I teach English in rural Japan. I'm often asked to pick one aspect of British culture to teach them. It's so difficult to define British culture, and yet it's so difficult to explain multiculturalism to Japanese kids and adults!! What positive stuff would you teach and how?

I'd teach them about conquering Wales and hating the French.

Or really about the feudal system, as I think that all this time later there are still echoes of that in our culture. History is what sums up Britain, and what a lot of Brits are most proud of.

The fact that we are a melting pot for the entire world , and despite what is happening in the world . we are still willing to welcome anyone into a safe haven whatever colour or creed. All the best

We will NEVER forget what you cruel bastards, did to your prisoners of war in WW2!. My Uncle included!

A good way to learn about the world is through history - tell them about the different ages of Britain - the Celtic tribes, the Roman Empire, the Saxons, the Viking raids, the battle of Hastings, the Tudors, the Civil War, the colonial era, the industrial revolution and then the modern day (In the words of Basil Fawlty "Don't mention the war!" unless someone brings up this topic).
Also mention the music of Britain, the food and the literature. They will love MacBeth - this so relates to feudal Japan (actually the famous Kurosawa film "Kumonosu-jo" is basically MacBeth).

i recently had fish and chips at the seaside with my kids,it was raining hard,but we came prepared with umbrellas,and we had our fish and chips out of paper bags on the beach in the rain,for me it was a defining moment of my "Britishness" we are a bit stubborn,but we just get through stuff,you dont complain and feel sorry for yourself,you get on with life,take things on the chin and be British about it.
oh and we love to ignore sex too!
oh and we like to que for stuff.

Their dining etiquette...

James Bond..

Richard Branson..

Wales Countryside...

sugoi !
Teach them of our love of music, literature and art.
Our two cultures sometimes are oddly alike eh ?
I can understand how difficult it must be to explain multiculturalism, so maybe you can advise them of our tolerance and ability to absorb and learn from other cultures.
Ooops, more than one thing.

Well,, despite what anyone says, Britain is now a true multi cultural country so it'll be hard to find something that is quint-essentially British to teach them,, I know that Honda is the biggest selling car in the UK if thats any help,,

How different races, religions and classes learn to integrate on a metropolitan scale. The cross-cultural integration helps the global growth of the language.
The language is probably one of the most significant aspects.


Remember that the culture is not static. Britain has one of the proudest historical foundations. An insight into the history of the Britain will go a long way towards helping you to define the culture, and helping your students appreciate your teaching.

From a historical perpective: Monarchy, conquests & colonies, inventions, (Union of Scotland, Wales, England, N.Ireland)

Today's culture can be seen through: Popular sport (Footbal), Popular music, Dominant occupations, Most-watched TV programmes, Political allies, Commonwealth ties, European ties, Leargest Multinational corporations, Ethnic diversity, Food, Literature, Tourist attractions, Pubs and night-life etc.

I hope some of these help. Good Luck.