Language in the UK

The most widely spoken language in the UK today is English. Newcomers and visitors to the UK may still have problems with regional dialects and accents.

The predominant spoken language is English, but in parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland their native language is still spoken.

What newcomers to the UK might find confusing are the numbers of different regional accents and dialects which can on occasions be difficult to understand, even for native English speakers!

It is possible in the early days of your stay in the UK, that you’ll need some assistance in interpreting or translating English into your preferred language. Interpretation services are often available locally and details of where and how to access them are normally available from your local authority or Citizens Advice Bureau.

How to pay a compliment - Como halagar o hacer un cumplido

Man: Good morning!

Woman: Morning!

Man: By the way, I just wanted to say well done on clinching that deal!

Woman: Oh, thanks. It wasn’t too difficult.

Man: You’re being modest! You did really well.

Woman: Thank you.

Man: You’re a great manager, you know.

Woman: Do you think so?

Man: Oh yeah.

Woman: I appreciate that.

(pause)

Man: Have you cut your hair?

Woman: Oh yes, I did actually. Thanks for noticing!

Man: Where did you get it done?

Woman: Oh, just that place on the high street.

Man: They did a great job and it looks great with the outfit.

Woman: Do you think so?

Man: Oh yeah. Very … fashionable.

Woman: Oh, it’s just an old thing.

Man: Well, you’ve got a great sense of style.

Woman: Thank you, you too.

Man: Thank you.

(pause)

Man: Nice perfume, too. Is that Dream?

Woman: Well, yes it is, actually.

Man: You wear it well.

Woman: I’m flattered.

Man: My pleasure.

Woman: Listen, do you want something?

Man: No. I’m just being polite, you know.

Woman: Hmmm.

Leisure Activities

Leisure Activities

Most of Britain’s population enjoys sport and leisure activities in one way or another, and whether as a participant or a spectator there are a whole host of activities to enjoy.

In recent years the encouragement toward a more healthy lifestyle has led to more people taking up physical activity, whether to get fit or to keep fit. These activities can be found indoors at leisure, sporting and recreation centres and outdoors, at the many free publicly available playing fields and also at clubs and associations which are open to members or paying visitors. In any event there are plenty to choose from whatever your level of physical fitness.

As with most countries many of the leisure activities in the UK are much more sedate. Whether as an individual or a team, a child, adult or family, most towns and cities have something for everyone.

How to ask someone to repeat something

Try out the various ways in asking people to repeat what they said.

Man: (Mumbling “Have you seen a green pen anywhere?”)

Woman: I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.

Man: (Mumbling)

Woman: Could you say that again?

Man: (Mumbling “Green pen, see it anywhere?”)

Woman: I’m sorry…er I still didn’t get that.

Man: (Trying very hard but still mumbling)

Woman: Could you say that again?

Man: (slightly frustrated and mumbling again)

Woman: One more time?

Man: (Mumbling)

Woman: No. Sorry. Nothing.

Man: (Mumbling)

Woman: Look! I can’t hear a word you’re saying.

Man: I said “Have you seen a green…pen”…oh, there it is!

Difference between the UK and Great Britain

Do you find it difficult to understand the difference

between the UK and Great Britain?

Man: So where are you from?

Woman: Scotland. Are you Scottish too?

Man: Well no, I’m English actually, but… you know… it’s all like the same thing, isn’t it?

Woman: Not exactly.

Man: Go on! Isn’t Scotland just like well, a bit of England?

Woman: No, it is not!

Man: Sorry, Britain I mean.

Woman: “Britain” is not “England”!

Man: Well yeah… I know that, I’m not stupid or anything… but Britain’s like, England, Scotland and Wales, isn’t it?

Woman: Not exactly.

Man: Yeah, it is; the UK, the United Kingdom.

Woman: The United Kingdom is “Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland”.

Man: Oh I see, but we’re all like the same nation, aren’t we?

Woman: Not really. Four nations, one state.

Man: Oh, I get it! So the UK (is) like the same as Great Britain...

Woman: Great Britain is a geographical term – it’s a big island with Scotland, England, and Wales on it.

Man: All right, but we all have the same prime minister, don’t we?

Woman: Yes, and the same head of state.

Man: The Queen!

Woman: Exactly.

Man: And the same government?

Woman: Well, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own local parliaments.

Man: Oh. I see.

Woman: It’s complicated.

Man: Yeah, I can see that.

Currency in the UK - La moneda en el Reino Unido

Although the UK is in the European Union, it has taken the decision at the moment not to adopt the Euro as its currency. Instead it retains pound sterling.

A pound consists of 100 pence. The word ‘pence’ being very often shortened to the letter ‘p’ in both the written and in conversational form.

The following coins are in regular circulation:

• 1p
• 2p
• 5p
• 10p
• 20p
• 50p
• £1
• £2

The following notes are also used:

• £5
• £10
• £20
• £50

These notes are usually issued in the name of the Bank of England and the notes and coins are accepted throughout the UK. You may occasionally find some bank notes bearing the names of Banks in Scotland or Northern Ireland, like the Scottish notes shown here. These are still legal tender throughout the UK but some traders, because they are not familiar with them, may be reluctant to accept them outside of the country in which they were issued. If you do have any difficulties though, any Bank will replace them without charge.

In, On or At?

In, On or At?

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. I live ___ an apartment building.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

2. My apartment building is ___ the corner.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

3. My apartment is ___ the fifth floor.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

4. My friend lives ___ 27 Strong Street.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerc

5. He lives ___ apartment 501.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

6. It's ___ San Francisco.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

7. I live ___ the top floor.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

8. It's the fifth door ___ your left.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answerb

9. That apartment was ___ the basement.
   a. in
   b. on
   c. at
   Answera

10. I used to live ___ 12 Harrison Street.
    a. in
    b. on
    c. at
    Answerc