Understanding American Culture - fresherresources.com
Admission Details Application Calander Immigration Calculating Costs Choosing School Essay Exams to Write Financial Status Proof Forms and Documents Housing Benifits Applying for Visa Visa Changes Visa Requirements Housing
Worldwide Influences. In many ways this entire site is about American culture, surely one of the richest and most varied in the world. America has soaked up influences from all other cultures, but created something distinctly American.
1. Never pick at your nose in public.
2. Never talk about someone's weight --"you are very fat".
3. Never ask "how much did you pay for that" or "how much money do you make".
4. Never smoke indoors (unless given permission).
5. Never change the TV station, the air conditioner or fan controls in someone else's home. If you are cold, put on a sweater.
6. Never hit anybody - animal or human.
7. Never talk about the bathroom.
8. Never spend more than 5 to 10 minutes on someone else's phone.
9. Never bring a friend with you to a party or dinner - unless you have asked the host if it is okay.
10. Never spend more than 20-30 minutes in the bathroom at one time--others may be waiting.
11. Never burp, belch, or pass gas in public - if you do be sure and say, "excuse me".
12. If you sneeze in public, cover your mouth and say "excuse me".
13. Always be on time - between 5 minutes early and 5 minutes late, no more.
14. If you say that you will attend something--attend! Don't say "yes" to be nice and then not show up.
15. If for some reason you cannot attend, call the host ahead of time to explain.
16. Use deodorant and brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Americans are very sensitive about body odors.
17. Driving - do not honk the horn, except in very dangerous emergencies. It is considered very rude, except in New York City.
18. Do not flash your lights at someone to tell them to hurry or get out of your way.
19. If you are driving on bright lights for better visibility and a car comes toward you, dim your lights.
20. Before 8 AM and after 9 PM Be Quiet. No loud TV or radio.
21. Do not wipe off your cup or silverware in a restaurant. They are clean. If you see that they are not clean ask the waiter or waitress for a new one.
22. When moving out of your dorm room or apartment-leave it clean. always leave a place even cleaner than you found it--people will have fond memories of you.
23. Do not address your school teacher as "teacher". Call him by name: for example, Professor Brown, Mr. Smith, Ms, Jones.
24. Never throw trash on the ground or out a window--it is illegal.
25. Buy trash bags for your trash and put it out only at the appointment time at the right place.
26. When you have a guest come to visit, turn down, or off the TV set.
What Americans generally believe
That all people are equal and deserve an equal opportunity in life. They should all be treated fairly and with the same level of respect. This is one of the most basic principles of American philosophy.
That everyone is free to be an individual. Americans do not believe in conforming to a general ideology or behavior. Individuality and self-expression are encouraged.
That competition brings out the best in people and in businesses. Competition is another of the basic principles of American philosophy.
That you are responsible for taking control of your own life and determining your own future. Americans do not believe in luck or fate. They are very proud of their individual achievements.
That change is good and necessary. It brings about progress and improvement. Tradition is not as valued in America as it is in other cultures.
That it is best to be honest and direct. In many cultures, it is considered impolite to speak too frankly or directly about a subject. Americans prefer to speak openly, even when giving a negative opinion or delivering bad news.
That rationality is more important than emotion when making a decision. Americans are often most interested in "the bottom line." In other words, the best decision is the one that has the most productive outcome, usually measured in dollars and cents.
What Americans love
Their country. Americans are very patriotic. They are very proud of their country and their way of life. They also have great respect for those who serve or have served in the armed forces.
Their free time. Americans may not have much free time compared to people in some countries, but they value what they have. They will spend that time doing something for themselves, their family, or their community. Weekends and vacations are always full of activities.
The outdoors.The United States government protects large sections of land from development and preserves them for the enjoyment of all. Americans enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Depending on the region, popular activities include sailing, hiking, mountain climbing, camping, and skiing.
Sports.The United States probably has more professional athletes participating in a greater number of professional sports than any other country. Americans love to watch sports, either live or on television. They also love to participate in sports, and there are countless leagues for players of all ages and skill levels.
Their Habits:
They Keep Changing These Days, Cannot Predict...