London Native English Speaker Interviews Part 2

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 681

  • @ahnyaevans4507
    @ahnyaevans4507 6 ปีที่แล้ว +147

    Me: sees the hair of the first guy
    Me: this was made is about 2008 or 2009 wasn't it
    Me: *checks* yup

    • @robroux6074
      @robroux6074 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      and now we time warped back to 2008
      th-cam.com/video/dOV5WXISM24/w-d-xo.html

    • @tulip5210
      @tulip5210 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I liked the hair then :(

    • @devilw
      @devilw 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Daria!

  • @xxxxneoxxxx
    @xxxxneoxxxx ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Back here, after 10 years. I can't believe how much time has passed... And I am so proud to see how the podcast hast aged so well and has kept up with great content over the years. Thanks for accompanying us on our English learning journey, Luke. Warm regards from Peru.

  • @i4z301
    @i4z301 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    There is another amazing video with our lovely Luke, I simply adore his videos and podcasts!!!

  • @바르셀로나-q8e
    @바르셀로나-q8e 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow I'm from South Korea and I'm watching this 12 years passed video.
    But it's still really helpful to me.
    Thank you very much🙏

  • @juanpablosjoberg3531
    @juanpablosjoberg3531 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I liked it very much!!! So simple, but so fresh and natural. Congrats!!!

  • @dr.ahmedalaadrake614
    @dr.ahmedalaadrake614 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    the most useful learning English conversations ever !! thank you ❤

  • @oak_leaf
    @oak_leaf 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I've just discovered the podcast - that was a wonderful idea to interview them all. I can get used to different accents, intonations, pace of speech. Would you consider interview people the same way again? That would be interesting to compare what people used to say about London and what would they say today :)

  • @oscarval9740
    @oscarval9740 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like all the series of video podcasts. I use them with my students and they love them.

  • @Hazeem_RC
    @Hazeem_RC 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    No one can speak like British🇬🇧People they master their language and respect it that's why their accent is the best. Much Love From Sri Lanka🇱🇰I really love the British🇬🇧 accent. Have a great day everyone and may God give us the good old days when we used to stand beside one and other without any fear of spreading the virus or getting it and also may God Ease the pain and suffering that everyone of us are going through the pandemic❤️

    • @Hazeem_RC
      @Hazeem_RC 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Special Wolf93 are you from England Mate.

  • @mihadekitchenset
    @mihadekitchenset ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow.. Watching this video, it's 13 years ago.. Amazing

  • @bradmunnier
    @bradmunnier 7 ปีที่แล้ว +175

    I really like BRITISH ACCENT

    • @bintuae1
      @bintuae1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I hate it. I prefer American accent.

    • @nadiin415
      @nadiin415 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sameeee

    • @mariellarusso2268
      @mariellarusso2268 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I love both British and American

    • @arecera311
      @arecera311 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sara sameeee

    • @Delboy18675
      @Delboy18675 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@bintuae1 American accent is awful😂😂 everyone knows the English accent is the best ...

  • @Batmanh8schocol8
    @Batmanh8schocol8 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The last couple interviewed gave the best advice/description so far. London really is like no where else in the UK from what I've seen, possibly the most difficult city to adjust to compared to the rest of Britain.

  • @kanisf
    @kanisf 11 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've been studying English for a long time.. and teaching here in Brazil for 3 years and I realize that British accent is different from American of course but better for understanding ... "better" is a difficult word to speak in British for instance, but I can get used ... :) excellent videos, thanks!

  • @furkanylmaz6205
    @furkanylmaz6205 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been london for 2 years and learn it from who's British and got that lovely accent i'm thankful about British people because they like speaking with people especially who's younger :)

  • @PositiveAlex
    @PositiveAlex 9 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Damn. I live in Saint -Petersburg my whole life, never been in London and I feel like I'm home watching this video. It's fantastic...

    • @Лунтик-ь8ф
      @Лунтик-ь8ф 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Реал?

    • @andreypotupchik4526
      @andreypotupchik4526 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Wussup[N]eighbor never say 'feel myself' mate. You can be misunderstood. lol

    • @Лунтик-ь8ф
      @Лунтик-ь8ф 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Andrey Potupchik lol why not?

    • @andreypotupchik4526
      @andreypotupchik4526 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Лунтик probably because it's a synonym to a verb 'masturbate'.

    • @PlyMood
      @PlyMood 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Wussup[N]eighbor Do you speak Russian?

  • @kingnorfolk1604
    @kingnorfolk1604 10 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have recently moved abroad from growing up living in London and only now that I'm not there I realise how awesome it is... I miss is lol

  • @pqekoso
    @pqekoso 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    man thank you very much; you haven't got the slightest idea of how helpfull all of your videos have been to me in order to improve my listening skills. thaks again.

  • @cn5334
    @cn5334 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i genuinely enjoyed every single second of the video

  • @thisstrangejoy
    @thisstrangejoy 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    London is by far the most fascinating city I have ever visited.

  • @refaatkamil894
    @refaatkamil894 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    you'r cheering me up with your podcast.They'r great and useful in fact I can't get enough of it .

  • @monsterheart4583
    @monsterheart4583 12 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm always like watching everything that's from the UK so that I can replicate the accent and also learn about the culture there, Im intenting on going to the UK to stay permanently.

  • @LukesEnglishPodcast
    @LukesEnglishPodcast  12 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I uploaded part 3 in December 2009. Check out my channel and you'll find all the videos there.

  • @Danykleestar
    @Danykleestar 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Chinatown!! I saw that street with my own eyes!!! Picadilly Circus!! dropping in the Ripley´s Museum and seeing the thansformer they have there was just so cool. The best days of my life!!! I really wish I have had time to sit for a while at the angel roundabout stairs. London I miss you so much!! HEY!! Thank you for this fastastic video!!!

  • @1DavidMadrid
    @1DavidMadrid 11 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Absolutely amazing! I can't wait to go there

  • @Nicken0o0
    @Nicken0o0 10 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think the last couple give the best descriptions about London. :D

  • @Guigui_82
    @Guigui_82 12 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I'm french and among all the accents I heard, I think the english one is the best because of its tone. It sounds like you're singing. It has such a particular and nice melody! That's really pleasant to hear. Whereas the tone of the US accent is flat, almost as flat as french one. I mostly watch US videos so when I hear english that suprises me each time, in a good way. I'd really like to be able to speak like an actual english. I also like the Irish accent but that's only because it's funny. :)

  • @TheWellingtonevil
    @TheWellingtonevil 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    i saw this video 2 manytimes, and just now I can anderstend all finily. fantastic video, thank u mate!

  • @pjla-lbl
    @pjla-lbl 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice videos! I'm planning to visit London next year and it will be very useful for me. Thanks!

  • @LittleGemStone484
    @LittleGemStone484 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm English and Proud it's an amazing city, it's proven to be the best in the world

  • @scootergreen3
    @scootergreen3 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really like your videos. I really enjoyed them and the people there. I have always wanted to go there. Very good quality. Mike from the USA.

  • @LukesEnglishPodcast
    @LukesEnglishPodcast  12 ปีที่แล้ว

    @YouEdge2 Try listening to my podcast episode about American and British English. Just google: luke's english podcast british american pronunciation

  • @Yanchea
    @Yanchea 13 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    im from london and i go there every summer to visit my dad, when I go back to the us where i live everyone is all like 'omg i love ur accent' ^.^

  • @Guigui_82
    @Guigui_82 12 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks. And I totally agree about the difficulty of french you pointed out. Some of the worst sounds are the ones you hear at the end of "marr-ant" (funny), mar-in (sailor) and marr-on (brown). Those are sounds we make with nose. I know it's really hard for learners to make the difference. (just ask Google Translation to pronounce it to you, that can help :)

  • @aldwinleeestopia
    @aldwinleeestopia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Seeing people outside without masks just doesn’t feel right even if this video was 11 years old already. Covid did really change the way I perceive the outdoor scenario. Anyway, I’ve just recently discovered your podcast and I’m enjoying it!

  • @juanalhuay9376
    @juanalhuay9376 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of my dreams in life is to live in London city. I really love the accent of everyone interviewed. Besides, the fact that there are plenty of things to do there makes it even more interesting. Nice video podcast.

  • @EliaMitzell
    @EliaMitzell 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've been to London (I'm mexican) and it is a very lovely city.. well..
    I LOVED IT

  • @TheLaughRoom
    @TheLaughRoom 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    because it looks pretty like that, having a straight smile is not only for good looks but for our own health.

  • @princessmaepacheco9383
    @princessmaepacheco9383 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Few has changed! I've been there since last year. Been to all the places mentioned here!

  • @nimmerelmac7933
    @nimmerelmac7933 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hopefully, the audio problem encountered in part 1 video has been solved out. Sound is much more better. Thanks alot it is a very nice job.

  • @pallhe
    @pallhe 11 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The young man in the suit made a very good point. It's about finding the right neighbourhood to live in. Money can be a hindrance here, as there are huge disparities between different parts of London (I've tried living in Bayswater and Streatham and they are worlds apart). I would add that you should try to live and work/study in the same area of town. Otherwise, you'll end up spending half your day commuting in very crowded conditions. That will kill your zest for life in no time. London is a conglomerate of different places, some very nice and some rather horrible.

  • @nguyenvietuoc92
    @nguyenvietuoc92 11 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    i wanna go to london in the future

    • @Vitor.S.
      @Vitor.S. 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      viet uoc nguyen
      Have you got there yet ?

  • @insomniacs0
    @insomniacs0 13 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    3:17 love her dimples when she smiles !!!

    • @saad7885
      @saad7885 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      8 years ago, wow

    • @insomniacs0
      @insomniacs0 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wtf :D

  • @amrgalal7
    @amrgalal7 12 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Many thanks for the whole thing !! :)) , the videos and interviews are really helpful and fantastic as well :)
    I really LOVE The British accent

  • @Danykleestar
    @Danykleestar 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    HEY!! Trafalgar Square!! I walked that way so many times!! I wish I had sat on the lion too but as I was by myself, no body could take a video of me!! What a shame!!! I was in London 4 weeks and I gotta tell you it changed my life... I didn´t have my share of night life though. I was living in Northolt and HEY!! I walked there!! Just where the girl is interviwed!! Yes London is overwhelming, cosmopolitan, and multicultural.. I agree!! Leicester Underground... I walked there every day..

  • @lotosbackstory1190
    @lotosbackstory1190 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    v v good place . i was sitting with my friends at sanyo place . days have gone . i would like to go there again . i like english accent too much . cheers mate for this video

  • @klaramentin6216
    @klaramentin6216 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    London and Vienna are the two most beautiful cities on the planet.

  • @klaramentin6216
    @klaramentin6216 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    London Museums = WOW !
    Science Museum & Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington... and The British Museum in Russell Square..... If you come to London make sure you don't miss these.

  • @10esterzinha
    @10esterzinha 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    hello i m brasilian and i would say that s i do love your videos ,,, thanks for helping us

  • @sebasgrammar3071
    @sebasgrammar3071 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    British Accents are the most lovely ones! I'd like to speak like that!...
    Cheers from Medellin, Colombia!

  • @arguis1977
    @arguis1977 14 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Un vídeo que me ha gustado mucho. Los estudiantes podrán conocer algo de Londres, pero sobre todo escuchar cómo hablan los adolescentes allí.

  • @muser1470
    @muser1470 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    London is awesome im British and i have been there 4 times -5 weeks each stay

  • @KidsOnWeblearning
    @KidsOnWeblearning 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That´s amazing to listen that, good job!

  • @NuriaEnglish
    @NuriaEnglish 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's true, London is fantastic!

  • @tonybifle2010
    @tonybifle2010 11 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have been living in London and i cannot get ride of my Swiss-french accent :(

  • @ritamax8493
    @ritamax8493 ปีที่แล้ว

    The closer to London, the better the pronunciation. In my opinion, calm, elderly people speak most clearly. 😊Then educated Londoners, teenagers... The girls, as always, chatter in any language. 😆And southerners and social minorities are simply something in any country in the world: what they say is known only to them. 😅Well, and no doubts, the author’s pronunciation is clearer than anyone else. I perfectly understand all the words, including words I had never heard before. Thanks. 😁As far as troubles go, the worst thing in London is the rats. In terms of their number, the capital of England is already breaking all records in the world.😵‍💫

  • @vivaodio89
    @vivaodio89 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    love the videos! really miss london! nice work mate

  • @zuhail339
    @zuhail339 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow amazing series

  • @xxxxneoxxxx
    @xxxxneoxxxx 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As long as you can understand what is meant, you're doing good even if you cannot catch every single word they say.

  • @hameedhussain4614
    @hameedhussain4614 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just finished listening this long podcast

  • @MoradMuslimany
    @MoradMuslimany 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I WANNA MOVE THERE AND LEARN GRAPHIC DESIGN TOO :(
    Wish I had the resources! My life long dream!

  • @Albinojackrussel
    @Albinojackrussel 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, I've had a few other replies, and I think it might be something to do with the way we treat our vowels (they're very flexible, but in most other languages and in america they're very careful about the vowel sound). Thanks for the answer even though you're not American

  • @Albinojackrussel
    @Albinojackrussel 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awww, thanks. I never really thought about it. And I don't find the french accent flat, it sounds really exotic, I think most english people like the sound of french accents. I think the main difference is that we're not very careful with our vowel sound while a lot of other languages are. I find it really difficult to tell the difference between the é and è sounds, and I always say chevaux instead of cheveux.

  • @EricLimlerikvii
    @EricLimlerikvii 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i think im gonna learn more about english accent, i luv it.

  • @AnimeWiz19
    @AnimeWiz19 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    mee tooooo!!! Its my Dream to live in London..!!! nd tHeir sexy original English accent is the best thing,so obsessed wid it .

  • @TaTos625
    @TaTos625 13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I want to go to London. I'd love to move there someday :)

  • @dazkenny1740
    @dazkenny1740 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    i never in london b4 but i love to go same day dho and see from my self to see wat it likes

  • @fasj400
    @fasj400 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the amazing tips! It'll help a lot!

  • @truthseeker5509
    @truthseeker5509 10 ปีที่แล้ว +86

    first guy is so damn cute

    • @OldChapFrank
      @OldChapFrank 10 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yeah ^^ I wonder how is he now

    • @truthseeker5509
      @truthseeker5509 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      OldChapFrank yeah me too

    • @哈特利小草
      @哈特利小草 10 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think so too, he is so cute

    • @哈特利小草
      @哈特利小草 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I think so too, he is so cute

    • @Nicole3900
      @Nicole3900 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      He reminded me of the English actor Brad Kavanagh

  • @detenteasmr5122
    @detenteasmr5122 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you ! Love it ! It reminds me of old videos that we used to see at school, love the way it depicts London’s lifestyle ❤️❤️❤️

  • @TopJew95
    @TopJew95 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    He's definitely from somewhere in South England, he sounds as though he has a London accent but says he's not from there but he must live pretty near London.

  • @Aleshovbek
    @Aleshovbek 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    nice job, thanks i keep it after a few weeks im gonna London, now i know where to go, who to ask. =)

  • @darkwindow31
    @darkwindow31 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    @fourzerozerozero I'M HAPPY YOU ENJOYED IT. IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY THEN IM HAPPY.

  • @selbiyuldashova3221
    @selbiyuldashova3221 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I came across this video accidentally:) It was uploaded 11 years agoooo OMG, Luke, how long have you been running this channel??? Don't want to make you feel old or anything 😂 Well, haven't been to London myself, but I think, if I had, I would probably consider the weather ☁️ You can't see the sun nearly throughout the year

  • @hameedhussain4614
    @hameedhussain4614 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know five languages but I wanna forget all except British accent English. I love it most

  • @rozediana24
    @rozediana24 8 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    but... but... pigeons are cute.

    • @DanTaurusAtheist56
      @DanTaurusAtheist56 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What there shit bags they shit on your ead

    • @leaf3889
      @leaf3889 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They annoying af

  • @juanbaclavab
    @juanbaclavab 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i'd like to visit UK! that'd be fantastic.

  • @babygtv8205
    @babygtv8205 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really love staying in London because it's look amazing and the place is good but it's an expensive place to live....

  • @ntfrmhr
    @ntfrmhr 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    @TheSirMadness we have flocks of these eerie creatures in Penang, Malaysia too

  • @lucapalmieri8744
    @lucapalmieri8744 10 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very useful video! A good way to improve my English

  • @yerivan5004
    @yerivan5004 10 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hello what did the first guy say in 1:07? It's something like "It's quite a low offer?? and what else until 1:15 I don't understand him.
    Thanks

    • @marinatejerogarcia
      @marinatejerogarcia 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      " a lot of dodgy people looking at you weirdly, you just want weirdly, i just wanna... "turn away from me" "

    • @prabha23utube
      @prabha23utube 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Marina Tejero quite a lot of muggers about,dodgy people......

    • @slic1365
      @slic1365 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Marina Tejero how about the last man that he interviewed, what did he say in 5:20? Something like " about finding it right?
      Thanks

    • @aemonomm2509
      @aemonomm2509 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      +slic1365 finding the right "enclave"..i think, some would say a slightly dodgy use of anglisch

    • @aemonomm2509
      @aemonomm2509 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Marina Tejero "you just wanna like..t-turn away from 'em"

  • @HaeyoungKim
    @HaeyoungKim 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What did she said at 2:24? "It's probably ????? some countries..." I cannot catch it :-(

    • @karin7978
      @karin7978 10 ปีที่แล้ว

      She says "It's probably not as bad as some countries, but you always feel like you've got black fingernails".

  • @aneeshratheesh7296
    @aneeshratheesh7296 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My favourite place....love L❤️nd❤️n

  • @emmapigeon9531
    @emmapigeon9531 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    London, what a place... you can't get bored in London, but I hate crime high rates.

  • @sarindraharvellerazafinima5209
    @sarindraharvellerazafinima5209 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, that really helps, that's at the same time linguistic and cultural...

  • @MrYinerz
    @MrYinerz 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    No entiendo Nada pero se que algun dia conocere Londres Sueño con ir a Londres Amo a Londres
    I love you London!!

  • @DavidNexus
    @DavidNexus 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    East London is not cheaper anymore! It's cheaper than Chelsea, yes, but prices have just reached the average of other neighborhoods in zone 3.

  • @hugejoint
    @hugejoint 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    learning another language is great so is beneficial ;) and thats why you learn mandarin right? i mentioned level of education only cos you said that i must be that one who dont realize that there are oceans separating land-masses, i realized that when i was like 5. for 2011 is 1/Cambridge 2/Harvard 3/MIT 4/Yale 5/Oxford so you were close.

  • @thefishgoessqee
    @thefishgoessqee 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @Quitesophie Come to NYC! We're friendly, I promise, and the culture is awesome!

  • @jordanmorris93
    @jordanmorris93 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll be honest, the video to Jungle by professor green is pretty bang on in my eyes.

  • @productplacement39
    @productplacement39 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    what's interesting is that all the people being interviewed spoke with an RP. i'm hoping to hear some working class accents in the other clips.

  • @kubasniak
    @kubasniak 12 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    that chocolate from 2:34 I love her! Cute smile girl, omg I can look at her all the time :D

  • @GokhanGur_GorgeouSkykhan
    @GokhanGur_GorgeouSkykhan ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice to see. Bravo. 🎉

  • @MastaKadaj
    @MastaKadaj 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Of course, I don't mean that learning a second language isn't great. I love languages (I'm actually learning Mandarin right now).
    As far as education levels - it really depends on where you go. Our public schools are not as good, true, but our private schools and our top level universities are on-par or greater than the EU counterparts. Didn't the last list of highest rated universities that came out have Oxford at #1 and then Yale at 2? I don't entirely remember.

  • @W.a.s.e.e.m
    @W.a.s.e.e.m 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    in part-1 there was 7 million people in London and now in part 2 they have grown to 10 million. Its too fast isn't it? Now going to see part 3, lets see how much numbers have grown up now. lol

  • @dorianpod77
    @dorianpod77 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    how come nobody mentioned the parks?? that's what i miss the most...

  • @wagnercintraguanaes2999
    @wagnercintraguanaes2999 ปีที่แล้ว

    London is unique!

  • @tanya94XD
    @tanya94XD 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    The first guy.. i have seen him before o.o
    seems like i know him! :o
    is he from Cumbria ?

  • @fenrirgg
    @fenrirgg 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Were you also there for 2 weeks?

  • @pacificoceania5828
    @pacificoceania5828 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been in London for several times but the worst things in London is underground train station. too many passenger in one train even there is no place or sits for us to stand or sit .

  • @healthyamerican
    @healthyamerican 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    have never been to london or new york city..i would assume they are similar. but not interested in crowded big city life. much more peaceful in the country