Multicultural Britain

There's a school in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, where more than twenty languages are spoken. That's a truly multicultural school!

Instructions

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises. Remember you can read the transcript at any time.

Transcript

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.

...

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

Sunny: 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.

...

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 schoolchildren 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.

...

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.

Discussion

How many different languages do students at your school speak? Do you speak different languages at home and at school?

Average: 4 (2 votes)
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Comments

Submitted by dddisease on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:48

The video "Multicultural Britain" sparks admiration for its vibrant diversity, rich cultures, and multiple languages. It underscores the importance of embracing multiculturalism for unity and understanding, leaving a profound appreciation for the cultural tapestry that defines modern-day Britain.

Submitted by martim.oliveira on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:45

The video shows to us about a migrant and i think that is important to understand who that people live.

Submitted by Alillo on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:43

Hi, my name is Alillo, I’m from Italy and i’m in a french school so my school is a multicultural school since there are French students and Italian students. I really liked the video because they interview people who faced many difficulties but at the end they integrated well in the society.

Submitted by qader on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:42

It’s really good information for anyone ho will visit United Kingdom

Submitted by someone_ on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:41

Hy my name is Sara and I speak Italian French English and German , my school has 4 languages and it is an international school .

Submitted by mirdavavroch on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:41

The video about multicultural Britain beautifully captures the diverse and vibrant tapestry of the nation. It celebrates the rich blend of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds that have shaped modern-day Britain. From the colorful festivals and mouthwatering cuisines to the shared values of tolerance and acceptance, this video showcases the power of unity in diversity. It is a testament to the beauty and strength that arise when people from different walks of life come together, fostering a society where everyone's unique contributions are valued and celebrated. This video serves as a reminder of the inclusive spirit that defines multicultural Britain and inspires us to embrace and appreciate the multiculturalism that enriches our world.

Submitted by gaabbii on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:34

I really enjoyed the video, i liked how it talked about the different cultures and types of people in Britain. I wouldn’t change anything about the video.

Submitted by qader on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:32

Nice information

Submitted by Sofkamorkovka on Wed, 08/17/2022 - 08:05

Hi, I live in multicultural country too, but at my school there is no other languages, so all students study on Russian. It will be great if pupils can learn their nature language too

Submitted by alegonzalezz06 on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 09:45

Hi, mi name is Alejandro and I think that England with many cultures is a better country. I learn all days new interesting things of other people and cultures. In the past, many inmigrant people suffered racism when they comes to United Kingdom, but they are currently very cohesive and there are no problems with the native people.

In reply to by Sofkamorkovka

Submitted by hermione123 on Tue, 12/14/2021 - 11:58

I mostly speak Indonesian at school. But most of my friends also speak Javanese (traditional language) besides Indonesian. We also use English sometimes.

Submitted by JoshuaSievers on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 07:44

Hi, my name is Joshua and I'm a wanna be all star basketball player and I wanted to say that I didn't like your report. Bye have a great time
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