United Kingdom: Conversation - Part 2
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Welcome topics and those to avoid
Humour is a vital feature of all aspects of British life. In a society that finds it difficult to express genuine personal feelings, humour often acts as a defence mechanism but it is almost never out of place in a culture that is averse to seriousness in all circumstances. You need not strive to be interminably witty yourself, but you should not be surprised by what you may consider coarse or inappropriate levity.
The British are much less politically correct than North Americans who may be offended by some of the natives' banter and 'wit.'
The UK (especially, but not just, London) is a thoroughly multiracial and multicultural society. You should not make any assumptions about a person's background, nationality or origins.
Welcome topics of conversation
the weather (always a safe starting point)
sport (particularly football/soccer)
animals (usually safe - though beware vegetarians if you like to eat them)
British history, culture, literature, art, and popular music
current affairs
your immediate surroundings and positive experiences in the UK
how good the food is (things have changed in recent years!)
real ale (i.e. traditional British beer)
Topics to avoid
Northern Ireland
religion (especially if you are in Northern Ireland, Glasgow or Liverpool)
the monarchy and the Royal Family
partisan politics
the European Union, ‘Brussels’ and the euro
the Middle East
personal questions about a person’s background, religion, occupation, etc.
class and the class system
race and immigration
sex (particularly homosexuality)
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