Hello and welcome back to the British Council?s Language Clinic. This week I?ve been asked to talk about the place where I was born, my national identity. Any guesses? I was born in London, the capital of England, so I?m English? England, Scotland, Wales and over a hundred small islands make up the geographical union known as Great Britain, so that?s where I?m from, I?m from Great Britain? Oh, but I can?t forget my Grandfather Harry, he originally comes from Northern Ireland, which together with Great Britain is known as the United Kingdom? so I?m from the UK? This is turning out to be quite a confusing question. I think that the best answer I can give appears on my passport, I am from The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It becomes obvious, quickly that the UK is about a lot more than just England. Scotland, for example, with its rich cultural heritage, is an integral element of the very idea of what it means to be British. In areas such as music, literature, philosophy, education, science, and art Scotland has consistently proved itself to be a world leader. Here at the British Council, we feel that the unique identities of Scotland are such an integral part of modern Britain that we will be launching ?Scotland Now!? This celebration of Scottish culture will include artists, performers, films, music, exhibitions and workshops. From 19th to 24th March you are invited to join us in celebrating contemporary Celtic and Mauritian connections.

As a very brief answer to the original question, I consider myself to be British; I am fiercely proud of the fact that I am English and feel lucky to have been born in London. Please send your comments and questions to ?Dr Danny? at the British Council Language Clinic by emailing the address below: [email protected]

For further information and free tickets for ?Scotland Now!? events, or to find out about studying with the British Council, please call on 403 0200.