American cultural traits

LECTURE 9

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. How was American culture formed and enriched in the course of its history?

2. What role does the concept American Dream playin the system of Americans’ values and national goals and what is it about?

3. What do Americans value most of all? And what other beliefs is this trait tightly connected with?

4. How does American patriotism differ from nationalism?

5. What does the term Americanization imply?

6. Why is American English said to be a tool of globalization?

7. What do the terms melting pot and salad bowl refer to?

8. What do you know about the phenomenon of hyphenated Americans?

In this lecture the attempt is made to show what Americans do in the areas of life in which you are most apt to meet them. If you know what their customs and traits are like, you will find your encounters with Americans both more fruitful and more pleasant. I will speak on the following:

• American practicality
• Volunteerism
• Mobility:
• Future outlook
• Self-Improvement
• Choice in education
• Privacy
• Directness and openness
• Friendliness and friends
• Emotions
• Talking
• Etiquette
• Politeness:
• The casual and well planned Life
• Efficiency
• Puritan values
• Family and friends as family
• Americans are a most litigious people
• Food and eating habits
• The attitude to religion
• American contradictions

Key Words and Proper Names: abundance of resources, “be your own boss,” “can-do” spirit, casual personal style, contentment, cultural pattern, do-it-yourselfer, harmonious, homogenous, individualism, mobility, mystifying, nuclear family, privacy, profit-oriented, prosperity, self-sacrificing, small talk, suing, transient society, volunteerism; Protestantism, Puritan, Samaritan, Spanglish, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Survival experiences explain why Americans idealize whatever is prac­tical. In America, what works is what counts. Most pioneers who went west had not trained themselves in prairie farming or sod house construction, but they trusted they would be able to devise workable solutions to the daily problems and dangers they faced. Inventiveness was necessary for survival.

American practicality is usually the most important consideration when decisions are to be made. As a result, Americans place less emphasis on the subjective, aesthetic, emotional or consensual decisions. Material goods are seen as the just rewards of hard-work, the evidence of "God's favor." Americans are seen as caring more for things than people or relationships.

The “ can-do ”spirit is something that Americans are proud of today. They like to think they are natural-born do-it-yourselfers. Only in the U.S.A. you find such a variety of “ how-to ” books and self-service opportunities. There are do-it-yourself books on everything from how to build and repair your own engine to how to be your own best friend. Americans prefer whatever is quick and practical.

Volunteerism: The do-it-yourself spirit is also known as volunteerism in American community and political life. Volunteerism means people helping people through privately-initiated, rather than government-sponsored, agencies. Volunteers, usually unpaid, are highly motivated workers who organize themselves and others to solve a particular community problem or meet an immediate social need, rather than waiting for someone else — usually the government — to do it. Volunteerism reflects Americans’ opti­mistic pride in their ability to work out practical solutions themselves.

Mobility: The pragmatism of Americans and their trust in an abundance of resources relates to the American habit of mobility. As a nation of immigrants, Americans have always shared the assumption that the practical solution to a problem is to move elsewhere and make a fresh start. After all, this is the attitude that settled the West. Change is seen as positive and good. This means progress, improvement and growth. Americans are an established transient society geographically, economically and socially.

Mobility in America is a sign of optimism. Pioneers made the arduous journey westward because they believed they could establish a better life for themselves and their children. Now,Americans move from place to place with the same sense of optimism, hoping to secure a better job or enjoy a warmer climate.

Moving about from place to place is such a common and accepted practice that most Americans take it for granted that they may live in four or five cities during their lifetime, perhaps buying a house and then reselling it each time they move. When Americans go house-hunting, their foremost concern is usually how profitably they will be able to resell the house. A comfortable, well-designed house is desirable if it has a good resale value. Americans hate to feel that buying a house might immobilize them forever, thereby inhibiting their chances of bettering their lives.

Future Outlook: Americans are profoundly future-oriented. Whereas other societies look to the past for guidance, Americans cast their nets forward. They have a nearly exclusive respect for the future and what it will bring. It's the belief in a brighter future that gives them optimism. Whereas most peoples see their histories as cycles of good times and bad times, Americans see theirs as ones of constant improvement. Americans trust that they have the power to affect the course of events. Even these days, when not all progress seems positive (nuclear weapons, air pollution, unemployment, loss of world power, etc.), the belief remains that for every problem there is a rational solution. If it's themselves they must change, they do so.

The notion that the present can always be improved accounts for Americans being in such a hurry. The contemplative man accepts the world as it is; the active man changes it. It is change that Americans believe in. Consequently, to say that somebody is "very energetic" (no matter in what cause) is one of American highest compliments.

Self-Improvement: It is doubtful whether there are anywhere else in the world people so intent on improving themselves. Americans' nearly unique belief in progress includes the proposition that individuals can change their natures - or failing that, at least their bodies.

Foreigners tend to be skeptical of these American efforts. Russian (Slavic) people may think of the kinds of self-improvement, which Americans go in for, as just superficial fads (прихоти). Russians understand the idea of self-improvement as moral. But in the U.S., it is true that not many people are intent on becoming better (i.e., more loving, self-sacrificing). Few of Americans want to live for others. Psychologists have made sainthood unfashionable by determining that it's the maladjusted or badly adjusted person who wants to be a saint. Americans say that they must love themselves before they can love other people. So Americans are trying to. But foreigners may mistake the outer bluster for the real thing. Actually, the competitive atmosphere in which Americans live makes people very critical of themselves. Depression is a major problem, particularly among women.

Furthermore, the belief in progress suggests that life ought to be constantly getting better and better. As it usually isn't, Americans believe that they must find what's wrong and repair it. Many foreigners claim, that Americans simply make problems for themselves. With plenty to eat and a good job, what could be wrong? But even abundance brings problems of its own, when one realizes that money isn't everything. We may suspect that there is some grave difficulty in American culture that large numbers of people are searching with some des­peration for self-fulfillment. It is likely that in the single-minded pursuit of achievement, some very important aspects of life are neglected.

Choice in education: Freedom determines freedom of choices. Education is regarded as the key to many choices and opportunities, including financial security.

Americans take a pragmatic approach to learning, so what one learns outside the classroom through internships, extracurricular activities and the like is often considered as important as what is learned in the classroom. Consequently, lifelong learning is valued which results in many adult and continuing education programs. Americans have many choices. In school they decide their major field of study, perhaps with or without their parents’ influence, and students select some of their courses. These “elective” courses often confuse foreign students who may expect a more rigid curriculum.

The belief that Americans should “ be all that you can be ” arises from their Protestant heritage. Since the majority of the early settlers were Protestants, they believed that they had a responsibility to improve themselves, to be the best they could be, to develop their talents, and to help their neighbors. These convictions have not only influenced the U.S. educational system, but are often reflected in the U.S. foreign policy. What some might consider meddling in other people’s affairs, others believe is fulfilling a moral obligation.

Privacy: Privacy is associated with the value of freedom. It includes freedom from outer world interference in private or family matters. On the other hand, the notion of individual privacy makes it difficult for Americans to make friends and adapt to other cultures’ customs and habits. Because Americans respect privacy, they may not go much beyond a friendly “ hello. ”

The right to privacy is a notion that runs deep in American culture. Both respected and defended, privacy is considered fundamental to a free society. Americans carry this right like a shield; while they are often very warm and welcoming hosts, their homes are considered quiet places where they can think and recharge their energy.

In the U.S., it is inappropriate to visit even close friends without calling ahead. Even though Americans often tell guests to make themselves at home, this invitation should not be interpreted literally.

Some Americans have difficulty understanding those who always want to be with others or who dislike being alone. Because U.S. culture is rather informal, it is sometimes difficult to know where privacy boundaries lie. Three questions that you should not ask Americans are: How old are you?; How much money do you make?; and How much do you weigh? Generally, Americans will only ask these questions of close friends and in private, and even then, they might be considered too forward.

Americans are what is known as a "non-contact people." Outside of hugs given while greeting and parting, touching - among adults - is generally limited- to occasions when its sexual connotations are acceptable. If in a moment of warmth, a Russian man rests his hand on an American man's thigh, the American is stricken. Could this be an improper advance? Likewise, two American men would never hold hands. Nor would two American women, although they would not be as put off by the whole idea as men are. Many Americans are envious of people who can reach out freely and affectionately, but their strong sense of the private space around each person inhibits them. In conversation, Americans usually stand at least an arm's length apart and are made uncomfortable by people who press closer. They are careful not to breathe into people's faces.

Directness and openness: Americans value their privacy, but they are also taught to be open and direct. If they think you aren‘t being open and honest with them, then they may believe you are hiding something. They may be quite uncomfortable dealing with individuals who are reserved and less direct. Many Americans equate directness with trustworthiness. Newcomers may be relieved to know that in the U.S., unlike in other cultures where what is said can be quite different from what is meant, no usually means no and yes usually means yes. Americans will often speak openly about things they dislike. However, they will try to do so in a respectful manner.

One can only trust people who "look you in your eyes" and "tell it like it is". Truth is a function of reality not of circumstance. People tend to tell the "truth" and not worry about saving the other person's "face" or "honor".

Criticism should be delivered constructively—in a manner the other person will not find offensive or unacceptable. If Americans do not speak openly about what is on their minds, they will often convey their reactions in nonverbal ways, like facial expressions, body position, and gestures. Americans are often reluctant to speak openly about sexual functioning and personal inadequacies. They may avoid saying ― no to a request because they don‘t want to offend or hurt someone‘s feelings. Americans might not speak feely when they are not well acquainted with someone and they are not confident that the discussion will be understood in the way intended. Despite these limitations, Americans are generally direct and open. To them, being honest is usually more important than preserving harmony in interpersonal relationships. Americans are not taught, as in some other countries, to mask their emotional responses. It is considered proper to display their feelings, at least within limits. If they are tired or unhappy, you will hear it in their voice, or see it in their face. You can see this in the face of television newscasters when they deliver unpleasant news. Even in a highly public and professional context, speakers take the honest direct approach and are not afraid to appear shaken by tragedies or disasters.

Friendliness: One distinguishing characteristic of Americans is openness to strangers. Practically everyone agrees that Americans are friendly. Very few Americans care to put on snobbish airs, even if they secretly regard themselves as far above the crowd. The President of the U.S.A. permanently emphasizes what a regular guy he is. A college professor who goes fishing with plumbers will boast about it; he too is one of the boys, not an intellectual in an ivory tower.

Thus, the friendly " Hi " to whom-so-ever is a demonstration that Americans subscribe to the code of democracy and the creed of equality. It's an acknowledgement that whoever you are, you have rights. Foreigners find it striking that on city streets, people will nod and smile to them. Not to say hello to a neighbor is a breach of etiquette.

Friendly - Not Friends: Saying hello doesn't commit you to anything. Friendliness should not be confused with friendship. Many foreigners slip up here, and mistakenly think that that boundless cordiality means they're going to have lots of friends. Then they become disillusioned and think Americans are terribly superficial and shallow in their friendships. But most of the people Americans refer to as "friends" are really acquaintances.

Emotions: Americans do not consider it necessary to hide their emotions. On the contrary, they often seem to be exaggerating them. Enthusiasm, for instance, rises to levels of seeming unbelievability ("It's great to see you- You look fabulous. Let's have lunch soon.")

For a girl, it is desirable to have what is called a "bubbly" personality. The above glad sentiments don't mean much more than, "It is agreeable to be having this exchange on the street corner, and I may or may not be serious about lunch." The pleasantries are not phony as they leave both parties with a nice glow. Americans will even verbalize their warmth in statements such as "I like you" (which convinces the Asian that Americans are excessive for sure).

Happiness can be loudly proclaimed in big smiles, gestures, and statements: " This is marvelous, best news I've ever heard. " But unlike many Asians, Americans smile only around good news or happy feelings. An American often smiles, but not when embarrassed or confused, nor would an American deliver bad news with a smile. Expressing sadness does not come easily to Americans. Sorrow interferes with their upbeat, optimistic view of life, and people who are sad do not find ready acceptance.

Talking: Americans can be very exuberant, warm people. They often speak fairly loudly compared to speakers from other cultures, because they believe it is important to be assertive. To international visitors, it may seem as if they are angry. They may be simply expressing their opinion as clearly and directly as possible. Anger is more acceptable in the U.S. culture than in some other cultures. If Americans believe they have been wronged, they think it necessary to let their feelings show. Stand your ground is common advice in an unfair situation. An out - of-control temper tantrum is never looked upon favorably, but is it expected that an individual will not be afraid to strongly stand by a point.

Americans are taught to look into the eyes of the person with whom they are speaking. Looking down or elsewhere is considered a sign of dishonesty or untrustworthiness. Still, American speakers do not stare continuously into each other‘s eyes – they look away from time to time. When they are being reprimanded by a superior such as a parent, boss or teacher, they learn to look down or away from the speaker. To do otherwise is considered disrespectful.

Americans are not comfortable with pauses in conversation. Research has shown that they are uncomfortable with silences that last longer than three seconds. In other cultures, conversational pauses can last seven seconds or longer. Americans learn to fill these silences. If they ask a question and an answer is not immediately forthcoming, they will begin speaking again. As a newcomer, if you have difficulty responding to a question right away, you should feel free to say Hmmmm or let me think in order to hold your place in the conversation. You could also rephrase the question.

When Americans first encounter another person, they often engage in small talk. They may discuss the weather or their physical surroundings such as the room or building they are in. The conversation often proceeds to common experiences such as television programs, travel to other places, or eating in local restaurants. Personal finances, religion, and politics are topics that are generally avoided in polite conversation. Listening to American small talk could lead you to conclude that Americans are intellectually incapable of discussion topics more complex than weather, sports or their social lives. It is important to understand that, in America, small talk is often used to break the ice; in other words, it is a way to allow people to become acquainted.

Etiquette: As a low-context culture, Americans don't have many set routines for particular situations. Elaborate protocol cannot survive in a free-floating society. Formality seems undemocratic to them. Americans believe that formality is "un-American" and a show of arrogance and superiority. Americans dislike the rituals of etiquette. Easy manners contribute to the fluidity of American society. A casual, egalitarian attitude between people is more accepted.

On the whole, the lack of formality makes integrating easier for the foreigner. You don't have to walk around in fear of offending people. "Informal," of course, does not mean "mannerless." Americans would not be any sort of culture if they did not have some agreement as to what constitutes a nice behavior. But most of the time, Americans will be very forgiving of awkward manners. Americans do not have the religious prohibitions that make innocent foreign behavior so shocking in some countries. Nothing but the flag is sacred in American public life and even the right to desecrate (осквернять) it is protected.

Politeness: Visitors usually find Americans, for all their informality, very polite. This reputation seems to rest largely on the great number of " pleases " and " thank you's " Americans deliver, but also on the general recognition given to strangers. One should be considerate of waiters, garage attendants, and household help as well as of doctors and senators. Americans are shocked to see the authoritative manner in which servants are treated in other countries.

Please, thank you, and you‘re welcome are used during almost every transaction, even in cases where the service rendered is expected such as giving a customer change following a purchase.

A person who doesn‘t say please or thank you appears rude to an American. You‘re welcome, is an expected response to Thank you, even when the action you are being thanked for doesn‘t seem worthy of thanks.

English is a polite language. Words such as would, could, can, may, and might are used to soften requests and ask for permission. Open the door, or even Open the door, please, which may be perfectly polite in other languages, sounds harsh in English. Americans will soften requests with would, as in, Would you open the door, please? When asking for permission, it is better to soften it by asking, May I have one of these? rather than using a direct form such as, I want one of these.

Of course, whether you consider Americans polite depends on where you come from. Some Japanese find Americans so rude that they think they are being discriminated against when Americans are only acting normally. Politeness also depends on from what region of the U.S. the speaker is. New Yorkers have a far-reaching reputation for rudeness, although they can also be surprisingly helpful.

One might fairly say that Americans are often more polite in their public discourse than in private. It's when you get inside the home that you sometimes find that civility collapses. In fact, a lot of American young people have such awful manners that they are not able to behave themselves in public or in private.

Social protocols are quite relaxed in the U.S., so there are very few taboos. Here are a few rules you should follow:

· Do not yawn, sneeze or cough without covering your mouth. Americans are careful not to spread germs.

· Cover your mouth with your hand if you yawn. It is considered unsanitary to not cover one‘s mouth with one‘s arm if you sneeze or cough.

· Bathe frequently and don‘t use too much perfume. Americans are offended by strong odors; they normally bathe daily (sometimes twice daily in hot weather) and use underarm deodorant. Strong smelling perfumes or colognes are applied sparingly because they may not be pleasant to others.

· Do not belch loudly in public.

· Flatulence should be controlled as discreetly as possible.

· Do not spit in public.

· Do not pick your teeth or nose in public.

· Do not stare continuously at someone.

The Casual Life: Informality penetrates American culture. The forms of the language do not change when Americans address a superior, as they do in many languages. People dress casually as much as possible. Americans use slang in nearly all circumstances. Americans slouch in chairs, lean against walls, and put their feet on desks.

There are, however, boundaries, e.g., in church, or you do not use slang when before a judge. If your boss comes into your office and puts his feet up on your desk, you are flattered; he regards you as an equal. But you don't put your feet up on his desk; you would be presuming too much on the relationship. A lot of these distinctions are subtle, and foreigners can stub toes on trying to become American-casual before understanding the culture very well.

American degree of casualness leaves a lot of room for confusion. Teachers, who are informal (" Call me Janet ") and friendly and open with their students, want to be liked; but they do not wish to be treated as any other friend. Should their students respond by becoming too personal or forward with the teacher, they will discover a frosty barrier.

Boye de Mente in his insightful book, Etiquette and Ethics in Japan, depicts the Japanese as difficult to penetrate on the outside and very open on the inside. Americans, he says, are the opposite. The top layer is very open and anyone can penetrate it. It is the inner layers that are hard to crack. Some Americans remain forever impenetrable.

Relaxed? No: Most of Americans will be eager to assure you that they live in a very casual, relaxed manner. This may be far from true. They may keep their houses spotlessly clean, dine every night at the stroke of six, and never open their doors to strangers, but it is an article of faith that the good life is the relaxed one. Relaxing is a synonym for having a good time, as seen in the many advertisements which picture people lying around in the sun.

In fact, relaxing is precisely what Americans are not very good at. It just doesn't fit in with their belief in progress. Americans take the utilitarian philosophy seriously, which is that only useful activities are valuable, meaningful, and moral. Unproductive activity is therefore useless, meaningless, and immoral.

It's hard to take it easy when time represents opportunity. The conviction that you succeed or fail by your own efforts - rather than by the whims of fate - is the one that adds a degree of tension to life. And without a family and a community to fall back on, success of some sort becomes critical.

The Well Planned Life: The Latin American attitude of "Que sera sera" (What will be will be) gets no trust in the U.S. | Americans feel the prizes are awarded to the go-getters, the energetic, the fore thinking. Many people plan their whole lives with care - career, children; retirement.

The little things are planned too, which is why foreigners can find it so irksome to make social engagements with Americans. Their date books are full of rigid plans, and the plans for self-improvement often take precedence over the social ones.

Because of the emphasis on the individual, Americans can be quite competitive. There is a more fluid class system in the U.S. than in traditional cultures. Hard work, when coupled with greater earnings, is rewarded with a rise in social class. It is possible to work your way to the top in America.

Americans value action and will generally keep very busy schedules. As the saying goes, work is a virtue, and idleness is a sin.

Even routine social or recreational activities are likely to be scheduled. As a result, Americans may seem hurried, running from one thing to the next, unable to relax and enjoy themselves. To newcomers, the pace of life may seem very rushed. Achievement is a dominant motivation in American life. To be called a high achiever is quite a compliment, but this emphasis on achievement can lead to not so friendly competition.

Efficiency - Time is Money: If there is anything that warms the American heart, it is efficiency. Efficiency is a virtue in the U.S. Americans are apt to become impatient with slow-moving lines in supermarkets and banks, especially if the teller or checkout person is slowing down the line by chatting with the customers. Even customers may be looked upon impatiently if they don‘t have their bank deposit slip filled out or the money doesn‘t come out of their wallet quickly enough. Americans believe that work is morally right; that it is immoral to waste time. There is more emphasis on "doing" rather than "being".

To Americans, time is money and it should be valued, saved, and used wisely. Americans also place considerable value on punctuality. You should arrive at the exact time specified for meals or appointments with teachers, doctors, and other professionals. You should plan to arrive a few minutes before the specified time for public meetings, plays, concerts, movies, sports events, classes, church services, and weddings. If you are unable to keep an appointment, you should call the person to advise him or her that you will be late or unable to arrive.

Nothing is more American and efficient as the supermarket. Food is prepackaged, and shopping is impersonal, the efficiency of the operation produces lower prices and less shopping time. The food’s lack of tastiness does not create much customer resistance because the time was saved.

The whole concept of achievement, whether in career or hobby (e.g., gourmet cooking), makes passing the hours in an idle conversation seem like a waste of time. As B. Franklin once said, 'Time lost is never found again. "

Too much sitting around, and the American gets nervous and wants to be up doing something. Even on vacation, Americans want to " improve each shining Hour. " An Indian married to an American said, " we went to see the Grand Canyon and as soon as we got there my wife wanted to go rushing down to the bottom. These Americans never relax. "

It's not just that Americans work hard. Their leisure activities are equally demanding. Besides the pursuit of health and fitness, any number of adult Americans is taking night classes, attending lectures, involving themselves in children's schools, leading scout troops, running church groups, bird watching, and redecorating. Weekends are full of camping, sports, and home improvement. Then, when they get "all stressed out," they take another course - in yoga, meditation, or stress management.

According to anthropologist Edward T. Hall, Americans are a monochromic culture, they operate according to schedules, doing one thing at a time. Sticking to the schedule is more important than the human interruptions to it. When the bell rings, the class is over, no matter how interesting the discussion at that moment.

There are Asian countries at least as efficient as the U.S.A., but vast parts of the world cannot conceive of American concept of time. Time is all-important to them. Americans think of themselves as people who are going places (trying to be a success). Tomorrow is not going to be like today. Tomorrow they'd like to be "ways" down the road, and the speed is going to get them there, not standing around chatting.

Consequently, Americans have come to see only practical and profitable activity as truly valuable. " How has so Spartan a philosophy de­scended on an age that hoped to make machines do all the useful work while man enjoyed his leisure?" asked Walter Kerr in his book, The Decline of Pleasure. A good question. Americans often lack the capacity to enjoy their achievements. They find more satisfaction in acquiring the trappings (внешние признаки) of the leisure life than in leisure itself. Activity - rather than family or community - gives Americans their identities, and very few people are able to rest on their laurels (honors).

And it is the society where the Puritan values still dominate.

Work Ethic: Protestantism stressed the work ethic and the responsibility of the individual for his own success or failure in life. Although not a rural society any longer, many American values remain the traditional ones established by the European settlers in the 17th century.

The Puritans, a stern Christian sect, were among the first and most lasting settlers. Their values were well-suited to survival in a strange new world: self-reliance, hard work, frugal living, and the guidance of the individual conscience.

Furthermore, the Puritans considered earthly success as a sign of God’s favor and saw no conflict between making money and entering the kingdom of heaven. Now few Americans continue to have ideas about the holiness of poverty. On the contrary, there is an undercurrent of feelings that people get what they deserve.

The Puritans would not have smiled at the conspicuous consumption of today, but they would have admired the unrelenting effort that goes into the acquisition of goods. Americans have much greater respect for businessmen than most other peoples do. An Englishman who has made enough money may well be happy to retire to his country home. The American only wants to go on making more money, driven as much by the Puritan work ethic (often called “the Protestant work ethic”) as by the desire for more money.

Today the “ Puritan values ” have acquired one more meaning, they usually refer to prudishness towards sex and enjoyment. Although the Puritans were not actually against good times, they did feel that man was basically sinful, and spontaneity revealed the inner wickedness. Today, to call someone “ Puritanical ” is generally not meant as a compliment, as it suggests that he or she is strait-laced and no fun.

The family: Nearly all Americans have a family somewhere, but the lack of strong family ties is one thing that strikes nearly all visitors to America (with the exception of those from Sweden, where apparently the family is even less demanding).

When an American speaks of "my family," he probably means his immediate, nuclear family: the group that lives together in one household - father, mother, and children. The larger (or extended) family - the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins - are often far away. Or even if nearby, they can be a small presence in each other's lives, visiting back and forth very little.

There are plenty of exceptions to this configuration: large families that have lived for generations in one town and gather together in all their spare moments. But in large cities, each small family is more often floating free of the hometown connections. And to a much greater degree than in many countries, individual members of the family carry on a social life apart from the others.

If you make American friends, you may know them for a long time before meeting their families. Various members of the family with different interests expect to have different friends. Perhaps two couples socialize together, but instead the wives may lunch together or the husbands play golf, and the children never meet.

Friends as Family: There are numerous people who claim, "My friends are my family.” These people very likely have, somewhere, a real family, but they feel much closer to their friends. American life changes greatly between generations.

Despite the appeal of replacing an inconvenient family with carefully selected friends, there is a drawback: Friends cannot be expected to proffer as much aid as family. Those who claim to rely on their friends usually are highly independent, with good health and sound finances. You know, even the best of friends are keeping track of favors. Your sorrows are not their sorrows. In a catastrophe, you are on your own and will probably turn to your real family. So, no matter how distant the family in America has become, it has not been replaced.

Suing: The practice of dragging one's neighbor, doctor, spouse, host, and employer into court causes shock among newcomers to the U.S. Americans are a most litigious (сутяжные) people, and they prefer to believe that there is always a responsible party for every event in life.

People have sued for: injuries attained while breaking into houses, losing a spelling bee (spelling test), being fired, loss of pleasure when injured, emotional distress, and choking in restaurants. The list of such seemingly ridiculous suits provides great fun and sometimes large awards.

To some degree, the pattern of suing has led to safer places and practices, but to a greater extent it has created high insurance rates and the sacrifice of services. Towns have gone bankrupt when held responsible for accidents on public property. Schools have lost play yards because they can't afford liability insurance. Some churches won't shelter the homeless because they lack the necessary insurance.

The situation is truly bad, but some foreigners have even exaggerated it. It is not true that no doctor will ever stop if there's an accident. Though in many states, a " good Samaritan " law forbids suing a doctor under such circumstances.

If an American decides to do a little suing himself, he must bear in mind that it's one thing to sue and win, another to collect. It's not worth the bother of going to court unless you have a realistic chance of seeing the money. Much of the proceeds of a case often end up in the lawyers’ hands. Cases drag on for years, and your time will be unpleasantly spent. The two parties to the dispute usually, in one way or another, both lose.

Food: American cuisine in itself is not bad. American cooks have an abundance of fresh ingredients and a heritage of marvelous regional dishes: apple pie, clam chowder, Louisiana gumbo, barbecued oysters, com fritters, strawberry shortcake, and countless other delectable dishes. As many guidebooks say, it is possible to eat very well in America.

It is also possible to eat very badly, and many Americans do - by choice rather than necessity. A lot of supermarket food, while cheap and plentiful, is produced to provide the most calories with the longest shelf life and the shortest preparation time. The result is frozen dinners, packaged sweets, instant puddings, bottled salad dressings, and canned sauces. Manufacturers are working night and day to invent new products that will captivate the public. Almost any conceivable meal is available ready-made.

The problem is that none of this stuff is very good. It supplies calories, but in real satisfaction it doesn't measure up to anything fresh or home cooked. Even fruits and vegetables are raised to survive long shipping or storage periods, rather than for taste. Meats are tender and good, but very fatty and distressingly laden with hormones and antibiotics. Also, most supermarket food is wrapped, canned, frozen, jarred, or packaged in such a way that you can't examine it until you get it home. If you do try to open jars or poke into packages, management will be distressed.

No doubt, if you come from a country with severe food shortages, you won't complain, but most foreigners find American food takes some getting used to.

Eating Habits: The first two meals of the day eaten by an American are generally quick. The classic American breakfast of bacon and eggs is seen more on weekends than when the whole family is rushing to school and work. Cereal with milk and a cup of coffee is probably the usual morning sustenance of the average American. Lunch consists of a sandwich, soup or salad. Dinner is the largest meal of the day. The American dinner has fallen under medical disapproval due to its high cholesterol content. The meal typically consists of a large piece of meat, ketchup, vegetables with butter, potatoes (fried with oil or butter), and a sweet dessert. It might also be an equally fatty frozen meal, heated in the microwave oven, or a high-calorie pizza.

A large proportion of Americans report that they would like to change their diets, but habits are hard to break. The beans, vegetables, and whole grains that doctors keep urging them to eat require time to cook, which Americans haven't got. Take-out Chinese food may be the best option.

Motherhood, God, and the Flag: Any U.S. politician who hopes to be re-elected must take these three sacred icons seriously. While most foreigners will easily comprehend the tributes paid to motherhood, the attitude to religion remains confusing to many and that towards the flag mystifying.

In God We Trust: The American viewpoint on religion is paradoxical. Americans honor the separation of the Church and State (and the freedom to worship at the church of one's choice), but in public life few people dare admit to having no religious belief at all. The Supreme Court keeps watch over freedom of religion: prayer is not allowed in schools, or at the beginning of football games. Religion is supposed to be a private matter, between the individual, his conscience, and his church.

Nonetheless, there is a widespread feeling that decent people believe in God and that ethical standards spring from religion. Politicians frequently assure the electorate of their faith in God. The President may begin his State of the Union message with a prayer to God, and when asked what he would do in a crisis.

American coins and banknotes all have " In God We Trust " cast or printed on them; the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag (клятва на верность флагу) calls Americans " one nation, under God. "

Presum­ably, some of this religiosity is left over from the religious orientation of early America. Religious cults have been prominent through American history. Religious belief agrees with American optimism and the faith that justice will prevail, if not in this world, then in the next.

The Christian Majority: In the U.S., about 80 % of the population describe themselves as Christians; 2% are Jewish, 4% are "other" - Buddhist, various Eastern religions, Moslems, etc. - unaffiliated - 12.1%, and 4 % claim no religion.

The only national religious holidays are Christian holidays. However, employers must respect the demands of anyone's religion and grant absences when religion requires it. Three out of four Americans claim to believe in God, and four out of ten go to church regularly. On the other hand, foreigners shouldn't imagine that the average American is deeply involved with his religion. Americans only expect their leaders to have some faith in God, not to take their religion more seriously than their golf games.

Sectarianism: A majority (51.7%) of Americans are Protestants - Christians who do not follow the Church of Rome (Catholicism). As Protestants have no central authority, there are hundreds of denominations. All adhere to one God and the Bible, differently interpreted. Some churches have very dignified services, whereas others involve a lot of emotional display. As a general rule, it's the dignified ones (Episcopalian, Congregational, Presbyterian) that are the more upper class, and there are many cases when a rising salesman has switched from the Baptist to the Episcopalian Church when he moved to a better neighborhood.

The remaining Christians are Catholics (23.9%), a group by and large reflecting Irish, Italian, Polish and South American immigration. The Catholics have known discrimination and even have been suspected of dividing their allegiances between the Roman pope and their country. Until the election of John F. Kennedy, many people thought that no Catholic could ever win the presidency.

Besides the established religions, there are numerous religious cults. Most cults are dependent on the charisma of the leader and don't outlast him or her. One American once said: “ the way to get rich in America is to start a religion. ” Cults demand a wholehearted commitment from the followers, and scandals erupt among them frequently.

Various Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim leaders have attracted significant followings in recent years.

"Born Agains": The "Born Again Christians" are the most surprising among today's religious sects. Not long ago, intellectuals assumed that now when science had explained most phenomena, belief in God could not last much longer. They were very wrong. Instead, millions of people have joined a variety of fundamentalist groups. These people are collectively called "Born Agains" because they believe that their lives started anew when they committed themselves to Jesus Christ.

Languages: PreviouslyI spoke about AE and its global role, but the U.S. has no official language at the federal level. Only 30 states have passed legislation making English the official language, and it is widely considered to be the de facto national language. Spanish has official status in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico and there are several enclaves throughout the country in which Spanish is the primary spoken language. Bilingual speakers may use both English and Spanish reasonably well but code-switch according to their dialog partner or context. Some refer to this phenomenon as Spanglish.

Indigenous languages of the U.S. include the Native American languages, which are spoken on the country’s numerous Indian reservations and Native American cultural events such as pow wows.

Hawaiian, which has official status in the state of Hawaii; Chamorro, which has official status in the commonwealths of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands; Carolinian, which has official status in the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and Samoan, which has official status in the commonwealth of American Samoa.

According to the CIA, the following is the percentage of total population's native languages in the U.S.: English (82.1%), Spanish (10.7%), other Indo-European languages (3.8%), other Asian or Pacific Islander languages (2.7%), other languages (0.7%).

American Contradictions: The alert visitor to the U.S. will quickly note much that seems contradictory in American life. Freedom of the press has not produced a well-informed public. Despite American wealth, there are people sleeping in the streets. Americans are friendly, but neighbors don't stop to chat. Supplied by the world's richest farmlands, America's cuisine leaves much to be desired.

The social commentator Paul Goodman aptly (to the point) wrote, " America has a high standard of living of low average quality. " Despite the luxuries and conveniences Americans enjoy, their lives are not very elegant. Equality has a way of leading to mediocrity. When half the population goes to college, one cannot expect the colleges to maintain the same standards. Television shows are expected to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Mass produced goods are not finely crafted.

Not all contradictions are reconcilable. Americans are anti-royalist but fascinated by royalty. Americans are suspicious of government but re-elect incumbents over and over. Americans are a religious people (compared to other westernized societies) but many of their much-revered found­ing fathers were not.

You may find innumerable exceptions to any of these claims about American life. Generalizations should not be used to pigeonhole (навешивать ярлыки) individuals. Just as not every Japanese is hardworking and deferential to superiors, not every Chinese devoted to family, not every American is ambitious or patriotic - or even unsophisti­cated.

To shed light on American culture was only half the reason for these two lectures devoted to the U.S.culture. The other half is to acquaint you with the specific customs and habits of the American people. It is in the small differences that most misunderstandings occur. For instance, if you offer a limp handshake to an American while looking downwards, the American will not imagine that you are behaving very politely by your own rules; instead he will assume that you are a lackluster kind of person.

" When in Rome, do as the Romans do " is a useful proverb for both immigrants and short-term visitors, but to follow it you must know what they do.

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