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British Culture

Presenter: Mark Richard

 Elements of Culture
Country The Monarchy Transport
People The Government Welfare
Race Parliament Housing
Ethnicity Elections Architecture
Language The Law Food and Drink
History Sport and Competition Political life
Geography Religion The Arts
Weather Education Holidays and Special Occasions
Identity The Economy Humour
Attitudes Everyday life Leisure activities
International Relations The Media Vacations

Manners
It’s good to… Please don’t…
• wait patiently for your turn • shout your order as you arrive

• hold the door open for the • forget to say “thanks” to show
person behind you your appreciation

• offer a seat to someone on • move your knees slightly to let

public transport (stand up or some sit on the inside seat next
slide across) to you

• get out of someone’s way to • wait for someone to say “excuse

give them room to pass me.”

• allow people to go ahead of • boast about or appear proud of

you (“after you”) your achievements

• be apologetic • ask personal questions (e.g.

money)
• be silent or very quiet on public
transportation • complain

Choose two pieces of advice (one from each side). For each one, discuss:

• What does it mean? What situation or situations does it apply to?

• Is this the same in Taiwan, or is it different? Why do you think so?

 British English Vocabulary

American British
(write the answers)

Candy
Elevator
Pants
Zip code
Trash
Trashcan
Apartment
Roommate
Chips
Pharmacy
Cookie
The Metro/
The Subway

1
Britain The country and its people: an introduction for learners of
English: James O’Driscoll

Oxford Guide to British and American Culture

Food and Drink in Britain (Oxford Bookworms 3): Jackie Maguire

Aspects of Britain and the USA: Christopher Garwood, Guglielmo

Gardani, Edda Peris