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English people appear to many other nationalities to be reserved and possibly humourless. This is far from the truth. You have to be aware that English humour is based on self deprecation and irony. However, when English people make jokes about their own country, its weather, food or any other aspect, don't join in. Most English people don't like criticism of the country from other nationalities. Even while they complain about England in general and London in particular, they still believe that it is the best country, with the best capital city, in the world. If they were to think about religion, they would believe sincerely that God is an Englishman. English humour can be quite surrealistic, just think of Monty Python or The Goons. A lot of it is also based on insults. When an English person calls you "A daft old bat", you must realise they are not being rude but affectionate! They are polite to people they don't know or don't like. They only insult their friends. In the USA it is quite customary for strangers to immediately start using first names. In the UK this would cause raised eyebrows and be treated as over familiarity. Almost nobody would actually rebuke you for addressing them by their first name but would rebuff you more subtlely. Even if you say call me Joe or Mary, you will be addressed as Mr or Mrs Smith. Another thing English people don't like is being told to "have a nice day". The standard response might well be "I'd rather not, if you don't mind". You probably won't be invited to to an English person's home until they know you fairly well. The most you can expect is an invitation to drinks, lunch or dinner in a pub or restaurant. Another thing English people don't like is being told to "have a nice day". The standard response might well be "I'd rather not, if you don't mind". Don't talk politics or religion unless you want a serious debate. Politics can be the cause of very heated arguments. Just look back at riots and demonstrations in London to protest at political decisions like the Poll Tax. If you are an American you might find the lack of religious practice and overt patriotism shocking. The vast majority of people in England do not go to church except for 'hatches, matches and dispatches' - christenings, weddings and funerals. Very few English people show much patriotism. You won't see anybody putting their hand on their heart when the National Anthem is played. In fact, in cinemas (movie theatres) there is a stampede for the exit when a movie finishes to avoid having to stand for the National Anthem. Overt patriotism is seem as embarrassing at best and a sign of incipient madness at worse. You might say "What about the singing of Land and Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia at the Last Night of the Proms?" It is true that people take the opportunity to roar out these patriotic songs at full volume whilst waving either Union Jacks or flags of St George (the English flag). This is done in the spirit of fun not patriotism. That's why nobody minds that there are nationals of other countries waving their own flags. It adds to the general party atmosphere. Overt patriotism is seem as embarrassing at best and a sign of incipient madness at worse. English people are quite pleased to be portrayed as unemotional with a stiff upper a lip. Don't believe it! The English are a very emotional people. That's why they take to the streets to riot when the government upsets them. Remember too the scenes of grief in the week following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Even in the first couple of hours after her death was announced, before the grieving had become widespread, ordinary people were leaving flowers outside her home at Kensington Palace and crying openly. The English love their image as dispassionate, reserved people with a stiff upper lip but now you know the secret, the image is largely false.
Copyright © 2002 - Carol Fisher |
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