find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
- by Charlotte King
- In Other
Posted Sept. 25, 2014
Odd British Quirks International Postgrads Should Know
For an international postgraduate student coming to Britain for the first time, mastering a good command of English may well be considered a priority. However, the language barrier pales into comparison when contemplating the cultural differences between the British and other cultures. It can be useful for shy postgraduates to have a bit of cultural knowledge when meeting new people, and sometimes the differences can make an interesting talking point in themselves!
Apologising The British don't like to cause offence. It is all part of the British culture of 'not making a fuss', and as a result, British people will apologise for the slightest infraction or perceived offence caused to another person. Accidentally bumping another person in a crowded room usually brings forth a battery of apologies from both parties. The most extreme example of this would be the British habit of apologising for having one's foot trodden on by another person!
The British have a strong belief in manners, and this is just a typical manifestation. Just enter into the spirit, and always be ready with the word 'sorry'.
Talking about the weather The weather in Britain is famously changeable. Seasons change quickly, but even they are unpredictable with the occasional warm winter's day and cold, wet summers. Thus, the British spend a lot of time talking about the weather. It is really a form of bonding, and a discussion about the current climate often serves as an ice-breaker between two people who have just met.
Having something to say about the weather can often help break through the legendary British reserve, so always be ready to say 'nice day' or 'looks like rain again'.
The British tend to complain about the weather often, and it often seems as though they believe somebody should be held responsible for poor weather. This is just another aspect of the British love for....
Complaining The British love to complain. However, it is more of a harmless hobby than a serious attitude problem, and it is often just another bonding exercise. This often means that if there is a problem that actually needs a complaint, it often goes unmentioned and unrectified . However, one can be sure that the aggrieved party will tell their friends and anyone they meet about poor service or bad standards. To actually complain to the waiter or shop assistant would be 'making a fuss'.
Queuing Most people will have heard about the British love for queuing. In Britain, any queue is sacred, and failing to join the back of a line is an unforgivable breach of etiquette. People in Britain will form orderly queues for anything. Even getting on a bus requires a strictly ordered queue, even if the bus doesn't leave until everyone is on board. It is just another way of expressing belief in manners and unspoken rules in an ordered society.
Related articles
Apologising The British don't like to cause offence. It is all part of the British culture of 'not making a fuss', and as a result, British people will apologise for the slightest infraction or perceived offence caused to another person. Accidentally bumping another person in a crowded room usually brings forth a battery of apologies from both parties. The most extreme example of this would be the British habit of apologising for having one's foot trodden on by another person!
The British have a strong belief in manners, and this is just a typical manifestation. Just enter into the spirit, and always be ready with the word 'sorry'.
Talking about the weather The weather in Britain is famously changeable. Seasons change quickly, but even they are unpredictable with the occasional warm winter's day and cold, wet summers. Thus, the British spend a lot of time talking about the weather. It is really a form of bonding, and a discussion about the current climate often serves as an ice-breaker between two people who have just met.
Having something to say about the weather can often help break through the legendary British reserve, so always be ready to say 'nice day' or 'looks like rain again'.
The British tend to complain about the weather often, and it often seems as though they believe somebody should be held responsible for poor weather. This is just another aspect of the British love for....
Complaining The British love to complain. However, it is more of a harmless hobby than a serious attitude problem, and it is often just another bonding exercise. This often means that if there is a problem that actually needs a complaint, it often goes unmentioned and unrectified . However, one can be sure that the aggrieved party will tell their friends and anyone they meet about poor service or bad standards. To actually complain to the waiter or shop assistant would be 'making a fuss'.
Queuing Most people will have heard about the British love for queuing. In Britain, any queue is sacred, and failing to join the back of a line is an unforgivable breach of etiquette. People in Britain will form orderly queues for anything. Even getting on a bus requires a strictly ordered queue, even if the bus doesn't leave until everyone is on board. It is just another way of expressing belief in manners and unspoken rules in an ordered society.
Related articles
Categories
- Accommodation
- Budgeting
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)
- Courses
- Distance Learning / Online Study
- Fees
- Funding
- General
- Infographic
- International Students
- Jobs and Careers
- Mature Students
- MBA Programs
- Other
- Personal Statement
- PGCE
- PHD
- Student Life
- Student Welfare
- Study Abroad
- Study Advice
- Study In Australia
- Study In Europe
- Study In Ireland
- Study in UK
- Study In USA
- Theses and Dissertations
- Top 10 Lists
- Universities
