英国风俗习惯Customs and Traditions.ppt

Chapter 7 Customs and Traditions Time British people place considerable value on punctuality. In Britain, people make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. Invitations “ Drop in anytime” and “come see me soon” are idioms often used in social settings but seldom meant to be taken literally. Never accept an invitation unless you really plan to go. a gift to your host thank-you note or telephone call after the visit Dress Everyday 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. The Handshake A handshake is the most common form of greeting among the English and British people and is customary when you are introduced to somebody new. Formal greetings The usual formal greeting is a How do you do? and a firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women. Thank you / thanks / cheers British sometime say cheers instead of thank you. You may hear cheers said instead of good bye, what we are really saying is thanks and bye. Do stand in line: In England British like to form orderly queues (standing in line) and wait patiently for our turn e.g. boarding a bus. It is usual to queue when required, and expected that you will take your correct turn and not push in front. Queue jumping is frowned upon. Do take your hat off when you go indoors (men only) It is impolite for men to wear hats indoors especially in churches. Nowadays, it is becoming more common to see men wearing hats indoors. However, this is still seen as being impolite, especially to the older generations. Do say Excuse Me: If someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move, say excuse me and they will move out of your way. Do say Please and Thank you: It is very good ma