English Language and Culture

Learn about the language and culture in England. Compare it to the rest of the UK and discover the local foods, community events, and notable figures that make English culture unique.

Language in England

Unsurprisingly, English is the official language of England. The language has been spoken in England in some form or another for 1500 years. As with other UK universities, English universities will usually require non-English speakers to demonstrate their English language proficiency during the application process.

English in England comes in a variety of accents and variations – ranging from the distinctive accents of Yorkshire and Newcastle to the unique Cockney rhyming slang of London. English accents and variations are influenced both by the local cultures and ancient languages of the various counties, as well as the country’s rich multicultural history.

English culture

England’s history as a dominant force in the British Isles, Europe, and the world has had a major impact on the country’s culture. English culture brings in elements from all over the United Kingdom and beyond, giving each a uniquely English flair.

English music

Like most of the UK, music plays an important role in English culture. The medieval period in England saw the development of folk, sacred, and classical styles unique to England. Even England’s kings were known to compose. But the twentieth century produced perhaps the most iconic of England’s contributions to the musical world. The Beatles, hailing from Liverpool, are the most successful band of all time, with England claiming other greats like Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones. In the 70s, English punk bands came to define a counterculture revolution.

England is home to numerous music festivals, including the enormous Glastonbury Festival held every summer.

English literature

No discussion of English culture is complete without a look at its literary culture. From the ancient poetry of Bede to the modern novels of Ishiguro and Rowling, England’s writers have shaped the literary world and the English language. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, and Tolkien are all household names whose works are so entwined in Western culture that references can go unnoticed in daily conversation.

Speaking of Shakespeare, England continues to be a dominating force in theater. Visit the West End in London to see classic Shakespeare and Marlowe staged alongside modern debuts. Or pop to a local theater at Christmas to see one of the many Pantomime shows that meld tradition with comedy.

English holidays and celebrations

Pantomimes aside, Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in England, with families gathering to eat a traditional Christmas supper and exchange gifts. In England, and most of the UK, Christmas is celebrated on December 25. Special treats, like mince pie and plum pudding might make an appearance. And you can watch the Royal Christmas message in the afternoon.

The United Kingdom is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, which means that the head of state is the reigning monarch, King Charles III. This also means that England, and the rest of the UK, celebrate specific events associated with the monarchy. The monarch’s birthday, often celebrated on a day different from his or her actual birthday, is marked with parades and celebrations. Royal weddings, funerals, and coronations are also celebrated and are often public holidays.

Sport in England

While football in all its various forms has a long and storied history, the modern form of the game is often credited to England where it developed in English public (private) schools. England boasts the oldest football clubs in the world and the Premier League is one of the world’s largest football leagues. England has produced some of the football greats, including David Beckham, Harry Kane, and Steven Gerrard.

Outside of football, England is known for cricket and tennis, both of which were developed in England. The country also shines in rugby, track and field, and rowing.

English food

You’ll find food from all over the world in England, but if you’re looking for traditional English fare look no further than a Full English Breakfast. Typically served with eggs, beans, toast, fried tomatoes and mushrooms, sausages, black pudding, bacon, and hashbrowns, a Full English or ‘fry up’ is a weekend staple. The same goes for the Sunday lunch, which is usually a roast or chicken served with vegetables, potatoes, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings.

But nothing is more English than afternoon tea. Whether you keep it simple with a mug of milky tea and a custard cream biscuit, or go all out for a High Tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes, take a moment each day to enjoy a good brew.

Famous English people

England has produced numerous famous and influential people from ancient kings to modern pop icons. Some people who have become icons of England’s culture and history include Winston Churchill, Stephen Hawkings, Queen Elizabeth II, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Diana, Princess of Wales.

What to see in England

London is a must-see if you are studying in England. The capital of both England and the UK, it a center of arts, culture, finance, and politics. It’s skyline is famous and you can’t miss the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, or the Shard.

Outside of London, you’ll find numerous attractions both urban and rural. Visit Cornwall for a taste of England’s maritime history or the Cotswolds for a peek into the bucolic England of Austen and Potter.

England is an ancient country, with prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge. You’ll find traces of England’s ancient myths and legends throughout the countryside, like Glastonbury Tor, which is linked to legends of King Arthur.

Fun fact: 🦁 ancient symbols 🌹

England's national animal is the lion, while its national plant is the Tudor rose. You’ll find both symbols on the Royal Coat of Arms alongside the Scottish unicorn, the Scottish lion, the three lions of England, and the Irish harp.

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