Текст для читання "The British Empire and English Language"

Text 6. The British Empire and English Language

The British Empire started in the Middle Ages when England joined Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

The new state became stronger than its neighbours. Besides, it was a powerful sea country. So the Empire started to look for new land.

English, the French and local Indians fought for the country. The English won.

America was an English colony from 1607 until the Revolution in 1776. East African countries were under British control from the 1890s to 1960s. South Africa was controlled by the British Empire from 1814 until 1931. West Africa was controlled by the Empire in 1780s-1960s. Hong Kong is in British hands since 1841.

India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were under British control in 1763-1947, Jamaica was in 1655-1962, other Caribbean islands-from the 17th century till the 1960s and 1970s. New Zealand - from 1607 to 1931.

Australia was discovered by Captain Cook, the English explorer, who landed there in 1770. At first the Empire sent criminals to live there. Later many poor people went to the new continent to start a new, better and richer life. Australia became independent only in 1903.

Later 50 of former British colonies joined the Commonwealth of Nations headed by the British Queen. Canada, Australia, New Zealand are among them.

So, in fact, the British Empire made English the main language of international communication [4].

Tasks

I. Give Ukrainian equivalents for the following:

the Middle Ages; a sea country; a powerful country; to be under control; to join; to become independent; commonwealth; international communication.

II. Answer the questions.

1. What part of the British Isles is the motherland of the English language?

2. When did English start to win new territories as a state language?

3. What countries were parts of the British Empire?

4. What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

5. Who is the head of the Commonwealth?

III. Match the words with the description of their meaning.

1. to control

2. empire

3. independent

4. colony

1. a country or area that is under the political control of a more powerful country;

2. to make someone or something do want you want or behave in the way you want them to behave;

3. a group of countries that are all controlled by the ruler or government of one country;

4. not governed or controlled by another country or organization.