How Are UK and US Communication Styles Different?
When you think of countries where English is spoken, the UK and the US are likely the first that come to mind. Although the basic language is the same, there are many small differences, which we've written about in a previous article.
However, just because Brits and Americans use different words and accents doesn't mean the differences stop there. In addition to switching "elevator" for "lift," or changing how a word is pronounced, there are also deeper differences in the overall communication style.
If you are planning to visit either of the countries, or perhaps preparing to move from one to another, it's a good idea to prepare yourself by learning how each culture commonly communicates. We'll cover a few of the differences here so you'll have an idea of what to expect.
Direct or indirect?
To understand one of the biggest differences in British and American communication styles, it's important to understand two things: subtext and the idea of "taking something at face value."
Subtext is a bit of an advanced word, but it is important in understanding the way people from many cultures — including British culture — communicate. It basically means that there is an extra or hidden meaning in the things people say and do. This means British people often do not express their feelings directly, so you must think carefully about the situation in order to understand the complete message.
For example, if a coworker says that an idea is "interesting," it could be a softer way of saying that it is not particularly good or that it needs a lot of work before it is acceptable. It is up to the listener to find this true meaning.
On the other hand, taking something at face value means trusting that what you see or hear is true, without needing extra information. Something that can be taken at face value is clear and easy to understand. To continue our previous example, if an American says something is interesting, it is more likely that they are being direct and saying what they really feel.
Subtext is very common in British communication, but being straightforward is usually more accepted among Americans. These differences can lead to confusion or frustration when British and American people get together to work or socialize!
Body language and gestures
We all use our bodies to communicate, and the way Brits and Americans use body language is very similar. For example, personal space, or the amount of space someone needs between them and others in public areas, is about the same in both countries. Even in busy and crowded places, it’s polite to keep a little distance between you and the people around you. In other parts of the world, particularly in parts of South America, less personal space is normal and acceptable.
Similar to how Americans are often more direct and straightforward in the way they speak, they also tend to have firmer, or stronger, handshakes and make more eye contact than Brits do. However, there isn’t a very large difference.
One thing you should be careful of is a particular hand gesture. If you stick up the first two fingers of one hand in the shape of “V” with the back of your hand facing you, it can have a few meanings depending on the situation. It may mean “victory” or “peace,” or it could mean “two” if you are trying to place an order in a restaurant or bar.
However, if you turn your hand so that your palm faces you and the back of your hand faces another person, it becomes a very offensive gesture to Brits, which is similar to sticking up your middle finger to an American. Be careful to avoid both of these!
Humor
The British are known for their unique sense of humor. In addition to using a lot of sarcasm, Brits often find humor in topics that are serious and usually are not funny, such as death, sickness and problems in society. Americans usually avoid joking about these subjects, but it is said that British people believe it is easier to deal with these issues when they are able to laugh at them.
Additionally, people in the UK often tell jokes while showing no emotion. This kind of "dry humor" can be difficult to understand for people who are not used to it. Americans often have trouble recognizing or understanding British comedy, but the opposite is usually not true.
However, lots of British comedies have become famous internationally. Shows like The Office, Mr. Bean and works by the famous group Monty Python have many fans around the world, so it is not impossible for others to enjoy British humor — it just may take a little time to get used to it!
Wrap-up
The differences between communication in America and the UK are more than only accents. The things that each culture finds important will have a big impact on its society and the ways people interact with one another.
However, remember that we have only looked at general communication styles. Although people from the same culture may act similarly, everyone is unique and has their own communication style.
Therefore, you can use this article as a guide, but it is not guaranteed to always be correct! Listen carefully and pay attention to the people you interact with, and you will slowly get used to the ways they send messages to you and to others around them.
