Brit-Think, Ameri-Think: A Transatlantic Survival Guide

by Jane Walmsley

Book Overview

An irreverent and indispensable guide to understanding the great cultural ocean that divides Britain and America.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140093672
• ISBN13: 9780140093674
• Release Date: June 1987
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 131 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Perfect as Half of the Whole Picture

This book by an American born woman who has been transplanted to Britain is a very enjoyable read. Her anecdotal style makes the information fun and fascinating, and her insights invaluable, though one must have a sense of humor about both cultures as she is very tongue-in-cheek. As opposed to most other books I've read on the subject that are almost strictly technical, Walmsley tells the readers in a very conversational style about many differences that wouldn't occur to most travelers - differences in attitude (about sex, gender issues, finance, etc.), values, customs, etiquette and habits; and she may sometimes touch a little on why the discrepencies exist. Because this is in no way a dictionary style book, she does not offer alternate words, phrases or technical info. Thus, as a supplement, I highly recommend "Divided by a Common Language" by Christopher Davies, who (as opposed to Walmsley) is a Brit who now lives in Florida. All in all - a humorous, anecdotal insight into two very different cultures. Even though this may not be as technical as some travelers would prefer, the information is crucial for developing a truer understanding than is offered in any travel guide, so do not pass it over for the latter; buy it as well.

It's a HUMOR book, y'all ....

As a Brit married to a Yank, I had to laugh at a few of the customer reviews below. Some people seemed to be very seriously expecting a guide about how to avoid horrible breaches of business etiquette. Just because it has 'Survival Guide' in the title..... lighten up!Admittedly, it probably is a little dated. I was given my treasured, tattered copy a number of years ago by an Anglophile Yank, and laughed my head off at the very accurate observations. I suddenly understood why my American friends thought I had a 'poor self-image' - they take all that self-depracating humor seriously!

The Trans-Atlantic Survival Guide

I've worked for a British-based company for fifteen years and was introduced to this book by my British colleague a number of years ago. We were working on a three year project involving Brits and Americans. We started each of our workshops by reading a chapter from this book. What a great ice-breaker and afterwards, we convened with a better understanding of our cultural differences. Since then, I own three copies of this book (always on loan and quite frayed around the edges)!

A must for anyone who deals with Brits on a regular basis!

I was absolutely hooked by page 4. Working for a British controlled company in the southern United States, and also having a British boss, I was "keen" to have a better understanding of why there were so many disconnects in our communication.Between chortles and tears of laughter, I discovered the true understanding of why we are separated by a common language. Highly recommended - particularly for those who deal with the Yank / Brit equation on a regular basis. Thanks to this book I have a true appreciation (and now understanding) of those puzzled looks I receive on a daily basis!My boss needs to read it next!

Very funny and very true

This book creases me up. As an angry young man growing up in England, it was fashionable to rage against the cultural imperialism of the folks with whom we share something of a common language but actually surprisingly little culture across the water. Now I thoroughly enjoy visiting the US and doing most of my business with Americans - and I put some of the fun and success I've had doing that down to this book. It was bought for me by an all-american gal with the words 'Hugh, read this if you want us get along!" (by the way that's 'get along' not 'get on' - just one example of a potential pitfall for the unwary!). Thank you Marly - and I hereby pass on your commendation to anyone else who's trying to have business or personal relationship across the atlantic divide!