Each person has their own individual character. But also, each people has characteristic features by which we can generalize the belonging of a particular nationality. And if we talk about the character of the British, then this is probably the only one of all nations that is so contradictory and peculiar.
Type of native Englishman
The temper, character and temperament of the British has already become "the talk of the town". If we recall Hippocrates and his types by temperament, then most likely they are phlegmatic. Since the main features of the national character of the British slowness and equanimity are most suitable.
Another typical feature of the English people is conservatism. They revere all traditions, and to this day afternoon tea is a constant part of every Englishman's day.
Also, politeness is considered absolutely typical for the character of the English. Perhaps this nation can be called the most polite in the world. It comes to the point that even if the Englishman himself suffers, he will still apologizebefore the one who hurt him. For example, you stepped on his foot, you are to blame, and the Englishman will ask for forgiveness. A paradox, but believe me, it will happen.
However, there are several theories as a result of which the British developed such a special character.
Theory one
According to some scientific sources, the changeable and gloomy climate of Foggy Albion is directly related to the formation of the character of the British people.
The British are probably the only people in Europe who talk so much about the weather. Any conversation between neighbors, guests or relatives will certainly begin with a discussion of the weather outside the window. And since fog, rain and dampness are characteristic of England, there is nothing special to rejoice here. So it turns out that, when discussing the weather, the British do not smile, like, for example, Italians, rejoicing at a fine warm day.
In addition, if the French, for example, can go out into the city on a clear sunny day, chat with friends in street cafes, take a walk along the embankment, then the British rarely have such an opportunity due to the gloomy climate. Yes, and they most often sit in pubs with a mug of beer, discussing all the same damp and foggy weather.
Theory two
The geographical position also significantly influenced the character of the British. Living on the island, they acquired a kind of "island" mentality, pride and isolation, which many take for snobbery.
Also, the British are deep patriots, and thisa sense of superiority and pride in one's origins and one's country manifests itself in many areas of every Briton's life. They feel completely safe in their homeland, fully trusting the government and their own importance in world politics.
General characteristics of the British
The British are very reserved people. They don't like to show their emotions. And even in a difficult situation, when any other person would cry or begin to resent, they are calm and calm, at least in appearance.
Old England is fundamentally different from today. Until the beginning of the 19th century, the British, on the contrary, were distinguished by a riot of character. Speaking of old cheerful England, one can recall the rather aggressive, quick-tempered and emotional disposition inherent in the British.
The cult of "good behavior and gentlemen" came during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was then that the rules of decency and good manners completely supplanted the follies of old England and became a feature of the national character of the British.
Perhaps, the real feelings and emotions of the British show only during a football match. Fans of Britain are distinguished by their madness and temper. Their temperament is fully developed, mixed with patriotism, and then the frenzy begins.
Also, the British love order, and in absolutely everything - both in actions and in life. They need comfort, proper organization and daily routine, privacy.
The British are distinguished by their curiosity. Learn something new theystrive always and everywhere. However, this does not mean that they will apply innovations to themselves. No, they're just wondering how it could be different. For example, you came to visit, and the host in a conversation showed good knowledge about your homeland or area of employment. You may not be surprised, it's just possible that he was bored the night before and decided to read a book about your country. Or, having learned some features and secrets of cooking according to your traditions, he will never use them himself, no matter how much he likes them.
Sense of humor
Stiffness and a certain arrogance have become an integral part of the character of the British. But English humor is something completely unique, beyond explanation and understanding by a non-Englishman.
You can often hear from foreigners that humor in England is flat and boring. But in fact, this is not at all the case. Perhaps the most distinctive part of an English humorist is equanimity. Telling even the most ridiculous anecdotal situations, he will remain completely calm and serious.
It is the ambiguity of certain phrases and verbal puns that make English humor subtle. And for a person who does not speak English perfectly or does not know certain traits of the British character, it is almost impossible to understand and appreciate this subtle humor.
Another distinctive feature of English humor is self-irony. The English love to make fun of themselves, their habits, their national characteristics, their addictions, etc.
As a rule, the topic for humor can be absolutely anything. Starting with a domestic dog and ending with another scandal in the royal family. They might make fun of the weather, the neighborhood garden, or Princess Kate's hat. That is, no prohibitions and complete freedom of speech.
You can also recall such popular comedy programs as "The Benny Hill Show" or "Mr. Bean". Rowan Atkinson perfectly played a native Englishman who, despite the absurdity and absurdity of the situations, remained completely calm.
Attitude towards children
Pragmatism is considered a priority in raising children. The parents themselves are fundamentally different from Russia. If our motto is "all the best for children", then everything is exactly the opposite. First of all, a mother thinks about herself, then about her husband, and only then about the child.
English moms don't spend their last pennies so that their child has the best backpack in the class or the coolest phone. They save on everything, even clothes, by buying second-hand and then selling them again. In one popular book on raising children in England, the author advises buying clothes of the same color for the child in order to save money later on washing by not separating the clothes.
English mothers do not suffer from a pathological desire for sterilization and cleanliness around the child. Having dropped a cookie on the ground, she will pick it up without any problems and give it back to the baby.
The British do not rush about with children, as with a hand-written sack. They do not wrap them up, protecting them from the cold, in scarves, hats, boots. On the contrary, in winter, you can easily see a child inshorts or skirt and no tights. Thus, they harden children, hoping that their immunity will get stronger and they will not get sick.
It's the same with food. Mom will not determine the special food for the child. Even at the age of 1 year, the baby is already fully allowed to the adult table, he can easily eat fries, soda or a hamburger.
But most importantly, the British try to teach their children to be independent as early as possible. And as soon as the child graduates, there can no longer be any talk of any financial assistance from the parents.
Animal world
The British love pets. But their attitude towards them, the concern of the government justify this love. You will never see homeless animals in England. Moreover, in order to purchase a pet, a family needs to obtain a special license.
In some apartment buildings, in principle, it is forbidden to keep animals, supposedly they can interfere with neighbors. The rules themselves are very strict. Therefore, no one will throw the animal into the street.
Americans in comparison
If you compare the character of the British and Americans, you can see two completely different people. Despite their "blood" relationship. The British look down on any nation, but the Americans are even more alien to them.
The absolute opposite is the English reserve and arrogance compared to the smiling, joking Americans. The English, even to throw out the trash, dress up,like a holiday. While Americans, even going to a banquet, can dress in simple jeans and a shirt.
But still, there is one common feature between them - this is snobbery towards other nations and arrogance that comes to light when talking about the homeland. Since both of them consider their country the best in the world.
Famous Englishmen
Below is the top 10 most famous English people.
- Queen Elizabeth.
- Princess Diana of Wales.
- William Shakespeare.
- Winston Churchill.
- Margaret Thatcher.
- David Beckham.
- Charlie Chaplin.
- Paul McCartney.
- James Cook.
- Charles Darwin.
The article describes the British, what they are in character, in everyday life and in their habits. But to get to know them better, you just need to go to England yourself.
