Decoding British English! What do they really mean?
Chris Bate
Business English coach - helping Spanish-speaking business professionals to overcome their fears and communicate their message with confidence and clarity in English ?? ???????????? your business English potential
One of the biggest complaints I hear about the Brits is that we don't "speak straight"! That we tend to go round the houses before getting to the point.
We also tend to be excessively polite and so diplomatic in our speech, that it becomes difficult to know what is the "real message".?Indeed, communicating with a British person involves having the ability to understand not only what is explicitly stated, but also what is implied.
Put simply, you have to read between the lines!
I'm not saying that this is fair or even desireable, but it is the truth and a major source of frustration for people not used to this way of communicating.
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Let me decode a few examples for you!
In all the examples below, the meaning could be different depending on the context,?body language, tone, and expression used (these are not intentionally funny???)
"That's an interesting idea"?
It could mean that it is an interesting idea
Or it could be a subtle way to say that you don't really like it - "That's an interesting idea John, but perhaps we should explore other options"
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"We had a little hiccup(problem) with the negotiations"
It could mean - just a small problem?
OR it could possibly mean that the negotiations were a complete disaster!
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"Yes, it was quite good"
It could mean that it was good?
OR it could mean that it was disappointing (otherwise you'd say "very/really good", right?)
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"That is a very bold move!"
It could mean that he thinks you are brave and courageous.
OR it could mean that he thinks you're a bit crazy!
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Luckily, in international communication, even we British are becoming more clear and less ambiguous in our speech. A more direct and "neutral" way of communicating is on the rise. However, please be patient with us as it goes against centuries of training!
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Are you interesting in improving your business English communication skills?
I'd love to help you achieve your goals for your English.?
I'll be kicking off one-to-one and group coaching programs this September 2022
Strategic Story Producer | Helping senior leaders transform complex strategies into compelling stories that drive action | IMPACT? storytelling framework creator, trusted by HelloFresh, Babbel, Raisin and Scout24
2 年That's definitely true. It drives my wife crazy!
Cluster GM&E Senior Sales Manager at PPHE Hotel Group
2 年Learning to speak a language is more than just learning grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Cultural differences, nuances, learning not only what to say, but also how to say it on each occasion, and even what not to say. Those are the bits best learned while living in a native environment. Very interesting post!
Associate - Payments Tech App Support en J.P. Morgan
2 年I read your newsletter and I remembered almost instantly “The remains of the day” movie… so hard for Brits (or some of you) to express emotions, opinions, in a direct way. I have been working with Americans and Brits.. quite the opposite! ?? Being Latin with Italian roots, believe me, I had to learn to be less passionate to express myself ??
Associate Director of MBA Career Development for International Students and Global Careers at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business
2 年High context + risk avoidance.
CHR&D - Data Integrity - Data Integrity Specialist at Corteva Agriscience?
2 年Haha I have the opposite problem. My non-UK colleagues keep accusing me of being too blunt