Geographical, Historical And Cultural Framework Of English Speaking Countries. Didactic Application Of Relevant Geographical, Historical And Cultural Aspects

SUBJECT 5: (1) Geographical, historical and cultural framework of English speaking countries.
(2) Didactic application of relevant geographical, historical and cultural aspects

0) Introduction
The LOE includes socio-cultural aspects in its syllabus because through their learning: students increase their interest, affection, tolerance and respect for the English-speakingcountries, learn about other ways of life and improve the use of the language. English has become a world language due to the political and economic progress made by English-speaking nations.



1. Geographical, historical and cultural framework of English speaking countries

1. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a unitary state consistingof four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Great Britain offers an outstanding influence in the international community, which can be observed in the language, culture and legal systems of many countries. This is partly due to the British Empire and its old colonies: USA, Canada, Australia and India. Let’s analyse some of its characteristics:




A) Geographya) The total area of the UK is approximately 245,000 square km. It lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is separated 35 kilometres from the northwest coast of France by the English Channel.

b) The physical geography of the UK is varied because it consists of lowland land with mountainous terrain. The main rivers are The Thames, the Severn (which is the longest andflows through Wales and England), The Trent and The Tay.

c) British weather is humid and cool. In the South is generally warmer than in the North. It usually rains all over year.

d) The total population is nearly 69 million people. Current population growth is due to: immigration, a rising birth rate and an increasing life expectancy.




B) History
We have tostudy its history in order to understand what actually this country is.

The history of the UK as a unified state begins with the political union between the kingdoms of England and Scotland in 1707. A century later, the Kingdom of Ireland was added to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; but what about before these 2 facts?

The history of the British Isles spansCeltic tribes, Roman invasion, invasion by the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th-6th C., invasions by the Vikings in the 9th C., through to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. With Norman control of England, there were no more military incursions, allowing developing political, administrative and cultural institutions. This was the beginning of the UK. Although now they are a united kingdom, some aspectsremain: Scottish and English laws; the Presbyterian Church of Scotland and the Anglican Church of England.

In the 18th – 19th C. Britain was the world's dominant colonial power, after the victory over France in the 7 Years War. A large number of Colonies belonged to Great Britain and gave many profits as well as the British culture and costumes expanded.

Britain and othercountries of Europe were threatened by France under Napoleon, but he didn’t succeed. The Victorian Era started for Britain, characterised by the British Industrial Revolution and the apex of the British Empire. The latter half of the Victorian Era decreased.

UK also took part in the 2 World Wars. That period was dominated by economic weakness, the 'Great Depression', and a huge unemployment.After the 2nd World War, the Labour Party won the General Elections and carried out left wing policies (creation of a National Health Service). In 1970 decolonization was finished. The last decades were satisfactory due to the modernization with the construction of the first motorways and a great cultural movement.




C) Culture
British culture is informed by the UK's history as...