[英语学习]British_society_and_culture.pptVIP

British Society and Culture Unit Six Outline British Way of Life Religion Media Sport Holidays and Festivals British society British society is increasingly middle class in numbers and outlook, and maintaining a high standard of living is a top priority. Material possessions, such as the family home, car, appliances, and clothes, are important, and many families take vacations abroad. The well-being of children is highly regarded, and British middle-class families often make substantial investments in order to provide the best education and life-enriching opportunities for their children. Houses British houses are made with concrete blocks or concrete-like building materials because the dampness of the climate causes wood to rot. Central heating is now widespread; previously, individual fires or heating devices were used. In general, British people are much more tolerant of the damp chill and less tolerant of heat over 26°C (80°F). Clothes Clothes reflect the climate, and woolen goods, particularly tweeds, are famous products. British people tend to buy fewer but better-quality pieces of clothing and keep them longer, although this cannot be said for the rapidly changing fashions of youth culture. Cooking British cooking has a reputation for overcooked vegetables and unhealthy fried foods. This situation has improved considerably in recent years, and foreign foods, particularly those from southern Europe and Asia, have become popular. British specialties Perhaps the most famous British specialties are roast beef with Yorkshire pudding (a type of popover baked in meat drippings); shepherd’s pie, made with minced lamb and mashed potatoes; and scones served with thick, clotted cream. Other favorite foods include fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, Cornish pasties, Welsh rarebit, kippers (salted and smoked herring or salmon), and, in Scotland, haggis (stuffed sheep’s stomach). Clubs and Hobby Groups The British tend to socialize by joining clubs and hobby