British Speaking
Habits
& CULTURE SHOCK
Julia Danylo
АМП-25
Part 1: British Speaking Habits
1. INDIRECTNESS & POLITENESS
British people often avoid direct
communication to sound polite and avoid
confrontation.
Instead of saying something too direct or
blunt, they use hedging words and phrases
to soften their statements.
EXAMPLES:
• Instead of “You’re wrong,” they might say
“I’m not sure that’s quite right.”
• Instead of “Close the window,” they say
“Would you mind closing the window?”
• Instead of “I don’t like it,” they say “It’s not
really my cup of tea.”
2. MAKING REQUESTS & SUGGESTIONS
Brits often use modal verbs (could, would,
might, shall) to make their requests sound
less demanding.
EXAMPLES OF MAKING REQUESTS:
• Direct: “Give me some water.”
• Polite: “Could you pass me a glass of
water, please?”
• Even more polite: “Would you be so kind
as to pass me a glass of water?”
EXAMPLES OF MAKING SUGGESTIONS:
• Instead of “Let’s go to the cinema,” they
might say “Shall we go to the cinema?”
• Instead of “You should try this restaurant,”
they might say “You might like this
restaurant.”
3. ASKING QUESTIONS POLITELY
Instead of asking direct, potentially intrusive
questions, British people rephrase them to
sound softer.
EXAMPLES:
• Direct: “Where do you work?”
• Polite: “May I ask where you work?”
• Even softer: “I was wondering where you
work?”
If they don’t want to sound too curious, they add phrases like “if you don’t
mind me asking” or “just out of curiosity”.
4 . I N D I R E C T WAY S O F S AY I N G “ N O ”
Brits rarely say a direct “no” to avoid
sounding rude or hurting feelings. Instead,
they use polite refusals or vague language.
EXAMPLES:
• Instead of “No,” they say:
• “I’ll have to think about it.”
• “I’m not too sure about that.”
• “I don’t think I can make it, unfortunately.”
• “I’d love to, but I’m a bit busy at the
moment.”
Part 2: Culture Shock
1. What Is Culture
Shock?
1. What Is Culture
Shock?
Culture shock is the confusion, frustration, or
discomfort people feel when they experience
a new culture that is different from their own.
But also, it still has stages.
But also, it still has stages.
1. Honeymoon Stage
But also, it still has stages.
1. Honeymoon Stage
2. Frustration Stage
But also, it still has stages.
1. Honeymoon Stage
2. Frustration Stage
3. Adjustment Stage
But also, it still has stages.
1. Honeymoon Stage
2. Frustration Stage
3. Adjustment Stage
4. Acceptance Stage
But also, it still has stages.
1. Honeymoon Stage
– Everything feels exciting and new.
Tourists and newcomers love the
differences.
A person visiting the UK might enjoy afternoon tea, British
humor, and politeness.
But also, it still has stages.
2. Frustration Stage
– Differences become frustrating. People
struggle with communication and adapting
to cultural norms.
A foreigner might find British indirectness confusing and
misunderstand phrases like “We’ll see” (which often
means “no”).
But also, it still has stages.
3. Adjustment Stage
– The person slowly adapts and begins to
understand the new culture.
They learn that Brits queue (stand in line) everywhere and
start doing it too.
But also, it still has stages.
4. Acceptance Stage
– They fully adapt, appreciate the culture,
and feel comfortable in their new
environment.
3. EXAMPLES OF CULTURE SHOCK IN THE UK
Queuing (Waiting in Line): Small Talk: Personal Space:
British people take queuing seriously. Brits love small talk, especially about the Brits value personal space and prefer
Cutting in line is considered extremely rude weather, sports, or daily life. standing at arm’s length when talking.
Example: A tourist in London might get weird Example: A foreigner might find it strange Example: Someone from a culture where
looks for skipping a queue at a bus stop. when a shop assistant asks, “How’s your day close contact is normal might feel awkward
going?” and expects a polite reply, not a deep when a Brit steps back during a
conversation. conversation.
Apologizing Frequently: Tea Culture:
Brits say “sorry” even when it’s not their fault. Tea is more than just a drink; it’s a social
tradition.
Example: If two people bump into each
other, both will say, “Sorry!” even if only one Example: A guest at a British home might be
person caused it. surprised that they are always offered tea.
4. How to Overcome
Culture Shock?
4. How to Overcome
Culture Shock?
Be open-minded – Expect differences and
embrace them.
4. How to Overcome
Culture Shock?
Be open-minded – Expect differences and
embrace them.
4. How to Overcome
Culture Shock?
Be open-minded – Expect differences and
embrace them.
Learn basic phrases – Understanding common
expressions helps avoid misunderstandings.
Ask questions – If unsure, politely ask a local
about cultural norms.
