genetics, including DNA fingerprinting, gene therapy, in vitro fertilization, and cloning. Other contributions include the discovery of cholesterol and vitamin D. In
chemistry, British scientists have developed a biodegradable plastic and are working on substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons, which destroy the Earth’s ozone layer. British
scientists in Antarctica first discovered a hole in the ozone layer in 1985. British scientists have also made advances in the fields of astrophysics and
superconductivity. They also are at the forefront in developing semiconductors and fiber-optic cables.
One contemporary British scientist has gained worldwide attention not only for his accomplishments but because he has surmounted severe disabilities.
Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist, suffers from an incurable disease of the nervous system. He regained his power of speech only through a computerized voice
synthesizer. Hawking has made major contributions to the study of the origin of the universe and black holes, and his work has supported the big bang theory of the
creation of the universe. As a professor of mathematics at Cambridge, Hawking wrote A Brief History of Time 1988.
E. Cultural Aspect
British culture has changed alongside most other western cultures. There are some behavioral facts which are used in English society, as follows:
a. Shaking Hand
In the UK, men usually shake right hands when they first meet. Men do not usually shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first. Shake hands in
the first time you meet someone, shake hands again when leaving and a simple handshake is the standard for greeting http:www.executiveplanet.com.
b. Names and Titles Most people in the UK have three names; a given name, a middle name, and
a last family or surname name. In conversation and in writing, the given name usually comes first. Several terms have been abbreviated in the table below. The
forms used in the table are given first, followed by alternative acceptable abbreviations in Parentheses http:www.executiveplanet.com.
c. Use of Name UK uses the last names until specifically invited by your British hosts or
colleagues to use their first names. UK uses an acceptable abbreviation in parentheses. Such as; HisHer Majesty: HM, HisHer Royal Highness: HRH, His
Grace: HG, Most Honourable: Most Hon. Most Honble, Right Honourable: Rt Hon. Rt Honble, Honourable: Hon. Honble http:www.executiveplanet.com.
d. Eye Contact During a conversation, eye contact is seldom used in United Kingdom
http:www.executiveplanet.com. e. Body Contact
Hugging, kissing and touching are usually reserved for family members and very close friends. Greeting rituals tend to be the same in northern and central
European regions and in the UK, consisting of minimal body contact, which often remains confined to a simple handshake http:www.executiveplanet.com.
f. Work Culture Almost British have meetings, presentations, negotiation tactic and always
be on time. Decision making is slower than in the United States. So don’t rush them, a simple handshake is the standard for greeting, to signal something very
important and you want it kept a secret, tap your nose. In business meetings, small talk or icebreakers are not necessary.
g. Dress Code Dark suits, usually black, blue, or gray, are acceptable; Men’s shirts should
not have pockets. Avoid wearing a stripped tie. Men should wear laced shoes and not loafers; women should maintain a conservative image.
F. Religious Aspect
