| Acceptable Behaviour in England |
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| ::darkshadows:: (bat@cave.org) |
2009/05/19 01:13 |
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From: "::darkshadows::" <bat@cave.org>
Newsgroups: alt.fan.rolex
Subject: Acceptable Behaviour in England
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Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 02:13:42 -0500
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The English are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. We
are famous for our politeness, self-discipline and especially for our
sense of humour. Basic politeness (please, thank you, excuse me) is
expected.
How to greet someone
English people are quite reserved when greeting one another. A
greeting can be a bright 'Hello' 'Hi' or 'Good morning', when you
arrive at work or at school.
Terms of Endearment - Names we may call you
You may be called by many different 'affectionate' names, according to
which part of the England you are visiting. Do not be offended, this
is quite normal. For example, you may be called dear, dearie, flower,
love, chick, chuck, me duck, me duckie, mate, guv, son, ma'am, madam,
miss, sir, or treacle, according to your sex, age and location.
Interesting Fact
The 'affectionate' name 'duck' is thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon
word 'ducis' which was meant as a term of respect; similar to the
Middle English 'duc', 'duk' which denotes a leader, commander,
general; from which comes the title 'Duke' and the Old French word
Visiting people in their houses
When being entertained at someone's home it is nice to take a gift for
the host and hostess. A bottle of wine, bunch of flowers or chocolates
are all acceptable.
Sending a thank you note is also considered appropriate.
Eating
We eat continental style, with fork in the left hand and the knife in
the right.
Manners are Important
DOs and DON'TS (Taboos) in England
In England...
Do stand in line:
In England we like to form orderly queues (standing in line) and wait
patiently for our turn e.g. boarding a bus. It is usual to queue when
required, and expected that you will take your correct turn and not
push in front. 'Queue jumping' is frowned upon. text taken from and
copyright of projcetbritain.com
Do take your hat off when you go indoors (men only)
It is impolite for men to wear hats indoors especially in churches.
Nowadays, it is becoming more common to see men wearing hats indoors.
However, this is still seen as being impolite, especially to the older
generations.
Do say "Excuse Me":
If someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move, say
excuse me and they will move out of your way.
Do Pay as you Go:
Pay for drinks as you order them in pubs and other types of bars.
Do say "Please" and "Thank you":
It is very good manners to say "please" and "thank you". It is
considered rude if you don't. You will notice in England that we say
'thank you' a lot.
Do cover your Mouth:
When yawning or coughing always cover your mouth with your hand.
Do Shake Hands:
When you are first introduced to someone, shake their right hand with
your own right hand.
Do say sorry:
If you accidentally bump into someone, say 'sorry'. They probably will
too, even if it was your fault! This is a habit and can be seen as
very amusing by an 'outsider'.
Do Smile:
A smiling face is a welcoming face.
Do Drive on the left side of the road
Do open doors for other people
Men and women both hold open the door for each other. It depends on
who goes through the door first.
Do not greet people with a kiss:
We only kiss people who are close friends and relatives.
Avoid talking loudly in public
It is impolite to stare at anyone in public.
Privacy is highly regarded.
Do not ask a lady her age
It is considered impolite to ask a lady her age
Do not pick your nose in public:
We are disgusted by this. If your nostrils need de-bugging, use a
handkerchief.
Avoid doing gestures such as backslapping and hugging
This is only done among close friends.
Do not spit.
Spitting in the street is considered to be very bad mannered.
Do not burp in public
You may feel better by burping loudly after eating or drinking, but
other people will not! If you can not stop a burp from bursting out,
then cover your mouth with your hand and say 'excuse me' afterwards.
Do not pass wind in public
Now how can we say this politely? Let's say that you want to pass
wind. What do you do? Go somewhere private and let it out. If you
accidentally pass wind in company say 'pardon me'.
"The expression 'pardon me' would be considered by the upper classes
to be rather common. When I was growing up, I was told by my mother,
at school and by my aunt who was a nanny to an aristocratic family
that the correct thing to do if this happens is to carry on as if
nothing's happened and for the entire company to ignore it completely
as if they've never noticed. ( even if it's very obvious). I think
young people nowadays would probably be more inclined to laugh it off
but certainly the older generation in 'polite company' would never,
ever draw attention to the incident by apologising. Basically the
advice is say 'excuse me' for mouth burps, ignore bottom burps."
It is impolite speak with your mouth full of food
Do not ask personal or intimate questions
We like our privacy. Please do not ask questions such as "How much
money do you earn?" "How much do you weigh?" or "Why aren't you
married?".
Never eat off a knife when having a meal.
Women in Britain are entitled to equal respect and status as men (and
indeed vice versa) in all areas of life and tend to have more
independence and responsibility than in some other cultures. Women are
usually independent and accustomed to entering public places
unaccompanied. It is usual for women to go out and about on their own
as well as with friends. Men and women mix freely.
* It is ok for women to eat alone in a restaurant.
* It is ok for women to wander around on their own.
* It is ok for women to drink beer.
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