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Watching the English
- The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour
- Narrated by: Joan Walker
- Length: 21 hrs and 13 mins
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Watching the English
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Summary
In this completely revised and updated edition of international best seller Watching the English, anthropologist Kate Fox takes a revealing look at the quirks, habits and foibles of the English people.
Now with new survey data to add weight to her original fieldwork findings, and more extensive field-research and experiments to back up earlier observations, Kate Fox has deciphered yet more enigmatic behaviour codes, adding new rules, new subcultures, new chapters and more than 100 updates. If you're English, this new edition of Kate Fox's acclaimed international best seller will make you stand back and re-examine everything you take for granted - and if you aren't English you'll finally understand all our peculiar little ways.
Watching the English has sold more than half a million copies and has been translated into many languages. Not only a worldwide best seller, but also a set text for university anthropology courses, Watching the English has been widely praised as a revealing and entertaining dissection of the English national character.
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What listeners say about Watching the English
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Henry
- 29-11-22
Inspired and engaged from beginning to end
Not too shabby.
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Watching the English while out walking the dog.
Would recommend it to anyone interested in learning about ‘what it is to be English’.
Henry James (Cambridge, England)
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mitchell Westra
- 08-12-20
Compulsory reading for anyone in England
This book made me laugh aloud at various points. As a foreigner living in England, this book should be required reading for anyone living here; including the natives
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3 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 09-11-20
Amazing!
Read this book three years ago. love it!!!
Find it even more enjoyable listening to it.
love Joan Walker's reading and of course the writing from Kate Fox !!!
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- nkiru nwankwo
- 30-01-23
insightful reading
absolutely loved it. its an interesting read, just as the book says- understanding the English
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1 person found this helpful
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- Lucas
- 17-03-23
One of the books ever written
If you are looking to better understand British culture, class systems, things we do and how we do them, there is no better guide than this book! It’s a must have for foreigners as well as homelands :)
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1 person found this helpful
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- Lindsay BLACKMAN
- 03-11-23
a captivating exploration of English culture and behaviour
Her book is written from an anthropological perspective. She delves into the subtle nuances of English society, dissecting the unwritten rules that govern everything from queuing etiquette to tea-drinking habits. Her keen observations and witty anecdotes make this book not only informative but also highly entertaining.
Her approach to anthropology, which she dubs "participant observation," is both insightful and humorous. She manages to unravel the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the English with a light-hearted touch. From the concept of "Englishness" to the intricate class system, she dissects these elements in a way that is accessible to both newcomers and those well-versed in English culture.
One of the strengths of "Watching the English" is her ability to balance academic rigor with an engaging narrative. She supports her observations with research and interviews, but the book never feels dry or overly academic. Instead, it reads like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who is unraveling the mysteries of English culture.
Whether you're like me simply someone curious about the intricacies of our unique society, "Watching the English" is a must-read. and it will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the culture of this island nation.
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- Amazon Customer
- 23-01-23
Brilliant
I’ve lost count on how many people I recommended this book to already! It’s spot on when it comes to English behaviour and so funny! It should be part of top books to read for people doing business in the UK or newcomers. Just brilliant!
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- koskokos
- 30-08-21
Nice
Not bad at all. A charming book and narration made it feel like you are sitting next to an author.
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- Amazon Customer
- 23-01-24
Great book, especially if you recently moved to UK
Brilliant book, loved listening to it. The narration is excellent too. Highly recommend this book. Well written, great humour.
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- fcarouge
- 05-06-23
Very useful book for a foreigner
I've been leaving in London for 15 years and still learned a lot. It was quite a cultural shock for me, coming from a latin country.
Of course we observe and figure most of it out through the years but gardens races, pubs and a few more rules of behaviour were completely new to me.
I loved the details on the social class element for each chapter, as they bring a deeper understanding.
It's the book I wish I read before moving to this country.
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1 person found this helpful