ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS IN B RITAIN Arwa Ahmed

A M ULTICULTURAL S OCIETY Formerly a very homogenous society, since World War II, Britain has become increasingly diverse as it has accommodated large immigrant populations, particularly from its former colonies such as India, Pakistan and the West Indies. The mixture of ethnic groups and cultures make it difficult to define “Britishness” nowadays and a debate rages within the nation as to what now really constitutes being a Briton.

B RITISH E TIQUETTE AND C USTOMS Meeting and Greeting The handshake is the common form of greeting. The British might seem a little stiff and formal at first. Avoid prolonged eye contact as it makes people feel uncomfortable. There is still some protocol to follow when introducing people in a business or more formal social situation. This is often a class distinction, with the 'upper class' holding on to the long-standing traditions: Introduce a younger person to an older person. Introduce a person of lower status to a person of higher status. When two people are of similar age and rank, introduce the one you know better to the other person

B RITISH E TIQUETTE AND C USTOMS Gift Giving Etiquette The British exchange gifts between family members and close friends for birthdays and Christmas. The gift need not be expensive, but it should usually demonstrate an attempt to find something that related to the recipient’s interests. If invited to someone's home, it is normal to take along a box of good chocolates, a good bottle of wine or flowers. Gifts are opened when received.

B RITISH E TIQUETTE AND C USTOMS Dining Etiquette Unlike many European cultures, the British enjoy entertaining in people their homes. Although the British value punctuality, you may arrive minutes later than invited to dinner. However, if going to a restaurant be on time. Table manners are Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. The fork is held tines down so food is scooped on to the back of the fork. This is a skill that takes time to master. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat. Do not rest your elbows on the table. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate. Toasts are given at formal meals. When in a pub, it is common practice to pay for a round of drinks for everyone in your group. If invited to a meal at a restaurant, the person extending the invitation usually pays. Do not argue about the check; simply reciprocate at a later time

B USINESS E TIQUETTE AND P ROTOCOL Greetings A firm handshake is the norm; there are no issues over gender in the UK. People shake upon meeting and leaving. Maintain eye contact during the greeting but avoid anything prolonged. Most people use the courtesy titles or Mr, Mrs or Miss and their surname. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. People under the age of 35 may make this move more rapidly than older British. Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual. The business card may be put away with only a cursory glance so don’t be offended if not much attention is paid to it.