Social customsSocial customs

British have their own social customs

They are said to be reserved in manners,polite,self-disipline and with a big sense of humour.

They are traditional one.

British people are very punctualThis shows respect and estimation for the other

person It is considered impolite to arrive even 7 minutes

late It’s better to call the person you are going to meet

British arrive at the exact time specified for dinner,lunch or appointments with professors,doctors and other professionals

They arrive any time during the hours specified for teas,receptions and coctail parties

A few minutes early for public meetings,plays,conncerts,movies,classes,

weddings and church services

InvitationsInvitationsIf you receive a

written invitation to an event that says RSVP,you should respond to let the person who sent it knows whether or not you plan to attend

You may refuse it by saying:”Thank you for inviting but I will be not able to come”

GiftsGiftsIt is considered

politely to give a gift,especially if you are invited for a meal.

Flowers,a chocolate or a small gift is appropriate.

A thank you note or a telephone call after the visit is also considered polite.

DressDressEveryday dress is

appropriate for most visits to peoples' homes.

You may want to dress more formally when attending a holiday dinner or cultural event, such as a concert or theatre performance.

Introduction and GreetingIntroduction and GreetingIt is proper to shake hands

with everyone to whom you are introduced, both men and women.

An appropriate response to an introduction is "Pleased to meet you". If you want to introduce yourself to someone, extend you hand for a handshake and say "Hello, I am....".

Hugging is only for friends.In Britain one kiss is

generally enough.

DiningDiningWhen you accept a

dinner invitation, tell your host if you have any dietary restrictions. He or she will want to plan a meal that you can enjoy.

The evening meal is the main meal of the day in most parts of Britain.

Food may be served in one of Food may be served in one of several ways: several ways:“Family style," by

passing the serving plates from one to another around the dining table

“Buffet style," with guests serving themselves at the buffet

“Serving style," with the host filling each plate and passing it to each person.

Manners are Manners are ImportantImportant

Do’s and Don’t in England

Do stand in line Do take your hat off when you go indoors (men only)

Do say "Excuse Me" Do Pay as you Go

Do say "Please" and "Thank you"

Do cover your Mouth

Do say sorry Do Smile

Other customsOther customs

Do not greet people with a kiss Do not ask a lady her age

Do not spit. Do not ask personal or intimate questions

Decide if each situation is Decide if each situation is acceptable acceptable or or unacceptableunacceptable1. Arrive at

someone's house empty-handed…

2. Ask someone about…

3. Ask someone how much…

4. Ask someone how old…

5. Belch after a meal…

1. …when they have invited you for drinks, dinner etc

2. …their politics3. …they earn 4. …they are5. …to show your

appreciationfor the food

6. Blow your nose…

7. Compliment someone…

8. Drive a car without showing courtesy…

9. Drop litter or spit…

10. Eat or drink while…

6. …in front of other

people 7.…on their clothes

or possessions8. …to other roadusers 9. …on the ground

10. …walking along

the street

THANK THANK YOUYOU