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Formal greetings. Informal greetings. Terms of endearment – names the British may call you. Visiting people in their houses
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Formal greetings
The usual formal greeting is a “How do you do? ” and a film handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women.
“How do you do? ” is a greeting not a question and the correct response is to repeat “How do you do? ” You say this when shaking hands with someone.
How do you do? -How do you do?
“How are you? ” is a question and the most common and polite response is “I am fine, thank you and you? ”
Nice to meet you. – Nice to meet you too. (Often said whilst shaking hands. )
Delighted to meet you. – Delighted to meet you too.
Pleased to meet you. – Pleased to meet you too.
Good morning/ Good afternoon / Good evening
Informal greetings
Hi-HI / Hello
Morning / Afternoon / Evening (The British drop the word “Good” in informal situations).
How’re you? – Fine, thanks. You?
Thank you / thanks / cheers
The British sometime say “cheers” instead of “thank you”. You may hear “cheers” said instead of “goodbye”. Whey are really saying is “thanks and bye”.
Terms of endearment – names the British may call you
You may be called by many different “affectionate” names, according to which part of the Britain you are in. Do not be offended, this is quite normal. For example, you may be called dear, dearie, flower, love, chick, chuck, me duck, me duckie, mate, guy, son, ma’am, madam, miss, sir, or treacle, according to your sex, age and location.
Visiting people in their houses
When being entertained at someone’s home it is nice to take a gift for the host and hostess. A bottle of wine, bunch of flowers or chocolates are all acceptable.
Time
British people place considerable value on punctuality. If you agree to meet friends at three o’clock, you can bet that they’ll be there just after three. Since Britons are so time conscious, the pace of life may seem very rushed. In Britain, people make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. Some general tips follow.
You should arrive:
· At the exact time specified – for dinner, lunch, or appointments with professors, doctors, and other professionals.
· Any time during the hours specified – for teas, receptions, and cocktail parties.
· A few minutes early – for public meetings, plays, concerts, movies, sporting events, classes, church services, and weddings.
If you are invited to someone’s house for dinner at half past seven, they will not expect you to be there on the dot. It is considered good manners to arrive ten to fifteen minutes “late”. An invitation might state “7. 30 for 8”, in which case you should arrive no later than 7. 50. However, if an invitation says “sharp”, you must arrive in plenty of time.
Invitations
“Drop in anytime” and “come see me soon” are idioms often used in social settings but seldom meant to be taken literally. It is wise to telephone before visiting someone at home. If you receive a written invitation to an event that says RSVP, you should respond to let the person who sent the invitation know whether or not you plan to attend.
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Never accept an invitation unless you really plan to go. You may refuse by saying, “Thank you for inviting me, but will not be able to come. ” If, after accepting, you are unable to attend, be sure to tell those expecting you as far in advance as possible that you will not be there.
Although it is not necessarily expected that you give a gift to your host, it is considered polite to do so, especially if you have been invited for a meal. Flowers, chocolate, or a small gift are all appropriate. A “thank you” note or telephone call after the visit is also considered polite and is an appropriate means to express your appreciation for the invitation.
Dress
Everyday dress is appropriate for most visits to peoples’ homes. You may want to dress more formally when attending a holiday dinner or cultural event, such as a concert or theatre performance.
Introduction and greeting
It is proper to shake hands with everyone to whom you are introduced, both men and women. An appropriate response to an introduction is “I am happy to meet you”. If you want to introduce yourself to someone, extend you hand for a handshake and say “Hello, I am…”. Hugging
Сравните британские и российские социальные традиции по следующим пунктам: приветствие, приглашение, дресс-код.
Текст 2
ENGLISH CHARACTER
One of the most striking features of English life is the self-discipline and courtesy of people of all classes. There is little noisy behaviour, and practically no loud disputing in the street. People do not rush excitedly for seats in buses or trains, but take their seats in queues at bus stops in a quiet and orderly manner.
Englishmen are naturally polite and are never tired in saying “Thank you”, “I’m sorry”, “Beg your pardon”. If you follow anyone who is entering a building or a room, he will hold a door open for you. Many foreigners have commented on a remarkable politeness of the English people.
English people don’t like displaying their emotions even in dangerous and tragic situations, and ordinary people seem to remain good-tempered and cheerful under difficulties.
The Englishman does not like any boasting or showing off in manners, dress or speech. Sometimes he conceals his knowledge: a linguist, for example, may not mention his understanding of a foreigner’s language.
The Englishman prefers his own house to an apartment in a block of flats, because he doesn’t wish his doing to be overlooked by his neighbours. “An Englishman’s house is his castle. ”
Many Englishmen help their wives at home in many ways. They clean the windows on Saturday afternoon, they often wash up the dishes after supper in the evening.
Sunday is a very quiet day in London. All the shops are closed, and so are the theatres and most of the cinemas.
Londoners like to get out of town on Sundays. The sea is not far – only fifty or sixty miles away and people like to go down the sea in summer or somewhere to the country for skiing in winter.
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Ответьте на вопросы:
1. What are the most striking features of English life?
2. Why do English people like to live in their own houses?
3. What day of the week is quiet in London? Why?
4. Where do people prefer to go to on Sundays?
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