Act like a British.
Now that we have worked on the most common speaking mistakes, lets act like a British.
Above all know how to queue! “The art of queuing”, the very simple act of taking one’s turn is one of the things that is sacred in the UK so if your culture isn’t into it, learn now. We, British queue in lines for everything even to get in a bus!!
Learn how to make tea. Use Ty-Phoo, Yorkshire Tea, or PG Tips, and make it the right way. The water must be boiling before being poured in the teapot (we only use mugs if we are in a hurry). Add milk first, but don’t add more than two teaspoons of sugar if any. And be sure to offer some to others and ask how they like their tea. Be aware you will be offered a “cuppa” at anytime of the day and for any kind of situation!
Watch British sitcoms and movies. If you want to know how to act like a Brit, get some role models! Watch Sherlock Holmes, Downtown Abbey, Coronation Street and other movies and shows. Not only will you get a sneak peek into the culture, but you’ll develop the British humour too. Try and watch London 2012 a highly concentrated of self-mocking . The French and British view on comedy is very, very different.
Pick a British football team and support it! You will look gorgeous with your Manchester t-shirt… or if you prefer blue then we will have to support Chelsea (sorry this is as far as I can go I am not really in football). At the same time, not all British people are in to soccer. Rugby and cricket are some decent alternatives. Cricket is almost a religion and by watching cricket British fulfil their patriotic duty!
Know the difference between British, English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish. Most foreigners refer to someone who’s English as British. Scottish people are British as are people from Wales, Northern Ireland and the many other small islands. Make sure you realise this, as some people can get quite offended when the British are referred to as English – Britain is made up of Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland! Not just England.
Look right before you cross the street! Not only you will look stupid hailing for a car on the wrong side of the road but it can be very dangerous. So be careful!
Know the pub etiquette! Don’t sit at the table and wait for someone to take your order, go to the bar, even if you are ordering food. People often take turns buying rounds of drinks for one another and drinks must be paid as soon as they are served.
As well as “thanks,” you can also say “cheers”. Now the most difficult is to carry your 6 pints to your buddies….
