UK / England..

[VSL]

OK, I'm not English, but I am British [Welsh].

I was talking to an English friend the other day, and I was saying that Antony Hopkins is from where I live (Neath Port Talbot). She said, 'But Anthon Hopkins is British', and I was like 'Yeah, British/Welsh'.

She thought that Britain/UK/England was all the same thing.

Now, as you can imagine, I was horrified, and quickly pointed out that the UK/GB consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and N.Ireland. She honestly had no idea - I think she also thought that the Union Jack was another English flag (in addition to the St. George's Cross).

It also bugs me no end when someone refers to the UK in Epcot as 'England' *pulling my hair out*!

Anyone else feel like this?!

I don't imagine it affects English people quite so much (because everyone knows that England is it's own country and is at least part of the UK!)

I'm going to be posting this on the reg. Community Board to get an American view, too..

 

[Bonnie]

Oooh yes, this definitely irritates me a LOT! I'm English myself, but it still irritates me because I really don't like the idea of Welsh / Scottish / Northern Irish people thinking that I, as an English person, consider them any less British than myself. It also annoys me when people say that the UK isn't a country in its own right.

Similarly, it really bugs me when people assume that just because I'm British, I live within walking distance of London... ! I know plenty of Brits who've never ventured south of Nottingham!

I do definitely understand your frustration, but at least you know what you're talking about!

 

[carolfoy]

good thread!
My ex husband was scottish and he was dead right when he said that if one of his fellow countrymen was on the news for violence/drink/other related crimes he'd be refferred to as scottish but when that fellow countryman was hailed as a sporting/war/other good guy stuff he was refferred to as British!! I'm Cornish which does allow me a bit of leeway when I visit my friends in Wales and Scotland (both being English-haters) because I'm a celt! - especially useful when talking rugby - albeit over thrown by the English some 500 years ago.

edited to add: also know you're frustration re the 'proximity' of London, whenever the south west is mentioned anywhere it invariably refers to Bristol!

 

[VSL]

True true! (what both of you have said)

I guess it's just one of those things!

I actually worry sometimes, about the whole way that there's Wales/Scotland/N.Ireland who seem to be collectively against the English! I think it's mostly sport-related though..

 

[JohnnySharp2]

In my experience the Americans just cannot pick out our accents.

I am from the North West of England but have been called Canadian, Australian, Welsh in the past - someone even said they had a friend who lives in 'Scotland which is in England'..they think all British people speak like Prince Charles and Julie Andrews and anything else they just cannot tell.

Dread to think how they deal with scousers and geordies!!

 

[mandymouse]

There's nothing like a bit of sporting rivalry, I know that I always support one of the other UK/GB teams if England aren't playing.

And it drives me bonkers too when the UK Pavillion is referred to as England - as I am proud to be from the UK aswell as from England !!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

There's nothing like a bit of sporting rivalry, I know that I always support one of the other UK/GB teams if England aren't playing.

I think we probably should support each other in sporting rivalry, unfortunatley the most passionate sport where all countries compete is Football.
I cannot see them dancing down Princess Street when England win the world cup though (in my dreams).

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

There was a point in the 19 century that Britain was known as England in diplomatic circles!

What always makes ma laugh though is in events like the Olympics if we win a medal its a great British effort, but if, lets take Colin Jackson for example, Colin were to miss out on "his" hurdling medal it would be reported as "that Welshman failed to win a medal".

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I think we probably should support each other in sporting rivalry, unfortunatley the most passionate sport where all countries compete is Football.
I cannot see them dancing down Princess Street when England win the world cup though (in my dreams).

The best bit is watching Alan Hanson (looks so much like Captain Scarlet) trying to look pleased when England win a game.

 

[carolfoy]

Ha ha also used to laugh at Ally McCoist trying to enthuse over England

 

[florida2005]

Now, as you can imagine, I was horrified, and quickly pointed out that the UK/GB consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and N.Ireland.

Ok, lets start with the correct definitions

Great Britain comprises : England, Scotland and Wales
UK is Great Britain + Northern Ireland
British Isles is UK + Eire

 

[daipp]

Actually, Anthony Hopkins may have been born in Wales but he is now an Ameican citizen!!

Another annoyance is Catherine Zeta Jones has been in America for 5 years and has all but lost her Welsh accent; I've lived in Norfolk for 7 years and still sound as Welsh as the day I crossed the Severn Bridge.

David

 

[VSL]

Ok, lets start with the correct definitions

Great Britain comprises : England, Scotland and Wales
UK is Great Britain + Northern Ireland
British Isles is UK + Eire

That would be great to put on my US targeted thread (maybe you have already - I haven't checked yet!)

 

[Hilary]

I was born and brought up in England, but have now lived in Wales for longer than I lived in England. Both DDs were born in Wales; the eldest is fiercly Welsh, the youngest doesn't really see what difference it makes!

It does annoy me when England = Britain = UK to many people, but I'm sure I'm just as ignorant of other countries and cultures!

VSL, do you have a link to your thread on the US CB?

 

[VSL]

It's right here!

 

[Nubbedy]

Hi VSL. I am from Port Talbot and have to agree with you.

Heard something really annoying on the radio this morning. Apparently Catherine Zeta Jones has told Charlotte Church that if she wants to make it as an actress she will have to lose her Welsh accent.

Please?! Why does anyone have to lose their accent to be successful?

I think accents are important - I get a real buzz on holidays when I hear someone with a Welsh accent - makes me feel right at home!

 

[Kernow_Clan]

Talking of this, have a giggle at the IRAN confusion..

http://www.superbike.co.uk/video/start_worrying_4_11_5_news_70507.html

Parental Advisory.... 1 Naughty word in this clip, better lock up the kids and watch out for the fun police.

Losing your accent prevents being judged, Sad but true.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I don't see what all the fuss is about.
Wales and Scotland are just counties of England, the same as Cornwall, Lancashire, Norfolk etc..are.

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I don't see what all the fuss is about.
Wales and Scotland are just counties of England, the same as Cornwall, Lancashire, Norfolk etc..are.

ahh...but Wales do have their own monarch and separate flag, and they're the only country in the world to have a picture of.........(do you want the sexist joke or not? )

 

[carolfoy]

Whats that? a picture of the monarchs wife?