what is american culture

What Is American Culture?Level IAdministrative⏹Safety considerations: None⏹Risk assessment: Low⏹Environmental considerations: None ⏹Evaluations: Written evaluationObjective⏹Action: Identify the major components that comprise American military culture⏹Condition: Without references⏹Standard: Pass evaluation with 5 out of6 items correctAgenda⏹Review major components of culture⏹values, beliefs, behaviors, norms⏹What is American culture?⏹Self-analysis PEs⏹US military culture vs. tribal militia ⏹Cultural role play PE⏹Subcomponents of culture⏹Team PE⏹Summary⏹EvaluationClass Discussion⏹What is “American” culture? ⏹How does it affect your actions?Cultural Characteristics Common to Most Americans⏹Personal control over environment; self interest⏹Change= good: linked to progress & growth⏹Time controlled: planned, scheduled, productive⏹Equality: equal opportunity to succeedcont’d⏹Competition & free enterprise ⏹Future oriented⏹Action/work oriented⏹Informal⏹Open, direct, honestcont’d⏹Practical & efficient⏹Materialistic, industrious, innovative⏹Individualism/privacy: each individual unique; privacy valued; freedom of expression⏹Self-help: upward mobility; self-made worthPractical Exercises: Self-AnalysisSoldier VBBNIcebergMilitary CulturePractical Exercise: Values, Beliefs, Behaviors, Norms 1.In groups of 4-5, write down at least 5 characteristics that describe the values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms of an American Soldier.2. Discuss the results. Each group shouldpresent their ideas. What are the similarities and differences?2. List at least 10 things thatdescribe who you are underneath the surface, i.e., if someone knew you very closely throughout life.1. List at least 5 things that describe your appearance to others, i.e., first impressionBelow the waterline is what others cannotreadily seePractical Exercise: Iceberg Part IPractical Exercise:Iceberg Part II Below the waterline iswhat others cannotreadily seeDiscuss the points that are similar ordifferent above and below thewaterline. Why do you think they aresimilar or different?Practical Exercise: MilitaryCulture1.Individually, write down 10 things that describe American military culture.Example: task-oriented2. Discuss results in class.US Military Culture •Monochronic: focused on time •Hierarchical leadership: less discussion, more commanding•Task-oriented: mission first; focused on getting things done•Merit-based: personal achievement more important than positional statusUS Military Culture •Protecting the Constitution, not the regime; separation of politics and army•Common belief in volunteer service•Educational benefits, medical care, family care, income, retirement•Highly value education•Equal opportunity; rule of law(Africa, Middle East)US⏹Monochronic ⏹Task-oriented ⏹Merit-based ⏹VolunteersTribal⏹Polychronic⏹Process-oriented ⏹Status-based⏹Force used to command*(Africa, Middle East)US⏹Good benefits ⏹Not political ⏹Hierarchical ⏹Rule of law⏹Values emphasizedTribal⏹Fewer incentives⏹Very political⏹Committees⏹Rule by law is common⏹Values emphasized, but survival needs can influence valuesPractical Exercise: Role Play1.Get in groups of 4-6. Refer to cue cards.2.Numbers will be assigned to each group member, and corresponding cue cards will be distributed.3. Conduct the practical exercise. Follow cue card directions. Do not tell anyone in your group what your cue card says.Practical Exercise cont’d:Evaluation⏹Refer to Evaluation Tool⏹All group members fill out and discuss⏹Instructor may lead a class discussion on what students learned from the practical exerciseSubcomponents of Culture ⏹What subcomponents affect people in a society?⏹Sanctions: imprisonment⏹Taboos: incest⏹Symbols: national flag⏹Stereotypes: Asians are smart⏹Biases: I don’t like Marines。

要经常说谢谢，谢谢你的老师给你上了堂精彩的课，谢谢店员为你提供了舒适的服务，谢谢酒店的员工为你拉门。感谢所有人吧。
Questions Not To Ask
There are three questions you should never ask a Westerner:
1) How old are you? Why do you look so elderly? Are you really old? (Age is a secret to most people, especially women!)
在中国，你遇到别人时说：“你吃过了吗？”，这被认为是礼貌的和可以被接受的。但在西方国家，它被认为是滑稽或可笑的。在中国，当你听到别人说“你的英语非常好”，你很可能会回答“不，不是那么好”，你认为这样表示谦虚。不过，美国或英国人民会以一个大大的微笑回答“谢谢你！”。
When Chinese invite some friends to dinner, the hosts get food for the guests with chopsticks to show their hospitality. Westerners, instead, say “Help yourself.” or “Make yourself at home.”
短语“谢谢你”
在美国文化里，很有意思的一个地方是，“谢谢你”这个短语常常会被用到。不管是什么关系：陌生人、朋友或者家人，“谢谢你”这个短语在每个场合中都会用到。在有人递东西给你的时候，就一定要说“谢谢你”，比如店员找你零钱的时候，或者卖报的人递给你报纸的时候。
Always say thank you. Thank your teacher for a good lesson, thank the store clerk for good service, and thank the doorman just because he does his job. Thank everybody.

美国文化特色英语作文American culture is a vibrant and diverse tapestry woven from the threads of numerous ethnicities, histories, andtraditions. It is a culture that has been shaped by themelting pot of immigrants who have brought their own customs and have, over time, contributed to a unique blend ofsocietal norms and values. Here are some of the distinctive features that define American culture:1. Diversity and Pluralism: The United States is oftenreferred to as a "melting pot" because of its diverse population. People from all over the world have immigrated to the U.S., bringing their languages, religions, and traditions, which coexist and intermingle in a pluralistic society.2. Individualism: American culture places a strong emphasison individual rights, personal freedom, and self-reliance.This is reflected in the American Dream, the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, regardless of their background.3. Innovation and Technology: The U.S. is a global leader in technological innovation and has been the birthplace of many groundbreaking inventions and technological advancements,from the internet to space exploration.4. Fast Food and Consumerism: American culture is often associated with a fast-paced lifestyle, which is evident inits fast food industry and consumer-driven economy. The emphasis on convenience and speed has had a significant impact on global food culture.5. Entertainment Industry: Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry are synonymous with American culture. The U.S. produces a significant portion of the world's films, television shows, and music, influencing global entertainment trends.6. Sports: Sports play a major role in American society, with football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey being some of the most popular. College sports also have a unique place in American culture, with many universities having passionate fan bases.7. Work Ethic: Americans are known for their strong workethic and ambition. The culture often values productivity and achievement in the workplace, which can lead to long working hours and a competitive professional environment.8. Freedom of Speech and Expression: The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, allowing for a wide range of opinions and ideas to be shared openly, even if they are controversial.9. Education and Research: The United States is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and research institutions, which contribute significantly to advancements in various fields.10. Volunteerism and Philanthropy: Many Americans areactively involved in charitable work and community service. Philanthropy is a significant part of the culture, with a strong tradition of giving back to society.In conclusion, American culture is a complex and multifaceted entity that continues to evolve with the ever-changing demographics and global influences. Its distinctive features are not only a source of national identity but alsocontribute to the cultural mosaic of the world.。

美国文化与中国文化的不同英语作文Differences Between American Culture and Chinese CultureCulture is an integral part of human society and plays a significant role in shaping the values, behaviors, and norms of individuals. Each country has its own unique culture, and two of the most influential and distinctive cultures in the world are American culture and Chinese culture. While both cultures share some similarities, there are also many differences that set them apart. In this essay, we will explore and compare the key differences between American culture and Chinese culture.One of the most notable differences between American culture and Chinese culture is the concept of individualism versus collectivism. American culture is highly individualistic, placing a strong emphasis on personal freedom, independence, and self-expression. In American society, individuals are encouraged to pursue their own goals, express their own opinions, and prioritize their own needs over those of the group. On the other hand, Chinese culture is more collectivist, emphasizing harmony, cooperation, and loyalty to the group. In Chinese society, individuals are expected to prioritize the needs of the group over their own personal desires and to conform to societal norms and expectations.Another key difference between American culture and Chinese culture is the perception of time. In American culture, time is seen as a finite resource that should be used efficiently and productively. Americans value punctuality, deadlines, and schedules, and are often perceived as being time-conscious and goal-oriented. In contrast, Chinese culture has a more fluid and flexible concept of time, with an emphasis on relationships, patience, and adaptability. Chinese people are less concerned with strict deadlines and schedules, and place a higher value on maintaining harmonious relationships and being present in the moment.Additionally, the communication styles in American culture and Chinese culture differ significantly. Americans tend to be direct, explicit, and expressive in their communication, often using verbal language to convey their thoughts and feelings. Americans value open and honest communication, and are encouraged to speak their minds and express themselves freely. On the other hand, Chinese culture values indirect, implicit, and nonverbal communication, placing a greater emphasis on context, tone, and body language. Chinese people often rely on subtle cues and gestures to convey meaning, and tend to prioritize harmony and social harmony in their interactions.Moreover, the attitudes towards education and achievement in American culture and Chinese culture vary greatly. In American culture, education is seen as a means of personal development, self-improvement, and career advancement. Americans value creativity, critical thinking, and individuality in education, and encourage students to think outside the box and pursue their passions. In contrast, Chinese culture places a higher value on academic success, discipline, and conformity in education. Chinese students are expected to excel academically, follow the rules, and achieve high grades in order to secure a bright future and honor their families.In conclusion, American culture and Chinese culture are distinct in many ways, from their values and beliefs to their social norms and communication styles. While both cultures have their own strengths and weaknesses, understanding and appreciating these differences can help foster greater cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. By recognizing and respecting the unique aspects of each culture, we can build bridges of communication and connection between people from different backgrounds and create a more inclusive and harmonious global community.。