Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain

Discussion in 'BOARDANIA' started by Garner, Sep 3, 2005.

  1. Garner Great God and Founding Father

    BRITISH RESERVED, NOT UNFRIENDLY. You defeat enemy propaganda not by denying that these differences exist, but by admitting them openly and then trying to understand them. For instance: The British are often more reserved in conduct than we. On a small crowded island where fourty-five million people live, each man learns to guard his privacy carefully - and is equally careful not to invade another man's privacy.
    So if Britons sit in trains or busses without striking up conversation with you, it doesn't mean they are being haughty and unfriendly. Probably they are paying more attention to you than you think. But they don't speak to you because tehy don't want to appear intrusive or rude.
    Another difference. The British have phrases and colloquialisms of their own that may sound funny to you. You can make just as many boners in their eyes. It isn't a good idea, for instance, to say "bloody" in mixed company in Britain - it is one of their worst swear words. To say "I look like a bum" is offensive to their ears, for to the British this means that you look like your own backside it isn't important - just a tip if you are trying to shine in polite society. Near the end of this guide you will find more of tehse differences of speech.
    British money is in pounds, shillings, and pence. (This also is explained more fully later on.) The British are used to this system and they like it, and all your arguements that the American decimal system is better won't convince them. They won't be pleased to hear you call it "funny money", either. They swat hard to get it (wages are much lower in Britain than America) and they won't think you smart or funny for mocking at it.
  2. Mimiru New Member

    Brittish accents are much better than American ones. They sound cooler. I envy you Brittish people. :D

    Alright, that was random, which is never good when you want to make a good impression.

    What is it like, over in the UK? And what else is different between the US and the UK, culturally? Cultural differences are very interesting.
  3. Saccharissa Stitcher

    Well, as Oscar Wilde had said, there's the language barrier.

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