How to behave like a Brit
POLISH workers in Britain have been given new guidelines on how to fit in.
The secrets of blending in include drinking tea, frequently saying “sorry” – and rambling.[>
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And they are being warned that being asked “How are you?” does not mean that you should reply with a detailed rundown of your health. At worst you should say “So so”.[>
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The guide also suggests that complaining about the weather is a good way of starting a conversation.[>
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And “getting together for a cup of tea or coffee, also known as ‘having a cuppa’, is almost a ritual in England”. The guide says: “It provides an opportunity to overcome shyness and make everyone feel more comfortable.[>
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“You may be asked whether you want your drink weak or strong, white (with milk) or black (without).”[>
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It adds: “It is a useful way of agreeing with someone first, especially if you then need to talk about a more difficult subject.[>
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“You may notice the English tend to say ‘please’, ‘sorry’ and ‘thank you’ a lot. Use them where you can, and just to be on the safe side, smile.”[>
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As well as providing information on practical issues such as housing and emergency services, the welcome pack – produced by Devon County Council – tells Poles to use the library and grow vegetables on an allotment.[>
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Other recommendations include joining the parish council.[>
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One chapter says: “Greetings are often informal and handshakes are not usual except when meeting someone for the first time. First names are more commonly used than surnames or family names.[>
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“Humour is often used to overcome uneasy or difficult situations.[>
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“This can be a bit confusing, so it’s important to understand that telling a joke is just the English way of coping.” The guide’s driving section warns migrant workers to be careful when parking or they will incur “usually very expensive fines”.[>
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And, in reference to Britain’s infamous booze culture, the pamphlet warns: “If you drink so much that your behaviour becomes unreasonable, or you are not capable of looking after yourself, you could be arrested by the police.”[>
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The free packs are already being distributed across the UK. Sally Foxhall, chairwoman of the Devon Strategic Partnership which drew up the guide, said: “We are doing all we can to make migrant workers feel welcome and valued.”[>