Britain is an archipelago country in western Europe, with an area of 254,000 square kilometers and a population of 56.5 million, of which 83% are English. The main religions are Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. London, the capital, is called "the foggy city of the world". Sometimes the fog will last for several days. I can't hear anything except a few steps.
At present, the British government implements a constitutional monarchy and a cabinet system of responsibility. Congress is divided into two houses. Members of the House of Commons are elected by the people for a term of five years. The upper house consists of hereditary or feudal nobles, priests or social elites. In addition, the cabinet holds political power, and its members are nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed with the consent of the King. In addition, the Prime Minister is the majority leader of the House of Commons and has the right to dissolve and re-elect the House of Commons. When there are no children, the throne is inherited by the eldest daughter. The current king is Elizabeth II.
Britain is called "the factory of the world". Britain is the earliest industrialized country in the world. By 1850, British industrial production accounts for 39% of the world's total output, and the trade volume accounts for 2 1% of the world's trade volume, ranking 1 in the world. The total output of coal and steel accounts for more than half of the world total output.
At present, Britain is the fourth largest trading country in the world, a country that relies on foreign trade to develop its own economy, and one of the largest importers of industrial raw materials and food in the world.
British national identity is closely related to its cultural background. Britain's economy developed earlier. In the eyes of most foreigners, the British people are "pretentious, lofty" and "inaccessible". However, in fact, this is not entirely the case. They are good at understanding each other and others. No matter what you do, you always try not to leave a bad impression. Gentleman demeanor can be seen everywhere. They know how to create a harmonious environment so that everyone can live in harmony and happiness. A strong sense of occupation is another major feature of the British. If you choose a career, you must constantly improve your business. In business communication, they attach importance to friendship, do not deliberately pursue material things and do not pay attention to each other. This is a common style. For business negotiations, they are often not fully prepared and do not pay attention to details, which seems a bit sloppy. But British businessmen are kind, friendly and easy to get along with. So the problems encountered are also easy to solve. They are sociable, resourceful, flexible and quick to respond to constructive suggestions. In Britain, "appearance is everything". When dealing with the British, you should try to avoid showing your feelings. Be sure to thank you for your hospitality and write to express your gratitude afterwards, which will attract more attention. Giving small gifts can enhance friendship. When doing business in Britain, you must keep your word and go all out to fulfill your promise.
British customs are rich and colorful. When we first meet, we usually hold hands as gifts, unlike Eastern Europeans who often hug each other. It is considered impolite to slap a guest casually, even after business. British people have some taboos to pay attention to, such as never walking under a ladder, never holding an umbrella in the house, never putting shoes on the table and decorating them with portraits.
British people pay attention to clothes, and clothes should change from time to time. They tend to judge people by their appearance, so they should pay special attention to their appearance and attitude. British people pay attention to clothes, and they should be well dressed as soon as they leave home. Although the British have lost their former glory, they are particularly conceited. People in the upper and middle classes have developed the traditional manners of "gentleman" and "lady" because they live a comfortable life. But they are old-fashioned, generally keen on conformism, reserved and solemn. Ordinary families love old furniture, old furnishings, old clocks and watches handed down from the previous generation and show them off. There are many "century-old shops" in London, the capital. The more famous the shops, the more completely they retain their original style or layout. Although the car engine has been replaced with a new model, the model should be kept the same as before. There are two post offices in London, which are open day and night 365 days a year and never rest. It is said that they are preserved according to the ancient English tradition.
English people are withdrawn, rigid in life, conscientious in work, not interested in foreign affairs, often reticent, cautious about new things, and have a unique calm humor. They are reserved and indifferent, and their feelings are not revealed. Even if there are sad things, they often don't show up. They seldom lose their temper and are patient. They don't want to argue with others unnecessarily. The British are very patient. Under no circumstances will they show anxiety.
English people are very polite to others and speak politely. The words "thank you" and "please" never leave their mouths. Speak politely to English people, whether they are waiters or drivers. Ask them to be polite when they do things, and don't make people feel condescending, or you may get the cold shoulder. The British respect women. In Britain, the social atmosphere of "ladies first" is very strong. If you go, let the lady go first. Take the elevator to promote women. When taking buses and trams, let the ladies get on first. Pour wine for the hostess or hostess first. Walking in the street, men should go outside to avoid danger and protect women from harm. Husbands usually participate in various social activities with their wives, and they are always used to introducing their wives to distinguished guests first. According to British business etiquette, it is advisable to wear a three-piece suit and a traditional conservative tie at any time, but don't wear a striped tie, because the British will associate it with the old "legion" or old-school uniform tie. The British have a strong sense of time. When they meet or discuss business, they must make an appointment in advance. Punctuality is very important. It's best to arrive a few minutes early. The way they get along is punctuality and keeping their promises.
Famous British people still follow traditional habits and should avoid using the word "English" to mean "Englishman". If you meet two businessmen, one is Scottish or Welsh, and you say he is English, then he will correct you by saying he is Scottish or Welsh? Quot should use the word "Britain". When talking about business, we should be cautious. Shake hands when meeting for the first time or on special occasions, or when expressing approval and congratulations. In Britain, it is not popular to invite each other to breakfast to discuss business. Generally speaking, their lunch is relatively simple, and they pay more attention to dinner, which is regarded as dinner.
Therefore, major banquets are held at dinner. It's best to bring some low-value gifts when visiting an Englishman's home, because spending less will not be suspected of bribery. Gifts generally include: high-grade chocolate, famous wine, flowers, especially folk handicrafts with national characteristics in China, which they particularly appreciate. Not interested in souvenirs marked by the guest company. In Britain, clothes, soap and other items involve too much personal life, so people generally don't need to give them away. Chrysanthemums are only used for Halloween or funerals in any European country, and are generally not suitable for giving away. White lilies symbolize death in Britain and should not be given away. Other flowers can be given away. Potted plants are usually delivered after the banquet. If you are invited to someone else's house, you need to pay attention. If it is a social occasion, not a business, it is impolite to arrive early. The hostess should prepare it for you. If you go early, she will be embarrassed if she is not ready. It is better to arrive late 10 minutes. The habits of the British and our country are very different in accepting gifts. They often open gifts in front of guests, and the host will give warm praise and thanks regardless of the value or use of the gifts. Scotch whisky is a popular gift, but strong whisky is not.
British businessmen generally don't like being invited to banquets at home. Most parties are held in hotels and restaurants. In a sense, English banquets are mainly frugal. They hate wasteful people. For example, if you want to make tea for a treat, if there are three guests, you must only boil three servings of water. England is very particular about drinking tea. People from all walks of life like to drink tea, especially women are addicted to tea. British people also have the habit of drinking afternoon tea, that is, at 3-4 o'clock in the afternoon, they put down their work, drink a cup of black tea, sometimes have a snack and rest for a quarter of an hour, which is called "tea break". The host often invites you to have afternoon tea with him. In this case, you don't have to refuse him. Smoking is generally not allowed at formal banquets. It is considered impolite to smoke while eating.
In Britain, inviting the other person to lunch, dinner, drinking in a bar or watching a play or ballet is regarded as giving a gift. For the drinks provided by the host, it is advisable for the guests to drink no more than 3 cups. If they feel that they are full, they can quickly turn the empty cup over to the host to show that they are full and thank them. The business hours of pubs are usually 1 1 to 3 pm and 5: 30 pm to 3 pm 1 1. There are usually many people who are thirsty for wine in pubs. During the rush hour, later guests bought snacks and stood and drank without seats.
British businessmen responded positively to constructive suggestions. Dress well and talk about style. When attending a banquet or party, you are used to wearing a black dress. Your clothes and pants must be very hot. When traveling to Britain, we should pay attention to some taboos: avoid talking about personal affairs, family affairs, weddings and funerals, age, occupation, income and religion. Due to religious reasons, they are very jealous of the number "13" and think it is an unlucky number. Try to avoid the number "13" in daily life. 13 is not allowed to sit at the same table when eating. If 13 is Friday, it is considered unlucky. You can't show "two" with your hand out. This "V" gesture is a hostile act of contempt for others. Walking in the street, pay attention to traffic safety, and all vehicles drive on the left. February-June and mid-September to 165438+ 10 are most suitable for business activities. It is best not to go around Christmas and Easter for two weeks. There is a bank spring break (Pentecost) festival in Britain, which is in June (the first weekend); Bank Summer Festival, August (last weekend). Drinking water is safe. Free medical care in Britain is no exception, even if foreigners who come to Britain temporarily have acute diseases.
Fourth, French etiquette France is a civilized and polite country. Being polite to women is a tradition that the French are proud of. The most common greeting in France is to shake hands. But when shaking hands, first, don't hold hands for too long, and second, there is no need to shake others' hands hard. Generally speaking, women reach out to men first, and old people reach out to young people first. The superior reaches out to the subordinate first.
kiss
France was the first country to recognize kissing as an expression of love. French kissing has strict boundaries: when you meet relatives, friends and colleagues who meet after a long separation, you stick them on your face or cheek, and the elders kiss your forehead to the younger generation. Only lovers kiss or kiss each other.
marriage customs
Getting engaged before marriage is a simple ceremony. Usually, the woman's parents invite the man's parents, brothers and sisters, or invite other relatives or even one or two friends to attend. The wedding has been gradually simplified, but it is still the most solemn family festival, with solemn and sacred colors. The wedding was presided over by the mayor or one of his deputies. Traditionally, weddings are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Guests after the wedding banquet. In some parts of rural France, property engagement contracts should be signed and notarized before marriage. The engagement shall specify all the property of the unmarried couple, the dowry of the fiancee and the inheritance of the fiance. Wedding anniversary has become a holiday custom. Women can remarry after being widowed for 300 days or separated from their husbands for 300 days, while men have no time limit.
Pentecost (the seventh Sunday after Easter)
Every year 1 65438+1October1Holy Spirit Day is equivalent to Tomb-Sweeping Day in China. The French are used to paying homage to the cemetery on this day and remembering the martyrs who died for their country. Saint Catherine's Day is a festival for "old women" in Paris. Every year, on165438+1October 25th, unmarried girls over the age of 25 present a bunch of flowers in front of the statue of Katrina, then go to a big fashion shop to dance and revel, and finally choose the most beautiful girl as the queen of the festival.
eating habits
The French regard cooking as an art, and French cuisine is really popular all over the world. In France, three meals a day are usually arranged like this. Breakfast: bread, coffee, hot chocolate; Lunch: In France, lunch is the most important meal, usually around one o'clock in the afternoon, followed by dinner after nine o'clock. Social dinners in France usually last more than two hours, starting with appetizers, followed by fish or spaghetti, and then the main course. The main course is also served with a lot of lettuce, salad, cheese, fruit and sometimes dessert, and coffee is also essential after dinner.
1) social etiquette
Compared with the British and Germans, the French communicate with people in different ways. Mainly has the following characteristics:
First, I am sociable and sociable. For the French, socialization is an important part of life, and life without social activities is unimaginable.
Second, humor is romantic by nature. Most of them are hearty and enthusiastic in interpersonal communication. People who are eloquent and good at joking, hate people who don't like to talk, and people who can't accept frowning. Influenced by traditional culture, French people not only love adventure, but also like romantic experience.
Third, the desire for freedom and poor discipline. The French are the most famous "liberals" in the world. "Freedom, equality and fraternity" is not only determined by the French Constitution as the national motto, but also clearly written on the national emblem. Although they pay attention to the legal system, they are generally poor in discipline and do not like collective action against the French. You must make an appointment in advance and be punctual, but you should also be prepared in advance for being late.
Fourth, strong self-esteem and preference for "domestic products". French fashion, food and art are world-renowned. Under this influence, the French have a strong sense of national pride and pride. In their view, everything in the world is the best in France. When talking with the French, if you can speak a few words of French, it will definitely make the other person enthusiastic.
Fifth, chivalry and respect for women. In interpersonal communication, the etiquette adopted by the French mainly includes shaking hands, hugging and kissing.
(2) dress etiquette
The French are famous for their exquisite clothes and decorations. The so-called "Parisian style" means the same as fashion and fashion in the ears of the world.
On formal occasions: French people usually wear suits, dresses or gowns, which are mostly blue, gray or black in color and mostly made of pure wool.
When attending the celebration ceremony: you usually wear formal clothes. Most men wear evening dresses with bows, or black suits; Women wear mostly dress-style monochrome big dresses or small dresses.
For dressing up, the French believe that the key is whether the collocation is correct. When choosing hairstyles, handbags, hats, shoes, watches and glasses, they all emphasize the need to coordinate with their own clothes.
(3) Catering etiquette
As one of the three world-famous cooking kingdoms, the French are very particular about food. Among western food, French food can be said to be the most exquisite.
French people love pasta, and there are many kinds of bread. Most of them love cheese; In terms of meat, they like to eat beef, pork, chicken, caviar and foie gras, and don't eat fat, pets, animal offal other than liver, scaleless fish and biting fish.
French people especially drink. They drink almost every meal, and at the dinner table they pay attention to different dishes with different kinds of drinks. Besides drinks, French people usually like to drink raw water and coffee.
French people are allowed to put their hands on the table when eating, but they are not allowed to put their elbows on the table. When they put down their knives and forks, they are used to putting them half on the plate and half on the table.
(4) Custom taboos
The national flower of France is iris. Don't give chrysanthemums, peonies, roses, rhododendrons, daffodils, marigold and paper flowers to the French at will.
The national bird of France is a rooster. They think this is a direct manifestation of courage and tenacity.
The national stone of France is pearl.
Most French people like blue, white and red, and the colors they are afraid of are mainly yellow and dark green.
The numbers that the French are afraid of are "13" and "Friday".
In interpersonal communication, the French attach great importance to gifts, but they also have their own special attention. Articles with artistic taste and commemorative significance should be selected, and knives, swords, scissors, tableware or articles with obvious advertising signs should not be used. It is also inappropriate for a man to send perfume to a woman with an average relationship. It is impolite to accept a gift without opening the package in front of the giver.