Every culture has a unique set of stereotypes that have been formed and reinforced throughout the years and the UK is no exception. Even in some of the most popular guides Britain and its population are presented in such a way that confirms what many consider as typical British peculiarities. Anyone living and working in the UK however should be aware that many of these cultural stereotypes are not always true in every situation.
 © istockphoto.com/Graeme Purdy |
The UK does not always have a very good reputation abroad. Brits are often seen as a mass of overweight people with a terrible sense of humour and the inability to cook good food. Some believe that Brits will never skip their sacred afternoon tea ritual which is usually followed by a simple dinner such as fish and chips or a greasy meat pie. Many think that these meals are usually eaten in local pubs, accompanied by a pint of beer, and followed by scenes of public drunkenness. While many Brits enjoy having a cup of tea or evening meal out in the pub, the idea that they do these things every single day is indeed a cultural stereotype that has been built up over generations.
Some stereotypes and perceptions of Brits are more neutral and positive. For example 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 ever present in many British behaviours, but not more so than in the “art of queuing”. Brits are well known for their ability and need to queue, whatever the situation. In fact the need to respect and master this art of queueing 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.
One book that looks closely at British behaviours is Watching the English: the Hidden Rules of English Behaviours by Kate Fox. In this anthropological study of the English population, Fox traces behavioural rules that seem to govern every aspect of English life. There are chapters about how Brits behave at work, in the pub, on the bus and at home. She also looks at how Brits talk, what they talk about, how they dress and many other social topics.
Through her research Fox identified what she calls a social “dis-ease” that governs every aspect of British behaviour. She argues that there is a constant awkwardness, embarassment and clumsiness that characterises any kind of British social interaction. Although Fox’s book might be perceived as an exaggeration and reinforcement of many British stereotypes, it can be an extremely useful resource for people who have never had much contact with Brits.
Whether or not you have had some contact with British culture, be aware of the many cultural idiosyncrasies and underlying values that will impact how your British counterparts think and behave. For example, when living and working in the UK, it can be very beneficial to understand British irony and humour which plays a big, although very implicit, role in communication that can often go unnoticed.
Knowing how to approach your British counterparts and build relationships with them will help you to ensure that you avoid any cultural faux-pas or wasted time. Reading books like that written by Kate Fox is one way of improving your understanding of British culture. This combined with a cross cultural training course such as Living and Working in the UK will help you to ensure that you effectively break down and interpret the many stereotypes that exist about British culture so that you react appropriately in any British context.
© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011
