2. Answer the questions using the information from the text.

1. What is the official name of the British flag?

2. What does it symbolize?

3. What flags is the Union Flag made up of?

4. Why is not Welsh flag included in the Union flag?

5. What is the national anthem of the United Kingdom called?

3. Read the passage below and tell about the theories explaining the origin of the name ‘Union Jack’?

References:

*”‘Union Jack’ was officially acknowledged as an alternative name for the Union Flag by the Admiralty and Parliament in the early 20th century. The term 'jack' refers to the flag that is flown from the bowsprit of a ship, often denoting nationality.” ("Union Flag," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2005uk.encarta.msn.com © 1997-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.)

*The Union Flag is commonly known as the Union Jack, although the exact origin of the name is unclear. One explanation is that it gets its name from the "jack staff" of naval vessels from which the original Union Flag was flown. (www.number-10.gov.uk)

*Historian David Starkey said in the Channel 4 TV programme that the Union Flag is called 'Jack' because it is named after James l of Great Britain (Jacobus , Latin for James), who introduced the flag following his accession to the throne.

TIME TO WRITE

Write a passage about the Russian flag: what elements it comprises, its history etc. What are the other symbols of the Russian Federation?

TEST YOURSELF

Answer the questions of the “Union Jack Quiz” in Unit 14. Supplements.

Unit III. LANGUAGES OF BRITAIN

QUESTION TIME

The text you are about to read contains facts and information about the languages spoken in Britain, the history of English and modern usage of English. Discuss the following questions with your partner and share your ideas with the group:

• What language/languages is/are spoken in Britain?

• Why is English one of the most popular languages in the world?

• Why do you study English?

Text 1 time for reading

Read the text and answer the question: is there the only one way to speak English? Are there any other accents inside and outside the UK?

Do you speak english?

The main language spoken in Britain is English, although several other languages are spoken too.

Interesting facts:

• The English language developed from Anglo-Saxon* and is a Germanic* language. However, all the invading peoples, particularly the Norman* French, influenced the English language.

• Over 50 % of the English language is derived from Latin.

• English is the third most common "first" language (native speakers), with around 402 million people in 2002.

• Over 250 languages are spoken in London, making the capital the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

• More than 10% of primary children and 9% of secondary pupils do not have English as their first language.

What language do people speak in Britain?

In Britain, the main language is English (British English). It is not the same as American or Australian English. 'Hi mate' is not the correct and appreciated way to approach someone in the street. Neither is 'G'day', 'Howdy' or 'Hey Mister'. The formal British way to greet someone is 'Good morning, good afternoon or good evening' and, if you want to ask something, 'Excuse me, please'. Most people in Britain usually say' hello' or 'hi' when they greet someone.