Christian psychotherapy in the modern English-speaking world. English speaking countries

Why are you learning English? For work, education, travel... It all comes down to communication, right? People who speak English feel confident not only at home, but also abroad. Especially in those countries where English is used not by tourists, but by the local population. Moreover, the English-speaking countries of the world have much in common not only in the language of communication, but also in culture as a whole. We recently discussed.

At the same time, English-speaking countries often have a second or even a third official language. Tourists don’t need to know it, but imagine how much it will expand the boundaries of perception! After all, this is why we go on trips. Therefore, let's find out which countries use English as the main language, and what the Anglosphere is.

The Anglosphere as the sum of the English-speaking countries of the world

The term “Anglosphere” is still young - it appeared in 1995 thanks to the wit of the writer Neal Stephenson. In his fantasy novel The Diamond Age: or A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer, London is the cultural center of the English-speaking world. He wrote about English-speaking countries on English language and meant a purely cultural component without any political overtones.

But we understand that in the real world we cannot ignore such political and social aspects such as, for example, the borders of states, the size of their population, official symbols, etc. Therefore, let's remember which countries are officially English-speaking, that is, English remains the main state language for them:

India (pop. 1,129,866,154)

USA (population 300,007,997)

Pakistan (pop. 162,419,946)

Nigeria (pop. 128,771,988)

Philippines (pop. 87,857,473)

United Kingdom (population 60,441,457)

South Africa (pop. 44,344,136)

Tanzania (pop. 38,860,170)

Sudan (pop. 36,992,490)

1. Kenya (pop. 33,829,590)
2. Canada (population 32,300,000)
3. Uganda (pop. 27,269,482)
4. Ghana (pop. 25,199,609)
5. Australia (pop. 23,130,931)
6. Cameroon (pop. 16,380,005)
7. Zimbabwe (pop. 12,746,990)
8. Sierra Leone (pop. 6,017,643)
9. Papua New Guinea (pop. 5,545,268)
10. Singapore (pop. 4,425,720)
11. Ireland (pop. 4,130,700)
12. New Zealand (pop. 4,108,561)
13. Jamaica (pop. 2,731,832)
14. Fiji (pop. 893,354)
15. Seychelles (pop. 81,188)
16. Marshall Islands (pop. 59,071).

This list does not contain the names of all, but the largest and/or most interesting for travelers countries in which English is the official language. However, be careful when using the term “official language.” Because each state, despite belonging to the imaginary “Anglosphere,” manages things in its own way. For example, the vast majority of Australians speak English, including government agencies that use it for work, but Australia simply does not have an official language.

But India, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and the Philippines, which have large and multinational populations, consider English the official language, but not the only one - other official languages ​​are used along with it.

Other countries where English is spoken

The map of the Anglosphere is motley and diverse. It is impossible to unite all English-speaking countries with common bridges and/or roads; they are too scattered around the world. But you can trace the spread of the English language around the planet. It originated in Great Britain and its policies XVIII-XIX centuries contributed to the spread of English throughout the world. Many of the countries where English is the official language are former British colonies. And even today, not all of them have become sovereign states. Here are the non-sovereign English-speaking countries of the world:

Hong Kong (pop. 6,898,686)

Puerto Rico (pop. 3,912,054)

1. Guam (pop. 108,708)
2. US Virgin Islands (pop. 108,708)
3. Jersey (pop. 88,200)
4. Bermuda (pop. 65,365)
5. Cayman Islands (pop. 44,270)
6. Gibraltar (pop. 27,884)
7. British Virgin Islands (pop. 22,643)
8. Falkland Islands (pop. 2,969)

These territories, and even the British Indian Ocean Territory with its population of 2,800 people, are not sovereign states. Their residents speak predominantly English. Simply put, English-speaking people are called Anglophones (from the Greek “anglos” - English and “phonos” - sound). This collective term conventionally unites the entire English-speaking population of the Earth. And this, for a minute, is 510 million people. Moreover, only 380 million have English as their native language, and another 130 million speak English fluently, but it is a second language for them, that is, they have learned it. Studying English in courses and/or on our own, we strive to join them, right? :)

Symbols of English-speaking countries

Each country where English is the official language has its own traditions and symbols. For example, there are floristic (plants), animalistic (animal) symbols of English-speaking countries. They can overlap with each other or be completely different, such as, for example, the symbol of Ireland is the clover and the symbol of Britain is the rose. But often one can easily trace the commonality or continuity of the flags of English-speaking countries.

Do you remember in which countries certain animals are revered? Here are some tips:

Learn English, explore English-speaking countries, and make English-speaking friends for a truly in-depth cultural experience.

In the last two weeks of October, unusual preparations are underway in many countries around the world: pumpkins are purchased (the larger the better), skulls and skeletons (fortunately made of plastic) are removed from the attic, costumes are sewn and other holiday attributes are made. Holiday? Of course, someone will look condescendingly, but for millions of people in English-speaking world(Great Britain, Ireland, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada) October 31 is Halloween, the eve of All Hallows' Day.

The process of globalization has expanded the boundaries of the holiday, and now it is also celebrated in the non-English-speaking world: in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, as well as in most European countries.

But let's return to the holiday itself. Little ghosts and goblins appear on the streets of cities and in small villages; in small groups they follow from house to house, from entrance to entrance. The doorbell rings or knocks and you hear the usual “Trick-or-treat.” They give you an ultimatum: sweets or some harmless joke or trick on their part. Of course, most often the “goblins” and “ghosts” get a treat. The very tradition of costumed processions to receive sweets dates back to the Middle Ages. Just remember the Christmas processions with carols. But the phrase “Trick-or-treat” itself appeared in the USA in the mid-30s of the twentieth century.

The night of All Hallows' Eve is the night of bonfires, haunted houses, scary stories, films, ghosts, terrifying. The picture wouldn't be complete without a jack-o'-lantern with eyes, nose and mouth cut into it. In short, save yourself who can! (Run for your lives!) Halloween is coming! (Halloween is coming!)

And what is it worth outside holiday? Surely it's not just ghost costumes and sweets? Of course not. This holiday has a very interesting story. We'll talk about it now.

SAMHAIN / SAMHAIN

Halloween (another name for “All Hallows’ Eve” or “All Hallows’ Eve”), according to historians, appeared along with the Celtic pagan holiday Samhain. In ancient sources, the first mentions of it date back to the 10th century. In Old Irish the word "Samhain" means "end of summer". The Celtic celebrations began shortly before the beginning of November, so later the Irish began to use the word “Samhain” for November. The Samhain holiday was popular not only among the Celts, but also among other peoples inhabiting the British Isles in those ancient times. In Scotland it was called Oidhche Samhna, in Ireland - Oiche Samhna. By the way, even now in certain areas of Ireland and Scotland you can hear these ancient names, and here on the night of October 31 they tell stories about long-dead relatives and carry out ritual actions to calm the souls of people who have left this world.

Initially, the holiday was purely seasonal and meant the completion of agricultural work and harvesting. According to the few surviving sources, the deceased were remembered on these same days. There was a belief that on Samhain the souls of the dead passed into the other world.

With the development of Christianity and, in particular, Catholicism, Samhain is replaced by All Saints' Day. At this time, Celtic traditions intertwined with Catholic rites, and as a result of this process, Samhain was gradually replaced by Halloween.

According to anthropologists and historians, Samhain provided an opportunity to approach the concept of death and the afterlife in a playful and safe manner. Although scholars do not have enough information to confirm that one holiday merged with the other, since they were celebrated around the same time, All Hallows' Mass, celebrated on November 1, and Samhain were somehow influenced by each other. on a friend.

COSTUMES, TRADITIONS.

Let's return to the holiday paraphernalia and traditional actions. Processions in masks that hide their faces became popular in the 16th century, and not only children, but also adults took part in them. Without receiving a treat (usually sweets), they could commit some kind of prank.

Later, in late XIX- At the beginning of the 20th century, the custom of wearing role-playing costumes appeared. The main function of the suit was to hide one's appearance and become unrecognizable. Interestingly, straw was a popular material. Participants in the processions acted out skits, entertained the owners of the houses, and only then asked for sweets or money. At the same time, the custom arose of carrying a Jack-o’-lantern made from a pumpkin.

Over time, the suit has evolved. Today, the themes of costumes are very diverse - from ghosts and fantastic creatures to vampires and sorcerers. In the USA and other English-speaking countries, a whole industry of carnival costumes has been created to suit every taste and budget. Although many still make them with their own hands.

The tradition of begging dates back to All Hallows' Mass, when the poor, including children, knocked on the doors of the houses of wealthy citizens and asked them for food, and in return they promised to pray for the deceased relatives of the nobility. This ritual was called "Souling". The subtext of the tradition has changed, but the tradition itself remains.

Halloween came to the United States thanks to a massive influx of emigrants from Ireland and Scotland. But the trick-or-treat tradition did not become particularly popular until World War II. The fact is that a similar tradition already existed in the USA, when on Thanksgiving Day children also go from house to house and ask for a treat (Thanksgiving begging). But this, however, did not stop them from eventually acquiring another one.

GAMES, JOKES, JOKES.

When you hear “trick-or-treat,” you don’t have to worry about any damage to your home. All threats are comic. But it was not always so.

For example, at the end of the 19th century in the USA and Canada, the pranks of children and teenagers in disguise, whose faces were hidden by masks, were not at all funny. They could easily rob outbuildings, open the door to the chicken coop, let horses out of the stable, etc.

In the 20s and 30s of the 20th century, celebrations turned into processions of riotous crowds of young people committing acts of vandalism. To return the holiday to a more peaceful direction, the authorities and the public began to promote costumed events and processions and “Trick-or-treat” as an alternative to the violent antics of young people.

But Halloween was and remains a holiday, with its inherent games and treats. Take apples, for example. Apples are associated with Halloween in two ways: firstly, it is one of the treats, and also an attribute of the game called “bobbing for apples” (catching apples from the water with your mouth). The game is ancient, existed in the colonial era, but was used only for fortune telling. According to legend, the first person to get an apple from a bucket filled with water will be the first to marry.

There is another fortune telling for Halloween. At the moment when the clock strikes midnight, the girl must peel the apple (the length of the peel is important!) and throw it over your shoulder. It is believed that the fallen peel takes the shape of the first letter of the groom's name.

Another Halloween ritual for girls was popular in the past. The girl, left alone in the dark house, climbed the stairs backwards. Once at the top, he held candles in front of the mirror. It was believed that the groom's face would appear in the mirror. Well, if instead of a man’s face a skull suddenly appeared, it means that the girl was destined to die. Of course, the majority never took these fortune-telling seriously, but there were exceptions...

SYMBOLS.

What would Halloween be without a Jack-o’-lantern?! This is the main symbol of the holiday. On All Saints' Day we need to drive away evil spirits. How? Take a pumpkin, cut out eyes, a nose, a mouth on it, twisted in an evil smile, and the expression of this face should be terrifying. A lit candle should be placed inside. The pumpkin is left near the home. In the distant past, when Halloween had not yet come to American soil, and when you had to pay a lot of money for a pumpkin, both turnips and wild turnips were used. Fortunately, now everyone can afford to buy a pumpkin (or even more than one!). Therefore, since the middle of the 19th century, lamps have been made, as a rule, from pumpkins. And in the USA, to pumpkin in general special treatment- it was with this fruit that Americans always celebrated the harvest.

On Halloween, many people decorate their home according to the principle: the scarier the better. Necessary decorative attributes are skeletons and cobwebs (they can be purchased in stores). In general, everything depends on the imagination, so you can see coffins, black crows and black cats, garden scarecrows. The color scheme of the decor varies from orange to brown and black.

By the way, candy and other sweets for participants in processions (Trick-or-treat) can be left in special pots near the house, thereby depriving the “ghosts” of the need to utter the cherished phrase, leaving them only “treat”. True, it has now become popular to ask children to do something simple for a sweet reward.

This is where we can put an end to it. It's time for us to prepare for the holiday. Do you celebrate Halloween? Yes? Well then Halloween is upon us!

Monzheley Elena Petrovna,
English teacher,
October, 2015

Higher education programs in English-speaking countries differ in two main levels - undergraduate (undergraduate or post-secondary education) and (post-)graduate (master's degree).

Bachelor's degree

The duration of undergraduate programs is from three (UK) to four years (USA and Canada). This is due to differences in approaches to learning. If in the UK subjects related to specialization are studied from the first semester, then in the USA during the first two years of study, general education (General Education or GE) is compulsory for everyone. Moreover, the American higher school is so democratic that the applicant does not have to decide on the choice of his future specialty at the time of admission to the university. He can choose it during the GE period.

In the UK, the three-year qualification does not apply to all undergraduate programs. There are programs that last four years, for example in economics and management, and the fourth year (if successfully completed) leads to an honors degree.

In the English-speaking world, young people receive complete secondary education by the age of 18, and unlike Russia, secondary education in the USA, Great Britain and Canada lasts 12-13 years. In each of these countries, the requirements for foreign applicants have both common points and differences.

Level of English language proficiency.

To enter a university, you need a good knowledge of the English language, officially confirmed by the results of certain tests. The most famous among them – TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) And IELTS (International English Language Testing System).Both of these tests are recognized by any Western university in both Europe and America.

Academic Requirements

To universities Canada and USA Applicants from Russia can enroll at the age of 17, having in hand a Certificate of Complete Secondary Education (11-year form of education). In addition, to study at a US university, you must additionally provide the results of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).

SAT has two levels - SAT I (“general”, when knowledge of English and mathematics is tested in one test) and SAT II (“subject”, when the applicant at his own discretion chooses subjects relevant to his future specialization and takes tests on them) . The more prestigious the university or program, the higher the required SAT level.

IN Great Britain admission to the university is possible only if the applicant has completed 12 years of study at the start of the university program. This is the law for everyone without exception.

To “pull up” knowledge of the English language and basic school disciplines to the required level high school, in the UK there are special pre-university training programs (Foundation). The duration of study in these programs is one academic year or more. In the subject part, Foundation programs are divided into: Art & Design (year), Science & Engineering (year) and Pre-Medical (1.5+ years).

Higher medical and legal education in the UK, USA and Canada

Training programs for practicing doctors and lawyers are the most in demand and popular in the modern world.

This largely determines the high entry requirements (the average score in school subjects is not lower than “4.5” in five-point system), as well as differences in the policies of English-speaking countries regarding foreign applicants.

Canada is “closed” to Russians. Its government believes that only Canadian citizens should receive medical and legal education at national universities - those who will be legally responsible for their professional actions and regularly pay taxes.

The USA is “open” to Russians, but at the time of admission, both Americans and foreigners must have a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in any specialty confirming 4 years of study.

Britain is also “open” to Russians. An applicant is not required to have a bachelor's degree, but for foreigners there are special Foundation programs for future doctors.

System enrollment in universities in the UK, USA and Canada

Without exception, all applicants to British universities are admitted through a nationwide electronic system. It greatly facilitates the passage of all stages, from choosing programs and entering personal information to confirming enrollment.

In the USA and Canada there is no such unified nationwide system.

Master's degree (POST-GRADUATE)

A master's degree program in the UK lasts an average of one and a half years. In the USA and Canada, the duration of master's programs is usually one year.

Master's programs that require professional experience, as a rule, are designed for longer periods (from one to three years). This primarily concerns MBA programs (Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration).

It is not always possible for an applicant to enroll in a master's program and immediately go all the way to receiving a master's degree; there are cases when studying for a master's degree is impossible due to lack of time, funds or other reasons. Therefore, in English-speaking countries there are various options programs that tend to be sedate, but are not so. These are, for example, certificates and diplomas at the master’s level (the so-called Postgraduate Certificates/Diplomas) or programs for practicing managers (Programs for Executives), programs distance learning(distance learning programs), etc.

English proficiency level

To enroll in a master's program, you must have TOEFL or IELTS test results of a higher level than for enrollment in bachelor's programs. Philosophy, business and law programs have higher language requirements than others. If the university recognizes the applicant’s only weak point as his language level, then before starting the main training program he must complete a special Pre-Masters preparatory course. This course allows you not only to “pull up” your English language, but also to develop it in a direction relevant to your future specialization, for example: Pre-LLM (law)

Today, an increasing number of master's programs require specific GMAT and GRE tests. The GMAT is primarily intended for those applying to business administration programs (MBA, etc.), the GRE is the equivalent of the GMAT for all other programs (such as philosophy or engineering).

Motivation and professional experience upon admission to the master's program

Master's programs in the English-speaking world are aimed at people who are mature professionally and personally. Applicants must know what they want to achieve and thoroughly argue their goals in motivational essays (motivation letters). Essay is given admissions committees the opportunity to evaluate such important personal qualities as professional experience, leadership abilities, ability to think logically, etc. In addition to motivational essays, confirmation personal qualities and professional maturity of the applicant are served by a resume (track record) and recommendations from administrative or scientific supervisors, professors, colleagues, as well as published works and participation in various scientific and practical conferences, symposiums or seminars.

Americans usually soon switch to calling people by their first names, but you still shouldn’t do it yourself if you’ve been introduced by your last name and haven’t yet been asked to be short.

American communication belongs to the so-called cultures with low level context (another example is German communication). This means that the words spoken by the interlocutor almost literally, practically without taking into account the possible meaning hidden in the words, can change what was said to the exact opposite.

When solving a problem, Americans seek to discuss not only general approaches, but also details related to the implementation of agreements. Breaks in the conversation are not welcome, silence is perceived as a kind of “failure” in the conversation, therefore, since it has formed, do not remain silent, at least talk about the weather. And keep smiling!

Americans truly believe that they know themselves well enough. Although they may lack the encyclopedic knowledge for which Europeans are so famous, Americans nevertheless consider themselves good experts in their own history and their national character, the dominant features of which they consider hard work and patriotism.

Americans have a much more personal and emotional relationship with their homeland than the British. Americans call their homeland she[she], that is, personify her: Where America was and where she is now[Where America Was and Where It Is Now]. It is in American texts that one can find mother country[motherland], they sometimes say our country[our country].

A more emotional attitude towards one’s beautiful homeland is manifested in the periphrase America the beautiful[America the Beauty] - no beautiful America[America the Beautiful] America the beautiful[America the Beauty] is a much more solemn name for the country.

Americans, in their agitation for super-loyalty and super-devotion towards their country, reach the point of curiosity: the world-famous Made in USA[Made in USA] began to be replaced by pompous Crafted with pride in USA[Proudly Made in the USA] .

Another feature of the American national character and behavior is the cult of shrines and symbols, one of which is an irresistible, almost manic love for freedom.

Americans are distinguished by their politeness and courtesy. An emphatically polite address to the addressee, a form of personal polite request - these techniques are very common in the USA. Learning calls with the word please[please] or without it showed that all types of information (warnings, instructions, and prohibitions) can take the form of a polite request, underlined by the word please.

Most Americans believe that the ideal conversation is an exchange of thoughts, and not a self-manifestation-monologue, not narcissism, and not a demonstration of one’s wit.

Compliments are a wonderful and mutually pleasant technique. Every person has his own merits, and everyone is vain to one degree or another. Therefore, Americans tend to praise the people with whom they deal. The result is always wonderful. They smile at you from afar, when you have not yet had time to open your mouth to greet.

In the Western world in general and in the English-speaking world in particular, a smile is a sign of culture (culture, of course, in the ethnographic sense of the word), it is a tradition, a custom: to stretch your lips into the appropriate position to show that you have no aggressive intentions, you are not going to rob or kill. This is a way of formally demonstrating to others that one belongs to a given culture, to a given society.

Formal politeness is a pronounced feature of English-speaking society. To a simple question: “Tea or coffee? [Tea or coffee?]" you cannot simply answer "Tea [Tea]", you must always add please"-“Tea, please [Tea, please].” In a negative answer you need to add thank you[thank you], but don’t indulge in explanations.

As for the culture of behavior in Australia, Australians are friendly, they are distinguished by their rejection of authority, and their love of witty words. The backbone of the population consisted of emigrants from England and Ireland.

On the one hand, Australia retains the influence of English culture, sometimes manifested in restraint, stiffness, and puritanism; on the other hand, many observers note the similarity of Australia with California, which is manifested in love of life, freedom of morals, and the habit of spending most of the time outdoors. Australians are friendly to foreigners. The influence of ecologists and pacifists is great.

Australians are extremely laconic , they find brevity a wonderful quality. Business proposals should be presented simply and concisely, without going into details. The tradition of most Australians is a relaxed style of clothing.

Australians borrowed some manners and rules of etiquette from England: a man opens the door for a woman, an owner opens a door for guests, bosses open doors for subordinates.

Australians' spoken language is very different from their written language. The written language is classic English with some American influences. The language that Australians use in everyday life is called "strine". Words in it are shortened, swallowed, combined together and even thrown out. So it is simply impossible to learn this language. To understand him, you need to listen very carefully.

Australians, or Ozzies (as they call themselves informally), are fierce individualists. At the top of the list of Australian values ​​is an unshakable belief in their own individuality. They know that they live in a country unlike any other.

Australians dream of changing the popular perception of their beloved country as a convict settlement, so under no circumstances in a conversation should you even hint to an Australian that his family tree is rooted in the depths of the criminal world.

Australians are kind and smiling people. They will always smile at you and say “thank you.” In Australia it is common practice to talk to stranger. Australians are a people without complexes. If you want to know something, just ask. Australians are far from shy, and if they don’t like your questions, they won’t hesitate to ask you “not to bother you with your stupid questions.”

In Australia, there are practically no taboo topics of conversation. You can always argue about religion and politics, so you can easily start the conversation with them. However, it is considered bad manners to ask about salary and talk about race.

Australians love to make fun of those who consider themselves too smart. Therefore, try to keep it simple when communicating with them. All conversations of Australians are filled with jokes and jokes. They joke about any country and any people. They tell the English jokes about the English, the Irish about the Irish, etc. Australians can laugh at themselves too. But don’t tell yourself funny stories and jokes about Australians, they hate it when foreigners make fun of their people.

In Australia, touching people is not common. The only exception is the handshake, which is given special significance. A man does not shake hands with a woman: if an emancipated woman extends her hand to a man, she will put him in an awkward position.

In Australia, it is customary to take a shower at least once a day - it is simply impossible without this, because their sun is much hotter than in Europe.

Despite all the diversity of its components, the culture here is still English, and it has left its mark on the norms of behavior acceptable in Australian society.

Summarizing all of the above, we cannot help but notice the obvious influence of the culture of England, as a former metropolis, on the culture of the USA and Australia. All the basic norms of behavior that are considered acceptable throughout the world also exist in the society of English-speaking countries. The main similarities in behavioral culture include the manifestation of politeness, friendliness and truthfulness in communication, and respect for the freedom of others. Time is one of the main values ​​in the society of England, the USA and Australia. In these countries, it is customary to show respect to elders and women, to value the peace of others, without in any way showing their superiority in education, social status, etc. In the USA and Australia, unlike England, the manifestation of patriotism is more personal. This is a kind of national idea, society, thus, makes up for the short history of its countries as independent states. The culture of behavior in the USA and Australia is somewhat relaxed. This is manifested in a fairly quick transition to names in communication, and the absence of taboo topics. Patriarchal English society has always been distinguished by restraint, stiffness and the presence of many formal rules that are not always understandable to a foreigner.

2.2 Features of the culture of the English-speaking world through the prism of announcements and appeals

There is no doubt that information and regulatory vocabulary reflects the culture of the speech community to which all these calls, announcements, prohibitions, etc. are addressed. This happens in different ways and in different forms.

Announcements prohibiting certain actions show what kind of actions are possible in a given society, what can be expected from its members, what behavior needs to be stopped.

The following examples illustrate this point especially clearly, because prohibitions of this kind are impossible in our culture for the simple reason that no one would think of behaving this way. Indeed, in our society, in our culture, there is no need to prohibit people from sitting on the floor in in public places, tucking a coat under a chair in the theater and much more.

In the University of London Library:

Readers are reminded that sitting on the floors is prohibited.

On the door of the streaming auditorium at the British University:

In the American University building:

No rollerblading [Roller skating is prohibited].

On the door of the university conference room during a plenary session:

No drinking or eating, please [Please refrain from eating and drinking].

At the Royal National Theater in London:

Please do not place coats, etc. under your seat as it interferes with ventilation [Please do not place your coats, etc. under the seats as this will interfere with ventilation].

The tradition of putting outer clothing under the seat in the theater is so widespread and tenacious that the authors of the call for a ban, for greater importance, give a “rational” (His Majesty Common Sense reigns in society!) explanation regarding the violation of ventilation.

Even more strange from the point of view of our culture is the call-ban-wish in St. Alban's Cathedral not to smoke, drink drinks, or eat in the cathedral premises. In our country, even during the years of persecution of religion, this would have been impossible:

Out of respect for this house of God visitors are asked to be suitably dressed and not to eat, drink or smoke in the abbey [Out of respect for this God's temple Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in the Abbey].

A completely culturally incomprehensible announcement in the center of Sydney, Australia, in the part of the harbor where warships were stationed (Naval dockyard), prohibited entering this territory (this is understandable) and... shooting (?!):

Trespassing and shooting is forbidden on this property.

The features of the social life of a particular culture are reflected in the following examples.

In Australia in the state of Victoria in the summer (January - February), when the terrible heat causes fires in which people and animals die, a sign is common on the roads:

Fire restriction are in use! [Fire restrictions apply!]

Pay attention to the exclamation mark, a much rarer punctuation mark than in Russian.

“Mysterious” text on signs of restaurants and cafes in Australia:

b. u. O.

This means that the visitor can (should?) bring his own bottle of alcohol. It is interesting that the word bottle is absent in this case: everyone already knows what is meant in the call “bring your own"[bring it with you].

The language of advertisements and signs fully reflected such a very characteristic feature of Western culture as concern for environmental protection, or, in other words, concern for environmental problems.

In accordance with Western ideology, concern for the environment is successfully combined with concern for one's own benefit. So, in all hotels and inns, large and small, in Europe, America, Australia, the visitor reads in his room a detailed explanation (even with an epigraph from scientific treatises) about how harmful excess washing is for nature (with a secret hint to use longer towels) . The request is quite reasonable from all points of view, but it is presented in the form of a fashionable appeal for concern for the environment:

HELP US TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

Now more than ever it is important to protect the environment by reducing

pollution and saving on energy and costs. At the Manchester Conference Center we believe that even small gestures can make a difference. We would)