How to be an Alien PDF

 🧑‍🎓 About the Author:

George Mikes was a Hungarian journalist who moved to Britain and wrote this book as a humorous guide to understanding the quirks of British society—especially for foreigners.


📖 Plot/Structure Summary:

Rather than a traditional narrative, How to Be an Alien is a collection of short, satirical essays that describe British life from the perspective of an outsider. The "alien" refers to a foreigner trying to fit into British society. The book gently mocks British customs while offering real insight into national character.


🗂️ Main Topics & Chapters:

Introduction: The English and Foreigners

  • The English don't consider themselves foreigners anywhere.
  • The word “foreigner” automatically means “not English.”

Englishness

  • Being English means being modest, reserved, and emotionally restrained.
  • Expressing strong emotions in public is considered very un-English.

Weather

  • The English obsession with the weather is legendary.
  • It is a universal topic and polite conversation starter.

Tea

  • Tea is treated almost like a national symbol.
  • The ritual and frequency of drinking tea are lovingly mocked.

Queuing (Standing in Line)

  • A sacred British tradition.
  • Even if there's no reason to queue, the English may form one out of habit.

Sense of Humour

  • Dry, understated, and full of irony.
  • Foreigners often misunderstand it.

Sex

  • British people are extremely reserved when talking about love or physical affection.

How Not to Be Clever

  • Don’t show off intelligence—it’s considered bad manners.

💡 Themes:

  • Cultural Identity & Assimilation – A witty guide for immigrants trying to blend into British life.
  • Satire of National Stereotypes – Mikes laughs at both British behavior and the immigrant’s confusion.
  • Politeness & Restraint – Emphasizes how deeply politeness shapes British behavior.

📝 Legacy:

  • The book has become a classic of British humor.
  • Frequently used in ESL classrooms for its clear language and cultural insights.
  • It was followed by sequels, like How to Be Inimitable and How to Be Decadent.


 

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