National identity
National identity is based on the features of a specific country - its cultureDescribes the way of life, behaviours and beliefs of a particular group of people., traditions, language and politics.
Regional identity is also based on geographical area but can be quite broad (someone could be from the North or the South of England) or more specific (they could be Glaswegian or Cornish).
Representations of national and regional identity often focus on certain stereotypeA conventional and standard view of someone or a type of people. characteristics and customs associated with the nation or region. For example, that the French are romantic, Italians are the best cooks or the Irish are friendly.
Italian chefs Antonio Carlucci and Gennaro Contaldo
Stereotypical representations can include the costume or dress of a particular place, for instance in Emmerdale Zak Dingle wears a flat cap and wellies showing he is a farmer from a rural area.
Accents and dialectThe language of a particular subset of English speakers - often those living in a particular place - having its own unique diction, vocabulary, spelling and even grammar. can also be used to represent a particular national or regional identity. The main soaps in the UK feature distinct accents 鈥 Coronation Street is set in Manchester, Emmerdale is set in the Yorkshire Dales and Eastenders is set in the East End of London.