A Contrastive Study of British and American Charactersand ImplicationsAbstract:This paper is to have a contrastive study of British and American Characters. Firstly, the author gives a brief introduction about the two nations. Secondly, the author will introduce some detailed information about British characters and American characters. This part is the soul of the paper, also it includes the author’s opinions. Thirdly, the author will state several implications of this Study. In this part, the author concludes the necessaries of knowing about British and American Characters and the right attitudes towards their characters and values. Finally, it is a brief conclusion, it’ll benefits us in our communications with foreigners.Key words: contrastive study; British character; American character; implications1.IntroductionThis paper is about a contrastive study of British and American Characters. It’s based on several books. After we finished our textbook we all know that Britain and America are two different nations, they have different cultural backgrounds, different history and so on. These result their civilian’s different characters. The paper introduces British and American characters separately, then some obvious differences between them. I hope readers can benefit something from it.2. The Contrastive Study of British and American Characters2.1 British CharacterBritain isn’t a single nation country. So, there isn’t the existence of British characters, in other words so called “British characters” mainly mean “E nglish characters”. But, in the whole Britain, English characters represent most of the British characters, so, I’ll place great emphasis on English characters.First , English people tend to be rather conservative-a little more so, perhaps, than most of others. In fact the conservative attitude consists of an acceptance of things which are familiar, and an important aspect of it is an inclination to be suspicious of anything that is strange or foreign. English people don't want to figure out whether the familiar ideas or practices are right or wrong .They tend to be hostile, or at least bored when they hear any suggestions that some modification of their habits, or the introduction of something new and unknown into their lives, might to be convenient to them.( 吴延迪，1994) Although modern methods of cooking, by electricity or gas, were accepted long ago, and few people would now favor the old type of coal—fined grate. Even sometimes a great deal of smoke is poured into the room when cooking. May be we feel confused, perhaps it is because different cultural background results in different characters. Now won’t deeper study about the reason.Second, to other Europeans, the best known quality of the British, especially the English, is reserve. A reserved person is one who doesn’t talk very mush to strangers, doesn’t show much emotion and seldom gets excited. And conversation in Britain is in general quiet and restrained and loud speech is considered ill-bred .This reluctance to communicate with others is an unfortunate quality in some ways, since it tends to give the impression of coldness and it’s turethat the English are not noted for their generosity and hospitality. On the other hand, they are perfectly human behind their barrier of reserve. British don’t make friends at random If a friendly stranger or foreigner succeeds for a time in breaking the barrier down, you’ll get their sincere hearts and loyal friendships. So every nation doesn’t like what you see, you should use your heart to find their beauty.Third, British humor .In Britain, humor is highly praised. It’s an attitude to life rather than the mere ability to laugh at jokes. Their humors don’t just make you laugh, but have different deep meanings behind.Forth, politeness. Britain is regarded as a nation with much ceremony. Their social systems are in perfect order. After several centuries’ accumulation of excellent mores ,in Britain ,not only the adult but also the old and the young behave fairly in public .They have been used to waiting in long lines without any complains ,speaking softly in public ,smiling to every passers-by . You may think such society is tedious but in such society, people’s dignity is fully respected.Then at last I want to add one more character. British people are voracious newspaper readers .They read newspapers at breakfast waiting for bus, after finishing work, before going to bed. I always think this is also a character of British.2.2 American CharactersThe first aspect of American characters is that the Americans emphasis on the importance of the individual. Most of them would like to be popular and attractive among friends. So they prefer to get along with friends at ease and make as many friends as possible. Americans don’t like to be flattered by others, and they also don’t want to obey others. Americans can make friends easily and earn others’ good impressions quickly, but after a week, they’ll forget you completely.( 薛广历，1999) So, it’s difficult to set up a real friendship with Americans.The second aspect of American characters is independence. They don’t want to rely on others they also don’t want to be relied on by others .Americans are accustomed to striving for the things by themselves. You can see many American students pay for their tuition fees by doing part-time jobs or earning scholarships. When they grow up to adults, they’ll leave their parents and live their own lives.The third aspect of American characters is that they are materialistic. American belief is that they should get proper rewards after finishing the work .The AA system in paying for the meals in a restaurant is the most obvious representation about this American character.The forth aspect of American characters is democracy. “All men are created equal.” say the Declaration of Independence. The American belief in equality of opportunity is illustrated by American Dream –the belief that any individual, no matter how poor, can achieve wealth and fame through diligence and virtue. This character encourages thousands of Americans to pursue their rich lives from generation to generation.The last character is that American likes movement. It’s said every year about 40 million Americans move from one place to another place. The frequent movements show that they aren’t satisfied peaceful lives. They desire adventures new places, new friends and new opportunities. They also like travel very much .The character of pursuing adventure is more outstanding than other nations.2.3. The Differences in British and American CharactersGenerally speaking, British is a quiet nation, while American is a wild and energetic nation. After introducing British and American characters. It’s apparent some differences exist between two nations. I summarize some important points in the following statements.,First, as a nation, British people are quiet, shy, conservative, reserved, elegant and restrained. As a complete series of culture, amenity, and custom systems. And in history, British was the most powerful country in the world, this made British people from the self-righteous characters. However, America is an energetic state. I t’s a nation with openness and creativity. It’s a short history from American independence, so there are few rules to observe.( 孙利民，2005) Then you will feel that Americans are open and talkative.Second, you will find that it’s difficult to make friends with British people. But , you found a good friendship with them ,it’ll last forever. While, in America, you’ll make many friends very easily, but, you know ,they forget you very soon. It’s difficult to make forever friendship with them.Third, British people still keep traditional lifestyle and they don’t like to accept new things or new reformation. But, Americans like to try new things. They’ll make use of every chance to achieve development.Last, if compare British people with Americans, you’ll find a very interesting phenomenon. In Britain one’s birth always decides his fate. But, in American, people believe the popular “rags-to-riches” stories, and they’ll struggle for living a better life.Above are my some opinions of their differences.3. Implications of this StudyLanguage is an important carrier of culture, has the profound cultural connotation. A national language reflects the national culture. The national characters are reflected in language and vocabulary. The national character is a form of culture, and it is the national language closely linked.Be aware of British people’s quietness, reserve and conservation. Also, know more about American emphasis placed on individualism, equality, and progress, as well as the way in which American friendships operate. These can help us in our adjustment to British or American life. If you understand these British and American characters and values, you’ll realize that British people or Americans look at everything in their own cultural points of view, just as you do. Maybe you’ll avoid many misunderstandings when you communicate with them. Perhaps, you’ll make a lot of foreign friends.4. ConclusionWhat we can conclude from our discussion of British and American characters is that the more we know, the more we understand; the more we understand, the more we misapprehend; the more we misapprehend; the more we are open to people; the more we are open to people, the easier it’ll develop good relationships with them. And finally, the better our relationships with British people and Americans are, the more we will enjoy our communications with them.Bibliography:1．zhuyongtao，1991, Essentials of British and American Cultures.Beijing:Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.2．陈汉生，1999，《英国国家概况应试教程》，世界图书出版公司。