MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA.

APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

5. GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORIC AND CULTURAL FRAMEWORK OF ENGLISH-

SPEAKING COUNTRIES. DIDACTIC APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORIC
AND CULTURAL ASPECTS
0. INTRODUCTION
1. GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORIC AND CULTURAL FRAMEWORK OF THE ENGLISH-
SPEAKING COUNTRIES
1.1. THE UNITED KINGDOM
1.2. THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
1.3. THE UNITED STATES
1.4. THE BRITISH EMPIRE
1.5. CANADA
1.6. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
1.7. THE COMMONWEALTH
2. DIDACTIC APPLICATION OF RELEVANT GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORIC AND
CULTURAL ASPECTS
2.1. GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS
2.2. HISTORICAL ASPECTS
2.3. CULTURAL ASPECTS
3. CONCLUSION
-BIBLIOGRAPHY-
MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA. APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

1. INTRODUCTION
English language has become the main vehicle of international communication as it is
one of the most widespread language on earth.
However, learning a language involves teaching and learning a language. Any language
is supported by a sociocultural background. For this reason, sociolinguistic and
sociocultural aspects are part of the Canary cv in F.L.T. Nowadays, our pupils are
introduced to some relevant English-speaking countries.
We will draw a geographic, historic, and cultural outline of the most important English-
speaking countries.
Next, we will see the treatment of sociocultural aspects in P.E. We will study the
importance of sociocultural competence to the acquisition of communication.
The legislative framework that we have as reference for addressing this issue is the
current lae and the Decree 89/2014, of 1st August, by which the minimum teaching are
established for the stage of P.E.
Also, the Royal Decree 126/2014, of 28th February, in its article 7, establishes a set of
14 objectives which must be applied and achieved across the spectrum of all the curricular
subjects. As regards the English subject, the main objective corresponds to the following
one: ‘to acquiere, in at least one foreign language, skills to enable them to express and
understand simple messages and functions in everyday situations’.
It is of utmost importance that our teaching should be focused on this stage objective
and therefore, all elements in the established cv will contribute to its full development.
2. GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORIC AND CULTURAL FRAMEWORK OF THE
ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES
English has spread all over the world. Currently, English is spoken and understood in
the whole world. In fact, it is the most spoken language after Chinese, and it is the
international language of commerce, science and research.
Now, we are going to talk about the general characteristics of the English-speaking
countries:
2.1. THE UNITED KINGDOM
It is made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The capital in England is London and the currency is the sterling pound.
It is a constitutional monarchy, with two houses: House of Lords and House of
Commons.ACTUALIZAR The chief of state is the sovereign Queen Elizabeth II, and
the head of government is the Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He is a hard-line Brexit
supporter. The UK was expected to leave the EU by October, the 31 st, 2019, but the UK
parliament voted to force the government to seek an extension to the deadline and also
delayed a vote on the new deal.
Its geographical situation has marked its history, characterized by its independence
to the continent. Nowadays this distance has disappeared after the building of the
channel tunnel.
MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA. APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

English is the major language throughout the U.K. although in Wales, some people
speak Welsh as their sole language and in Scotland, Gaelic. The majority of the
population belong to the Church of England (Anglican). Industry has always been the
main economic source, here the industrial revolution took place. Commerce has also
been the basic for their prosperity. The UK dominated the maritime routes. The British
monarchy was founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror, it has been a system, with a
small break of ten years corresponding to the republican government imposed by Oliver
Cromwell.
At the present moment, the monarch is Elisabeth II; she is also the head of the
Anglican Church.
The principal river is the Thames.The highest point in UK is Ben Nevis (1343) in
Scotland.
The capital of Wales is Cardiff, located in the western fringe of the island. Wales is
characterized by its green valleys full of sheep. Wales eas joined politically,
administratively and economically with England since the Act of Union (1536).
Scotland, located in the northern part of the Island joined later to England. In fact,
Scottish men have been always fighting for its independence. At present, Scotland with
its Capital city, Edinburgh, owns a separate administration and preserves legal and
educational system different to the U.K. Scotland possesses a cultural identity which
trires to preserve.
Historically speaking, we can say that the early inhabitants of Britain were Celtic
people. Rome extended its empiere over the Island in the I century. In the V century
Nordic tribes of Angles, Saxons and Jutes invaded Britain leaving its language.
In the late IX century, Alfred the Great, ruler of Wessex united England to repel a
Danish invasion. In 1066, William of Normandy conquered England and became
William I.
Three main sovereigns must be in the history of Britain:
Henry VIII in the XVI century established the Church of England;
Elizabeth I in the middle of the XVI and XVII centuries challenged Spanish
supremacy of high seas and in the New World;
During the reign of Queen Victoria in the XIX c. Britain colonial expansion
reaches its zenith.
During the XX c. the U.K. entered World War I allied with France and Russia in
1914 and entered World War II in 1939 against Italy, Germany, and Japan. Following
the war, the Irish Republic obtained its independence.
Culturally speaking, the U.K. has been immersed into the European culture. The
most remarkable events in our century have been the pop revolution with the Beatles
and the hippie movement.
As regards Education, we may differentiate 2 kind of schools: state and private.
Private schools have kept academic and social prestige over the years.
British festivals.
MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA. APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

From Scotland to Cornwall, Britain is full of customs and traditions, some of which
are famous all over the world. Here are some British festivals:

 February: St Valentine's Day. St Valentine's Day is on February 14 th• He is the patron

saint of people in love. People send cards and presents to their husbands, wives, boyfriends and
girlfriends.

 October: Halloween. October 31st is Halloween night. Halloween is the old word for
"Hallow evening", the night before "All Saints' Day". According to tradition, ghosts and witches
were set free on that night. People were afraid of them and stayed at home.

 November: Guy Fawkes' Day. November 5th is Guy Fawkes' Day in Britain. Guy Fawkes
tried to kill King James 1 on this day. He put a bomb under the Houses of Parliament in
London. The King's men discovered his plan, took Guy Fawkes to the Tower of London and
cut his head off. Today people build bonfires in their gardens, make a "guy" with straw and
put it on top of each bonfire.

 December: Christmas and the New Year.

The tradition of Christmas cards began in Britain in the 19th century.
British way of life.
• Food and drink:
- The English breakfast.
- Pancakes.
- Roast beef and
- Yorkshire pudding. This is a traditional Sunday lunch from Yorkshire, now popular all
over Britain.
- Fish and chips. The original British fastfood.
- Tea. Tea is the favourite drink of the British.

 Pubs.
The word "pub" comes from "public house". People meet in pubs to talk, eat and
drink.
2.2. THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
This nation occupies the largest part of an island situated west of Great Britain. The
national language is Irish, but the official one is English. The major religion is
Catholicism. Its capital is Dublin. Currency is Irish pound.
The most important river in the country is River Shannon. Due to its continuous
precipitations, Ireland has varied vegetation, from conifers and mixed forest to vast
plains, farmlands and extensive grass formations.
Ireland is a unitary multiparty republic, with two houses: Senate and the House of
Representatives. The Chief of State is the president and the Head of Government is the
prime minister. Ireland belongs to the European Community. Ireland obtains the
independence from Great Britain in 1921.
MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA. APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

The Irish economy is based on the agriculture. Its history is marked by two major
events: The first one was the different invasions that the country had to suffer. And the
second was due to the last invasion, the British dominance. This situation continued
until the rise of nationalism fight provoked the partition of the country, which, with the
signature of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, was divided into the Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland, a region under UK’s control. Both the Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland are part of the European Economic Community since 1973.
Ireland has provided many important artists and works to popular culture. Despite
the Gaelic inheritance, Iris literature and drama main works are written in English.
These genres have thir main exponents in writers such as James Joyce or Jonathan
Swift.
2.3. THE UNITED STATES
The United States of America is one of the most powerful and important countries
in the world in many aspects. The USA is a federal republic formed by 50 states. They
have two legislatives houses: senate and the house of representative. The head of state
and government is the president, (…) Its capital is Washington. The fist river is
Mississippi river. The currency is American dollar.
It is a nation of groups, where the minorities try to get equal rights and
opportunities. The language is English, but there are minorities such as Spanish or
Asians, trying to keep alive their language.
It is a very rich country, with important metallic and energy sources. The USA
obtains the independence from Great Britain in 1776. From more than half a century
ago the USA is the 1st world power.
The USA has also been the cradle of several important music styles. It has brought
us genres such as jazz, blues, country and hip hop. Most of today’s most important
mainstream singers are also American, and its pop songs and performers are at the top
of the hit parade worldwide.
The U.S.A. has become a major exporter of influences in the 20 th century. In many
areas of life, American popular taste and attitudes have conquered the world. This
influence can be seen in many aspects:

 Entertainment: cinema, music (rock and roll, blues, jazz…)

 Habits: fast food, supermarkets…

 Cities: Skyscrapers (origins in Chicago 1880s)

American holidays.
Most American festivals are Anglo-Saxon, although they are commemorated in a
distinctly American way: St Valentine's, Easter, Halloween, Christmas…
However, there are two holidays which are typically American:

 July 4th. American Independence

 Thanksgiving Day.
MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA. APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

2.4. THE BRITISH EMPIRE

The Victorian era (1837-1901) was a period of prestige for Great Britain. In the 16 th
century Great Britain developed its commercial capacity, by conquering every strategic
point along the mercantile routes. During the 18th and 19th centuries, they became a great
empire.
All these territories were controlled by generators who imposed their language, their
culture and laws. Most of these territories were colonies for the exploitation, which
originated the British richness and splendour.
The different territories got their independence.
2.5. CANADA
Canada covers most part of the North American continent. Its typography is
extremely varied. The most important river systems are the Mackenzie and the St.
Lawrence.
The capital is Ottawa. The history is marked by intermittent and settlements.
Different tribes and people occupied and left the territory. Due to the different
nationalities and influences composing its background, Canadian culture is really
diverse and prolific. Although not being as famous as that of its neighbouring country,
Canada has provided important artists and works in very differ8ent genres. Some of its
most famous writes is Nobel Prize nominee Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale).
2.6. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Both countries were discovered in 1642 by a Dutch explorer.
In Australia, by the end of the 19th century there were six colonies; they claimed
independence from Britain and succeeded. In 1961, the six colonies formed the
Commonwealth of Australia. The capital is Sydney.
New Zealand was colonized much later. The capital is Wellington.
The cultural background of these two British ex-colonies is mainly European.
2.7. THE COMMONWEALTH
The Commonwealth is an international association consisting of the UK together
with states that were previously part of the British Empire and dependencies and have
chosen to maintain ties of friendship and practical cooperation, such as India, Australia,
Malaysia, South Africa, Jamaica, ...
3. DIDACTIC APPLICATIN OF RELEVANT GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORIC AND
CULTURAL ASPECTS
As we stated in the introduction of this theme, socio-cultural competence is very
important for the acquisition of communication, thus the teacher must introduce relevant
knowledge about the countries where English is spoken and the people who speak it.
The way to share this cultural knowledge would be through materials and activities that
are closely related to our sts’ interests. We will divide this cultural knowledge into
geographic, historic and cultural.
MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA. APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

3.1. GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS

This includes the knowledge of the main English-speaking countries, capitals and
cities, British weather… these are also cross-curricular activities, since they are related
to the subject of geography. We can use these resources to teach geographical aspects:
MAPS: the use of maps is very useful to locate capitals, towns and cities as well as
for finding the main English-speaking countries. In higher levels (6 th grade), sts can
locate main rivers in America and Britain;
FLAGS: sts can match nationalities and countries of English-speaking countries
with their flag;
PUZZLES: we can make a puzzle of Great Britain by cutting its parts into pieces:
sts will have to jou¡in the pieces properly;
QUIZZES: we can make a quiz competition about Britain and the USA;
LISTENINGS: listening to the weather forecast in Britain wile completing a map
with weather symbols;
3.2. HISTORICAL ASPECTS
Sts can learn about relevant British and American characters or even through the
use of these resourcers:
COMICS;
TEXTS: sts can read texts about a past event, such as Guy Fakes’ plan to blow up
the Parliament in London;
VIDEOS;
SONGS;
3.3. CULTURAL ASPECTS
Cultural aspects in P.E. include a variety of topics: social conventions schools, food
and drink, houses, money, English names, festivals, music, monuments, TV
programmes and sports. We can use the following activities:
ROLE-PLAY: each st has a role in a specific situation;
PROJECTS: the sts, either individually or in pairs, have to work on a topic, using
the knowledge they already have and by finding out more about it. In projects, sts can
compare British and Spanish culture, schools,food…Projects are very good for
integrating skills;
REALIA: the use of real objects motivates sts towards the culture behind the
objects. We can use realia in communicative activities, projects, role-plays…we can
also have the objects displayed in class in an English tray (COVID!) (tickets, money,
season’s greeting cards, Christmas crackers, deco…)
RECIPES: cooking recipes are useful to practice food and drink. They are also
connected to celebrations. We can celebrate British or American festivals in class. This
can be great fun for children and are very good for integrating skills, too;
JOKES;
MARCO GEOGRÁFICO, HISTÓRICO Y CULTURAL DE LOS PAÍSES DE HABLA INGLESA. APLICACIÓN
DIDÁCTICA DE LOS ASPECTOS GEOGRÁFICOS, HISTÓRICOS Y CULTURALES MÁS SIGNIFICATIVOS

STORIES: stories from the Anglo-Saxon culture also transmit habits, attitudes and
ways of life of the target culture;
PEN CLUBS: we can organize e-mail writing with English-speaking penfriends
form different countries by getting in contact with English teachers form other
countries.
4. CONCLUSION
Why is it important to include geographic, historic and cultural contents in the FL cv?
These aspects are important to foster the sts’ motivation to learn about the foreign countries
in which the target language is spoken. And, additionally, f.l. learners must develop a
knowledge about the foreign culture, as the world view of people and its language are
deeply connected, as Sapir and Whorf explained through the hypothesis labelled with their
names. They said there is a deep interdependence between language and thought,
determined by the culture of the group.
In fact, f.l. sts should develop a cultural awareness, being conscious that our world
views depend on our belonging to the group in which we interact. Being culturally aware
implies realising that the way we regard a foreign culture or language is definitely
influenced by the previous framework organised around and by our own culture.
Considering and discussing similarities and differences between both cultures, in order
to develop the sts’ sensibility, is a useful way to elicit cultural awareness, as it is trying to
create opportunities dso that our sts identify themselves with the experiences and
perspectives of English- speaking people.
-BIBLIOGRAPHY-
ALGEO, J & PYLES, T(2004) The origins and development of the English Language.
London.Wadsworth Publising
BARBER, C(2000) The English Language: a Historical Introduction. CUP
CRYSTAL, D (1985) Linguistics. Marmondsworth. England. Penguin Books
(1987) The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. CUP
BAUGHT A & CABLE, T (1993) History of the English Language. Prentice-Hall Ed.
RICHARDS, J & RODGERS, T (1992) Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching (2nd
Ed) CUP
HOWATT, A (1984) A history of English Language Teaching. OUP
WIDDOWSON, H.G. (1978) Teaching English as Communication. OUP
WHORF (1956) Language, Thought and Reality. Cambridge