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Unit 11 Lesson 7
Etiquette in English society: tips for
Bangladeshis going to Britain
Objectives: By the end of the lesson you will have
• talked about differences in life styles between Britain and Bangladesh
• read a passage about adjusting to life in Britain
• writing tips
A Discuss in pairs and note down what you know about etiquette and manners in Britain. Compare your notes with that of another pair, and add to your list if there is any new information.
B Now read the following information about life in Britain.
The British have a reputation for keeping their emotions private and for being reserved in their public behaviour. There are some obvious things that people from overseas notice in British behaviour. For example, on public transport, people do not usually talk to other passengers. On meeting, people do not .embrace and often simply shake hands on a first introduction. In theatres, concert halls and cinemas, audiences are quiet during performances and reactions are often restrained. None of these behaviour traits, however, need to be interpreted by visitors as unfriendliness and in general, if a visitor makes the first move to start a conversation, they will, find that British people are friendly and very considerate. On the other hand, some aspects of British behaviour might seem too informal for foreigners. An example is the, informal use of first names among staff holding different status at work. Although it would be a blasphemy for a student to call his/her teachers by their first names in Bangladesh, it is quite common in British colleges and universities.
Britain lies in the temperate region. In winter it is very cold and windy. You should carry warm clothes with you. Moreover, there are a number of significant differences in norms and behaviour. Here arc some useful tips for those visiting Britain.
• People in Britain often socialise at home, but unless you know someone very well it is not usual to just 'drop in' without at least telephoning first to make sure that it is convenient.
• If you accept an invitation for a meal in someone's home, it is regarded as a definite appointment and it would be considered bad manners not to turn up. If you really do have to cancel an invitation, do let your hosts know as soon as possible, before they start making preparations.
• If there are certain foods that you cannot or do not eat, do let your host know in advance, in order to save embarrassment on the day.
• Whether you are visiting just for a meal or for a longer stay, it is customary to take a small gift for your host - flowers or chocolates, for example.
• If you stay with a British family, you should act thoughtfully at all times. Be on time for meals. If you need to miss a meal let your host know if you are going to be staying out late so that they won't worry about you. Offer to help with household chores - your offer will probably be turned down but will still be appreciated.
C From the passage above what do you come to know about British life? How similar or different are these from our patterns of life?
D One of your British friends is coming to visit Bangladesh. Write a letter giving tips on how to adjust to life here.
Focus:
Skills.
Speaking,
intensive reading,
writing. Functions.
Describing, milking comparisons.
Grammar/Structure.
Similarities/differences,
imperatives, do/don't........
Vocabulary.
reputation, concert, tips, blasphemy, trait, restrained, drop in,
embarrassment, customary, appreciated.
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Unit 11 Lesson 7
Etiquette in English society: tips for
Bangladeshis going to Britain
Objectives: By the end of the lesson you will have
• talked about differences in life styles between Britain and Bangladesh
• read a passage about adjusting to life in Britain
• writing tips
A Discuss in pairs and note down what you know about etiquette and manners in Britain. Compare your notes with that of another pair, and add to your list if there is any new information.
B Now read the following information about life in Britain.
The British have a reputation for keeping their emotions private and for being reserved in their public behaviour. There are some obvious things that people from overseas notice in British behaviour. For example, on public transport, people do not usually talk to other passengers. On meeting, people do not .embrace and often simply shake hands on a first introduction. In theatres, concert halls and cinemas, audiences are quiet during performances and reactions are often restrained. None of these behaviour traits, however, need to be interpreted by visitors as unfriendliness and in general, if a visitor makes the first move to start a conversation, they will, find that British people are friendly and very considerate. On the other hand, some aspects of British behaviour might seem too informal for foreigners. An example is the, informal use of first names among staff holding different status at work. Although it would be a blasphemy for a student to call his/her teachers by their first names in Bangladesh, it is quite common in British colleges and universities.
Britain lies in the temperate region. In winter it is very cold and windy. You should carry warm clothes with you. Moreover, there are a number of significant differences in norms and behaviour. Here arc some useful tips for those visiting Britain.
• People in Britain often socialise at home, but unless you know someone very well it is not usual to just 'drop in' without at least telephoning first to make sure that it is convenient.
• If you accept an invitation for a meal in someone's home, it is regarded as a definite appointment and it would be considered bad manners not to turn up. If you really do have to cancel an invitation, do let your hosts know as soon as possible, before they start making preparations.
• If there are certain foods that you cannot or do not eat, do let your host know in advance, in order to save embarrassment on the day.
• Whether you are visiting just for a meal or for a longer stay, it is customary to take a small gift for your host - flowers or chocolates, for example.
• If you stay with a British family, you should act thoughtfully at all times. Be on time for meals. If you need to miss a meal let your host know if you are going to be staying out late so that they won't worry about you. Offer to help with household chores - your offer will probably be turned down but will still be appreciated.
C From the passage above what do you come to know about British life? How similar or different are these from our patterns of life?
D One of your British friends is coming to visit Bangladesh. Write a letter giving tips on how to adjust to life here.
Focus:
Skills.
Speaking,
intensive reading,
writing. Functions.
Describing, milking comparisons.
Grammar/Structure.
Similarities/differences,
imperatives, do/don't........
Vocabulary.
reputation, concert, tips, blasphemy, trait, restrained, drop in,
embarrassment, customary, appreciated.