Seminar paper from the year 2004 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies – Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 1, 5 (A), University of Heidelberg (Institute for Translation), course: Hauptseminar ‘The London Seminar’, language: English, abstract: The topic of this essay is “Multiethnic London”. The first step necessary when writing about
this topic is to define the term “multiethnic”. According to Collins English Dictionary1
“multiethnic” means “consisting of, relating to, or designed for various different races”. Thus,
this presentation will not focus on the different nationalities living in London but on the
different distinct races residing in the British capital. Moreover, Third Countries will be in the
centre of attention, which are nations outside the current 15 member states of the European
Union.
As many European races do not really differ much from each other and as the many different
communities are listed among the white community, they are not of much relevance today,
when talking about multiethnic London.
With London being one of the most multiracial cities in the world, it is important and
interesting to find out why this is the case and how the different ethnic groups integrate and
contribute to cultural and social life.
The first part of this presentation will concentrate on history and immigration to London and
the corresponding legislation from the beginning of the 20th century onwards.
The next chapter will focus on race relations, both the legislation and the reactions of
Londoners towards the newcomers from all parts of the world.
The third part of this essay will present the most important and largest ethnic minority groups
in London, the Asian and Black communities. Out of personal interest and because I think
they are the most relevant group, I put an emphasis on the various Asian communities.
In the appendix, different reference materials, such as a list of Commonwealth countries, a
table with the different ethnic groups in London and their share of the capital’s population and
a map with the boroughs of London can be found.
1 Collins English Dictionary – 21st century edition, Glasgow 2001