why do you british choose to weigh yourselves down with protocols and what's proper?

Question

i've noticed something about you guys, you choose to weigh yourselves down with silly protocols,and proprietary rules, and unwritten rules. why is that? i mean we (the usa) and the aussies don't see the sense of doing that. but the thing i've found so funny is the fact that you guys for all your standards don't even speak good english. what's up with that? please explain this to me.

Answer 1

I can say, based upon my understanding of English and American etiquette that good manners though what at one time was considered "good breeding" depends on appropriate behaviour.
The difference is that in America, proper manners somehow has become associated with priggishness.
In England, probably due to a longer history there is more value in good manners between the classes.
Having said all the above, it is well known that English (BBC) airings a measure of naughty rudeness is more acceptable than to American censors.
As far as good English, I mimmic Americans "I don't get whut you say. In these here parts only wierdos and dumbbutts polish their shoes. Them kinds we don't want no part of."
If I want to say "bloody git, I'd polly give ím a kick up the bum" at least I know I am using lower levels of the language.
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 2

If you're basing your theory on the English people's poor use of the language on this site, then I would agree with you. Too many people use the same grammar and spelling that they would use on a mobile (cell) phone text/SMS message. I find that annoying, but it doesn't mean that these people can't use English properly in other situations.
However, Americans don't use proper English either - you have twisted the English language to suit your nation. You have changed spellings (eg neighbour/neighbor, tonight/tonite, doughnut/donut) and grammar (eg I have got/I have gotten).
It's often said that the UK and the USA are two nations separated by a common language.
Regarding unwritten rules, if people don't have a set of standards to live by, then society is in danger. I don't know what aspects of life you are talking about but I know most people would rather go through life knowing where they stand in different situations, rather than going their own way with an "I'm all right Jack" attitude. Or should that be "I'm alright Jack"?

Answer 3

You don't give any examples with your question. In the main our English, both spoken and written has stood us in good stead for centuries. I agree that there are some poor speakers and writers, but that is not representative of a Nation. You will agree, I an sure, that not every'Aussie' or American speaks better English. Some may, others won't. As for protocols et al, most of these reflect the way we chose to live. You may not see the sense of it, but then we often don't see the sense in much you do. Have a nice day.

Answer 4

You do realize that people other than those in the UK (not the same as Britain you jackass) can read your question? Speak for yourself and stop putting words in my mouth. I am incensed and will use proper original English spellings within the remainder of the body of this complaint as a sign of my solidarity. Are you truly civilised or just a robot? Why TF don't you have protocols or manners? I personally still have protocols and unwritten rules I honour and will do so until I die (at the hands, if need be, of a much better man than you). I'd venture to say that some of these "Brits" you keep referring to are actually less protocol-driven than I am myself. Did you actually ASK anyone from the U.K. their own opinions on this, or did you just come out with a Rrroyal decree, Mr. know-it-all? As for poor English usage, believe me, here in the States our educational system is so F*ed up, all you have to do is see the spellings in many of the questions here on U.S. Yahoo! and you would be ashamed to say that you were a citizen of the U.S. And that carries over to the area of speech. As for the Australians, what business is it of yours how they choose to speak? Oh, and I hate to tell you, you forgot the Dominion of Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, India and other places that also have a large number of English speakers. So is your point that you love all of them whilst hating those in the U.K.? Or did you just forget to bash them as well? We're waiting .... you still have time to make yourself appear more stupid with an update to your post. We will politely wait for you. We promise not to laugh, as we still have a semblance of good breeding which you obviously missed out on.

P.S.: you should have said "... don't speak English WELL", or "...speak English Poorly". You also have no justification for including the word "even" in that last sentence of yours.

Answer 5

What an aggressive individual. Perhaps you could explain yourself a little more with some examples?

Why do you say that we don't even speak good English? are you trying to raise an argument. What is good English to you?

I could ask you why don't you (personally not the whole of America) type properly, i.e. using a capital 'I' for I've and a capital 'B' for But.

I have come to the conclusion that you are just trying to get as many answers as possible for a laugh. At the end of the day your question is ridiculous.

Answer 6

I can't agree with you-every country has it's notions of proper behavior that come with disapproval if not followed.
Just an example-since I live in the US-how about the silly political correctness practiced here? You can no longer use a simple descriptive term like short,fat,black or retarded without fearing some will think you insensitive.

Answer 7

We do it in the US too, Buddy. We have rules of etiquette and school rules and home rules and city rules and government things and unwritten rules and protocols.

And who is to judge what is "good English"? What sounds good to me in the north, isn't the same way someone from the south or the west would interpret it. And it's a far cry from the eastern ways of speech.

Answer 8

How kind of you to point out our deficits. The English language is a living thing and is changing all the time. Its comforting to know that we have a few experts in the language in USA

Answer 9

That's an old steretype: would you like me to remind you of some of the world's stereotypical views on Americans ? As for the standard of English, it is poor in some places but do you seriously believe it is generally better in the USA ?

Answer 10

Just good manners I suppose and I am not a guy but can manage the rudiments of grammar and spelling