British communication style

Britons often say the opposite of what they mean literally or soften it: That is quite interesting may mean I do not like it, I am afraid that… is a preface to bad news, With all due respect precedes an objection, Could you possibly… is a very polite request, Not bad is praise, I will bear it in mind is often refusal, and We must do lunch is mere courtesy without a date.

• To understand the meaning notice the tone of voice, facial expressions and context, and do not take the words literally.
• And do not exaggerate frankness, but say what you want clearly with softening: I am afraid I cannot make it instead of No. If you do not understand say Just to check, do you mean…?.
• Softening is part of politeness and not lying.
• And a Briton may seem cold at first but is friendly and a loyal friend with time.

Say please when requesting and thank you, thanks or cheers after every service, even to the bus driver on getting off (Cheers, driver!).

• And say sorry or excuse me when bumping, passing or drawing attention.
• The queue is sacred: do not jump anyone at a bus stop, shop, bank or pub, and wait your turn calmly, otherwise you may meet a silent look or a sarcastic remark.
• In the lift and train quiet is kept and no staring.
• Give your seat to the elderly and pregnant.
• Hold the door for the person behind you.
• Stand on the right on escalators and walk on the left.
• Do not raise your voice in public places and do not speak on the phone loudly on the train.
• And keep cleanliness and do not throw rubbish.
• And punctuality is important, and if you are late call and apologise.

Small talk about the weather (Lovely day, isn't it? or Bit chilly today), transport, sport, television, holidays and football matches is a means of connection and kindness, not of information, and How are you?

• is said as a greeting not a question about health, and its usual answer is Fine, thanks.
• You?
• or Not bad.
• Do not detail your problems.
• You can begin simple conversation with neighbours, colleagues and in front of a shop.
• And questions about their activities are valued but do not ask about salary, age, weight, religion or politics of someone you do not know.
• And if asked Where are you from?
• answer kindly, and talking about your country introduces them to you.
• And generosity with tea (a cup of tea) is a sign of great warmth: Would you like a cuppa?.
• And accepting an invitation kindly builds a relationship.

Dry humour, self-deprecation, gentle sarcasm (banter) and wordplay are central in British communication, and friends joke with sarcasm that does not mean insult but acceptance.

• Do not be embarrassed if you do not understand the joke, but ask gently or smile.
• Try not to be too serious or objecting.
• As for physical contact it is limited: a gentle handshake on formal introduction, and no kiss on the cheek usually between men and women not close in business (between close friends there may be), and embraces between the close.
• Personal distance is larger than in the Middle East, so do not come too close or touch.
• If you do not shake hands with women for religious reasons you can put your hand on your chest with a smile and say Nice to meet you, and most understand.
• And respect others' privacy and limits of conversation.

Pronunciation varies greatly: the London accent (Cockney), the accents of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, northern English accents (Geordie in Newcastle, Scouse in Liverpool and Mancunian in Manchester) and the southern accent, and they may be hard to understand at first, so do not be embarrassed to say Sorry, could you say that again?.

• And British English differs from American in vocabulary (lift, pavement, flat, crisps and biscuit).
• Common mistakes include: not saying please and thank you, jumping the queue, extreme frankness without softening, raising the voice in public places, staring, being late without informing, underestimating humour or taking jokes seriously, and asking about personal matters.
• And remember that most Britons are tolerant of foreigners and will value your attempt.

What may 'That is quite interesting' mean?