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Workshop 2 - British Culture and Etiquette

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  • Speaker: Mr. Lawrence Coupland

Diversity holds significant importance in the UK.

How the British Constitution Works

  • House of Commons: Responsible for making laws and debating legislative proposals.
  • House of Lords: Reviews proposed legislation and suggests amendments.
  • The Monarch: Grants royal assent to laws.

British Humor

Humour.

British Culture

Discussions often revolve around rain and cultural topics.

Publications such as the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Mail consistently endorse the Conservative Party.

Football holds significant cultural importance.

The National Health Service (NHS) is also of great significance.

British Facts

The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

  • Population: 67.7 million, with 57.2 million in England, 5.5 million in Scotland, 3.0 million in Wales, and 2.0 million in Northern Ireland.

Oxford's ethnic diversity includes 54% White British, 17% White Non-British, and 29% Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

The Department for Education (DfE) mandates that all schools must actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.

British Etiquette

Understanding why etiquette matters is crucial, as it facilitates integration into the host culture.

Mind your Ps and Qs (Please and Thank you).

It is impossible to apologise excessively!

"That's not bad" means "That's really good"

"I hear what you say" means "I disagree with you"

"I'm sure it's my fault, but" means "It's your fault"

Situations Warranting an Apology

  • Walking into someone
  • Being early or late
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Asking someone for help

Dos: Maintain appropriate body language, establish eye contact, respect personal space, adhere to the dress code, and engage in small talk.

Don'ts: Avoid cancelling at the last minute, attending without an invitation, or queue-jumping.

Formal introductions typically involve a firm handshake, sustained eye contact, and a confident demeanour.

When introducing yourself, state your name and use an appropriate title (e.g., Prof., Miss, Mr.) if applicable.

Informal introductions may involve a brief hug or a cheek kiss.

Dining etiquette includes eating quietly, avoiding slurping, keeping your mouth closed while chewing, refraining from placing elbows on the table, maintaining proper posture, placing the napkin on your lap, and sipping during toasts.

Afternoon tea

Originating in the 1840s, afternoon tea was popularised by Anna, Duchess of Bedford.

British Values

We are all products of unjust histories which cast long shadows on the present.

We are building a future where scholars, fellows and visitors seek to heal, reconcile and repair inequities.

Rhodes House, Oxford