British culture - Anne Wil's take on British culture: humour, indirectness, informality, patience, friendliness, and politeness

2023年02月12日

英国文化に対する私たちの見解を見てみましょう。ユーモアはイギリス社会の礎です。口調によっては、「悪くない」は「とても良い」という意味になり、「全然悪くない」はイギリス人から受ける最高の褒め言葉になることもあります。彼らは通常、"物事をオープンにするために、ありのままを伝える "ことはしません。その代わり、行間を読んで意味を理解する必要があります。日本や中国の文化と同様、イギリス文化は非常に文脈的です。イギリス人は文句を言うことはあまりありません。その代わり、レストランでのサービスや料理が悪くても、騒ぎを起こしたくないからと我慢します。とても礼儀正しいのです。非常に「静か」で、自分の中に閉じこもっているのも事実です。(English) Let's take a look at our take on British culture. Humour is a cornerstone of British society. Depending on the tone, "not bad" can mean "very good", and "not bad at all" can be the highest praise you will ever receive from a Brit. They will not usually "tell you just how it is to get things in the open." Instead, you must read between the lines to understand their meaning. Like Japanese and Chinese cultures, British culture is highly context. The British are less likely to complain. Instead, they'll put up with poor service or food in a restaurant because they don't want to make a scene. And they are very polite. However, they are also very "quiet" and keep to themselves.

British culture
- Anne Wil's take on British culture: humour, indirectness, informality, patience, friendliness, and politeness

//Summary - Level -B2//

British culture is often described as humorous, indirect, informal, patient, friendly, and polite. Humour is an integral part of British society, often used to bring people together or criticize a subject. Communication is often indirect, and it is common for British people to read between the lines to understand the meaning behind words. Relationships in the workplace and education settings are typically informal, with first-name terms being used. The British are known to be patient and polite but also reserved, and they tend to avoid complaining and keep to themselves.

Here are some things that struck me as a Dutch citizen who lived in the UK for about four years. Of course, I do not claim to give a comprehensive picture of British culture. However, you may find some of these observations helpful, regardless of nationality.

Please note: In May 2001, I moved from the University of Bradford, UK, to the University of Melbourne, Australia, and this page will no longer be updated. However, you may still find it helpful if you plan to study in the UK.

Humour and understatement

Humour is a cornerstone of British society. It is used in many ways: to create a positive atmosphere, to create a sense of togetherness, to bridge differences, to introduce risky ideas, to criticize, and to show appreciation or contempt for someone. The British joke about everything, including the Queen, politicians, religion, themselves and you! You'd better get used to it. Humour is often combined with understatement. Depending on the tone, "not bad" can mean "very good", and "not bad at all" can be the highest praise you will ever receive from a Brit.

Indirect communication

Unlike the Americans, Germans and Dutch, the British have a rather indirect communication style. They will not usually come out and tell you "how it is". Instead, you must read between the lines to understand their meaning. It can be very frustrating if you come from a culture where "if you don't like it, why don't you just say so". Like Japanese and Chinese cultures, British culture is highly context. Words are not enough; you need to know the background and context to understand the message and interpret tone, expression and non-verbal behaviour.

Informality

Although the UK is still well known for its class society, relationships in the workplace and educational settings are very informal. Most people are on a first-name basis with their bosses and colleagues, and tutors usually expect students to be on a first-name basis with them. However, tutors are generally very approachable and will often take you out for a coffee during the break. Dress style is more a matter of personal preference than position or rank: don't be surprised to see lecturers in jeans or jumpers.

"No complaints" & patient

Unlike the Dutch, who are professional grumblers, the British are less likely to complain. They'll put up with poor service or food in a restaurant because they don't want to make a scene. So they may get very nervous if you try to express your dissatisfaction. It is also best to keep criticism indirect. Otherwise, your British counterpart will become very hostile and defensive, and your complaint is unlikely to have any effect. The British are usually very patient and will queue for anything. It is best to emulate this behaviour. If you try to rush or hurry someone, you will have to wait even longer.

Friendly

Although the British are generally regarded as reserved, you will find that people in the North of England (where I used to live) are usually quite friendly. They will appreciate a chat about the weather or an interest in local affairs. As a man, you may have to get used to being addressed as "Love" by many (older) people. Don't worry; they have no romantic intentions.

Polite & "quiet".

The British are very polite. In a restaurant, you must say thank you when you receive the menu, when you place your order, when you receive your food, when the server takes your plates away, and even when you pay! You must say "excuse me" if you're trying to get past someone and "sorry" if you accidentally touch someone. The British will even apologise if you step on their toes! They are also very "quiet" and keep to themselves. It cannot be easy if you want to make friends with them. However, it's a blessing if you're out with your group or don't like loud people.