Chapter 5: Attitudes The British, like
the people of every country, tend to be attributed with certain characteristics which are supposedly typical. However, it is best to be cautious about accepting such characterizations too easily. In the case of Britain, there are three reasons for this. The first three sections of this
chapter deal with them in turn, and at the same time explore some images and characteristics of the British.
Stereotypes and change Most tourist brochures claim that Britain is a land of tradition. It’s a reputation
which is based on what is seen, what can be seen in public life, on centuries of political continuity and on its attendant ceremonies.
And at this level, the public level, it is true. In their private lives the British are less inclined to follow tradition than the people of most other countries. The English language has fewer sayings or proverbs in common everyday use than many other languages. The British are too individualistic for these things.
English versus British The English culture dominates the cultures of the other three nations (see first chapter,
everyday habits, attitudes and values among the peoples of the four nations are very similar. They are NOT identical, which makes it hard whether one is describing the British or the English. People in Britain find it the most awful thing if someone doesn’t have a sense of humour. You do not have to tell
the best jokes to be humorous, if you are able to joke about yourself you’re doing a good job. Most important quality. More important than honesty or intelligence. In almost every country being called intelligent is areal compliment. But not in England. It is more of an insult. It developed during the classes, there was the upper class
very good and high education, and the lower class which was basically the opposite of the upper class. Nowadays everybody is of the middle class, and being associated with intellectualism is something they really don’t like.
They often call those people ‘Posh’.Basically means that you see yourself as superior. This word describes anyone who is of a class higher than the one you are. It also means
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