The True Revolutionist Newspaper

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The Culture Exchange

The lochness monster. Kilts. Bagpipes. Is anything coming to your mind? Yes, of coarse Scotland. As Americans, what do we really know about Scotland. The truth is, we hardly know anything. This isn't something to be proud of, so I decided we should try and change this. What better way to find out more about Scotland than talking to someone who actually lives there. Steven is a very sweet 17 year old, who I was very blessed to stumble upon. Much thanks to him for making this article possible. Also thanks to such an invention as aol instant messenger, which made this all possible. Please go to http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/364/sure-thing.html and do a favor by checking out his music. Have a nice day, and enjoy the article.

Cheryl: Ok- first I have to apologize cause I know pretty much nothing about scotland, so some of these questions might be stupid to you.

Steven: I just hope I can answer them.

Cheryl: Scottish english and American english obviously aren't exactly the same. Are there any words that scottish people would use on a daily basis that would confuse an american? And how would you describe a scottish accent compared to an "american" accent?

Steven: Well dialect changes in different regions for example my accent is different from someone who lives in the scottish borders.

Steven: We use words like "wee" which means small.

Steven: "Laddie" which means boy.

Steven: "Lassie" which means girl.

Steven: It just really depends I mean we do talk quite a lot of proper english but some slang words creep into our speech.

Cheryl: What would be some traditions that are only scottish or done in the U.K.? And are there any holidays that are only celebrated in scotland or the U.K?

Steven: Em...we have a holiday called St. Andrews Day which is for the saint of Scotland.

Steven: We have "Robert Burns" night.

Cheryl: What is that about?

Steven: Its for the famous scottish poet.

Steven: Not all people celebrate it.

Cheryl: How do they celebrate it?

Steven: In all honesty I'm not a 100% sure because my family doesn't celebrate it.

Steven: I think they just read poems by Robert Burns.

Cheryl: About kilts. Do many people wear them everyday, or are they mainly just for special occasions? And exactly how do you feel about them?

Steven: Nah, they are really just for special occasions nowadays such as weddings .

Steven: I've worn a kilt about 3 times and I was proud to do so.

Cheryl: Does the guy getting married wear one?

Steven: Its up to them.

Steven: It just depends, really.

Steven: Some people choose to wear them, some don't.

Cheryl: Is it true, as in other european countries that the women there do not shave their legs? If this is so, and american guys think its disturbing that the women there don't shave their legs, does this mean that scottish guys think its gross that american women do shave their legs? (I won't be affended if you think its gross.)

Steven: Lol, of course women here shave there legs..thats just a stupid stereotype.

Steven: And we dont play bagpipes all day and we dont have ginger hair.

Steven: Lol.

Cheryl: Its just that in America, Scotland isn't really known about.

Steven: Yup i know.

Steven: Things aint much different from the states.

Cheryl: Are there any set ages when you can start drinking alchohal or start smoking, or get married (things of that nature)?

Steven: You can drink at 18.

Steven: Smoke at 16.

Steven: Get married at 16

Steven: Start learning to drive at 17.

Cheryl: What type of government do you have in scotland? Is there such thing as voting, if so how old do you have to be to vote?

Steven: You have to be 18 to vote.

Steven: We have a scottish parliament.

Cheryl: Are there any major problems in scottish society?

Steven: Not really.

Steven: Every society has problems but there aren't really any major ones.

Cheryl: How seriously is soccer considered in Scotland? Are there alot of soccer hooligans?

Steven: Soccer is the biggest sport here.

Steven: And there are hooligans that sometimes cause trouble but a majority of people don't.

Cheryl:How much of an influence does American have on Scotland (if any)?

Steven: Well its influencing the music scene across here.

Steven: More people are getting into American punk bands.

Steven: And then starting their own bands.

Cheryl: What is the common opinion that most scottish people have about americans? Its not like in iraq where they want to kill us or anything? (And though 50% of the population is overweight, that doesn't mean we all are.)

Steven: Nah, most people here generally like america and think its cool, a lot of younger people want to move to the states.

I hope everyone learned something from this article (that not all Scottish people have orange hair or wear kilts all the time.) If you have questions, or comments, please email them to me at [email protected]. Thanks.

-Cheryl Hatalla-