1. What does the saying comment on?

2. What does the language of stating; likes, deslikes depend on?

3. What is meant by appropriate wa^s of saying things?

4. Prefer te-df)^ Remember; * tp&e xmitivett M'rte can be ju* expressing a dii to use (mty apo

   The British in situations tl| when they're matter of fac in order not 11 expressing a if you don't I ngiish you British use;

   How do the British feel about privacy?

5. Why do the British hate to give advice?

6. What principles are the British guided by when they are asked for advice?

7. Are there any proverbs in your language similar in meaning to the old English proverb?

Is it possible that all human beings share certain common feelings about life?

Task 8.1. Read the texts to find out:

the ways used by the British to express disapproval tactfully; in what way British people express annoyance; why the British don't particularly like to reproach other people.

Ox

Reproach

As it was said, the British are rather reserved people. They don't particularly like to reproach other people, they hate to make a row, to cause a scene. At the same time they are said to be hypersensitive to the point of touchiness. But this touchiness is carefully concealed from the outsider. They prefer to keep silence and nurse their grievances in their hearts. This national trait of British people is reflected in their language as well. ; However, there are a few set phrases f<br expressing reproach. The choice of an appro- \ priate way for expressing a reproach generally depends on the degree to what you have been annoyed by someone's behaviour, or actions and the relationship you have with other people you arc taHring-to. If you know a person well you may use an informal language. When talking to people you don't know very well you should use formal ways for expressing a reproach.

Approval and Disapproval

V The British see self-possession as the highest quality of human character. They tend think that to be self-possessed, to show neither positive, nor negative emotions is

asign of good breeding. They regard the free display of emotion* a$ indiscreet, vulgar and anti-social So they valute highly the ability to remain calm and leave thing* un­said. These national traits of the British character are reflected in their language When British people express disapproval or approval of something or somebody the% of ten prefer to do it in a polite and apologetic way.

Remember: when you want to approve of somebody or something you need to be quite sensitive to choose an exactly appropriate way of doing so. Note that to be over- polite can be just as offensive as being rude. Be very careful in your choice of ways for expressing a disapproval of somebody or something. To be on the safe side it is better to use only apologetic and polite ways.

Annoyance

The British have the reputation of being reserved people. If they find themselves in situations that irritate them they usually try to keep themselves in check. Generally when they're annoyed they express their irritation in a rather apologetic way. As a matter of fact, they expect the same social behaviour from other nations as well. So, in order not to sound rude, you should learn by heart the set phrases the British use for expressing annoyance. Of course different people behave in different ways. Anyhow, if you don't want to give the impression of being rude when expressing annoyance in I English you should use set phrases of annoyance in appropriate situations. Notice. The British use short answers Yes or No to show they're annoyed.

Task 8.2. Discuss the following questions:

1. Do you agree that British people are generally reserved and polite?

2. What do the British expect from other nations?

3. What do British people say when someone's behaviour annoys them?

4. How do they reproach that person for his/her actions?

Task 9.1. Read the text to find out why there are quite a few ways in English to express disap­pointment, regret, wishes.

Tk Text 10

Disappointment, Regret, Wishes

he British aren't very open people. They generally tend to conceal their feelings. H take offense, to express disappointment, regret, wishes - all this is as deeply to the British as to anyone. However, they have the habit to understate "phen expressing their feelings. For example, when the British are disappointed Mprally state that someone or something was not quite what they had expected.

Their stote attitude of resignation ift dften portrayed by ui suppose |*u ( ut