9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources

Search ...

HOME TRAINING CONSULTANCY ABOUT RESOURCES CONTACT

Home

You are here: Home Country Guides UK Guide

OUR WORK

Award-Winning Culture PORTFOLIO

Guides HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

80+ country-specific guides covering country
characteristics, the people, language, culture,
etiquette, business protocol, communication styles
and much more .

TRAINING CONSULTANCY
COURSES
UK Guide
EXPLORE CULTURE
Hello and Welcome to our Guide to British
Culture, Customs, Business Practices & COUNTRY INSIGHT REPORTS
Etiquette
COUNTRY GUIDES

I
n a country which has four national football teams, where the
favourite national dish is an Indian curry and the people
MANAGEMENT GUIDES
happily drive on the wrong side of the road, you would be
forgiven for getting a little confused about the United Kingdom.
CULTURAL AWARENESS MANUAL
That is why we have published our free guide to the UK!
QUIZZES
Valuable for anyone researching British culture, customs, language, society, manners, etiquette, values, business norms
and essentially wanting to understand the people better.

Skip to:

Facts and Statistics

Overview of the UK
Language in the UK
British Culture & Society
Social Customs & Etiquette
Business Culture & Practice
Take the Quiz
Buy an In-depth Expert Report

Whether visiting the UK on business, for tourism or even hosting British colleagues or clients in your own country, this guide will help
you understand your Brit counterparts, improve communication and get the relationship off to the right start.

How do we know all this information? Well, we are experts in cultural awareness training courses on UK culture! That's how.

FACTS AND STATISTICS

Location: Western Europe
Capital: London
Flag: The national flag for the UK is known at The Union Jack and represents the three older nations of Great Britain with the red cross of St
George (patron saint of England), the white saltire cross of St. Andrew (patron saint of Scotland), and the red saltire of St. Patrick (patron saint of
Ireland - Northern Ireland being part of the United Kingdom)
National anthem: God Save the Queen is the patriotic song dedicated to the reigning monarch of The United Kingdom
Nationality: English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh (or just British which covers all of them)
Ethnic Make-Up: white 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed
2%, other 3.7% (2011 census)

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 1/8
9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources
Population: 65,511,098 2017
Population growth rate: 0.8% annual change (2015)
Climate: Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast.
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) Britain operates daylight saving time (DST) which begins on last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday
in October and puts the clock ahead of GMT by one hour
Currency: Pound Sterling, known as the Pound or Great British Pound (GBP)
Government: parliamentary constitutional monarchy

[The Public House, known as 'The Pub', is a cornerstone of British life with every village, town and city having a 'local' at which they eat and drink.]

OVERVIEW OF THE UK
The United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Historically the country was a forerunner in the developing
world and, at its peak during the 19th Century, had an empire that stretched across the globe.

They have led the way in science, literature and industry. However, the influence and power of Great Britain began to erode in the first half of the
20th Century with two world wars. This had its consequences in the gradual breakup of the Empire during the second half of the century since
when, the UK has re modelled itself into a leading, wealthy European nation.

The UK is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council which was created on 24th October 1945 and a founding member of
NATO and the commonwealth. The UK takes a global stance in foreign policy.

Until June 2016, the UK played an active part in the European Parliament after joining in 1973 although they chose not to enter into the Economic
and Monetary Union. Following a national referendum on June 23rd 2016, the UK narrowly voted to leave the EU (known as Brexit) although this
will not be complete for some years. It is largely thought the vote to leave was driven by perceived bureaucracy in Brussels, the centre of the
European Parliament and concerns regarding immigration.

LANGUAGE IN THE UK
English is the main language spoken by approximately 98% of the population in the UK with numerous dialects. Accents can vary
tremendously from south to north, even occasionally confusing Brits themselves.

There are some regional language speakers including Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic and Welsh. The latter is one of the most widely spoken regional
languages.

As a multi-national country, the UK has a number of other languages spoken across the country. The second most spoken, non-native language in
the UK is Polish. The next commonly spoken languages come from India and Pakistan: Punjabi, Bengali and Gujarati. These are followed by
Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese and French.

WARNING! Remember this is only a very basic level introduction to UK culture and the people; it can not account for the diversity
within British society and is not meant in any way to stereotype all British people you may meet!

BRITISH CULTURE & SOCIETY

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 2/8
9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources

BRITISH CULTURE & SOCIETY

Religion & Beliefs

The official state-sanctioned religion in the UK is the Church of England which is of the Christian Protestant faith. However, there has been a
huge decline in the role of the Church in Britain since the middle of the last Century with less than half the population attending Church services
or believing in God.
It is estimated that a third of the population have no religious connection. Thirty percent of the UK population affiliates to the official Church of
England while ten percent identify with the Roman Catholic religion. Those who affiliate to the Christian religion outside of Protestantism and
Catholicism accept other Protestant denominations: Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist.
Whilst Christianity is the dominant religion in the UK, minority religions include Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism.

Major Celebrations/Secular Celebrations

Major celebrations in the UK calendar include: Christmas Day (25th December), Boxing Day (26th December), New Years Day, Good Friday,
Easter Sunday, the Queens Birthday on the second Saturday in June.
Other celebrations are known as Bank Holidays: May Day, celebrated on 1st May, the Spring Bank Holiday on the last weekend of May and the
Summer Bank Holiday on the last weekend of August. Bank Holidays take place at the weekend with most other businesses and institutions
closed on the following Monday.

The Family

Until the middle of the 20th Century, marriage was the standard for British families which comprised two parents with the father as the head of the
household. However, in the last few decades, there has been a rise in single parent families and many more couples are choosing to co-habit
rather than to marry. Half a century ago, living together would have been socially unacceptable and was known as living in sin.
Divorce at one time was also unthinkable but in the last few decades it has become more acceptable.
Marriage too is changing with same sex couples now permitted to marry in law or enter into Civil Partnerships. Although in the last few decades,
there has been some reported instability in family life regarding single motherhood and marital breakdown family relationships continue to be
close with two thirds of the population living in close proximity to immediate family and extended family.
There remains a commitment for younger family to take care of elderly relatives.
Mobility in the workforce has changed in the last decade so that many younger people live some distance from close family but kinship
relationships continue to be close with regular communication and family reunions.

Social Stratification

Historically, a class system has operated in the UK with the Upper Class and Aristocracy at the top of the pecking order. These are high
ranking nobility who hold hereditary titles, wealth and privilege.
The next strata are known as the middle class and the working class.
Traditionally the working classes defined themselves as hard working and with no social privilege, born into a family dependent upon unskilled
labour. Historically, the working classes were unlikely to have access to higher education.
Those who affiliate to the middle classes have been viewed as white collar workers living in privately owned suburban homes and to have
access to higher education.
However, in the past few decades, people from varied backgrounds have had greater access to higher education and business opportunities
which is levelling wealth distribution and allowing for upward mobility. Hence the middle class and the working class at have become more
homogeneous although there is still very much an elite and privileged class in Britain.

Gender Roles

Until the middle of the 20th Century, gender roles were very much male dominated. The man was the head of the household. Many jobs were
male oriented such as bus, train and lorry driving in working class culture and men were deemed more able to deal with finance working in banks
and financial organisations.
Although women were accepted in the military and the police force, their roles tended to be passive in contrast to their male counterparts.
However, in the 1970s national debate began to materialise championing the employment rights of women in society. In the following decade, the
Feminist movement reflected the mood of women in the workforce and the part they played in the developing economy. The discussion
regarding women during this period concentrated upon life balance between the workforce and family.
It is estimated that more than fifty percent of women in the UK work, albeit half of those are part-time workers, much of this being in the service
industry. Despite the changes made in the last few decades relating to women in the workforce and education there is still much debate
regarding gender division in respect to status in the work-place and pay levels. In addition, three quarters of women who are working on a full-
time basis, believe the household chores and evening meal should be shared. However, more than half of those women say they take on all
responsibility for the running of the family home while working full time.

Socialization

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 3/8
9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources
The mother is typically the primary carer of new born babies and small children. Employment law enables them to take a year off work following
childbirth to care for their new-born baby.
Upon a mothers return to work, although grandparents increasingly fill the gap to help care for their grandchildren, many others place their child
in a nursery.
Gender led toys and family life often mean that gender roles are formed at a fairly early age. There is a popular expectation that girls will dress in
pink, wear nice dresses and play with dolls while boys are often encouraged to dress in blue and play with toys such as tractors and cars.

Economy

The Gross National Income in the UK increased from 492534 GBP million in the latter part of 2016 to 494149 GDP million in the first part of 2017.
In January 2017, the UK national debt stood at over a trillion GBP which is equivalent to 86.5% of GDP.
The UK imports a quarter of its food from the EU but with the collapse in the value of the Pound against the Dollar following the vote for Britain to
leave the European Union, prices are set to rise dramatically. In 2015, Britain exported 18 billion worth of food and drink whilst spending around
38 billion on importing food and drink.

Food

Even if British food has not got an exceptional reputation in the world, there are some traditional foods in the United Kingdom and traditional
British beers. The English breakfast and fish and chips are the most iconic dishes in the UK.
Traditional British foods typically centre around the concept of meat and two veg, which means in essence that the dish will contain a type of
meat (usually beef, pork, lamb or chicken), two types of vegetable (typically root vegetables) and potatoes.
Furthermore, as it is a multicultural country, you can now enjoy food from all parts of the world in the UK. Curry is now the nations favourite dish,
being brought over from the Indian sub-continent with migrants.

Arts, Humanities & Popular Culture

The British people have traditionally enjoyed social interaction relating to popular culture throughout the centuries.
The theatres have long been well supported with entertainment ranging from music to drama and to comedy. In the 19th Century, the Music Hall
was the mainstay of entertainment offering all manner of acts from singing to acrobatics.
The cinema is very popular as are the numerous social clubs across the country. Music too plays an important role in popular culture and has
been the forerunner in exports.
The UK is home to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Adele, and many other artists who have made it to the world stage. Jungle, Dubstep, Grime
and other modern forms of dance music also originate from the UK.
Traditionally music and social gatherings have been the cement in isolated communities over the centuries with dancing and singing. The
Scottish and Irish Ceilidh is a traditional social gathering involving Gaelic folk music and dancing either in a house or larger venue. The Welsh
people are known for their singing voices and the Welsh Mens Choir is renowned World Wide.
Art and literature has also played a focal part in the history of UK culture. There are many art galleries throughout the country and Britain is
known for its history of authors such as Virginia Woolf, TS Eliot, Agatha Christie and Jane Austen.

[Curry, not fish and chips, is now the UK's favourite food]

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 4/8
9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

Naming conventions

In the UK, the first name is also known as the Christian name, although this has little to do with religion today. This is traditionally followed by a
middle name and then the family name which in the UK is known as the surname.
In previous centuries children tended to be named after a member of the family or a religious figure. Catholic families, in particular, tend to name
their children after saints.
In modern times, children are often given names that are liked by the parents and which have no particular significance regarding family or
religion. Some children are named after famous football stars, singers or film actors.
Traditionally when couples marry the woman takes her husbands name as her surname but some couple now choose to amalgamate their
names which is referred to as a double-barrelled name.

Meeting & Greeting

Although the British may appear on the surface to be reserved and perhaps even aloof, they are in fact friendly people and welcoming to foreign
visitors.
The etiquette when greeting is to shake hands with all those present, even children.
At social or business meetings, it is polite to also shake hands upon leaving. Hand-shakes should not be too hearty, just a light friendly touch.
Last names should be used with the appropriate title unless specifically invited to use the first name.

Communication style

The British have an interesting mix of communication styles encompassing both understatement and direct communication.
Many older businesspeople or those from the 'upper class' rely heavily upon formal use of established protocol.
Most British are masters of understatement and do not use effusive language. If anything, they have a marked tendency to use qualifiers such
as 'perhaps', possibly or 'it could be'.
When communicating with people they see as equal to themselves in rank or class, the British are direct, but modest. If communicating with
someone they know well, their style may be more informal, although they will still be reserved.
Written communication follows strict rules of protocol. How a letter is closed varies depending upon how well the writer knows the recipient.
Written communication is always addressed using the person's title and their surname. First names are not generally used in written
communication, unless you know the person well.
E-mail is now much more widespread, however the communication style remains more formal, at least initially, than in many other countries.
Most British will not use slang or abbreviations and will think negatively if your communication appears overly familiar.

Gift Giving

It is customary to take a small gift for the host if invited to their home. This is usually either a bottle of wine, flowers or chocolates. Some people
may send flowers in advance of a dinner party but it is equally acceptable to take them on the day. Gifts are opened on receipt.
It is not usual for gifts to be exchanged in a business setting.

Dining & Food

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 together at the clock position of 6.30.
Toasts are given at formal meals when the host will raise a glass (usually wine but a soft drink is acceptable) and will invite the guests to
commemorate a person or event. The guests then raise their glass and repeat the toast before taking a sip of their drink.
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. It is important to arrive on time. Do not argue about the
check; simply reciprocate at a later time.
Do not wave your hand or call out to summons a waiter if in a restaurant.

Visiting a home

Unlike many European cultures, the British enjoy entertaining people in their homes.
Although the British value punctuality, you may arrive 10-15 minutes later than invited to dinner.
It is not always required to remove your shoes when entering a British home, but it is recommended that you ask upon entry whether or not
shoes can be worn.

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 5/8
9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources

Taboos

Do not rest your elbows on the table.

Do not stare.
Do not be overly familiar with people you do not know well.
Do not ask personal questions such as how much someone earns, who they voted for etc.
Do not speak too loudly or cut into a conversation.

[Politics can be a divisive issue in the UK especially since Brexit.

It can be a bit of a taboo, especially with strangers and people you do not know well.]

BUSINESS CULTURE & PRACTICE

What to wear?

Although the rules on business wear have changed in the last decade and some professions are less formal, more conservative businesses still
expect men to wear a suit and tie and women to dress smartly.
This may involve a smart, unfussy dress and shoes but it is also acceptable for women to wear trousers, a smart blouse and jacket.

Titles

In addition to formal professional titles, (such as doctor or professor), it is polite to refer to men with Mr and women as Mrs (if married) or Miss
(if unmarried).
Formal titles should be used in business unless otherwise stated.

Business cards

These are usually given at the end of a meeting.

There is no ceremony as to business card giving in the UK.
Do not be surprised if someone writes on your business card.

Meetings

Meetings always have a clearly defined purpose, which may include an agenda.
There will be a brief amount of small talk before getting down to the business at hand
If you make a presentation, avoid making exaggerated claims. Make brief eye contact with the team members to encourage a feeling of inclusion.
Make certain your presentation and any materials provided appear professional and well thought out.
Be prepared to back up your claims with facts and figures. The British rely on facts, rather than emotions, to make decisions.

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 6/8
9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources
Maintain a few feet of personal space.
Always be on time to a meeting if not a bit early.
If you have hosted the meeting then you should send an email summarizing what was decided and the next steps to be taken.

Negotiating

Major decisions are made from the top and will be passed down the chain of management.
Any hard selling or confrontation is ill-advised.

Management

The style of management in the UK has been changing over the past few decades from what may be perceived to be stuffy, conservative values
to a more open and progressive approach recognising the significant role played by the employees.
Where meetings are concerned, it is important to treat all people with respect and deference and that time should not be wasted.
Always arrive promptly prepared for the discussions on the content of the business at hand.
Although some organisations will appear to be hierarchical people within the company, whatever their position, play an important role in the
decision-making process for the greater good of the company.
Employees expect to be consulted on issues that affect their working environment and morale.
Read more about British management styles.

[View of Canary Wharf in East London, one of the city's main business districts.]

Thank you for reading our guide to the UK. We hope you found it useful. If you have anything to add to our country profile please
contact us as we are keen to ensure accuracy.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of British Culture!

Take the Culture Vulture's Quiz on the UK and see how much you have learnt about the
country, its people and culture.

If you can score above 85% then you know your stuff!

Buy an In-Depth Country Report for the UK

For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of the UK we have published an expert Report
on British Society, Culture & Business.
http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 7/8
9/25/2017 UK - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources
The 46-page document has been authored by one of our UK country specialists and provides readers with much more
detail that our free guide above.

Topics include:

An introduction to the country, its history, politics, people and culture

Insights into the countrys values, customs and etiquette
Tips on preparing to work with new colleagues from the UK
Expat-orientated information on daily life
Guidelines and tools on adapting and dealing with cultural differences

All for only 4.99.

Order via the button below to receive your UK Insight in seconds or read more before buying.

CONTACT LEARN MINGLE DISCOVER

T +44 01963 23253 Are you a Culture Vulture? We like to mingle: find us on social Search our blogs, articles, manual
or +1 (315) 215 1652 media. and free downloads to discover
Sign-up to our monthly newsletter.
something new.
info@commisceo-global.com
email address /commisceo-global
commisceo.global Search ...
Subscribe @commisceo-global

Commisceo Global Consultancy Ltd 2017. All Rights Reserved.

Want to Republish Anything? Please Contact Us.

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/uk-guide 8/8