"Can there anywhere on earth be, in such a modest span, a landscape more packed with centuries of busy, productive attainment?"Bill Bryson, 'Notes from a Small Island'
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the fifth richest country in the world and one of the most diverse nations in the whole of Europe. This article will show you how to adapt to the varied culture of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Step 1 Forget the stereotypes
Many of the long established stereotypes are not relevant in Britain 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.
Step 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.
Step 3 Get used to small spaces
The United States is not only a huge country but they are used to bigger cars , houses and spaces. Like all European nations, Britain 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.
Step 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.
Step 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's personal space and always wait in line.
Step 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."
Step 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 Britain 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.
Step 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.
Step 9 There's more to Britain 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. And the lush green countryside is a defining feature of Great Britain, which is something that should be explored.
Tips
- In a pub, pay for drinks as you buy them, not when you leave.
- When with friends in a pub, each person usually takes it in turns to buy drinks at the bar for everyone, called "a round", rather than just buying a drink for themselves.
Be careful with self service drinks (hot or cold), they are almost never endless, you must pay to refill them, every time. Do be sure and visit Scotland, but bear in mind that the weather generally gets worse the further north you travel.
Warnings
- Avoid being overly familiar with regional dialect and slang, people may find it annoying or even offensive.
