appreciated. It leaves me
with very fond memories of the city.
Finally, the transportation system is terrific. It is very reliable and efficient. We have had no
difficulties at all transporting ourselves around the city. The frequency of the trams, buses and
metro were amazing.
Overall, it is a wonderful city.
Mairead MacLure
My month long visit to Minsk has been an unforgettable experience. I will always remember how warm and friendly the people were and how helpful they were when I was in need.
I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the market most of all; negotiating for groceries and plastic
bags to carry them in. The public transportation system is fabulous and got me wherever I
needed to go quickly and efficiently, although sometimes a bit squashed. One day, I hope to be
back in the capital of White Russia.
Tara Landes
Well, my first impressions were that Minsk was a very large city, full of people, buses, trains
and kiosks. My home is in a small town in the south of England and I wondered how I would
manage living in such a big city. However, after visiting Moscow my opinion of Minsk changed.
Moscow was much bigger, noisier and more impersonal than Minsk and I realized that Minsk is
not too big after all! Moving into the student hostel on Varvashenya Street was another “firsttime” experience. The room I was given needed a lot of repair to it, and I had to live at a friend’s
flat until the room was habitable. Living in the hostel was both good and not so good. The best
thing is that it is an ideal place to meet students – both Belarusian and students from different
260
Соседние файлы в предмете [НЕСОРТИРОВАННОЕ]