Nationality & Citizenship:
* Legal status: The most straightforward way to be English is to hold British citizenship and reside in England.
* Birthplace: Being born in England is often seen as a strong marker of being English.
Culture & Identity:
* Heritage: Many people feel English because of their family history, traditions, and cultural background. This can include language, customs, and shared values.
* Language: While English is spoken worldwide, the accent and dialect are often associated with England.
* Culture: There's a shared cultural understanding of English literature, music, art, and traditions.
* National identity: A sense of belonging to England and its history, values, and way of life.
It's important to remember:
* It's not a simple checklist. There are many people who feel English without ticking every box.
* Identity is fluid. People can have multiple identities and these can change over time.
* There is no single "English" experience. It's a diverse and multifaceted concept.
Ultimately, "Englishness" is a personal and complex identity. There's no single definition that will apply to everyone.