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Учебное пособие Для студентов вузов Кемерово 2010

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Government and Economy
Comprehension check
Compromise and Cooperation.
Ambition and Perseverarice*.
Civil Responsibility.
Canada's Motto
The Maple Tree
The Maple Leaf
The Beaver
Ex. 2. Answer the following questions according to the text.
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II

Canada’s official languages are English and French. But many other languages are spoken there, including Inuktitut (the language of the Inuit, or Eskimos) and other Canadian Indian languages. Canadian Indians are also known as First Nations people. In 1999, one half of Canada’s territory was officially returned to the Inuit people. The name of this new territory is Nunavut. In Inuktitut it means “Our land”.

About 77% of Canadians live in cities and towns. Toronto is the largest city in Canada. If you ever go there, you’ll see one of the world’s tallest buildings, the CN Tower. Toronto is the country’s business centre and home to the largest companies and banks.

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is one of the country’s most attractive cities. It’s the public face of Canada for many people so the city has been kept lovely and welcoming. It has many parks, museums, art galleries, and universities. Some of Ottawa’s historic buildings go back to the early 1800s.

Quebec is both the oldest and the largest of Canada’s ten provinces. Quebec City, the capital of Quebec province, is the oldest city in Canada. About 240 kilometers southwest of Quebec City is Montreal, the largest city in the province. The first European to visit the area was Jacques Cartier of France. In 1534 he landed at the site of a Huron Indian village. 70 years later, the French settled in the area. Today, eight out of every ten people in Quebec are of French origin. The French language they speak is unique. In many ways, it’s like 17th-century French!

Montreal is unlike any other city in Canada. It has an atmosphere all of its own. It’s friendly, romantic place where couples kiss on the street and strangers talk to each other! The oldest part of the city, Old Montreal, dates from the 1700s.

Ice hockey and lacrosse are the national sports of Canada. The game of lacrosse was invented by the native people of Canada. Canadians also ski, golf, curl, ride horses, play baseball, football and tennis.

Canada’s birthday is celebrated on the first of July. There are fireworks, parades and picnics all over the country. If you ever go to Canada, don’t forget to try maple syrup! It’s usually eaten with pancakes. It’s delicious! Canadians are said to be friendly, peace-loving, modest and polite. However, they don’t like it when they are mistaken for Americans.


Government and Economy


The form of the government of Canada is a constitutional monarchy.

Canada is ruled by a parliamentary system with the head of state officially remaining the monarch of Britain. Within Canada the appointed governor general is the mon­arch's representative. The upper house, or Senate, is made up of appointees. Mostly it acts as a rubber stamp for the wishes of the elected lower house, or House of Commons. Senate reform, or its abolition, is an ongoing debate within the country.

The head of the political party with the most elected representatives in the House of Commons becomes the prime minister, the leader of the country. From the mem­bers of parliament within the governing party, the prime minister selects a cabinet which runs the country and initiates legislation.

The 10 provinces are largely self-governing and are pre­sided over by premiers, elected provincially. Each province has a lieutenant governor appointed by the federal govern­ment. The two northern territories are for the most part the domain of the federal government.

The constitution consists of both written proclamations under the Constitution Acts (1867 and 1932) and unwritten conventions.

Canadians enjoy the high standard of living that major Western countries are accustomed to and tend to take for granted.

The Canadian economy is based on abundant natural resources. These natural renewable and nonrenewable riches include fish, timber and wood products, minerals, natural gas, oil and hydroelectricity. Al­though only 5% of the land is arable, the agricultural sector, primarily in wheat and barley, accounts for much of the Canadian export total.

Manufacturing has long been a weak component of the economy and today employs just 14% of the country's workers. The most important manufactured product is motor vehicles. Hi-tech industries and developers in the space and computer fields are recent additions to this area but remain small.

The largest part of the economy includes an enormous civil service. Banking, insurance, education, communication and consult­ing bring in foreign exchange. The rest of the service sector does not.

The country's major trading partner is the USA al­though business people are increasingly strengthening ties to Japan and China.

The high degree of foreign ownership of Canadian busi­ness has also been problematic, drawing profits away from the country. Overall, about 40% of the country's industry is owned by non-Canadians, led by US interests.

On top of this there is a cross-border shopping done in the USA with goods brought back hidden in the trunk or under the sleep­ing baby with no duty paid. And then there is the lucrative smuggling of US liquor and cigarettes. Obviously, the gov­ernment has a bit of a problem but solutions are difficult to find.


Comprehension check


Ex. 1. Search in text “Canada” for the English equivalents of the word combinations.

Самая длинная неохраняемая граница в мире; гостеприимная область; лучшие земли и водные пути; три четверти населения; страна состоит из провинций и территорий; провинции, расположенные вдоль побережья; подготовка к зиме; восстановление от зимы; окружена тремя океанами; девиз страны; наблюдение за китами; северный полюс; северное сияние; белые медведи; богатство страны; красный клен; созданные ледниками; необычное горное образование; окаменелости динозавров; национальные парки; Ниагарский водопад; одно из чудес света; медовый месяц; приключения на Клондайке; поселение викингов; официальный язык; язык эскимосов; канадские индейцы; телебашня в Торонто; привлекательный по красоте город; исторические здания; самый старый город; юго-западные провинции; французское происхождение; кленовый сироп.

Ex. 2. Work in pairs. Read the statements and say if they are true or false.

A)

1. Canada is the first largest country in the world.

2. The Russian Federation is smaller then Canada.

3. In the countryside of Canada the population is very thinly spread.

4. The southern region of Canada is the coldest.

5. There are three official languages in Canada.

6. The country is made of 12 provinces and 3 Northern Territories.

7. The capital of Canada is Toronto.

8. Quebec is a French province.

9. Canadians have faith and hope for the future.


B)

1. Canada is an economically stable country.

2. Canada is ruled by a parliamentary system.

3. The appointed governor general is the monarch’s representative.

4. The upper House is the House of Commons.

5. The head of the political party is the prime-minister, but he is not the leader of the country.

6. Senate selects a cabinet which runs the country.

7. The ten provinces are largely self-governing.

8. Canadians have the highest standard of living.

9. The Canadian economy is based on the natural resources.

10. Manufacturing has long been a strong component of the economy.

11. The most important manufactured product is electricity.

12. The smallest part of the economy is the civil service.


Ex. 3. Complete the following sentences using information from the texts “Canada” and “Government and Economy”.

A)

1. Much of Canada is a very cold place … .

2. Life in Canada consists of preparing for … .

3. Canada is surrounded by … oceans: … .

4. The latest big craze in Canada is … .

5. Many of the lakes were created by … .

6. Much of the country’s wealth lies in … .

7. Newfoundland is the oldest … settlement in North America.

8. The first people came to Canada from … .

9. Canadian Indians are also known as … .

10. Canadians are said to be … .


B)

1. The form of the government of Canada is … .

2. Senate acts as a rubber stamp for … .

3. The leader of the country is … .

4. A cabinet is selected by … .

5. Each province has a … .


Ex. 4. Rearrange the words below into grammatically accurate sentence.

1. an excellent place, for, the Northern Lights, Arctic North, is, Canada’s, watching.

2. cover, almost, forests, half of, territory, Canada’s.

3. to represent, is used, a red maple tree, appears, and, Canada, on, the Canadian flag.

4. a lieutenant governor, the federal, government, has, province, each, appointed by.

5. the country, and, legislation, initiates, runs, a cabinet.


Ex. 5. Make questions to which the underlined words are the answers.

1. A famous Canadian humorist once wrote that life in Canada consisted of preparing for winter, enduring winter and recovering from winter.

2. There are strange looking sandstone formations in the province of Alberta.

3. This place is often called “the honeymoon capital of the world”.

4. Today, eight out every ten people in Quebec are of French origin.

5. Canadians don’t like it when they are mistaken for Americans.


Ex. 6. Translate into English.

A)

1. Российская Федерация больше по территории, чем Канада.

2. Три четверти населения Канады живут в городах.

3. Страна состоит из 10 провинций и 3-х северных территорий.

4. В Канаде два официальных языка: английский и французский.

5. Канада – одна из самых богатых стран мира.

6. Леса покрывают почти половину территории Канады.

7. В Канаде 42 национальных парка. Они созданы для защиты лесов, растений и животных.

8. Ниагарский водопад считается одним из чудес света. Его называют столицей медового месяца мира.


B)

1. Глава политической партии в Палате Общин становится премьер-министром.

2. Все 10 провинций Канады имеют право самоуправления.

3. Форма правительства в Канаде – конституционная монархия.

4. В центре канадского флага – красный кленовый лист, самый известный канадский символ.

5. Канадская экономика всегда основывалась на природных ресурсах.

6. Большую часть экономики Канады составляет сервис.


Ex. 7. Answer the following questions:

1. What is the origin of the name “Canada”?

2. How many oceans tough Canada?

3. How many countries border on Canada?

4. How many provinces and territories are there in Canada? Could you name them?

5. Who were the first people to live in Canada?

6. What are national symbols of Canada?

7. What is the Canada national anthem called?

8. How many national parks are there in Canada?

9. What is the name of the tallest peak in Canada? Is it located in western Canada near Alaska?

10. What are Canada’s national languages?

11. What is the name of the elected lower House of Canadian Parliament?

12. What is the leader of Canada called?

13. Canada is considered a bilingual country. What does this mean?

14. What do you feel is the best thing about Canada?

Ex. 8. Imagine that you are a guide and your group-mates are tourists visiting Canada for the first time. Get ready to speak about Canada according to the plan.
  1. The geographical position.
  2. The origin to the name Canada.
  3. Provinces and Territories. The naming of their Capital Cities.
  4. Symbols of Canada.
  5. Places to see.
  6. Hidden charms of Canadian cities: Quebec and Vancouver.


Ex. 9. Work in pairs or in groups. Think of the situation when one of you came back from Canada, and the other is going to visit this country. Make up a dialogue using the following questions.
  1. What’s your first impression of Canada?
  2. Is there anything in Canada you can’t get used to?
  3. You visited Niagara Falls in Canada. Do you agree that this place is called “a honeymoon capital of the world”?
  4. What do you lack in Canada?
  5. What is the difference between Russian and Canadian people?
  6. What do you think of Canadian symbols?
  7. Would you describe the city that you enjoyed most of all?


Texts for extra reading


A. Canadian values


Canada is a distinctive country. Its values and way of life influence every person who comes to live there. At the same time, newcomers influence Canada and its collective iden­tity. Canadians may have differences, but they share many important qualities that strengthen the society.

Optimism. Canada is a dynamic and democratic coun­try. Canadians work to improve their lives and society. Some people face greater hardship than others, but most Cana­dians have faith and hope for the future.

Compromise and Cooperation. Most Canadians un­derstand the value of compromise. In a country as large and diverse as Canada, people must be able to ignore small conflicts in order to live happily and peacefully.

Acceptance, Tolerance and Respect. Most people in Canada want fairness and justice for themselves and their families. And most are fair and just to others, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Some people may tell you that there is no racism in Canada. Others may say that racism is a very serious problem. The truth lies somewhere between. Some Canadi­ans may make you feel unwelcome. However, the majority of Canadians are fair-minded. They will accept and re­spect anyone who accepts and respects them.

Ambition and Perseverarice*. Canadians understand that effort and discipline are usually rewarded. Canada is an economically stable country. However, unemployment and poverty exist and can affect anyone. People who were born in Canada - as well as newcomers - compete for jobs and work hard to succeed.

Individualism. Canadians believe that each person is responsible for his or her own success or failure. Canadi­ans let people live as they wish, as long as they do not limit how others live.

Civil Responsibility. Canadians appreciate their rights and freedoms. Most also want to contribute to the society. As a newcomer you should be aware of your rights and your responsibilities. The right to participate in Canadian society implies an obligation to help it succeed.


Ex. 1. Answer the following questions.

1. Find in the beginning of the text the term “collective identity”.

What does it mean?

2. The Canadians share many important qualities. What for?

3. Name optimistic features of Canadians.

4. Why Canadians try to ignore small conflicts?

5. Is there racism in Canada?

6. What do Canadians think of effort and discipline?

7. What does the right to participate in Canadian society imply?


B. Symbols of Canada


The Canadian Flag

Canada’s current flag was proclaimed in 1995 after 2000 public design entries were hotly debated in parliament. In the centre of the flag there is a red sugar maple leaf, Canada’s best known symbol. The side bars represent the ocean boundaries and are not blue because an important reason for the entire procedure

Canada's Motto

"A Mari usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea) is based on biblical scripture: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth (Psalm 72:8)". It was proposed as the motto for the new design of the coat of arms, which was approved by Order in Council on April 21, 1921 and by Royal Proclamation on November 21,1921.

The Maple Tree

Trees have played a meaningful role in the historical development of Canada and continue to be of commercial, en­vironmental and aesthetic impor­tance to all Canadians. Maples con­tribute valuable wood products, sustain the maple sugar industry and help to beautify the landscape. Maple wood, which varies in hardness, toughness and other properties, is in demand for flooring, furniture, in­terior woodwork, veneer, small woodenware, and supports several flourishing industries in eastern Canada. Maple is also highly prized in furniture building and cabinet-mak­ing.

Since 1965, the maple leaf has been the centerpiece of the National Flag of Canada and the maple tree bears the leaves that have become the most prominent Canadian symbol, nationally and inter­nationally. Maple leaf pins and badges are proudly worn by Canadi­ans abroad, and are recognized around the world.

The Maple Leaf

The maple leaf today appears on the penny. However, between 1876 and 1901, it appeared on all Canadian coins. The modern one-cent piece has two maple leaves on a common twig, a design that has gone almost unchanged since 1937.

During the First World War, the maple leaf was included in the badge of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Since 1921, the Royal Arms of Canada have included three maple leafs as a distinctive Canadian emblem. With the proclamation of Canada's new flag in 1965, the maple leaf has become the most-prominent Canadian symbol.

The Beaver

The beaver attained official status as an emblem of Canada when an "act to provide for the recognition of the beaver as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada" received royal assent on March 24, 1975.

After the early Europeans explorer had realized that Canada was not the spice-rich Orient, the main mercantile attraction was the beaver population numbering in the millions. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the fashion of the day demanded fur hats, which needed beaver pelts. As these hats became more popular, the de­mand for the pelts grew.

Despite all this recognition, the bea­ver was close to extinction by the mid-19th century. There were an estimated six million beavers in Canada before the start of the fur trade. During its peak, 100,000 pelts were being shipped to Eu­rope each year; the Canadian beaver was in danger of being wiped out. Luck­ily, about that time, Europeans took a lik­ing to silk hats and the demand for bea­ver pelts all but disappeared.

Today, thanks to conservation and silk hats, the beaver – the largest rodent in Canada - is alive and well all over the country.


Ex. 1. Answer the following questions.

1. What leaf is on the Canadian flag?

2. Why are there the three royal lions on the Canadian coat of arms?

3. Canada’s motto is based on biblical scripture. What does this scripture say?

4. What role have the trees played in the historical development of Canada?

5. Speak on the usage of maples.

6. Name the most prominent Canadian symbol.

7. In what year did the beaver attain official status as an emblem of Canada?

8. Why was the beaver valued so highly?

9. Why did the demand for beaver pelts disappear?


C. Language in Canada


Text 1

The roots of Canadian English can be found in events which followed the American Revolution of 1776. Those who had supported Britain found themselves unable to stay in the new United States, and most went into exile in the Ontario region of Canada. From there they spread to all parts of the country. They were soon followed by many thousands who were attracted by the cheapness of land. Within fifty years, the population of Upper Canada (above Montreal) had reached 100,000 - mainly people from the United States.

In the east, the Atlantic Provinces had been settled with English speakers much earlier (the first contacts were as early as 1497, when the British explorer John Cabot claimed Newfoundland), but even today these areas contain less than 10 per cent of the population, so that they have only a marginal role in the develop­ment of the Canadian 'norm'. In Quebec, the use of French language and culture remains from the first period of exploration, with the majority of people using French as a mother-tongue: here, English and French coexist uneasily.

Because of its origins, Canadian English has a great deal in common with the rest of the English spoken in North America – and is often difficult to distinguish for people who live outside the region. To British people, Canadians may sound American; to Americans, they may sound British. Canadians themselves insist on not being identified with either, and certainly there is great deal of evidence in support of this view.


Ex. 1. Match the following words with the suitable definition or synonym.

event

role
spread

tongue
cheap

support
settle

Low in price, costing little money.

Thing that happens, incident.

Help; give one’s approval.

Extend, become distributed.

Make one’s permanent house.

Ex. 2. Answer the following questions according to the text.

a. Why did some English people have to escape to Canada after the American Revolution?

b. Why did people go to Canada after the first immigrants?

c. Why is French spoken in Quebec?

d. What kind of English does Canadian English resemble?