British Culture

Every national culture has a unique set of stereotypes that has been formed and reinforced throughout the years and the UK is no exception. Even in some of the best guides, Britain and its population are presented in a way that confirms what many consider as typical British peculiarities. Anyone considering or new to living and working in the UK, however, should be aware that many of these cultural stereotypes are not always true in every situation.

Think about the UK just for a second. What are the images that pop through your mind? For sure a red bus, together with a cuppa and a man with a bowler hat holding a black umbrella are included. The UK does not always have a very good reputation abroad. Brits are often seen as overweight people with a terrible sense of humour and the inability to cook good food. You might believe that Brits never miss their sacred afternoon tea ritual, which is usually followed by a traditional dinner such as fish and chips or a greasy meat pie. These meals are, of course, usually eaten in local pubs, accompanied by a pint of beer.

But how far are these images and stereotypes based on truth? Do men with bowler hats, black umbrellas and newspapers under their arm still walk around the streets of London?

Brits are well known for their British values of fair play and keeping calm in the face of adversity. These attitudes of honesty, equality and calmness are typically British.

Fair play is one of the values that guide British behaviours. Playing fairly implies that everyone should be given equal opportunities, behave honestly and honourably. Respect for the law is extremely valued and breaking the rules is usually frowned upon. Fair play is reflected in various social behaviours, among which the British ability to queue.

Brits are well known for their ability and need to queue, whatever the situation. The need to respect and master this art of queuing is considered so important in British society that understanding how to queue properly has been included in the new citizenship tests immigrants have to take. Most Britons, even if late for an appointment (which rarely happens!) or in a hurry, would still queue and “grin and bear it”, without openly showing their emotions. The term “stiff upper lip” is often used to describe the traditionally British image of reserve and restraint when faced with difficult situations. In fact, open displays of emotions are carefully avoided in British culture.

Close physical contact is generally avoided in greetings too. Despite the gradual change in the way people greet each other nowadays, which involves more and more contact (kissing is becoming popular among young people), most Britons still just tend to shake hands when greeting.

TRC clients can find out more about British Culture by logging on to Communicaid’s article at TRC’s UK Relocation Centre: http://www.therelocationconsultancy.com/british-culture/.