Final Revision for CC2 - 2011

Multicultural Britain

Notting Hill Carnival grew out of Caribbean traditions. Today, it is an event where all cultures come together. As Nick’s been finding out, the UK truly is multicultural.

This is Southall Broadway in West London. This area has one of the largest Asian populations in London. The United Kingdom is an ethnically diverse country with many different communities that reflects the multicultural nature of Britain. Many British people’s families originally come from overseas. Over the centuries, people from around the world have come to live here.

The first significant wave of immigrants arrived by ship from Jamaica in 1948. The Notting Hill Carnival celebrates this Caribbean culture.

In the 1950s and 60s, Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani families made Britain their home. Asian Ugandan refugees fled here in the 1970s. Followed by Somalis in the 90s. And in recent years, Eastern European citizens have arrived in search of work.

This cultural variety makes Britain a vibrant place to be, but it’s not without its problems. Conflicts can arise between cultures and generations. Young people whose parents or grandparents settled here have a very different experience of growing up to their parents.

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Sunny Grewel and his father Avinda live in Southall. Avinda came here from Kenya in the 70’s. Sunny was born here.

Nick: Avinda, what was life like when you first came here?

Avinda: It was hard. There was no jobs for, for people like us.

Nick: And what’s life like now, for young people, Sunny?

Avinda: I think we’re very much a part of the communities and government and everything, so it’s a lot more equal for everyone.

Nick: What are the main arguments between the younger and older generations?

Avinda: When they were small, I wouldn’t let him wear these earrings and have a long ponytail. They have to look smart.

Nick: And what’s the best thing about living here, Sunny?

Sunny: The food, the different cultures that come in and bring their spices, their experiences and even their rituals, so you get a taste of the world within this small community.

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In the past, differences between communities have led to violence. But new community-based projects have brought different generations and cultures together.

Here at St Mary’s School in Cardiff in Wales, more than 20 languages are spoken. It’s one of the most multicultural schools in Wales. The school was involved with a project called 'Open Cities'. It helps migrants, people from other countries, become part of the community. The school children took pictures of people and places to show what it's like to live in Cardiff.

Some of the kids are featured in an exhibition called Open Cities Faces.

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Mercy and Joy and their father Derek are originally from Zambia. They have lived here for six years.

Nick: Derek, tell me why you came to Cardiff and why you took part in this project.

Derek: I am an Engineering Consultant. I came to Cardiff because I was offered a job here. This project was a good thing because it was trying to show something positive about migration and integration.

Nick: Why is Mercy photographed by a window?

Derek: Because the photographer wanted to find a way to show the hopes for our future – the better life that we look towards.

Nick: But there’s a lot of shadow in that photograph, as well.

Derek: Yes, the shadow is deliberate to try to show our past, where we’ve come from.

Nick: And do you consider Cardiff to be your home now?

Derek: Yes. We are part of the local community, we have settled down and we think Cardiff is great.

Projects like ‘Open Cities’ can bring people in the community together and give young people hope for the future.

Notting Hill - Part 2

VIDEO 1

Ashlie: Come on, this way. We need to get to the start of the parade before they set off.
Stephen: OK! OK! We've got plenty of time though. I want to have a look around. It all looks great.
Ashlie: We’re here at the Notting Hill Carnival; one of Europe’s most famous street parties.
Stephen: Where every year thousands of people come to take part in the parade and wear fabulous costumes.
Ashlie: And it’s also a chance to watch some amazing shows and see some pretty strange sights... I know I’m really looking forward to it.
Stephen: Me, too. Come on then. Let’s see what’s out there.

.....

Stephen: Ah - I love it, Ash. And there’s such a good atmosphere, isn’t there.
Ashlie: Oh, come on though - we haven’t got all day.
Stephen: Oh, wait a minute, I want to look up there.
Ashlie: Oh Stephen, I really don’t want to miss the start of the parade. We haven’t got time.
Stephen: Oh, it’ll only take a minute. I'll catch you up.
Ashlie: You know where it is? By the car park.
Stephen: Yeah yeah, go on ahead, I’ll catch you up in a minute.
Ashlie: See you later.

.....

Ashlie: Hi girls.
Dancers: Hiya.
Ashlie: So have you done this before?
Dancer: No, this is my first year actually.
Ashlie: Wow.
Dancer: Yeah, I done it yesterday though, for the children’s carnival.
Ashlie: What was it like?
Dancer: It rained for a bit, but other than that, it was really fun.
Ashlie: Yeah? Oh, it's beautiful weather today. So how long will we be dancing for?
Dancer: Sometimes we can be dancing for like, two or three hours - we, like walk around, but sometimes you can stand in one place for, like ten minutes and be dancing to, like the same kind of music. It's really difficult.
Ashlie: Yeah, we’re going to need some energy for that.
Dancer: That’s right.

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Ashlie: Stephen! Where have you been?
Stephen: It took me ages to find you. All of you dancers look the same in those costumes. Ah, phew, just in time; the parade’s about to start.
Ashlie: You go to the front – I’m going to meet the rest of the group, OK? See you later.
Stephen: Oh, hang on, where are we going to meet afterwards in case we get split up?
Ashlie: Well, I’ll ring you when we finish. Oh, Stephen I haven’t got my phone.
Stephen: Me, neither. Where do we finish?
Ashlie: Erm… next to the tube station, I'll meet you there. Oh and don’t get lost again!
Stephen: OK, sounds good.
Ashlie: See you later! Bye.

.....

Stephen: Wow, that was fantastic. Did you see me dancing?
Ashlie: Yes, I saw you. It was amazing, but I didn’t expect to be so tired. We must have been dancing for hours.
Stephen: Now, we need to sit down and get something to eat.
Ashlie: Good idea. So what do you suggest?
Stephen: Something over there?

.....

Stephen: Right, come on you, it’s time for home.
Ashlie: Stephen – how are we going to get home? All the buses are going to be full and I am not taking the underground wearing this costume.
Stephen: Err... taxi?
Ashlie: Stephen. Can you see any taxis? All the roads are closed for the carnival. C’mon, let’s start walking!
Stephen: Walking? No way! Why walk when you can dance?

VIDEO 2

Notting Hill - Part 1

Notting Hill is an area in London, England, close to the north-western corner of Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is a cosmopolitan district known as the location for the annual Notting Hill Carnival, and for being home to the Portobello Road Market.

Notting Hill has had an association with artists and "alternative" culture since its development in the 1820s.There are also areas of deprivation to the north,sometimes referred to as North Kensington, or Ladbroke Grove, from the name of the street.

Video 1

Stephen: Wow, these are amazing. This one’s really nice. You’d look great in that.

Ashlie: No, I think I’d prefer something like this. This is much more colourful.

Stephen: We’re here in East London planning our costumes for next week’s Notting Hill Carnival. There's lots of work to do before the big day.

Ashlie: Yeah, here at the Mas-Camp, they're busy making all of their own costumes. And today, I'm here to help. So while I'm busy with that, Stephen's going to be picking up some dance moves. Yeah, come on.

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Ashlie: Wow, this looks really complicated – what’s it going to be?

Costume maker: It’s called ‘Pollination’ and it’s going to be a butterfly on a flower.

Ashlie: Oh, it’s beautiful. But it must take you hours and hours to work on this.

Costume maker: Actually, we started about three months ago. So yes, hours and hours.

Ashlie: So do you all compete, then, to see who’s got the best costume?

Costume maker: Yes, actually we have the competition in about four days at Alexander Palace.

Ashlie: Wow, you must be nervous.

Costume maker: Yeah, really.

Ashlie: Good luck for this year - I'm sure you'll do brilliantly.

Costume maker: Thank you very much.

.....

Ashlie: Stephen, can you just help me with this?

Stephen: Yes, what do you need me to do?

Ashlie: Can you hold this piece down while I glue this on?

Stephen: Yeah. What is it?

Ashlie: This is going to be part of my head-piece.

Stephen: Wow! That's going to look absolutely amazing. Shall I put my finger here?

Ashlie: Yes, right that’s it. Thank you, I just need to glue this piece down. There we go. Right, shouldn’t you be learning some dance moves? Stephen! You're glued to my hat!

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Stephen: Excuse me, mate. Is this the dance lesson?

Man: Yes, I'm the dance teacher. Do you want to join in?

Stephen: Yes, please!

Man: Alright, come on, let me show you what to do. Alright, so, let's see what we're going to do. We’re going to do a criss cross to the right and kick with our left foot at the same time.

Stephen: I'll do it with you, go on.

Stephen: Criss cross, kick kick. OK, I can do that.

Man: Ready?

Stephen: Yep.

Man: Sure? OK, lets go, listen to this, 5,6,7,8...

.....

Stephen: Wow! The costume looks great. What do you think of mine?

Ashlie: Er, well it’s nice, but mine is better. I mean it’s more, more glamorous. And do you know what? I helped make it myself! So how did the dancing lesson go?

Stephen: It was excellent! I had a really good teacher - really hard work though – I’m exhausted already.

Ashlie: Come on then – show me your moves! Yeah, I think you’re going to need a little more practice.

Stephen: Ha – maybe. C’mon you need to practise some moves too, if we're going to win a prize for the best carnival dancers.

Ashlie: I can’t wait. I’m really excited. It’s going to be fab! Come on then.

Video 2

And now, we offer you the UK Cinema trailer of the movie that made Notting Hill one of the most famous places in England.


An unlikely relationship blossoms between the most famous actress in the world and a charming bookkeeper living in Notting Hill.

Salt Lake Tabernacle (aka the Mormon Tabernacle)

You can hear music coming from this building in the center of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the Salt Lake Tabernacle, also called the Mormon Tabernacle. This is the home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Pay a visit to the Tabernacle as you listen to fantastic music and practise your English!!

And here, we leave a great rendition by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir of "Bring Him Home" from the musical "Les Misérables," the longest running musical in the world with 25 years on stage!

Oxford - Part 2

VIDEO 1

Stephen: While Ashlie’s in her exam, I’m going to have a look around Oxford. You probably know it’s famous for its university, but let’s find out a little bit more.

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Stephen: Hello.

Tourist lady: Hello.

Stephen: Er, I’m visiting Oxford for the day, what’s the best thing to do?

Tourist lady: Well it’s a lovely day. I suggest you walk around the colleges, take a bus tour, explore the Bodleian Library or take a punt on the river with a picnic.

Stephen: How many colleges are there?

Tourist lady: There’s around 39.

Stephen: What’s the best way to see Oxford?

Tourist lady: The best way to see Oxford is probably on foot with one of our green and blue badge guides.

Stephen: Great. Thank you so much.

Tourist lady: You’re welcome.

Stephen: Bye.

Tourist lady: Bye.

.....

Stephen: Hiya girls. You alright?

Students: Good, thank you.

Stephen: Are you students here?

Students: Yes

Stephen: What are you studying?

Student 1: History.

Student 2: Yeah History, too.

Stephen: What’s it like being a student here?

Students: It's great.

Student 2: Really good.

Student 1: It’s, like, the best university known worldwide so it’s a great place to be.

Stephen: So tell me what it’s like studying here in Oxford.

Student 1: We have lectures and seminars and then it’s your own time to go to the library and read your books and do your research for the next lecture so if you don’t do that reading, then you’re not prepared for the next lecture – so it’s really up to you to do your own work.

Stephen: And what’s the social life like here?

Student 2: Loads of stuff, like, really good pubs, really good clubs… erm, like, when it’s sunny and stuff it’s beautiful to just sit in the sun and, like, go punting and stuff. So it’s really nice.

Stephen: Right, I’ve got a great idea for what to do with Ashlie when she finishes her exam.

.....

Stephen: So? How did it go?

Ashlie: Really well, I think. I answered all the questions and I finished in time, so fingers crossed.

Stephen: Great. Listen, you deserve a treat after all your hard work. I’ve somewhere I want to take you.

Ashlie: Alright then, I’ll see you in a second.

Stephen: OK. Bye.

.....

Ashlie: Wow, it’s really nice down here.

Stephen: I know. I’ve booked us a boat for a trip on the river.

Ashlie: Really? Oh thank you. That’s great. I’ve always wanted to try this.

Stephen: Come on.

Ashlie: Can I have a go first? Watch out. Here I go…

Stephen: Ready?

Ashlie: Yup. Off we go!

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Stephen: This is great. Which way shall we go, Ash? Let’s ask the GPS.

Stephen: OK, my turn.

Ashlie: Stephen, not like that - we’re going round in circles! Stephen! Stephen – watch out for that.

Stephen: The GPS! Ashlie! What are we going to do now, without the GPS?

Ashlie: Oh, it was useless anyway. It didn’t help us get here.

Stephen: I’ll have to go and buy a map.

Ashlie: OK, you can read the map but give me the keys because… I’m driving home. Stephen! Watch out!

VIDEO 2 - Language Focus

Oxford - Part 1

Today, we travel to the ancient city of Oxford!

VIDEO 1

Stephen: Ice on the road, bridge ahead, look out for wild animals. What’s this one, Ash?
Ashlie: That one means ‘danger, river bank’ or something. It’s obvious, look at it.
Stephen: I’m studying for my driving test. You have to do a test in the car when you’re learning to drive and you have to do a written test as well - so I have to learn all these signs.
Ashlie: And I’m studying for my Business Studies course. I have to go to Oxford this afternoon to do an exam so I’m doing some last minute revision.
Stephen: Hey, Ash.
Ashlie: What?
Stephen: Did you say your exam’s in Oxford?
Ashlie: Yeah, so?
Stephen: So, why don’t I drive us there? And you can give me a driving lesson on the way. I really need the practice.
Ashlie: OK, then. Sounds good.
Stephen: Great! When do we need to go?
Ashlie: Well, with you driving? Now!
Stephen: I’ll go and get a map.
Ashlie: Oh, you don’t need to - we’ve got the GPS.
Stephen: Excellent, shall we go?
Ashlie: Yep.
.....

Stephen: OK. Ready to go!
GPS: Seatbelt on.
Stephen: Oops. Seatbelt on.
Ashlie: Right. Look in the mirrors. Get into gear. Signal. Just check the mirrors again. And off we go.
Stephen: This is easy!
Ashlie: You’re doing OK, just take it easy, the GPS knows where we’re going.
GPS: Turn right in 100 metres.
Stephen: Turn right in 100 metres.
GPS: Continue driving around the roundabout for five kilometres. Turn left in 200 metres.
Stephen: Left?! That can’t be right. We’re going round in circles.
Ashlie: I think we should go right.
GPS: Keep left. Approaching destination in 5 metres.
Ashlie: Stephen!
Stephen: Let’s turn that thing off and turn around.
Ashlie: Oh, come on. I’m going to be late. It’s almost two o’clock now.
Stephen: Which way do I go Ash?
Ashlie: Oh, look, just stop here. Over there.
Ashlie: OK – remember to lock the car and don't forget to take the GPS with you. I’ll give you a ring after my exam. Bye!
Ashlie: Taxi!
Ashlie: Excuse me, Can you take me to Oriel College, please?
Taxi Driver: OK.
Ashlie: Thanks.
GPS: You have arrived at your destination.

VIDEO 2