'British' doesn't mean 'English' (rant, sorry!)

Post by **joette** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:37 pm

Anne trust me if you're offering them something then understanding is instanious.This seems to be a London "thing"
Mary I get that too I further confound them by stating
"I'm not a Glaswegian I'm a Bankie".
I chuckle to myself seeing them searching through Google earth for Bankie.

Ann In the UK · Post by **Ann In the UK** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:33 am

Several times in England I had people insist I am Irish, and wouldn't believe I'm a Scot

I'm frequently asked what part of Scotland/Ireland I'm from. Only last week one of my neighbours commented that I'm 'probably used to all this rain' where I'm from (she's apparently always thought I was Scottish!)

I'm a bleeping scouser - admittedly the accent's faded somewhat after 20+ years away, but still.

Ann

Post by **emanday** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:50 pm

joette wrote:"I'm not a Glaswegian I'm a Bankie".
I chuckle to myself seeing them searching through Google earth for Bankie.

That the way - keep em guessing

grannysrock · Post by **grannysrock** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:36 pm

I find it a struggle to convince folks here that England is not the same as UK or GB. When I insist I am Scottish not English, they seem to think this is something political rather than just a statement of fact. Many people here tell me they learnt that England = GB at school . And having seen some maps, I believe they are telling the truth . The various British programs shown on TV here , mainly use the subtitle "Engeland" as the translation of Britain. I have heard the Eurosport commentators speak of the tennis player Andy Murray being Scottish and English in the same sentence ! It's the English pound , the English government, the English queen ..... etc

But then it's not so long ago that this was also the case in Britain. I certainly think it's a lot better than it used to be - in time the world will catch up.

(But then who says Holland rather than the Netherlands ?
And why in English do we say Bruges not Brugge ?
And how often have I been asked if I speak "Belgian" ? )

If no insult is meant, I guess I will not infer one !!!

Regional new coverage is an entirely different matter . I heard ITV and BBC are going to pool resources to improve the situation ?

Ramble over

Sally

Post by **Ina** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 3:18 pm

I think people all over the world think that Great Britain is only England.

We are having a BIG health care debate here in the USA and they constantly point out how bad the English health care system is. Guess they don't realize that Scotland and Wales are part of the same system.

Ina

jennyblain · Post by **jennyblain** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:26 pm

Just to give an update (or rather not) - I haven't heard anything from the Beeb regarding my complaint. Usually they respond quite promptly, but not this time..

Among many, maybe most, of the people I've met here in Sheffield, there seems little understanding of Scotland's history or difference. I will swiftly add that among my English close friends and colleagues many or most certainly do see difference and get just about as annoyed as I do! A colleague was talking to me recently about architecture styles, that being her specialisation - she knows difference and values it.

For these friends, the diversity of 'Britain' is important - part of identity and of the richness of the four nations and what they've contributed to the world.

Am saying this so that nobody thinks I was simply doing 'English-bashing' by my comment that started the thread - great responses folks, thanks for this!

I will continue to await a response from the Beeb... and btw what do any BBC4 viewers think about the 'This is Scotland season' there?

Jenny

Post by **emanday** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:21 am

jennyblain wrote:and btw what do any BBC4 viewers think about the 'This is Scotland season' there?

Maybe I'm just being a bit over sensitive, but I am already feeling that only the "perceived image" rather than the true picture of Scotland and the Scottish people, their culture, diversity, talent and warmth have been highlighted - so far!

Scotland isn't all about poverty, overcrowded tenements, bad language, violence and alcohol abuse - BBC take note !!!!

Scotland and its people have a deep and passionate love of life, a desire to succeed, the talent to do so and the courage to make it happen.

rye470 · Post by **rye470** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:00 am

My husband and I left Scotland in 1987 to move to the big metropolis in the south. I remember my disbelief when I realised that Londoners really didn't know what was 'north of Watford'.

My favourite's were ' Are your houses the same as ours?' and, at the time of the Piper Alpha tragedy - " Can your mum see that from her kitchen window?". I thought they were joking, but they weren't.

Here in the US it's usually "What part of Ireland do you come from?". None is the standard answer to that one.

Christine.

Ann In the UK · Post by **Ann In the UK** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 7:04 am

My neighbour told me once she was going 'up north' for her summer holiday. I asked where. She said 'Norfolk". We live in Cambridgeshire...

TunjiLees · Post by **TunjiLees** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:41 pm

Scotland was governed from England for 290 years, it's only natural people think it's a part of it. And I don't think that's going to change soon unless Scotland becomes independent.
In Dutch and French, England and Britain are used synonymously, even by those who know they really shouldn't be.

A typical conversation abroad goes like:
Me: So I went to Britain during the holidays. (meaning Scotland)
Person: Ah! England! How was it?