SIX ELEMENTS OF Culture By: Olivia Murphy and Ali Morrissey

Language Language is the human ability to attain and utilize complex systems of communication In our country, Great Britain speaks mostly English with several dialects that differentiate people Examples: Received Pronunciation (standard accent in the U.K.), Cockney, Estuary English (Southeast British), West Country (Southwest British), Midlands English, Brummie

Belief Systems A belief system is a set of mutually supportive beliefs, specifically Non-Religious: British citizens are able to uncover someone’s class through a number of complex variables including demeanor, accent, and manners Religious: Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or none 23.1%

Values Values are a person's principles or standards of behavior Privacy Entertainment with friends Personal relationships Social Ranks

Attitudes A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior When you are first introduced they may seem haughty or reserved They might appear to be stuck up about their social status

Manners A person's outward bearing or way of behaving toward others The English are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. We are famous for our politeness, self- discipline and especially for our sense of humour. Basic politeness (please, thank you, excuse me) is expected.

Customs Customs are a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving that is particular to a specific society or place The handshake is the common form of greeting The British are usually a little stiff and formal Prolonged eye contact makes most people feel uncomfortable A younger person is usually introduced to an older person Introduce a person of lower status to a person of higher status

Communication Means of connection between people or places A firm handshake is the norm; there are no issues over gender People shake hands when meeting and leaving Most people use the courtesy titles or Mr, Mrs or Miss and their surname Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis 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