1) British culture is influenced by traditions but also changing due to multiculturalism from immigrants from Asia, Europe and Africa who bring their own languages, customs and foods. 2) While the British are proud of some of their unique traditions like driving on the left side and their system of measurement, the government has tried to change the measurements to be more standardized. 3) The British value the countryside and nature as well as animals, with gardening a popular hobby and strong emotional attachments to pets. Privacy and sexuality are also sensitive issues with differing views.

1. Attitudes
Ivana Štípalová

2. Continuing change of society
• The characteristics are stunted (songs, books...),
they don´t represent the modern life
• Britain – land of tradition (ceremonies)
• Stereotypes : men wearing bowler hats
great drinkers of tea
talking about rainy weather
obsession with cricket
English breakfast (bacon, eggs,
sausages, toasts)

3. English ≠ British
• People are confused with the words british and
english
• British = English, Scotish, Northern Irish, Welsh
• People in the country are very similar but not
identical
• The British like to remember the old safer times

4. Multiculturalism
(“You can taste all the world in London“)
• Immigrants : Asians (Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani...)
Europeans
Africans
• Own language, typical clothes, shops, customs
• 13% of population
• These foreign cultures influence the British culture

5. Being different
Proud of being different :
• Driving of the left side
• Double-decker bus
• Hackney carriage – cab, Asquith taxi
• System of measurement

6. System of measurement :
• lenght (inch, finger, hand, food, yard)
• volume (gallon, cup, pint)
• weight (ounce, pound, grain, stone)
• temperature (Fahrenheit)
Other information:
• Goverment tried to change this measurement
• Financial year starts on April
• They don´t want to give up their currency (pound sterling)

7. Lovers of countryside and animals
• Life in towns and cities
• Nature (peace, no crime,
beauty)
• Hostels
• Most favorite hobby is
gardening
• “Lost without their dog“
• Animals are taken seriously
• Wildlife programmes in TV

8. Being friendly
• Don´t be bothered with titles (Mr. ,Mrs.)
• Don´t shake hands when meeting, no convention to kiss
• Requests without the “magic word“
• Washing up the dishes at friend´s house
• Charity works for people in need

9. Privacy and sexuality
• It´s considered very rude to ask people about their privacy even
though you know them very well
• Modern people are very open <=> embarrassment
• Politicians prefer traditional family values <=> people have different
opinions

10. •Thank you for your attention