Time for speaking

1. Work in pairs and answer the questions:

1. Do you agree with the stereotype of the typical Englishman?

2. What is the stereotype of Russian people in the West? Comment on it?

Think of the following:

• What are the Russians like?

• What do they look like?

• What do they like doing in their free time?

• Do they have a good/poor reputation abroad? Why?

2. Work with a partner:

1. Here are some statements about the British. Read them and say what stereotypes of the British are. Give reasons for your choice.

• When two Englishmen meet, their first talk is about the weather.

Samuel Johnson, English poet, critic and lexicographer

• The Englishman who visits Mount Etna will carry his tea-kettle to the top.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, American philosopher and poet

• Every Englishman is convinced of one thing, that to be an Englishman is to belong to the most exclusive club there is.

Ogden Nash, American humorist

• In Britain you need four 'thank yous' to buy a bus ticket.

Beppe Severgini, Italian writer

• Not only England, but every Englishman is an island.

Novalis, German poet and novelist

• What defines Britishness are the shared values of tolerance, fair play, and decency.

Tony Blair, Prime Minister

3. Find some sayings about the Russians or other nations and share what you found with a partner. Analyzing them try to make judgments about the typical features of the nations.

Unit X. MANNERS ARE IMPORTANT

QUESTION TIME

Think about any rules of etiquette that you consider important to know for anybody who comes to our country. What questions or subjects are impolite to ask or discuss with people (except close friends or relatives) in Russia?

TIME FOR READING

Read about manners that the English consider important to know for tourists coming to Britain and compare them with those in Russia.

DOs and DON'Ts in England

Do’s: rules of etiquette that you are recommended to follow in Britain

• Do stand in line:

The English like to form orderly queues (standing in line) and wait patiently for their turn e.g. boarding a bus. 'Queue jumping' is frowned upon.

• Do take your hat off when you go indoors (men only). It is impolite for men to wear hats indoors especially in churches.

• Do say "Excuse Me":

If someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move, say “excuse me” and they will move out of your way.

• Do say "Please" and "Thank you":

It is very good manners to say "please" and "thank you". It is considered rude if you don't. You will notice in England that people say 'thank you' a lot.

• Do cover your Mouth:

When yawning or coughing always cover your mouth with your hand.

• Do Shake Hands:

When you are first introduced to someone, shake their right hand with your own right hand.

• Do say “Sorry”:

If you accidentally bump into someone, say 'sorry'. They probably will too, even if it was your fault! This is a habit and can be seen as very amusing by an 'outsider'.

• Do Smile:

A smiling face is a welcoming face.

• Do open doors for other people. Men and women both hold open the door for each other. It depends on who goes through the door first.