Issue 2/ September 2024
Dear Staff and Students,
Welcome to the 2nd issue of our YES Newsletter (September edition)!
We hope this email finds you well and happy!
We are well into autumn now. A warm welcome to all the new, and returning, students who have registered at YES since August! It is a pleasure to have you with us.
As we come to the end of September, we’re excited to focus on one of the most intriguing aspects of learning a new language—cultural differences. Whether you’re a visitor to the UK, or a Brit who’s travelled abroad, encountering new customs, laws, and traditions can often be surprising, sometimes funny, and always educational.
This month at Yorkshire English School, our theme is culture shock, and we encourage everyone to embrace the cultural quirks that make learning English so much more than just language!
Language Learning: Culture Matters!
As you learn English, understanding the culture behind phrases and customs can be just as important as grammar! Here are a few British cultural quirks to watch out for:
- British Politeness: The British are known for their politeness, but it can be a bit strange for outsiders. British people often use indirect language to avoid arguments. For example, if someone says, “That’s interesting,” they might actually mean, “I don’t agree with you at all.” Or, if they say, “Not bad,” it can mean something is actually quite good. British people also apologise (say “sorry”) a LOT, and it’s very important to always say “please” when asking for something.
- Greetings: British people (in the North) often say hello with “Y’all right?”. You can respond with “Yeah/yes thanks, and you?” (or- “Not bad thanks, and you?”). However, having conversations with strangers in public places is quite unusual.
- Pubs/ alcohol: Although in many countries it is considered inappropriate to take children or families to places with a bar/ which serve alcohol, in the UK, a “pub” is considered a perfectly normal place to go out with the family for lunch or to watch a sports game. This is different to a “bar” (which is usually only for adults).
- Tipping Etiquette: Tipping isn’t as common in the UK as it is in the US, but it’s still appreciated, especially in restaurants. However, tipping isn’t generally expected in pubs or taxis.
- Sense of Humor: British humor is often dry and full of sarcasm. It can take some time to get used to, but don’t be offended—it’s usually meant in a lighthearted, friendly way.
Some other British laws/ customs include:
- Driving on the Left
- Importance of always Queueing
- Shops Closing on Sundays
Some cultural differences can be difficult, surprising or even shocking to visitors in the UK, so it is important to be aware of them.
Film/ Movie Suggestion of the Month: ‘Paddington‘
This classic family-friendly film humorously shows the sense of bewilderment that many newcomers to the UK experience when adjusting to British customs, etiquette, and language.
Summary: Paddington Bear moves from Peru to London, where he must discover a new way of life in the big city. His misadventures highlight how strange and confusing British culture can seem to an outsider.
Language Learning Tips
For Lower Levels: Watch with English audio and subtitles in your 1st language.
For Higher Levels: Watch in English with English subtitles.
Meet Our Newest Staff Member- Mary
We are thrilled to introduce Mary, the newest addition to the Yorkshire English School team! Mary is a CELTA-qualified teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching English as a second language (ESL), including teaching English in Colombia for 3 years.
Her passion for helping students improve their language skills with her nurturing approach to teaching, is matched by her love for learning about new cultures. Mary is excited to bring her international teaching experience to our classrooms and looks forward to meeting each of you. She is currently teaching Elementary Class, and we are sure she will be teaching a variety of courses/ levels in the future.
We ask all the staff and students at YES to join in welcoming Mary to our school!
Talk to us!
Question of the Month:
Share Your Culture Shock Stories!
This month, we want to hear your stories! Whether you’re a student who is visiting in the UK, or a teacher who has travelled abroad, share with us a time when you experienced culture shock.
Question:
What is one of the most surprising/ interesting cultural difference you’ve experienced in the UK (or another country)?
If you want to share your experience with us, write about it and send it to info@yeschool.uk– we will share it in the next newsletter!
You can also write a message and see all previous issues of our Newsletter on our YES Blog.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for interesting and exciting content!
Last Month’s Question:
Question:
Hobbies! Do you have any? Do you have any unusual ones? What are the rules? Why is it fun or interesting?
Staff Write- In (anonymous):
“My hobby is horse-riding, which I think is quite unusual. It can sometimes be expensive, but being around animals can be very good for your mental health. Part of the experience is not just about riding horses, but looking after them and learning how to connect with them. It’s a good way to get outside, enjoy nature, and do exercise, all at once!”
Reminders:
What’s on in Huddersfield?- Monthly Noticeboard
Don’t forget to check out our “What’s on in Huddersfield?” Monthly Noticeboard (located in the YES common area)- updated at the beginning of every month with information about events (art/ music/ theatre/ culture/ history/ etc.) in and around Huddersfield that month.
We also post local events every month on our Instagram page- take a look!
Thank you for reading our newsletter.
You can also see all previous issues of our Newsletter on our YES Blog.
More again next month!
The Yorkshire English School Team.
