The document provides information about British culture, including key aspects of etiquette, manners, and social norms. It discusses that Britain is a multi-cultural country with a Christian tradition that is also a monarchy and liberal democracy. Manners are important in everyday life, with handshakes used as greetings and punctuality highly valued. Table manners can be complex, and topics of small talk generally include introductions, travel, family for those known, and avoiding discussions of age, appearance, money, sex, relationships, politics, and religion.

1. British Culture

2. Discuss
• What do you know about
the UK?

3. Map
• Label the correct
countries of the
United Kingdom

5. Flag

6. National Identity
• People from England, Scotland, and
Wales are “British.”
• Only people from England are
“English.”
• Many people don’t want to be part
of the U.K. nowadays.

7. Overview of Culture
• Multi-cultural country
• Traditionally Christian
• Liberal democracy
– But also monarchy
• Arts, culture, and science
important

8. Politeness
• Manners are extremely important in
everyday life in the U.K.
• People aspire to be “gentlemen” or
“ladies.”

9. Greetings
People usually shake hands
• Regardless of gender
• Firm, but not too strong
In England, people might say, “How do you do?”

10. Punctuality
• British people like to be on time, and can’t
stand it when guests are late.
• If you will be 5 minutes late, you should
call to warn the person.
• Always apologize if you are late.

11. Meeting People
• British people are generally open-
minded.
• We don’t discriminate against
foreigners or people of different
sexuality.
• We try to try men and women
equally.
• We never stare at people because
they are different.

12. Eating
• What do you know about
British food?

13. Food
• These days, British people enjoy
food from all over the world.
• However, we still enjoy traditional
foods sometimes.
• British people are proud to know
how to cook, and how to serve a
well-presented dinner.

15. Table Manners
• Table
manners in
the U.K. can
be
complicated!
• Watch and
learn.

16. Table Manners
• Always wait until everyone is seated
before you eat.
• Never make loud noises!
• Maintain polite conversation
throughout dinner.
• Thank your host after dinner.

17. Hygiene
• Cover your mouth while coughing or
sneezing.
• Always wash your hands.
• Never spit! It’s disgusting!
• Always throw your trash away
responsibly and leave areas clean.

18. Small Talk
• What do you think it is acceptable
to talk about in the U.K.?
• What is unacceptable?

19. Small Talk
- Introductions, eg "Hello. May I introduce myself? My name is
Mark"
- Travel, eg "Did you manage to find here OK?" or "Did you have
a good journey?"
- Family, eg "How is your family?" (but only if you already know
about the person's family)
- Hospitality, eg "Can I get you something to eat or drink?"
- The weather, eg "It's a lovely day today, isn't it?"
- Holidays, eg "Are you going anywhere this weekend?" or "Are
you going anywhere on holiday this year?"
- Nature, eg "The garden looks lovely, doesn't it?"
- Pets, eg "What a lovely dog. What is his name?" (British people
love dogs or cats)
- General news, eg "What do you think about the recent floods?"
(but safer to avoid gossip and politics)
- Films, eg "Have you seen the film Bridget Jones's Diary?"
- Television, eg "Did you see The X Factor last night?"

20. Small Talk
- Music, eg "What sort of music do you like?"
- Books, eg "Have you read any good books recently?" (but
only if you know the person likes reading)
- Sport, eg "Have you been watching Wimbledon?" (note that
many British people, especially men, enjoy talking about
football)
- Hobbies, eg "What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?"
- Business, eg "How's your business going?" (but only ask if
you know the person has a business)
- Studies, eg "What are you studying?" (but only ask if you
know the person is a student)
- Work, eg "What sort of work do you do?"
- Food, eg "I had a lovely Chinese meal last night - do you like
Chinese food?"
- General matters about the person you are talking to, eg "Have
you lived in this area long?"
- General matters on subjects that you know that interests the
person you are talking to, eg cars, film stars etc

21. Don’t Discuss:
- Age, eg "How old are you?"
- Appearance or weight, eg "You seem to have put on
some weight"
- Personal gossip about somebody you know
- Jokes that might offend (especially sexist or racist
jokes)
- Money, eg "How much do you earn?"
- Sex (some people have strong religious views
about this, or are embarrassed by the subject)
- Previous or current relationships, eg "Do you have
a girlfriend?"
- Politics, eg "Who did you vote for at the last
election?"
- Religion, eg "Do you believe in God?"
- Criticisms or complaints, eg "Why is British food so

22. Queuing
• British people care very deeply
about queuing, and we get angry if
someone cuts in line
• When you visit the U.K., you must
respect the queue!