Revision : British culture

1. What do you know about the UK ? Distinguish England from Britain

Remarkable things about the UK :

The United Kingdom is officially called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland. It is also known as Britain or just the UK. The United Kingdom is
located off the north-western coast of continental Europe and has a land border with
the Republic of Ireland. The UK has four constituent parts, three of which - England,
Wales and Scotland are situated on the island of Great Britain. The fourth part is
Northern Ireland, which is located on the island of Ireland. Major languages of the
UK are English, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic. The UK is a constitutional
monarchy and its monarch currently is King Charles III. The Prime Minister at the
moment is Rishi Sunak. The capital of the UK is London

Distinguish England from Britain:

England Britain
England is one of the four constituent Britain is the landmass where England is
countries that make up the United and it is the commonly used name of the
Kingdom (UK United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland. It composed of four
constituent nations: England, Scotland,
Wales, and Northern Ireland

2. What is England / Scotland / Wales / Northern Ireland famous for ?

England is famous for a number of things, but there are three outstanding things
about England that are :

- The river Thames is a significant river in England that flows through southern
England and runs past several major cities, including London and it is the longest
river entirely in England, with a length of approximately 215 miles.

- Big Ben tower is situated at the north end of The Houses of Parliament in
Westminster, Central London, next to the river Thames. The famous melody of the
Westminster Quarters is played by four smaller bells, known as the quarter bells

- Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in London,

England. Located in the City of Westminster, it serves as both a royal home and
the administrative headquarters for the monarchy. The Changing of the Guard
ceremony takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace
)

Scotland is famous for a number of things, but there are three outstanding
things about Scotland that are :

- Kilts, the traditional Scottish garment symbolizing for the patriotism and national
identity, are often made from tartan and are still worn on special occasions and for
traditional events.

- Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress located on Castle Rock, a volcanic rock

formation in the heart of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. A tradition at Edinburgh
Castle is the firing of the One O'Clock Gun. The gun is fired daily except
Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day at precisely 1:00 p.m.

- Loch Ness, a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, gained worldwide
fame due to the legend of the Loch Ness monster, commonly known as “ Nessie”.
The mythical creature is believed to inhabit in the depths of Loch Ness.

Wales is famous for a number of things, but there are three outstanding things
about Wales that are :

- St. David's Day is celebrated on March 1st each year, commemorates the patron
saint of Wales, Saint David. On this day, people in Wales proudly display daffodils
and leeks (national emblems), participate in parades, and enjoy traditional Welsh
food and music.

- Snowdonia National Park is a beautiful and expansive national park located in

northwest Wales and is named after Mount Snowdon. Snowdonia National Park
offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. Apart from hiking and
climbing, you can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and even zip-lining

- The Eisteddfod is a traditional Welsh festival that celebrates Welsh language,

music, literature, and culture. It is one of the oldest cultural festivals in Europe and
has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Participants, both amateur and
professional, compete to win prestigious awards, including the "Chair" for poetry
and the "Crown" for prose

Northern Ireland is famous for a number of things, but there are three
outstanding things about Northern Ireland that are :

- Giant’s Causeway is an impressive attraction along the Causeway Coast in

Northern Ireland. Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of
Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.

- Bushmills Distillery is a well-known whiskey distillery located in Northern

Ireland. It is located in the village of Bushmills in County Antrim. The distillery
has a long history and is one of the oldest licensed whiskey distilleries in the
world, with records dating back to 1608.
- The Belfast International Arts Festival is an annual arts and culture event held in
Belfast, Northern Ireland, which showcases a diverse range of artistic disciplines
including theater, dance, music,… The festival aims to promote creativity, cultural
dialogue, and understanding through the presentation of high-quality international
and local artistic works.

3. Why has the UK government encouraged immigrant communities to speak

their own languages and English ?

The UK government has encouraged immigrant communities to speak their own

languages and English because they want to help immigrants preserve their cultural
heritage and identity. Language is an essential part of any culture, and by supporting
the use of different languages, the UK government acknowledges and values the
diverse backgrounds of its population. Moreover, encouraging immigrant
communities to speak their own languages shows the respect of the UK government
for human rights and equality. For example, the children of immigrants are often
taught their own languages in school, and there are newspapers, magazines and radio
and television programs for the Asian community. In spite of laws passed to protect
the immigrants, there is still discrimination against Asian and black people, many of
whom are unemployed or in low-paid jobs. However, the atmosphere is improving
and the different races are slowly learning to trust one another.

4. Why is standard English with an RP accent the usual model for people
learning British English as a foreign language ? What justification can you find
for this practice ?

Standard English accent typically refers to Received Pronunciation (RP) or southern

English accent, which is a prestigious accent associated with educated speakers in the
United Kingdom. Received Pronunciation is traditionally associated with southern
England, particularly from Bristol to West End of London. One of the most
prominent features of the Southern English accent is the absence of the "r" sound at
the end of syllables and words. For example, "car" may be pronounced as "cah."In
some instances, vowels in the Southern English accent may be elongated or held for a
slightly longer duration than in other accents. This can give the accent a more drawn-
out and refined quality. RP follows the same grammatical rules as Standard British
English. It adheres to subject-verb-object word order in sentences and uses the same
tense system, verb conjugations, and noun inflections.

4 justifications about standard English (RP) :

- The lectures and speeches delivered at prestigious universities like the University
of Oxford and the University of Cambridge often exhibit RP. People can find
recorded lectures on their respective websites or platforms like YouTube.
- The BBC, especially its newsreaders and presenters, has historically favored RP
as the standard accent for broadcasting. Although the BBC has become more
diverse in recent years, RP is still prevalent among many of its staff.

- RP has traditionally been the accent of choice in British theatre, particularly for
classical plays and period dramas. Many actors and actresses, both on stage and
screen, adopt RP accents to portray characters from certain social backgrounds or
time periods.

- RP is commonly associated with diplomats, politicians, and other high-ranking

officials in the United Kingdom. It has historically been seen as a marker of
prestige and authority in these contexts, although there has been some
diversification in recent years.

5. Give your comment on the British Parliament

The British Parliament is composed of three elements that are the elected House of
Commons, the appointed House of Lords and the Sovereign, in which The House of
Commons is the most important part of Parliament. Moreover, in my view, the
primary reason the British Parliament is the model for other countries look up to is
the democratic values in the sense that the British parliamentary system provides a
platform for robust debates, scrutiny of government actions, and the protection of
civil liberties. Overall, I believe that the House of Commons, the House of Lords and
the Sovereign are co-operative to one another rather than to be averse to one another.
Therefore, a need for adjustment in the Parliament is not necessary.

6. Why does the British Prime Minister continue to “advise“ and “request” the
King/ Queen when everybody knows that he/she is really telling the monarch

In theory, the Sovereign is the head of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
of government and the King or Queen can formally appoints office holders including
Prime Minister, governors, etc, but in practice, the monarch's power has been limited
and is largely symbolic and non-political. In reality, The Prime Minister is the head of
the government and holds the real executive power. The Prime Minister is the leader
of the political party that holds the majority in the House of Commons, and they are
responsible for leading the government, making policy decisions. The requirement for
the Prime Minister to seek the Queen's signature or approval is a constitutional
convention that shows the respect to the Sovereign and ensures democratic
accountability
7. What are the outstanding features of the English education system ?

Education in England is overseen by the Department of Education and there are two
main types of school in the UK that are state schools and independent schools. State
schools are funded and overseen by the government and educates all children without
charge. State schools in England are maintained by LEAs. The independent schools,
on the other hand, are privately funded and charge tuition fees. In England, all
children must attend school no later than the start of the term after the fifth birthday.
Primary schools consist mainly of infant schools for children aged 5 to 7, junior
schools for those aged 7 to 11. Secondary education follows primary education and
typically starts at the age of 11 or 12 and lasts until the age of 16, then students take
GCSE. After age 16, British students can choose to leave school or if their GCSE is
good enough, they can attend Sixth form for further two years. At the end of this
time, they sit Advanced Level exam to qualify entry for colleges or university.

8. Give your comment on the British education system ( kinds of schools, school
levels, curriculum, qualification, management, etc. )

In England, schools have the flexibility to design their own curriculum within the
framework set by the national curriculum. I believe the difference in curriculum and
textbooks from one school to another can be beneficial to some extend in the way that
it encourages experimentation and innovation in educational approaches. Schools can
try out different teaching methods, assessment strategies, leading to the discovery of
new and effective ways of teaching and learning.However, I reckon that private
schools can contribute to social segregation by creating homogeneous communities
of students from similar socioeconomic backgrounds. This can limit exposure to
diversity and impede social mobility. Public schools, on the other hand, tend to serve
a more diverse student population, fostering interactions between students from
different socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds.

9. What do the three branches of the UK government do ?

The UK government consists of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary:

- The UK Parliament (the legislature) makes primary legislation, although it has

devolved a range of issues to the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for
Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Under the constitution, Parliament is
supreme and has authority over government and law-making in the United
Kingdom as a whole.

- The executive comprises the Government (members of the Cabinet and other
ministers responsible for policies); government departments and agencies; local
authorities; public corporations; independent regulatory bodies; and certain other
organizations subject to ministerial control. The Government derives its authority
 and membership from Parliament and can only stay in office if it is able to
command a majority in the House of Commons.

- The judiciary determines common law arid interprets legislation.

10. How many types of family patterns are there in the UK ? Which is your
favorite? Why ?

There are 7 types of family in the UK : extended family, nuclear family, step-family,
childless family, foster family, single-parent family, same-sex family

Nuclear family

Advantages :

Nuclear families often enjoy more privacy and independence compared to larger
extended families. Each family member may have their own space and autonomy,
which can foster individual growth and personal relationships.

The nuclear family often provides a stable and nurturing environment for children to
grow up in. With two parents present, there may be a greater sense of emotional
support and stability, which can positively impact a child's development.

With both parents typically present, nuclear families often have a higher combined
income, making it potentially easier to provide for the family's material needs. This
financial stability can contribute to a higher standard of living, access to quality
education, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Compared to larger family structures, nuclear families may experience fewer

conflicts and disagreements due to the smaller number of individuals involved. This
can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious household environment, promoting
a sense of well-being and reducing stress.

Disadvantages :

Nuclear families may have a smaller support network. This can place a greater burden
on parents, particularly when it comes to childcare, as they may have limited
assistance from relatives.

With fewer family members, there may be a limited range of perspectives and
experiences within the household. This can restrict the exposure of children to
different viewpoints and cultures, potentially impacting their understanding and
acceptance of diversity.

In a nuclear family, parents may face increased pressure as they have to juggle
multiple roles and responsibilities. Balancing work, childcare, household chores, and
personal needs can be challenging, potentially leading to stress and burnout.
In a nuclear family, there may be a limited interaction between different generations.
This can result in a loss of intergenerational knowledge, cultural traditions, and
values that are typically passed down through extended family networks. The absence
of these connections may impact a child's understanding of their heritage and history.

Extended family

Advantages :

Extended family members can offer financial assistance or share resources during
times of financial hardship. This support can range from temporary loans or financial
gifts to living arrangements, shared housing, or access to family-owned property.

Extended family plays a crucial role in passing down wealth, property, and family
heirlooms from one generation to the next. This ensures the preservation of family
assets and the continuation of family values and traditions.

Extended family members can play a crucial role caregiving. They can assist with
transportation to medical appointments, provide emotional support during illness, or
help care for elderly or disabled family members.

Extended family members provide emotional support during challenging times, such
as illness, loss, or personal difficulties. They offer a sense of belonging,
understanding, and empathy, which can contribute to overall emotional well-being

Disadvantages :

The most significant drawback of joint family life is that your privacy can be
endangered. Everyone in the family is familiar with everyone else. As a result, they
might occasionally meddle in your daily affairs

Children cannot make independent decisions because they have a tendency to talk to
their elders about everything. As a result, they are indecisive and lack confidence.

Extended families often consist of individuals with diverse personalities, opinions,

and lifestyles. This can lead to conflicts and disagreements, especially if there are
differences in values, beliefs, or parenting styles.

In some extended families, there may be an expectation that certain family members
will take on caregiving responsibilities for elderly or dependent relatives. Especially
if the responsibilities fall disproportionately on a few individuals, it can lead to
caregiver burnout and strain relationships within the family.

Step family
Advantages
Combining households can lead to increased financial resources and shared
responsibilities. This can provide greater stability and security for both adults and
children within the stepfamily.

Stepfamilies can provide emotional support and companionship to both adults and
children. They offer the opportunity to form new bonds and relationships, which can
contribute to a sense of belonging and security.

Stepfamilies may enhance problem-solving skills in the sense that step families often
face unique challenges that require effective problem-solving skills. Members of
stepfamilies learn to navigate complex dynamics, negotiate differences, and find
solutions that work for everyone involved

Stepfamilies offer children the opportunity to have additional role models in their
lives. They may have a step-parent who can provide guidance, support, and
mentorship, or older step-siblings who serve as positive influences

Disadvantages

Step families can involve complex relationships, especially when children from
previous relationships are involved. The relationships between stepparents and
stepchildren, step siblings, and biological parents can be complicated and may require
time and effort to develop and nurture.

Stepfamilies can face social stigma or judgment from others, which can add to the
stress and emotional strain experienced within the family. Societal pressure and
unrealistic expectations of what a "traditional" family should look like may create
additional challenges.

Blending two separate families into a cohesive unit can be challenging. Different
parenting styles, discipline methods, and household routines may clash, causing
tension and disagreements within the stepfamily.

Family members in stepfamilies may bring emotional baggage from previous

relationships or family dynamics. Unresolved issues, trust issues, or emotional trauma
can impact the family's ability to form healthy and supportive relationships.

Childless family

Advantages

Without the financial obligations of raising children, childless families often have
greater financial stability. They can allocate resources towards their own desires, such
as pursuing higher education, investments
Childless individuals and couples have the flexibility to be more spontaneous in their
daily lives without needing to consider the needs and routines of children.

Not having children can provide individuals or couples with the opportunity to
develop deeper connections with friends, family members, or their community. They
have more time and energy to invest in nurturing these relationships, and they can
build strong support networks outside of the immediate family unit.

Not having children can alleviate some of the emotional challenges and worries
associated with parenting. Individuals or couples in a childless family may
experience less stress, anxiety, and emotional strain that can come with the
responsibilities of raising children.

Disadvantages

In some societies, there may be social expectations or cultural norms that place value
on having children. Childless individuals or couples may face societal pressure,
criticism, or judgment from family, friends, or community members who adhere to
these norms.

Childless individuals may not have the same level of support network or assistance of
their children in their later years. They may need to rely on social services or other
forms of support to meet their needs as they age.

Not having children may mean that family lineage, preserve cultural traditions, or
pass on their values and beliefs could potentially fade away over time.

Childless couples may undergo the sense of emptiness during significant life
occasions that are commonly linked with having children such as birthdays, holidays,
and family get-togethers. These occasions act as the reminders of the lack of
offspring and may present emotional difficulties.

Foster family
Advantages

Foster families aim to provide a stable and nurturing environment for children who
may have experienced neglect, abuse, or other difficult circumstances. They offer a
safe space where children can develop emotionally, socially, and academically.

Foster families typically have fewer children to care for compared to institutional
settings like orphanages. This allows foster parents to provide more individualized
attention to each child's needs, including education, healthcare, and emotional
support.
Foster families can accommodate a child's cultural and religious background,
providing an environment that respects and celebrates their heritage. This helps
children maintain a connection to their cultural identity and promotes a sense of
belonging.

Foster families can help children become integrated into their local communities,
allowing children to develop a sense of belonging and expand their social networks.

Disadvantages

Foster families often face limited financial resources, inadequate support services,
and limited access to healthcare and education resources for the children in their care.

Many children in foster care have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or other
adverse experiences. These experiences can result in emotional and behavioral
challenges

Foster children may face stigma or discrimination from their peers or the broader
community due to their status as foster children. This can result in the difficulties in
social interactions and integration.

Foster care can be a temporary solution, and children may experience multiple
placements, leading to instability and disruptions in their lives. Frequent moves and
changes in caregivers can be emotionally challenging for children and may impact
their sense of security and trust.

Single-parent family

Advantages

Children in single-parent families often learn to become more self-reliant and

responsible from an early age. They may take on household chores or assist with
caregiving tasks, which can promote independence, resilience, and a sense of
accountability.

In single-parent families, the parent often develops a closer, more nurturing

relationship with their children. With one parent taking on most of the parenting
responsibilities, they may have more one-on-one time with their children, fostering a
strong emotional connection and bonding.

Single-parent families often have greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and

decision-making, as there is no need to coordinate with another parent. This
flexibility can allow the parent and children to adapt more easily to changing
circumstances to meet their needs.

Single parents can serve as powerful role models for their children, demonstrating
strength, resilience, and determination in the face of challenges, which can inspire
children to develop their own personal strengths and work towards their goals.

Disadvantages

Single parents often face financial difficulties due to the sole responsibility of
providing for their family. With only one income, it can be challenging to meet all the
financial needs of the household, including housing, education, healthcare, and other
essential expenses.

Single parents may find it challenging to be consistently available for their children
due to work schedules, multiple jobs, or other commitments. This limited availability
can result in less quality time spent with children, reduced involvement in their
education

children growing up in single-parent families may be at a higher risk of certain

challenges including lower academic performance, emotional and behavioral
difficulties, and a higher likelihood of experiencing poverty or engaging in risky
behaviors.

Single-parent families can sometimes face social stigma or judgment from others who
hold traditional views about family structure. This stigma can lead to feelings of
isolation and exclusion for both the parent and the child.

Same sex family

Advantages

Same-sex families often foster an environment of open-mindedness, acceptance, and

diversity. Children growing up in these families tend to have a broader understanding
of different family structures and sexual orientations.

Same-sex couples can provide a loving and stable environment for their children, just
like heterosexual couples.
Same-sex families can contribute to reducing gender bias and promoting gender
equality. Children raised in these families are more likely to witness and experience
gender equality within their home environment

Growing up in a same-sex family can contribute to the development of empathy and

compassion in children. They may have firsthand experiences of facing
discrimination or prejudice, which can make them more understanding and
empathetic towards others who may face similar challenges

Disadvantages

Same-sex families may encounter prejudice and discrimination from individuals or

institutions due to their non-traditional family structure. This can lead to social
isolation, harassment, and unequal treatment in various aspects of life.

Children in the same-sex family may face the high level of depression because of
bullying, teasing, or questions about their family structure

In some jurisdictions, same-sex couples may face legal obstacles when it comes to
adoption, parenting rights, and recognition of their relationships

Same-sex families may encounter limited educational resources and support systems
that specifically address their needs. Schools, healthcare providers, and other
institutions may lack inclusive policies or training to effectively support and affirm
the experiences of same-sex families and their children.

My favorite type of family is foster family for several reasons :

Foster families offer a stable and nurturing environment for children who may have
experienced neglect, abuse, or other challenging circumstances. They can provide a
safe space where children can heal and grow. Foster families can help children by
providing educational support, encouraging their talents and interests, and promoting
their overall development. They can advocate for the child's needs and ensure they
have access to appropriate resources and opportunities. In many cases, foster families
work towards reunifying children with their biological families when it is deemed
safe and in the best interest of the child. If reunification is not possible, foster families
may provide a long-term or permanent home through adoption or guardianship.

11. Explain the functions of the House of Commons

The United Kingdom is currently divided into 650 parliamentary constituencies. One
Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons represents a single
constituency. Members of Parliament are elected by the public in general elections
and are expected to raise issues, ask questions, and debate matters that are important
to their constituents. One of the primary functions of the House of Commons is to
pass law. The House of Commons also provides ( by voting for taxation ) the means
 of carrying on the work of government. Moreover, the House of Commons has a
power to scrutinize government policies and administration, including proposals and
expenditure. Lastly, the House of Commons is a forum for debate and discussion on a
wide range of issues affecting the country.

12. In what ways are British pubs different from typical cafes and bars in your
country ?

Vietnamese cafes and

Criteria British pubs
bars
Opening times depend
on the conditions of the
pub’s license. Standard
opening times are
between 11 am to 11
pm (10:30 pm on
Sundays or on public Cafes in Vietnam
holidays, Scottish pubs mostly open all day
generally do not open from early morning ( 6
on Sunday afternoons). am) to late night ( 10
Since 24 November pm ). However, bars in
Opening and closing
2005, pubs can apply to Vietnam usually open at
times
extend these hours night from 7 pm to
(opening earlier or midnight ( of cial
closing later). Many closing time ) but
places with extended mostly till 1 pm or 2
hours open an hour pm
earlier or close an hour
later (eg midnight ),
only a few places are
open all nigh

t

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 You have to be 18 years
old to order a drink in a
pub. Some pubs will
allow people over 14
years old to go inside if Cafes in Vietnam
they are with someone welcome people of all
who is over 18, but they ages from the elderly to
are not allowed to go to youngsters. Moreover,
Age the bar or to have an in Vietnam, people
alcoholic drink (16 and under 18 are not
17 years old can allowed to consume
sometimes order an alcohol and enter to the
alcoholic drink with a bars.
table meal. Family pubs
welcome people with
children and have
facilities for them
 In Britain, it is common
for one person to buy
drinks for others,
especially at the In Vietnam, Buying a
beginning. This is round of drinks is not
known as buying a popular. It’s more
round of drinks. You common for individuals
should always offer to to pay for their own
return the favor, either drinks. There is no
by paying a round of strict expectation of
drinks yourself, or by buying rounds for a
Buying a round of
offering to buy a drink group. When
drinks
for the person who paid socializing with friends
for your drink. or colleagues, it's
Sometimes each person common to split the bill
give money to one evenly among the
member of the group in group. This practice is
the beginning of the often used when dining
evening and use the pot in restaurants or visiting
or kitty to pay for bars.
drinks when wanted,
until the money is
nished
13. Do you think that the British welfare state is successful in giving help to
everyone who needs it ?

The UK is a highly developed country and is one of the largest economies in the
world. Therefore, I do believe that British welfare state to some extend effectively
reaches everyone who needs help such as the elderly, retirees, pregnant women,
homeless and children under 18, … thanks to the programs such as income support,
housing benefits, and tax credits help lift individuals and families out of poverty and
prevent them from falling into destitution or the educational programs providing free
primary and secondary education, as well as government-funded grants and loans for
higher education. Besides, in my view, healthcare in the UK is accessible to a wide
range of people. The UK has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the
National Health Service (NHS), which provides healthcare services to all UK
residents regardless of their ability to pay.

14. What are the functions of the UK Press ? What are the national newspapers
like?
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The functions of the UK Press :
One of the primary functions of the press is to provide accurate and timely
information to the public.The press also plays a crucial role in investigative
journalism. Journalists investigate and report on issues of public concern, exposing
corruption, wrongdoing, and holding those in power accountable. Investigative
journalism often uncovers stories that would otherwise remain hidden, contributing to
transparency and accountability in society. Moreover, the UK press provides a
platform for diverse opinions and commentary. Newspapers and other media outlets
publish editorials, and columns that express different viewpoints on various topics.
allowing the public to debate and express different perspectives, fostering a pluralistic
society. In addition to news and current affairs, the UK press also provides
entertainment and cultural coverage.

The UK national press :

British people like reading newspapers. More newspapers are read in Britain than in
any other Europe country.There are two types of newspaper in Britain: tabloid
and broadsheet . The two most popular daily newspapers, The Sun and The Daily
Mirror, are both tabloids. Tabloids have lots of stories about famous people; the
photos are large; the headlines are big and there is not much text .
Tabloids sell many more copies than broadsheets. Broadsheets, such as The Times,
are not as popular as the tabloids. Broadsheets have long articles with lots of
information; some pages report international news; the photos and the headlines are
smaller than in the tabloids. The differences, between the tabloids are breaking down.
Broadsheets now realize that tabloids are easier to read and hold. The Guardian, a
broadsheet, now has a tabloid section. Many of the broadsheets now have stories
about famous people. Tabloids used to be cheaper than broadsheets, but The Times is
now the cheapest national newspaper

15. In your opinion, what bank holiday is the most popular with British people ?
Describe it in detail. Is it similar to a certain holiday or festival in your country ?

Holiday : New Year’s day, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring
Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Boxing Day

Festival : còn lại là festival, Easter Sunday là festival

The most popular holiday in Britain :

 From my point of view, the most popular bank holiday in the UK is the New Year’s
Day, which falls on January 1st . Many people in the UK celebrate New Year by
attending or hosting parties on New Year's Eve, which is the night preceding New
Year's Day. Furthermore, there is first footing, a traditional custom in Scotland, but it
is also observed in some parts of England. It involves being the first person to enter a
friend's or neighbor's house after midnight and bringing gifts such as coal, whisky, or
food. The first footer is considered to bring good luck for the coming year. The New
Year’s Day symbolizes the beginning of a new year and is often associated with fresh
starts, resolutions, and hope for the future. For many people, it represents a time of
reflection, where they look back on the previous year and contemplate their
achievements, challenges, and personal growth. It provides an opportunity to set new
goals and aspirations for the coming year, whether they are related to personal
development, relationships, career, or other areas of life.

New Year’s Day in Vietnam

In Vietnam, there is also New Year’s Day, but more important is “ Lunar New Year” .
In New Year, it is customary for families to gather, pay respects to ancestors,
exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional meals together. New Year's Day in Vietnam is
the occasion for reflection on the past year and setting goals for the upcoming year.
Many people take the opportunity to make resolutions or set intentions for personal
growth and improvement. Moreover, Vietnamese New Year revolves around food,
with families preparing and sharing various symbolic dishes that represent good luck,
prosperity, and longevity.