Retired eye specialist Michael Baker never expected his short reel on the British national character, entitled ‘I am British’, would create such a stir that he would have to become a blogger. In just a year, his Instagram account, @englishmanmike, has gathered over 260,000 followers. Mike regularly creates videos explaining the famous English humour, what to avoid when interacting with the British, and how to fit in in England. In an interview with Kommersant UK, he shared the key to understanding the British worldview.
How did your journey as an English teacher begin and what motivated you to create content on Instagram?
While I’m not a traditional English teacher, my experience as an expat living outside the UK for many years gave me a deep understanding of how challenging it can be to grasp not just a language but the cultural nuances of a new country. I saw a gap in how English, particularly British English, is taught versus how it’s used in real life. That’s what motivated me to create content on Instagram, I wanted to show people the real, everyday language we Brits use, along with the quirks and subtleties that are often left out of traditional lessons.
What inspired the creation of your Instagram persona, @englishmanmike? How does your background influence your approach to content?
@englishmanmike was born from my desire to share British culture and humour in a fun, relatable way. Even though I don’t come from a teaching background, my years as a British expat living in different parts of the world helped shape my understanding of how people perceive the English language and British culture. I try to bring a mix of humour, practicality, and real-life scenarios to my content so that it resonates with people from all walks of life.
What kind of feedback have you received from your followers? Have there been any memorable moments or interactions with Russian speakers?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many followers appreciate the humour and the insider perspective I offer on British culture and language. I’ve had a few memorable interactions with Russian speakers, particularly when they share how my content helped them understand the quirks of British humour or navigate tricky cultural situations in the UK. One Russian follower once said they finally ‘got’ why Brits apologise so much, something they found puzzling at first!
What are some of the biggest cultural differences you’ve noticed between Russians and Brits when it comes to communication styles, even when Russians are fluent in English?
One major difference I’ve noticed is the directness. Russians tend to be more straightforward in their communication, which can sometimes come off as blunt to Brits, who often prefer indirectness or polite understatement. While fluency in English helps bridge the gap, it’s really the cultural approach to things like giving feedback, expressing emotions, or handling disagreements where the biggest differences arise.
Many Russian speakers in the UK may understand English but struggle with humour, irony, or indirectness in British culture. How can they navigate these subtle cultural cues?
British humour, particularly sarcasm and irony, can be tricky to grasp even for native speakers! My advice is to listen carefully to tone and context, often, the meaning lies between the lines. For example, if a Brit says something like, “Oh, fantastic”’ in a flat tone, they probably mean the opposite. It’s also helpful to watch British TV shows or read books that showcase this humour. It takes time, but with patience, those cues will start to become clearer.
What are some common misconceptions that Russian speakers in the UK may have about British culture that could create misunderstandings in everyday interactions?
One misconception is that Brits are as direct as they seem in formal language. Many Russian speakers may assume that asking for something directly is normal, but Brits often phrase requests more subtly, something like “I don’t suppose you could possibly…” is a polite way of asking, even though it might seem overly complicated. Another is the assumption that when a Brit says, “We should meet up,” it’s always a genuine plan; it can sometimes be just a polite way to end a conversation!
What strategies would you recommend for Russian speakers in the UK to not only improve their language skills but also develop a better grasp of British cultural norms?
Immersing yourself in British media. TV shows, films, and even podcasts are a great way to start. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or observe how locals interact. Joining social groups or communities where you can practise the language informally can also help a lot. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Learning the subtleties of British culture takes time, and the more exposure you get, the more natural it will become. For those looking for a more structured approach, my Becoming British course offers a deeper dive into British traditions, language quirks, and cultural etiquette, designed specifically to help people navigate everyday interactions with confidence.
Are there any books, TV shows, or films you would recommend to help Russian speakers better understand British culture and mentality?
I’d recommend starting with TV shows like The Great British Bake Off or Gavin & Stacey, which showcase everyday British life and humour. Films like Notting Hill or Love Actually also offer a glimpse into British social interactions and communication styles. For books, Watching the English by Kate Fox is a fantastic read, it breaks down British behaviour and quirks in an engaging way, which can be especially useful for non-natives looking to understand what makes us tick.
