English etiquette (Английский этикет)

Васильева Ольга Анатольевна / VasilevaOlgaAnatolevna – студент;

Смирнова Вероника Андреевна / SmirnovaVeronikaAndreevna – студент;

Рипатти Юлия Игоревна / RipattiYliaigorevna – студент,

кафедра иностранных языков, факультет очный,

Пермская государственная фармацевтическая академия, г. Пермь

Аннотация: не всегда легко понять традиции этикета зарубежных стран. То, что кажется грубым в вашем языке, может быть совершенно нормальным в английском, и наоборот, то, что для вас выглядит вполне вежливым, может быть рассмотрено как грубость англичанином. В нашей статье мы рассматриваем основные правила поведения в английском обществе.

Ключевые слова: этикет, культура, правила, вежливость, обычаи, традиции.

English etiquette is an incarnation of rigor and formality. In this country originated the concept of true gentleman. English etiquette consists of courtesy, correctness, imperturbability, attentiveness and tolerance.

In England emotionality is not valid, but flattery is a part of the culture of Albion.

There are some rules for greetings in Britain. For example it is only when you meet friends, whom you have not seen for a long time, that you would kiss the cheek of the opposite sex. Or the usual formal greeting is a «How do you do?» and firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women.

Avoid prolonged eye contact when you meet people for the first time, as it might make them feel uncomfortable.

Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your British hosts or colleagues to use their first names.

Such as in Russia, in England you may be called by many different «affectionate» names, according to witch part of the England you are visiting. This is quite normal. For example you may be called dear, flower, love, chick, son, madam. One of the Britain’s visitors said «In Staffordshire and the West Midlands both men and women use the term «duck» when speaking to another person irrespective of their sex. I was quite shocked when I first arrived here in Staffordshire from London to be called «Duck» by a man and now I find it very endearing and reassuring and far better than that awful term «Mate». [2]

British people are not very keen on displaying affection in public. Hugging, kissing and touching are usually reserved for family members and very close friends.

What about visiting to British house, we can say that it is very respectfully. British say «my home is my castle». It is very impolitely to come earlier than you were invited, because people might not be ready to hosts. The Brits are generally punctual, especially the Scots. The Brits consider it rude and impolite if you turn up late for an appointment. Call even if you will be 5 minutes later than agreed. If you have been delayed or cannot make the appointment , then make an effort to contact the person to let them know.

When being entertained at someone’s home it is nice to take a gift for the host and hostess. A bottle of wine, bunch of flowers or chocolate are all acceptable. It is polite to send flowers in advance of a dinner party. Do not send white lilies, which denote death. When 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.

British people are very strict when it comes to punctuality. In Britain people make a great effort to arrive on time, so it is considered impolite to be late, even with by few minutes. If you are delayed, be sure to inform the person you are meeting.

When you talk to the British, you must comply some rules, such as do not ask a lady her age, it is considered impolite. Do not ask personal and intimate questions. They like their privacy. Do not ask questions such as «How much money do you earn? » or «Why aren’t you married?».

Do not discuss business at dinner in someone's home unless the host initiates the conversation.

In England very important manners behave at the table. A male guest of honor is seated at the head of the table or to the right of the hostess. A female guest of honor is seated to the right of the host. If you are a guest, it is polite to wait until your host starts eating or indicates you should do so. It shows consideration. Host or hostess always initiates first toast, which is usually only given at a formal dinner. Never put your hands on the table put it on your knees. All should listen to the speaker at the table and speak to be heard by all.

British have a special relationship to complement. You should not kiss woman’s hands. You should be restraint to words and judgments. English often use phrases such as «I think», «maybe I’m wrong, but…». It is very hardly to hear from Englishman that he read an excellent book. He will say that he founded it interesting. [1]

Britain has accepted rules of behavior, such as say «Excuse me» or «Please» and «Thank you», cover your mouth when you yawing or coughing.

In conclusion we would like to note, that if you want to understand foreign country, you should not compare everything with your country and comply the mail rule of all countries «Do smile, because a smiling face is a welcoming face».

Литература

1.      [электронный ресурс] Bussines communication with british – Режим доступа:
2.      [электронный ресурс] Acceptable Behaviour in England and the rest of Britai – Режим доступа:

http://www.kazedu.kz/referat/94024 (дата обращения: 22.09.2014).

http://www.projectbritain.com/behaviour.html (дата обращения: 22.09.2014).