Culture

How to Adapt to British Culture

1. Forget the stereotypes. Many of the long established stereotypes are not relevant in the UK today. Don't assume that everyone is going to fall into the category of the beer swilling, rotten-toothed tea addict. Abandoning pre-conceived ideas of people and culture will allow you to be more open-minded and readily able to assimilate the culture you find yourself in.

2. Understand the differences. The United Kingdom is comprised of different countries (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) and numerous different regions that all have their very own and very different traditions, dialect and even language. Understanding that culture in a highland village will not be the same as a southern English spa town will help you to avoid making mistakes and generalizations.

3. Get used to small spaces. Like all European nations, the UK does not have the luxury of space. Houses, apartments(flats), cars and appliances are all smaller than you are accustomed to, so become more familiar with smaller areas.

4. Go to the pub. The Public house is a very important part of British culture and nothing will immerse you in more than a good old fashioned pint of beer. Students, work colleagues,friends and family meet in the pub and it is used as a focal point of social contact.

5. Be polite. Adapt by blending into the crowd. Always apologize for bumping into someone, even if it was their fault, as it makes you out to be a kinder person. Respect people'spersonal space and always wait in line (called a queue in the UK).

6. Accept the jokes. One of the most confusing aspects of British culture is humor. Bantering or "taking the mick" are all ways to describe making fun of someone but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Teasing someone is a common way to show affection. As one Briton put it, "you never make fun of someone you don't like."

7. Get used to the driving. The British drive on the left side of the road. Be sure that you do so or the consequences can be ghastly. Also, the cars in the UK have the steering wheel on the right side, so you need get used to this as well. Be especially careful with your turns and remember that right turns in the U.K. cross opposite traffic in the same way that left turns do in the U.S. and other countries that drive on the right.

8. Get used to the language. The British use different words and pronounce words differently. Look around on the internet or buy books which have lots or help about the particular words which the British use.

9. There's more to the UK than London. Although London is an excellent city and the most popular in the United Kingdom, there are many other cities filled with culture and wonder. Nottingham is a fantastic city to visit. It's certainly smaller than London, but you'll immediately find everything is much cheaper there. Jay McGuinness from the popular British boy band The Wanted is from Nottingham. And the lush green countryside is a defining feature of the UK, which is something that should be explored.

Thanks
SMeddie