United States Culture

Working Etiquette | Business Protocol in the US  | The People | Ethnicities | Holidays | Language

Working Etiquette and Employment Trends in the United States:

A list of the 10 jobs with the largest projected growth: (between 1998-2008)

 1.      Systems Analysts

2.      Retail salespeople

3.      Cashiers

4.      General Managers and Top Executives

5.      Truck drivers, light and heavy

6.      Office clerks, general

7.      Registered nurses

8.      Computer support specialists

9.      Personal care and home health aides

10.  Teacher Assistants

 (Bureau of Labor Statistics:  http:/stats.bls.gov/news.realease/ecopro.t107.htm)

A list of the 10 industries with the fastest wage and salary growth: (between 1998-2008)

 1.      Computer and data processing services

2.      Health Services

3.      Residential Care

4.      Management and Public Relations

5.      Personnel supply services

6.      Equipment rental and leasing

7.      Museums, botanical and zoological gardens

8.      Research and testing services

9.      Miscellaneous transportation services

10.  Security and commodity brokers

  A list of the median of annual earnings with different levels of education:

1. Professional Degree   ($72,700)

2. Doctorate  ($62,400)

3. Master’s Degree ($50,000)

4. Bachelor’s Degree ($40,100)

5. Associate Degree ($31,700)

6. Some college, no degree ($30,400)

7. High School Graduate ($26,00)

8. Less than a high school diploma ($19,700)

 (Bureau of Labor Statistics:  http:/stats.bls.gov/news.realease/ecopro.t107.htm)  

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Business Protocol in the United States:

DRESS:

Most business dress requires semi-formal attire, which means that men should wear slacks, a collared long-sleeved shirt and a tie every day to work.  Women should also wear nice pants or a business suit with a conservative blouse.  A mid-length skirt may also be worn.  The best way to know what you should wear to work is to look at those employees around you or to ask your supervisor.  You may find some business atmospheres to be more casual and some to be more sophisticated.  Just remember that it is always better to be professionally over-dressed than it is to be under-dressed.

 WORK SCHEDULES:

Each employer will ask his employees to work different hours, depending on the business and your particular responsibilities.  The average workday starts between

7 am and 8 am and ends between 5pm and 6pm.  Most people work Monday through Fridays, however many also work Saturdays.  Unlike many countries, The United States is very time conscious.  If you are supposed to be at work at 8am, you should arrive before 8am, perhaps at 7:45am.  Many supervisors and managers do not take to well to those who arrive late, especially on a continual basis.  If you are going to be late, it is best to call your supervisor and let him/her know.  If you are sick and cannot come to work, the sooner you let your employer know the better. 

 HOLIDAYS:

You may have read the full list of United States holidays, however you should be aware that not all businesses take certain holidays off.  You can be assured that you will not work Christmas and usually receive the day before and after off as well.  If you are ever unsure about which days you have off, ask your supervisor.

 NOTES IN DOING BUSINESS:

·         Your business card will not be refused, but you may not always receive one in return. Try not to be offended--in the U.S., the rituals involved in exchanging business cards are sometimes not observed as closely as in other cultures. Also keep in mind that just because someone takes your business card, does not mean they will call you.

·         The recipient of your card will probably place it into a wallet, which a man may put in the back pocket of his pants. This gesture is done for convenience and is not meant to be a sign of disrespect, as it might be in other cultures. In many cases, business cards are not exchanged unless you want to contact the person later.

·         Usually, business is conducted at an extremely fast pace.

·         In a meeting, the participants will proceed with business after some brief, preliminary "small talk."

·         Americans often know little of concepts such as sparing other’s feelings and the social niceties and formalities that are vitally important to other cultures.  When they get down to business, everything becomes business and they will not be afraid to say “no” to anything, just for the sake of sparing someone’s feelings.

·         The United States is a very ethnocentric culture, as such it is closed to most "outside" information. Thinking tends to be analytical, concepts are abstracted quickly, and the "universal" rule is preferred.

·         Regardless of the negotiator, company policy is always followed.

·         There are established rules for everything, and experts are relied upon at all levels.

·         The concept "time is money" is taken seriously in U.S. business culture, so always get to the point.

·         In the U.S., money is a key priority and an issue that will be used to win most arguments. Americans don't always realize that businesspeople from many other cultures rarely, if ever, sacrifice status, protocol, or national honor for financial gain.

·         In arguments, Americans will often emphasize their financial strength and/or indomitable position. Generally, they will use a majority vote unhesitatingly if they have it, and will not spend much time seeking consensus. In many cases, they are willing to fire anyone jeopardizing their deal.

·         Americans regard negotiating as problem solving through “give and take" based on respective strengths. They often are unaware that the other side may have only one position.

·         American businesspeople are opportunistic and willing to take chances. Opportunism and risk taking often result in Americans going for the biggest possible slice of the business, 100 % if possible.

·         U.S. salespeople sometimes bring final contracts to first meetings with prospective clients. In large firms, contracts under $10,000 can often be approved by one middle manager in a single meeting.

·         Be aware that the United States is the most litigious society in the world. There are lawyers who specialize in practically every industry and segment of society.

·         In negotiations, points are made by the accumulation of objective facts. This evidence is sometimes biased by faith in the ideologies of democracy, capitalism, and consumerism. The subjective feelings of the participants are not as much of a factor.

·         In general, people from the U.S. will not hesitate to answer "no."

·         American businesspeople can be very blunt and will not hesitate to disagree with you. This approach often causes embarrassment to business travelers who are unaccustomed to dealing with Americans.

·         Anxiety often develops over deadlines and results. The work ethic is strong, so that it appears that Americans' lives revolve around work.

·         Refrain from discussing personal matters during business negotiations.

·         Americans tend to be future oriented.

·         Golf is a popular sport, especially among businesspeople. Moreover, the golf course is often a venue for business discussions and deals.

·         Ethnic and social bias against some minorities does exist. Nevertheless, law guarantee racial equality. In the structure of the workplace, there is an inevitable inequality in employees' roles, but law guarantees racial equality.

·         Traditional sex roles are changing rapidly, but women are still striving for equality in pay and positions of authority.

·         This culture stresses individual initiative and achievement. Moreover, Americans can also be very competitive in both work and leisure.

·         Although the United States is probably the most individualistic of all cultures, each employee is essentially replaceable in any workplace.

·         Outside of the office, Americans tend to be informal and insist on staying on a "first name basis." Nevertheless, it's important to understand the office hierarchy, and a visitor should learn the rank and titles of all members of the organization.

·        Sexual Harassment in the work place is not tolerated in the United States and it is illegal.  If for any reason you should ever feel like you are doing something or being treated in a manner not appropriate to your job description, someone in the company should be notified.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to seek help from Aiesec. 

Source: www.executiveplanet.com

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THE PEOPLE: GENERAL ATTITUDES

While most Americans are proud of their country, they may openly criticize the government (or even the president).  The people and the constitution carefully protect freedom of speech.  Americans value humor and like to laugh at themselves and the country's weaknesses. They ask questions and challenge other people's opinions.  Public criticism is not considered improper unless it is an outrageous or distasteful personal attack.

AMERICANS APPRECIATE INNOVATION, HARD WORK AND INDEPENDENCE.  IN FACT, INDEPENDENCE IS A BASIC VALUE IN THE UNITED STATES. YOUNG PEOPLE WORK TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE FROM THEIR PARENTS.  THE NATION’S POLICY IS BASED ON A BELIEF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE.

ALTHOUGH MANY CULTURES FEEL THE GROUP, COMMUNITY, OR SOCIETY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE INDIVIDUAL, AMERICAN CULTURE IS DIFFERENT. EVEN WHEN WORKING AS A TEAM (IN SPORTS, BUSINESS, AND SO FORTH), AMERICANS USUALLY THINK IN TERMS OF SEVERAL DISTINCT INDIVIDUALS BLENDING THEIR EFFORTS RATHER THAN A GROUP WORKING AS A UNIT. IF YOUR CULTURE STRESSES THE GROUP MORE THAN THE INDIVIDUAL, AMERICAN INDIVIDUALISM MAY BE DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT BECAUSE YOU MAY BE EXPECTED TO BEHAVE THE SAME WAY.

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO DISAGREE WITH SOMEONE, EVEN IN FRONT OF OTHERS. IT IS OFTEN A SIGN OF STRENGTH, AMBITION, AND INTELLIGENCE TO ASK QUESTIONS OR CHALLENGE OPINIONS. AT TIMES, AMERICANS MAY APPEAR TO BE DISRESPECTFUL TO LEADERS, PARENTS, OR SUPERIORS. THIS IS OFTEN BECAUSE THE PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL RESTRICTED BY SOCIAL STATUS. ALTHOUGH SOCIAL CLASSES EXIST, MOST AMERICANS BELIEVE IN SOCIAL MOBILITY THAT ALLOWS A PERSON TO MOVE FROM ONE ECONOMIC CLASS TO ANOTHER.

THE CHANCE FOR MOBILITY IS OFTEN CALLED THE AMERICAN DREAM, WHICH MEANS WORK AND PERSONAL AMBITION CAN LEAD PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH MORE THAN THEIR BACKGROUNDS MIGHT SUGGEST THEY CAN.  PART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM, HOWEVER, IS THE RISK OF FAILURE. THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT HAVE MANY OF THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE THAT PROVIDE BASIC NECESSITIES TO EVERY CITIZEN. THEREFORE, SOME PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE JOBS OR HOMES, AND SOME DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO BASIC HEALTH CARE. THE WEALTHY CAN BECOME POOR AND THE POOR CAN REMAIN POOR. AND SOME ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE NOT TAKEN CARE OF. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT OVERLY INVOLVED IN SOCIETY BECAUSE AMERICANS GENERALLY FEEL THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT INTERVENE IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE.

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ETHNICITIES: 

RACIAL DIVERSITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES AND SAN DIEGO

  DAYS BEFORE THE YEAR 2000, BILL CLINTON (FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES), GAVE A SPEECH TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. IN HIS OPENING LINES HE STATED, “AS WE APPROACH THE 21^ST CENTURY, WE RECOGNIZE BOTH THE GREAT CHALLENGES AND THE EXCITING PROMISE THAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR US.” 

CLINTON WENT ON TO SAY THAT WE AS AMERICANS HAVE “AN OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME THE WORLD’S FIRST TRULY MULTIRACIAL, MULTIETHNIC DEMOCRACY.  TODAY, THERE ARE MORE CHILDREN FROM MORE DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS THAN AT ANY OTHER TIME IN OUR HISTORY, WITH ONE IN FIVE FROM IMMIGRANT FAMILIES.”  CLINTON WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THE CHALLENGES THE FUTURE AS AMERICA CONTINUES TO BECOME THE MOST RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. 

ACCORDING TO THE WASHINGTON POST, NEARLY 7 MILLION AMERICANS DESCRIBED THEMSELVES AS MULTIRACIAL IN THE 2000 POPULATION CENSUS.  THIS FIGURE REFLECTS THE FACT THAT MINORITY GROUPS ARE GROWING MUCH FASTER THAN THE “WHITE” POPULATION.    THE 2000 CENSUS STILL SHOWED THAT THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS ARE NON-HISPANIC WHITES, BUT THAT ONE-FOURTH OF THE POPULATION CONSISTS OF MINORITIES.

THE BIGGEST SHOWING OF GROWTH BELONGED TO HISPANICS, WHOSE POPULATION COUNT ROSE 58% IN ONLY 10 YEARS.  HISPANICS NOW EQUAL THE NUMBER OF AFRICAN AMERICANS, AND THE NUMBER OF THIS GROUP CONTINUES TO GROW EACH DAY. BOTH HISPANICS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS MAKE UP 12 TO 13 PERCENT OF THE U.S. POPULATION. 

SAN DIEGO STANDS AS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSELY POPULATED CITIES IN AMERICA.  IN FACT, ONE NEIGHBORHOOD IN SAN DIEGO, CITY HEIGHTS, IS SAID TO HAVE THE MOST PEOPLE FROM RACIAL BACKGROUNDS OF ANY PLACE IN THE COUNTRY.  EVEN IN THIS “MELTING POT” OF A NEIGHBORHOOD, THE LATINO POPULATION IS FAST OUTNUMBERING BOTH WHITES AND AFRICAN AMERICANS; A TREND SIMILAR TO THIS CAN BE FOUND IN OTHER PARTS OF SAN DIEGO AND AROUND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. 

IN THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, WHITES MAKE UP 49 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION, FOLLOWED BY LATINOS AT 25%, ASIANS AT 13% AND AFRICAN AMERICANS AT 8 PERCENT.  EVEN THOUGH IT MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE CITIES IN AMERICA, NEIGHBORHOODS STILL REMAIN SEGREGATED.  ONE CAN SEE HOW CERTAIN AREAS OF SAN DIEGO ARE USUALLY OCCUPIED WITH A MAJORITY OF LATINOS, WHITES, OR ASIANS.

WITH INCREASING DIVERSITY IN SAN DIEGO AND IN THE UNITED STATES AS A WHOLE, IMMIGRATION AND OTHER ETHNICITY PROBLEMS WITHIN SOCIETY BECOME APPARENT.  THE QUESTION OF WHETHER TO CELEBRATE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES (OR TRY TO MINIMIZE THEM) BECOMES ONE FOR ALL TO ANSWER; FROM EVERYDAY PEOPLE TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.   

IMMIGRATION TO THE UNITED STATES HAS INCREASED SO GREATLY OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS, THAT DISCUSSIONS OF HOW IMMIGRANTS FIT INTO AN IDEAL AMERICAN SOCIETY CONTINUE TO BE BROUGHT FORTH.  AFTER ALL,  MEXICO, THE PHILIPPINES, CHINA AND INDIA SEND THE LARGEST NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS TO THE UNITED STATES TODAY.  IN THE LATE 1990’S, CLINTON AND THE CONGRESS PASSED LEGISLATIVE BILLS, WHICH LIMITED ASSISTANCE TO IMMIGRANTS.  SUCH MEASURES INCLUDED CUTS TO BILINGUAL EDUCATION, WELFARE AND BENEFITS TO THE UNEMPLOYED. 

ANOTHER PROBLEM ARISES BECAUSE IMMIGRANTS ARE LESS LIKELY TO VOTE THAN OTHER CITIZENS OF THE USA. WHETHER IT IS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT U.S. CITIZENS OR FOR OTHER REASONS, THE MINORITY OPINION IS OFTEN TIMES DISREGARDED OR NOT RECORDED.  RECENTLY, HOWEVER, POLITICIANS HAVE BEGUN TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE GROWING NUMBER OF ETHNICITIES; ESPECIALLY THOSE OF LATIN AMERICAN DECENT. 

ALTHOUGH POLITICAL OPINIONS OF IMMIGRANTS MAY OFTEN TIMES BE OVERLOOKED, THEIR CULTURE AND HERITAGE THRIVES IN AMERICA.  SIGNS THAT ANNOUNCE CHURCH SERVICES ARE OFTEN TIMES SEEN IN MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAYS SUCH AS THE CHINESE NEW YEAR AND CINCO DE MAYO ARE MORE OFTEN CELEBRATED BY NATIVE-BORN AMERICANS MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.

MANY ANALYSTS SAY THAT ONE IN FOUR AMERICANS WILL BE HISPANIC OR ASIAN IN THE YEAR 2030 AND THAT THEIR LOCATIONS WITHIN THE US WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND.  THERE IS ALSO EVIDENCE THAT THERE ARE INCREASING INTERRACIAL MARRIAGES AND THAT SECOND-GENERATION CHILDREN ARE MORE LIKELY TO SPEAK ENGLISH AND THE IMMIGRANT FAMILY’S NATIVE LANGUAGE.

AS ONE CAN SEE, THE UNITED STATES WAS A “MELTING POT” YEARS AGO WHEN IMMIGRANTS FIRST CAME TO THIS COUNTRY, AND IT CONTINUES TO BE ONE TODAY. IN YEARS TO COME, THE US WILL HAVE MANY MORE ISSUES TO DEAL WITH AS IMMIGRATION EXPANDS AND THE U.S. POPULATION DIVERSIFIES.  AT THE END OF PUBLIC SPEECH JUST BEFORE THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, PRESIDENT CLINTON FINISHED WITH A MOVE FOR UNITY. CLINTON, LIKE MUCH OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC REALIZED THAT, “WE HAVE MUCH TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT CENTURY AS WE CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY TO BECOME A NATION THAT RESPECTS OUR DIFFERENCES, CELEBRATES OUR DIVERSITY, AND UNITES AROUND OUR SHARED VALUES.” 

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FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR UNTIL THE END: 

AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

NEW YEAR’S EVE AND DAY: (DECEMBER 31^ST & JANUARY 1^ST): EACH YEAR AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT BETWEEN DECEMBER 31^ST AND JANUARY 1^ST, THE ENTIRE WORLD PAUSES TO CELEBRATE A NEW BEGINNING.  ON NEW YEAR’S EVE VARIOUS NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS ARE BROADCAST ON TV AND MANY AMERICANS WATCH AS OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD BEGIN TO CELEBRATE THE BIG EVENT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE TIME ZONES. THE INFAMOUS COUNTDOWN BEGINS IN TIME SQUARE IN NEW YORK CITY AS “THE BALL” DROPS FROM THE TOWER ABOVE THE SQUARE AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT EASTERN STANDARD TIME.  IN AMERICA IT IS A COMMON THOUGHT THAT WITH THE NEW YEAR COMES NEW OPPORTUNITIES.  MOST PEOPLE WILL REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR’S EXPERIENCES AND CREATE RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR.  MOST PEOPLE THINK OF THEIR RESOLUTIONS AS IMPROVEMENTS THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IN THE NEXT YEAR AT HOME, AT WORK, OR IN SCHOOL.  ON THE 1^ST OF JANUARY, THOSE THAT HAVE THE DAY OFF USUALLY SPEND IT SHOPPING OR WATCHING FOOTBALL GAMES AND PARADES ON TELEVISION.

ST. VALENTINE’S DAY: (FEBRUARY 14^TH) ST. VALENTINE HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN REGARDED AS THE PATRON SAINT OF LOVERS.  THUS THIS IS A HOLIDAY HONORING LOVERS. ON THIS OCCASION THOSE PEOPLE THAT ARE MARRIED OR DATING CELEBRATE THE ROMANTIC HOLIDAY TOGETHER AND EXCHANGE GIFTS.  ITS CUSTOMS INCLUDE THE SENDING OF GREETING CARDS OR GIFTS TO EXPRESS AFFECTION. THE CARDS, KNOWN AS “VALENTINES”, ARE OFTEN DESIGNED WITH HEARTS TO SYMBOLIZE LOVE.  TYPICAL GIFTS FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN INCLUDE: CARDS, NOTES OF APPRECIATION, FLOWERS, DINNER RESERVATIONS, CANDY (CHOCOLATE), LINGERIE AND JEWELRY.

MARDI GRAS:  (OR SHROVE “FAT” TUESDAY), IS CELEBRATED BY THE FRENCH AS THE LAST OF THE THREE DAYS OF SHROVETIDE AND IS A TIME OF PREPARATION IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE START OF THE FAST OF LENT. IT IS THUS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR MERRYMAKING AND INDULGENCE IN FOOD AND DRINK. IN PRACTICE, MARDI GRAS IS GENERALLY CELEBRATED FOR A FULL WEEK BEFORE LENT. IT IS MARKED BY SPECTACULAR PARADES FEATURING FLOATS, PAGEANTS, ELABORATE COSTUMES, MASKED BALLS, AND DANCING IN THE STREETS.  DURING MANY PARADES THERE IS INCREASED ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, AND MANY PEOPLE GATHER BELOW WINDOWS OR IN GROUPS TO HAVE BEADED NECKLACES TOSSED AT THEM FROM THE FLOATS OR BUILDING WINDOWS AFTER EXPOSING THEMSELVES. 

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY: (MARCH 17^TH) EVERY YEAR ON MARCH 17^TH, AMERICANS (ESPECIALLY THOSE OF IRISH DESCENT) CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK’S DAY WITH PARADES AND PAGEANTRY. THE HOLIDAY HONORS THE MAN WHO BROUGHT CHRISTIANITY TO IRELAND IN THE 5TH CENTURY. ACCORDING TO LEGEND, SAINT PATRICK USED THE THREE LEAVES OF THE SHAMROCK TO EXPLAIN THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY. LEPRECHAUNS, A MYTHICAL RACE OF ELVES WHO BESTOW THEIR HIDDEN TREASURE ON ANYONE WHO CAN CATCH THEM, SYMBOLIZE THE FAMOUS “LUCK OF THE IRISH.”  SAINT PATRICK’S DAY, THE TRADITIONAL FEAST DAY OF IRELAND’S PATRON SAINT OBSERVED ON MARCH 17, HAS EVOLVED INTO AN ANNUAL IRISH-STYLE CELEBRATION OF THE UNITED STATE’S DIVERSE ETHNIC MAKEUP. ON SAINT PATRICK’S DAY, COMMUNITIES OFTEN SPONSOR PARADES AND PARTIES. CELEBRANTS OFTEN DRESS IN GREEN, WHICH IS SYMBOLIC OF THE LUSH, GREEN LANDSCAPE OF IRELAND.

INDEPENDENCE DAY: (JULY 4^TH) THIS IS AN ANNUAL HOLIDAY COMMEMORATING THE FORMAL ADOPTION OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS ON JULY 4, 1776, IN PHILADELPHIA. ALTHOUGH THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION WAS NOT COMPLETED UNTIL AUGUST, THE FOURTH OF JULY HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE OFFICIAL ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED STATES’ INDEPENDENCE AND IS CELEBRATED IN ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES OF THE U.S.  THE HOLIDAY WAS FIRST OBSERVED IN PHILADELPHIA ON JULY 8, 1776, AT WHICH TIME THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WAS READ ALOUD WITH THE CITY’S BELLS RINGING AND BANDS PLAYING.  HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT DECLARED A LEGAL HOLIDAY UNTIL 1941. THE FOURTH IS TRADITIONALLY CELEBRATED PUBLICLY WITH PARADES AND PAGEANTS, PATRIOTIC SPEECHES, AND ORGANIZED FIRING OF GUNS, CANNONS AND DISPLAYS OF FIREWORKS. EARLY IN THE 20TH CENTURY PUBLIC CONCERN FOR A “SAFE AND SANE” HOLIDAY RESULTED IN RESTRICTIONS ON GENERAL USE OF FIREWORKS. FAMILY PICNICS OR BARBECUES AND OUTINGS ARE A FEATURE OF PRIVATE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS.

HALLOWEEN: (OCTOBER 31^ST) THE OBSERVANCES OF HALLOWEEN ARE THOUGHT TO HAVE ORIGINATED AMONG THE ANCIENT DRUIDS. THE DRUIDS BELIEVED THAT ON THIS EVENING, SAMAN, THE LORD OF THE DEAD, CALLED FORTH HOSTS OF EVIL SPIRITS. THE DRUIDS CUSTOMARILY LIT GREAT FIRES ON HALLOWEEN, APPARENTLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF WARDING OFF ALL THESE SPIRITS. THE ANCIENT CELTS ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD REVISITED THEIR EARTHLY HOMES ON THAT EVENING. IN THE UNITED STATES MOST CHILDREN GO “TRICK OR TREATING” ONCE THE SUN HAS SET OR GO TO CARNIVALS, AROUND THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS OR SCHOOL.  CHILDREN DRESS UP IN COSTUMES THAT RANGE FROM GHOSTS, WITCHES, AND GOBLINS TO ACTION HEROES, MOVIES STARS, SOCIETAL FIGURES, OR CARTOON CHARACTERS.  MOST TEENAGERS AND SINGLE ADULTS ALSO DRESS UP FOR THE HOLIDAY AND ATTEND PARTIES OR CARNIVALS LATE INTO THE NIGHT, SOMETIMES PLAYING TRICKS ON THE KIDS OR PARTICIPATING IN OTHER GAMES. MANY PEOPLE WILL ALSO DECORATE THEIR HOUSES AND PORCHES WITH SCENES INTENDED TO SCARE CHILDREN.  DECORATIONS OFTEN INCLUDE JACK O’ LANTERNS, WHICH ARE HOLLOWED OUT AND CARVED PUMPKINS WITH CANDLES IN THEM. IN THE UNITED STATES, THERE ARE MANY “URBAN” LEGENDS SURROUNDING THE ACTIVITIES (AND ON DEATH IN GENERAL) ON THIS HOLIDAY.

THANKSGIVING: (4^TH THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER) THE PILGRIMS WERE A GROUP OF PURITANS WHO LANDED AT PLYMOUTH ROCK, IN WHAT IS NOW MASSACHUSETTS, IN 1620. IN 1621 GOVERNOR WILLIAM BRADFORD OF NEW ENGLAND PROCLAIMED A DAY OF “THANKSGIVING” AND PRAYER TO CELEBRATE THE PILGRIMS’ FIRST HARVEST IN AMERICA. UNITED STATES PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN, FOLLOWING THE PRECEDENT OF A NUMBER OF STATES, DESIGNATED A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING DAY IN 1863. NOW THANKSGIVING DAY FALLS ANNUALLY ON THE FOURTH THURSDAY OF NOVEMBER. TRADITIONALLY MOST AMERICAN FAMILIES TAKE THIS DAY TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING FOR ALL OF THE PLEASURES AND THING THAT THEY ARE GRATEFUL FOR IN LIFE.  THE DAY IS USUALLY SPENT PREPARING LARGE FEASTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.  AT THE SAME TIME, TELEVISED PARADES FROM MAJOR METROPOLITAN CITIES, FOOTBALL GAMES, AND QUALITY FAMILY TIME MAKE FOR SUCH A SPECIAL DAY. 

CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY: (DECEMBER 24^TH AND 25^TH) CELEBRATED IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, HELD ON DECEMBER 25^TH, TO CELEBRATE THE NATIVITY, OR BIRTH OF CHRIST. THE ORIGIN OF THE FESTIVAL IS UNKNOWN. CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS, GENERALLY OBSERVED BY CHRISTIANS SINCE THE 4TH CENTURY, INCORPORATE PAGAN CUSTOMS, SUCH AS THE USE OF HOLLY, MISTLETOE, YULE LOGS, AND WASSAIL BOWLS. THE CHRISTMAS TREE, AN EVERGREEN TRIMMED WITH LIGHTS AND OTHER DECORATIONS, IS DERIVED FROM THE SO-CALLED PARADISE TREE (SYMBOLIZING EDEN) OF GERMAN MYSTERY PLAYS. IN 1841 ALBERT, PRINCE CONSORT OF QUEEN VICTORIA, INTRODUCED THE CHRISTMAS TREE CUSTOM TO GREAT BRITAIN; FROM THERE IT SPREAD TO THE UNITED STATES WITH THE INCOMING IMMIGRANTS.

MEANWHILE, DUTCH SETTLERS HAD BROUGHT TO THE NEW WORLD THE CUSTOM OF CELEBRATING ST. NICHOLAS' DAY ON DECEMBER 6, AND ESPECIALLY ST. NICHOLAS' EVE, WHEN GIFTS WERE GIVEN TO CHILDREN, OF WHOM THE SAINT WAS PATRON. BRITISH SETTLERS TOOK OVER THE TRADITION AS PART OF THEIR CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION. THE ENGLISH NAME OF THE LEGENDARY JOLLY, RED-GARBED MAN WHO DELIVERS PRESENTS TO GOOD CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS IS “SANTA CLAUS”.  THIS NAME IS DERIVED FROM THE DUTCH SINTERKLAAS, A MODIFICATION OF SINT NIKOLAAS.  SANTA CLAUS IS THE LEGENDARY DELIVERYMAN OF GIFTS AT CHRISTMAS. HE IS GENERALLY DEPICTED AS A FAT, JOLLY MAN WITH A WHITE BEARD, DRESSED IN A RED SUIT TRIMMED WITH WHITE, AND DRIVING A SLEIGH FULL OF TOYS DRAWN THROUGH THE AIR BY EIGHT REINDEER. SANTA IS SAID TO VISIT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, ENTERING HOUSES THROUGH THE CHIMNEY TO LEAVE PRESENTS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND IN THE STOCKINGS OF ALL GOOD CHILDREN. ALTHOUGH THIS FAMILIAR IMAGE OF SANTA CLAUS IS A NORTH AMERICAN INVENTION OF THE 19TH CENTURY, IT HAS ANCIENT EUROPEAN ROOTS AND CONTINUES TO INFLUENCE THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. 

CHRISTMAS IN THE UNITED STATES IS NOT JUST A HOLIDAY; IT IS ALSO A SEASON.  THIS SEASON BEGINS ON THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, WITH THE LARGEST SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR AND CONTINUES TO GROW IN SPIRIT THROUGH DECEMBER 1^ST WITH THE BEGINNING OF ADVENT.  THIS IS A TIME OF YEAR THAT IS SPENT GATHERED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.  MANY PEOPLE SEE THIS AS A TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY, BY DONATING TO VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS THAT WORK TOWARD THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY.  MANY ORGANIZATIONS GATHER TOYS AND FOODSTUFFS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN IN NEED.

AMERICAN “HISTORICAL FIGURE” DAYS: (MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY, WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY, PRESIDENT’S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, UNITED NATIONS’ DAY, COLUMBUS’ DAY & VETERANS’ DAY). THESE ARE ALL LEGAL HOLIDAYS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS CREATED IN HONOR OF HISTORICAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS FROM AMERICA’S PAST.  MOST HOLIDAYS ARE NOT CELEBRATED IN GREAT DEPTH WITH EXCHANGE OF GIFTS, BUT ARE MORE SO JUST A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE.  DAYS SUCH AS THE BIRTHDAY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. OR VETERAN’S DAY ARE CELEBRATED WITH PARADES AND PUBLIC SPEECHES.  FROM TIME TO TIME THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL MAKE SPEECHES OR PRESS RELEASES IN HONORABLE REMEMBRANCE OF THE EVENT OR PERSON’S LIFE THAT IS BEING CELEBRATED.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT MOST GOVERNMENTAL OFFICES, INCLUDING THE POST OFFICE AND SOME BANKS, WILL NORMALLY BE CLOSED ON THESE DAYS.

FAMILY DAYS:  (MOTHER’S DAY, FATHER’S DAY, AND GRANDPARENTS’ DAY). THE NATION AND MANY RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS BELIEVE IN THE NEED TO RESPECT AND CARE FOR OUR ELDERS.  THESE DAYS HAVE BEEN DEDICATED TO THAT PURPOSE.  IT IS COMMON IN THE UNITED STATES TO GIVE CARDS AND GIFTS TO PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS ON THESE DAYS.  ON THESE DAYS, MANY PEOPLE SPEND QUIET TIME WITH THEIR FAMILY AND THANK THEIR PARENTS FOR ALL THEY HAVE DONE.

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS:

EASTER (ASH WEDNESDAY, LENT, PALM SUNDAY, GOOD FRIDAY OR EASTER SUNDAY): THIS IS THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL COMMEMORATING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST, AND THE PRINCIPAL FEAST OF THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. IT IS CELEBRATED ON A SUNDAY ON VARYING DATES BETWEEN MARCH 22 AND APRIL 25 AND IS THEREFORE CALLED A MOVABLE FEAST. THE DATES OF SEVERAL OTHER ECCLESIASTICAL FESTIVALS, EXTENDING OVER A PERIOD BETWEEN SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY (THE NINTH SUNDAY BEFORE EASTER) AND THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, ARE FIXED IN RELATION TO THE DATE OF EASTER.  CONNECTED WITH THE OBSERVANCE OF EASTER IS THE 40-DAY PENITENTIAL SEASON OF LENT. IT BEGINS ON ASH WEDNESDAY AND CONCLUDES AT MIDNIGHT ON HOLY SATURDAY, THE DAY BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY; HOLY WEEK, COMMENCING ON PALM SUNDAY, INCLUDING GOOD FRIDAY, THE DAY OF THE CRUCIFIXION, AND ENDING WITH HOLY SATURDAY; AND THE OCTAVE OF EASTER, EXTENDING FROM EASTER SUNDAY THROUGH THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY.

KWANZAA: AN AFRICAN AMERICAN HOLIDAY OBSERVED BY AFRICAN COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, IT CELEBRATES FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND CULTURE. IT IS A SEVEN-DAY HOLIDAY THAT BEGINS DECEMBER 26^TH AND CONTINUES THROUGH JANUARY 1^ST. KWANZAA IS ORGANIZED AROUND FIVE FUNDAMENTAL ACTIVITIES COMMON TO OTHER AFRICAN CELEBRATIONS:

(1)  the gathering of family, friends, and community,

(2)  reverence for the creator and creation (including thanksgiving and recommitment to respect the environment and heal the world),

(3)  commemoration of the past (honoring ancestors, learning lessons and recognizing achievements of African history), 

(4)  recommitment to the highest cultural ideals of the African community (for example, truth, justice, respect for people and nature, care for the vulnerable, and respect for elders), and

(5)  celebration of the “Good of Life” (for example, life, struggle, achievement, family, community, and culture). 

Kwanzaa is celebrated through rituals, dialogue, narratives, poetry, dancing, singing, drumming and other music, and feasting. A central practice is the lighting of the seven candles of Kwanzaa. A candle is lit each day for each of the Seven Principles. These principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kwanzaa ends with a day of assessment on which celebrants raise and answer questions of cultural and moral grounding and consider their worthiness in family, community

and culture.

Rosh Hashanah: the Old Testament as a holy Sabbath prescribes The Jewish New Year (or the Feast of Trumpets). It is celebrated (generally in September) on the first and second days of Tishrei.

Yom Kippur: A holiday, in Judaism, falling on the tenth day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year and the first of the civil year, occurring in September or the first half of October. It climaxes with the observance of the Ten Penitential Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah, or the New Year, and is the most sacred of Jewish holidays; with Rosh Hashanah it constitutes the so-called High Holy Days. Yom Kippur is a day of confession, repentance, and prayers for forgiveness of sins committed during the year against the laws and covenant of God. It is also the day on which an individual's fate for the ensuing year is thought to be determined.  Today Jews observe the day by a rigorous fast and nearly unbroken prayer. The mood is solemn but not mournful, as evidenced by the Oriental Jewish custom of calling Yom Kippur the White Fast; this is in contradistinction to Tishah b'Ab (the Ninth of Ab), the Black Fast, which commemorates the destruction of the Temple.

Hanukkah: An annual festival of the Jews celebrated on eight successive days. It begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding, approximately, to December in the Gregorian calendar. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of the Maccabees, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC after the temple had been profaned by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of Syria and overlord of Palestine.

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LANGUAGE

American English is slightly different from the English spoken in other countries, such as Great Britain or Australia.

The use if American English is very flexible and does not conform to strict rules. American people usually use a lot of slang that you will progressively get used to.

A good example of this is “How ya doin’?”  which stands for “How are you?” It may be different from the “How do you do?” that you have learned, which is the British version of English that is usually taught in other countries.

The pronunciation is also different. Instead of speaking concisely and clipping all the syllables, American people have a tendency to draw out their sounds.  Don’t be surprised if you hear “water” pronounced “waDDer”, or even  “Atlanta”, pronounced “ADlanNa”.

Here are some of the slang words and idioms American people use:

Ass: an unworthy and hated person.

"Stop being such an ass!"

Awesome: great and impressive.

"Tom's new car is truly awesome!"

Bitch [offensive]: a very unpleasant woman.

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