What does the sentence mean?

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ESL forum > Ask for help > What does the sentence mean?

What does the sentence mean?

babystudent

What does the sentence mean?

HI! I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

I found a wonderful text for my students (dealing with Britishness), but within is a nasty sentence which I ï¿½m not sure how to interpret. So I ï¿½d be very happy if somebody could help me to paraphrase it! Thanks!

Britain ï¿½s historical identity has been produced by accretion, subtle accommodation and fudge: to define it is impossible because it has had no consistent conscious intent.

Here are my confuesed thoughts:
Does it mean that Britain has grown (economically?!?or simply grown = more inhabitants from different nations?!?), that there has always been a careful reconciliation of opposing ideas?!?or that the people who came to Britain were sort of welcomed/tolerated?!? and that there was some cheating involved (if yes: what is meant by this? Colonialisation?!?)

You ï¿½d make me very happy if you could enlighten my confused thoughts!!!!

THANKS in advance!

Have a wonderful day!

Diana

28 Feb 2012

ascincoquinas

Hi!

here the definition for accreation =
1.
an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent.
2.
the result of this process.
3.
an added part; addition: The last part of the legend is a later accretion.
4.
the growing together of separate parts into a single whole.
5.
Law . increase of property by gradual natural additions, as of land by alluvion.

Fudge = avoid

acï¿½comï¿½moï¿½daï¿½tion [uh-kom-uh-dey-shuhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
the act of accommodating; state or process of being accommodated; adaptation.
2.
adjustment of differences; reconciliation.
3.
Sociology . a process of mutual adaptation between persons or groups, usually achieved by eliminating or reducing hostility, as by compromise or arbitration.
4.
anything that supplies a need, want, favor, convenience, etc.
5.
Usually, accommodations. a.
lodging.
b.
food and lodging.
c.
a seat, berth, or other facilities for a passenger on a train, plane, etc.

hope this helps.

28 Feb 2012

I think almaz or ldthemagicman (Alex and Les) could give you another hand, both British ... Why don ï¿½t you PM them ?

28 Feb 2012

babystudent

Thanks for your help!!!!!

28 Feb 2012

Jayho

Hi babystudent

I found the original text (well texts, as it appears numerous times on the web) for this and and personally I find it extremely difficult to fathom. I really think that you do need someone like Almaz or Les to explain.

Cheers

Jayho

28 Feb 2012