高中二年级英语(人教版)上册 Unit 5 Reading

　　The United Kingdom has a long history. England and Scotland are kingdoms. The first two countries forming the Union were England and Wales in 1536. Wales had already been conquered by England in 1283, but it was not until 250 years later that they formed a single state. Scotland joined later in 1707, while the southern part of Ireland was only part of the UK for some time, and is now an independent republic. Only the northern counties, making up Northern Ireland, are still part of the United Kingdom. The smaller islands, such as the Isle of Man, are neither part of the United Kingdom nor independent. They are ruled by the King of England.

　　In modern times, people throughout the British Isles speak English. However, there are still people who also speak the older European languages, Welsh and Irish. There are six spoken languages that are considered to be native to the British Isles as well as two local accents. That most of these are now threatened and may disappear is a serious matter to the people in Britain. They realise that it is of great value to record and teach them to the younger generation.

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