established in London to serve as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information The Secretariat(Eh 1ic) is headed by the Commonwealth secretary general and is responsible for carrying out programs formulated during the various meetings. The ecretary general is elected by the Commonwealth heads of government from among the many Commonwealth diplomats and ministers. The Commonwealth Foundation provides financial and other support to professional assoc iations and non-government organizations, enabling these groups to travel to other Commonwealth countries to work together. The heads of Commonwealth governments meet to discuss common problems every two years at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings(CHOGM). In addition, ministers and experts in education, health, finance, science, law, womens issues, youth affairs, and various technical fields meet frequently to consult and act on Important issues IV. A Multiracial Society The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the political union of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is not a federation but a unitary state, and its inhabitants elect members to represent them in a parliament that meets in London. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, however, retain a degree of autonomy in running some of their own affairs The British people are mostly white people. But their forefathers were of different origins and came from different lands in Europe. When the British claim that theirs is a society of variety, they mean in part, the present-day British people are a mixture of ethnic groups Britain has a diverse population that includes people with connections to every continent of the world. The ethnic origins of this population have been complicated by immigration, intermarriage, and the constant relocation of people in this highly developed industrial and technological society Most British people attribute(认为…属于) their origins to the early invaders calling themselves english, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, or Ulsterites. The Ulsterites are an
11 established in London to serve as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information. The Secretariat (秘书处) is headed by the Commonwealth secretary general and is responsible for carrying out programs formulated during the various meetings. The secretary general is elected by the Commonwealth heads of government from among the many Commonwealth diplomats and ministers. The Commonwealth Foundation provides financial and other support to professional associations and non-government organizations, enabling these groups to travel to other Commonwealth countries to work together. The heads of Commonwealth governments meet to discuss common problems every two years at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM). In addition, ministers and experts in education, health, finance, science, law, women’s issues, youth affairs, and various technical fields meet frequently to consult and act on important issues. IV. A Multiracial Society The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the political union of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is not a federation but a unitary state, and its inhabitants elect members to represent them in a parliament that meets in London. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, however, retain a degree of autonomy in running some of their own affairs. The British people are mostly white people. But their forefathers were of different origins and came from different lands in Europe. When the British claim that theirs is a society of variety, they mean in part, the present-day British people are a mixture of ethnic groups. Britain has a diverse population that includes people with connections to every continent of the world. The ethnic origins of this population have been complicated by immigration, intermarriage, and the constant relocation of people in this highly developed industrial and technological society. Most British people attribute (认为…属于) their origins to the early invaders, calling themselves English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, or Ulsterites. The Ulsterites are an
ethnically controversial group-some claim they are Scottish and others identify themselves as Protestant Irish. The remaining share of the population are minorities who arrived, for the most part, in the decades following the end of World War Il in 1945 These minorities-Chinese. Asian Ind ians. Pakistanis. Africans and Caribbean people of African ancestry--came to Britain in substantial numbers after 1945 Immigration from the South Asian subcontinent(India and Pakistan) stabilized (13 RE)in the 1990s, but immigration from African countries continued to rise. By the late 1990s more than half of the people in these categories had been born in the United Kingdom. These newer ethnic groups tend to live in the more urban and industrial areas of England, especially in London, Birmingham, and Leeds. It is estimated that 60 percent of black Britons live in the London area, along with 41 percent of the Asian Indian population Irish immigration to Britain is unique. The Irish have migrated to Great Britain for centuries and continue to do so. If their descendants are included along with the 2. 4 percent counted as ethnic Irish liv ing in Great Britain today, they form a large component of the British population. Originally the Irish migrated to Britain to perform hard labor, such as build ing the railroads, but in recent years college graduates with high-tech skills are making up a higher percentage of Irish immigrants Some live in largely Irish communities and others are quickly and completely absorbed into mainstream society. All children born to Irish parents in Britain are called British. Any citizen of ireland who settles in Britain automatically has British citizenship The United Kingdom is generally a prosperous, well-educated, and tolerant society, and ethnic differences have sparked (2al)relatively little violence and hostility. Even so, black and Asian populations tend to cluster in certain urban neighborhoods. where economic and social disad vantages have become obvious There was significant rioting in the 1980s, which was attributed to several causes One factor was tension between the predominantly white police force and the poorest ethnic commun ities. another was competition between unskilled whites and unskilled
12 ethnically controversial group—some claim they are Scottish and others identify themselves as Protestant Irish. The remaining share of the population are minorities who arrived, for the most part, in the decades following the end of World War II in 1945. These minorities—Chinese, Asian Indians, Pakistanis, Africans, and Caribbean people of African ancestry—came to Britain in substantial numbers after 1945. Immigration from the South Asian subcontinent (India and Pakistan) stabilized (使安 定) in the 1990s, but immigration from African countries continued to rise. By the late 1990s more than half of the people in these categories had been born in the United Kingdom. These newer ethnic groups tend to live in the more urban and industrial areas of England, especially in London, Birmingham, and Leeds. It is estimated that 60 percent of black Britons live in the London area, along with 41 percent of the Asian Indian population. Irish immigration to Britain is unique. The Irish have migrated to Great Britain for centuries and continue to do so. If their descendants are included along with the 2.4 percent counted as ethnic Irish living in Great Britain today, they form a large component of the British population. Originally the Irish migrated to Britain to perform hard labor, such as building the railroads, but in recent years college graduates with high-tech skills are making up a higher percentage of Irish immigrants. Some live in largely Irish communities and others are quickly and completely absorbed into mainstream society. All children born to Irish parents in Britain are called British. Any citizen of Ireland who settles in Britain automatically has British citizenship. The United Kingdom is generally a prosperous, well-educated, and tolerant society, and ethnic differences have sparked (发动) relatively little violence and hostility. Even so, black and Asian populations tend to cluster in certain urban neighborhoods, where economic and social disadvantages have become obvious. There was significant rioting in the 1980s, which was attributed to several causes. One factor was tension between the predominantly white police force and the poorest ethnic communities. Another was competition between unskilled whites and unskilled
workers from ethnic minorities. Still another factor was the resentment by white middle-class businesspeople, particularly smaller shopkeepers, of the keen competition presented by Asians, who tend to work long hours and have support from family members and members of their own ethnic community in running their businesses Integration of these diverse ethnic groups into the workforce, as well as social ization into the broader society, including intermarriage, has been remarkably smooth. Percentages of employment for various ethnic minorities and whites are generally similar. Many individuals from ethnic minorities hold managerial and professional positions, and several sit in Parliament. Local and national government programs exist to seek fairness and justice for ethnic minorities. The Race relations Act of 1976 makes it illegal to d iscriminate against any person because of race, color, Ity, or origI So, "it is not possible to sum up the British people with a few simple phrases. (Read P3, from the first sentence) Yet, English society used to be rigidly stratified and status-conscious. Everyone was told to be deferential towards those who were superior to him in wealth, status and power. The line from a famous English poem"Yours is not why but how"was a reflection of the demand for deference. Deference was once considered as the basis of social stability and good manners. But a new demand is definitely on the risethe demand for equality V. A Significant Role of London The national cap ital of the country is London, situated on the river Thames near its mouth in the southeastern corner of England. The history of London can be traced back to the first century when the Romans invaded England. With a population of about 7 million, this vast metropolis is by far the largest city in Europe. In the 19th century it was the largest and most influential city in the world, the center of a large nd prosperous overseas empire. Although it no longer ranks among the world's most populous cities, London is still one of the worlds major financial and cultural
13 workers from ethnic minorities. Still another factor was the resentment by white middle-class businesspeople, particularly smaller shopkeepers, of the keen competition presented by Asians, who tend to work long hours and have support from family members and members of their own ethnic community in running their businesses. Integration of these diverse ethnic groups into the workforce, as well as socialization into the broader society, including intermarriage, has been remarkably smooth. Percentages of employment for various ethnic minorities and whites are generally similar. Many individuals from ethnic minorities hold managerial and professional positions, and several sit in Parliament. Local and national government programs exist to seek fairness and justice for ethnic minorities. The Race Relations Act of 1976 makes it illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, nationality, or origin. So, “it is not possible to sum up the British people with a few simple phrases.”(Read P3, from the first sentence) Yet, English society used to be rigidly stratified and status-conscious. Everyone was told to be deferential towards those who were superior to him in wealth, status and power. The line from a famous English poem “Yours is not why but how” was a reflection of the demand for deference. Deference was once considered as the basis of social stability and good manners. But a new demand is definitely on the rise—the demand for equality. V. A Significant Role of London The national capital of the country is London, situated on the River Thames near its mouth in the southeastern corner of England. The history of London can be traced back to the first century when the Romans invaded England. With a population of about 7 million, this vast metropolis is by far the largest city in Europe. In the 19th century it was the largest and most influential city in the world, the center of a large and prosperous overseas empire. Although it no longer ranks among the world’s most populous cities, London is still one of the world’s major financial and cultural
capitals l.The largest City in the Country corbis/Sandy StockwellCorbis/Sandy Stockwell puiA The Thames River is the most important river in England and the main source of London's water supply. In this picture the palace of Westminster is on the left, in front of Westminster Bridge. On the south bank of the river (on the right of the picture)are Lambeth Palace(the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury). London is divided into 33 political units-32 boroughs and the City of london At the core of this immense urban area is Central London most of central London is located north of the Thames. It contains about 12 of the 33 political units, including the City of London, the City of Westminster, and districts in the West End. The City of London is the traditional heart of the city and stands as its own political unit. The City of Westminster is the seat of the national government
14 capitals. 1.The Largest City in the Country The Thames River is the most important river in England and the main source of London’s water supply. In this picture, the Palace of Westminster is on the left, in front of Westminster Bridge. On the south bank of the river (on the right of the picture) are Lambeth Palace (the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury). London is divided into 33 political units—32 boroughs and the City of London. At the core of this immense urban area is Central London. Most of Central London is located north of the Thames. It contains about 12 of the 33 political units, including the City of London, the City of Westminster, and districts in the West End. The City of London is the traditional heart of the city and stands as its own political unit. The City of Westminster is the seat of the national government
LArcaid/ Richard Wait London from the air This view of London, taken from the air, shows the citys fina ncial district spread out around the River Thames. The Canary Wharf Tower in the London Docklands dominates both the sky line and the regeneration project around the old wharves. The City of Westminster, about two miles upstream from the City of London emerged as England's political and religious center of power after the 11th century. At the heart of Westminster is Westminster Abbey, begun by Edward the Confessor in the 1 1th century and rebuilt in the 13th century. It has always been closely associated with the monarchy and is used for such state occasions as coronations and royal funerals. It is also a giant mausoleum(Es), and more than 3000 notable people are buried there Virtually across the street are the Houses of Parliament, officially called the New Palace of Westminster. Farther west is the monarchs permanent residence in London, Buckingham Palace
15 London from the Air This view of London, taken from the air, shows the city’s financial district spread out around the River Thames. The Canary Wharf Tower in the London Docklands dominates both the skyline and the regeneration project around the old wharves. The City of Westminster, about two miles upstream from the City of London, emerged as England’s political and religious center of power after the 11th century. At the heart of Westminster is Westminster Abbey, begun by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th century. It has always been closely associated with the monarchy and is used for such state occasions as coronations and royal funerals. It is also a giant mausoleum (陵墓), and more than 3000 notable people are buried there. Virtually across the street are the Houses of Parliament, officially called the New Palace of Westminster. Farther west is the monarch’s permanent residence in London, Buckingham Palace