AEE 2150: 3 Uniquely British Ways to Start Small Talk with Anna Tyrie from English Like a Native
Feb 19, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Anna Tyrie, the founder of English Like a Native, shares her expertise on small talk in British culture. She uncovers three unique ways to initiate conversations, focusing on the iconic British weather as a classic opener. Anna highlights the humor and sarcasm often used in British chats, especially about daily travel woes in London. Additionally, she explores the subtle cultural differences between British and American small talk, offering valuable insights for those looking to navigate social settings more effectively.
Starting conversations with talk about the weather is a common British practice, serving as a universal icebreaker and engaging topic.
Complaining about public transport issues, like delays and strikes, is another unique British conversation starter, creating relatable connections among commuters.
Deep dives
Starting a conversation with talk about the weather
In British culture, starting a conversation with talk about the weather is a common and almost universal practice. The weather in England is known for being unpredictable, and discussing it provides a good talking point. British people often make comments about the weather and use it as an icebreaker in conversations. They might start by saying things like 'Lovely weather today, isn't it?' or 'Hasn't it turned out nice?' This topic is particularly useful when engaging with both known and unknown individuals, as it is generally well-received.
Complaining about public transport to start a conversation
Complaining about public transport is another uniquely British way to start a conversation. In cities like London, where public transportation is widely used, there are often issues with reliability, delays, and strikes. British people tend to share their transportation woes and frustrations with others, creating a common ground for conversation. They might ask questions like 'Anybody else been affected by the tube strikes today?' or 'Did you have any problems with the train delays?' This topic is relatable and helps to initiate connections and discussions, especially among commuters.
Asking permission to ask a question as an indirect conversation starter
In British culture, asking permission to ask a question is a third way to start a conversation. British people often put a question within a question and use phrases like 'Could I ask you?' or 'Do you mind if I ask?' This indirect approach aligns with the British tendency to be careful and gentle in conversations. It is a polite way to engage with others and shows respect for personal boundaries. For example, they might say 'Could I ask how long you've been waiting for this bus?' or 'Do you mind if I ask where you bought that coat from?'. This style allows for a subtle introduction to a conversation topic while still respecting the other person's comfort level.
Anna Tyrie is the founder of English Like a Native, a company that provides courses focused on fluency and pronunciation, coupled with an award-winning online community. She also provides lots of free online resources across social media and most notably YouTube and Instagram. At the end of 2022, Anna started a podcast on a whim and has since had 2 million downloads.
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