British communication etiquette

Shake hands-women stretch out their hands to meet men

walk-men open doors on their right and women on their left

-men open doors for women

. Smoking is considered impolite when eating; It is impolite to pick your teeth in front of others. When sneezing and coughing in front of people, cover them with a handkerchief. According to the British practice, you can't put your hands under the table. Therefore, when eating, don't put your hands under it, don't take handkerchiefs in your trouser pockets with your hands, and don't pick things off the ground. When smoking, a match or a light can't light a cigarette for three people. Some English people think that it will bring misfortune if you touch the glass with a knife and fork while eating. Therefore, when eating with English people, you should try to avoid the clash of knives and forks. During the dinner conversation, don't take the royal family as the information for laughing and laughing, and don't talk about the topic of satirizing the British royal family. Due to English law, it is not allowed to criticize the king and royal family of England. In addition, when addressing the British, avoid using the word "English" and use the word "British" instead. Because the meaning of "English" only represents England, not other British nations such as Scotland or Wales.

British people are very concerned about some private matters in life. Except for their close friends, most people can't ask about things in life, such as how much money they have and how much salary they earn every month. When you see a friend wearing a beautiful watch, don't ask how much it is worth. Other issues that belong to money, such as rent, had better not be mentioned, otherwise, the other party thinks you are rude. Another example is age, especially women's age, which never wants others to ask.

At daily banquets in Britain, milk should be poured first, and then black tea should be poured. Mainly to prevent tea leaves from getting on the cup. Nobody moves the teapot except the hostess. It is the host's task to slice the roast beef. The host should also pay attention to whether everyone present has got the food.

The British think "13" is an unlucky number. If Friday happens to be the 13th, it is considered double unlucky. Therefore, when having a business dinner with British businessmen, 13 guests and hosts should be avoided, and business-related activities should not be arranged on the 13th. There is no room 13 in all hotels and restaurants in Britain. I can't find seats in Row 13 and Number 13 in the theater. Most British people think that the number "7" can bring good luck, and regard Saturday as an auspicious day.

If you meet or say goodbye to an Englishman, you should avoid crossing other people's hands when shaking hands. The British think that such a handshake will bring misfortune. British people are very proud of their sense of humor. If you say to an Englishman that you have no sense of humor, it may be a great insult to him. Therefore, when talking with the British, we should pay great attention to this.

In Britain, you can have dinner or an opera instead of a gift. When visiting an Englishman's house, you'd better bring some gifts with less value, so as not to be suspected of bribery. Gifts can generally be given to high-grade chocolates, famous wines and flowers, especially folk arts and crafts with ethnic characteristics, such as bamboo curtain paintings, tablecloths, vases, souvenirs painted with panda patterns, soft wood carvings, shell carvings of insects, birds, flowers and plants, art ceramics, etc., which the British particularly like, but they are not interested in souvenirs marked by the guest company. In Britain, items such as clothes and soap are generally not used as gifts because they involve people's private lives. If you send flowers, you should avoid sending chrysanthemums, white flowers and purple flowers (these flowers are for funerals). White lilies symbolize death in Britain and should not be given away. Potted flowers are usually sent after the banquet.

Manners and Etiquette

In Britain, people stretch out the index finger and middle finger of their right hand in speeches or other occasions, with their palms facing outward, forming a V-shaped gesture to indicate victory; In Britain, if someone sneezes, others will say "Bless you" to show good luck.

Meeting etiquette

In Britain, when a baby is born, parents and relatives usually name the baby according to the characteristics of the baby, and the father's occupation. Some mothers have prominent families, so they use their maiden name as the baby's second name. In Britain, children only call their parents' brothers and sisters uncles. Old people in Britain pay attention to independence and don't like being called old. They don't have to help them when they walk.

Business Etiquette

To engage in business activities in Britain, you should avoid July and August, during which business people take more vacations, and it is not appropriate to conduct business activities at Christmas and Easter. In Britain, no heavy gifts are allowed to avoid bribery. In business meetings, please come at the appointed time, and don't arrive early or late. British business people are serious and don't move their feelings and attitudes easily. They talk big and brag about themselves as a sign of lack of education.

Travel etiquette

When traveling to Britain, you should pay attention to the fact that all local vehicles drive along the left side of the road. British people abide by discipline, even if a few people get on the bus, they will consciously queue up to get on the bus. When you take a taxi in Britain, you usually tip about 1%, and hotels that include tips in the service bill don't have to pay extra tips. Stay in the host's house for a few days, and pay some tips to the servants who provide services as appropriate.