On the other hand, American culture is different from European culture, because after European immigrants drove away the Indians on the North American continent, they created an amazing and splendid civilization in a barren wilderness. Therefore, when talking about American cultural customs and social etiquette, we should not only consider the similarities between European and American cultures, but also pay attention to their differences.
First of all, diet
1, the characteristics of daily diet
America is a typical immigrant country. Since Columbus discovered America in 1492, some European countries began to immigrate to and colonize North America. While developing the local economy, they also brought their living habits and cooking skills to the United States, so American cuisine can be called the intersection of East and West, and the convergence of North and South.
Various regional and ethnic dishes have their own foothold in the American catering market. The American diet is more popular, eating three meals a day casually. They pursue a fast and convenient diet, paying attention to the intake of nutrition rather than delicious food.
When we mention American food, we immediately think of hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and other foods. In fact, their diet is much richer than we thought. Americans spend almost the same time on three meals a day as China.
The content of breakfast is mainly bread, cereal, milk, sausage and so on. Lunch is more casual, and most people will eat some fast food at work, such as sandwiches and hot dogs. Dinner is very rich, and people who have been busy all day will let themselves have a good rest. This is the only family reunion dinner in a day, usually with one or two dishes, such as steak, barbecue, fried chicken and so on. Take some vegetables and fruits, as well as bread and rice as the staple food.
Before going to bed, Americans will eat snacks and fruits for dinner. In terms of taste, Americans prefer light and cold food. The taste of dishes is generally salty and sweet. At the same time, when cooking, all meat dishes are boned first, fish skulls and bone spurs are removed, and shrimps and crabs are shelled.
Americans don't like to eat pig's feet, fat meat, chicken feet and animal offal, which is very different from China. They seldom put seasoning in their cooking. In most cases, they will put seasonings such as soy sauce and monosodium glutamate on the table and help themselves.
2. Diet concept:
In the United States, a highly developed country, people have a strong sense of time, so they emphasize quality rather than quantity, and prefer nutrition and science in food selection.
While all kinds of delicious food are gathering, Americans are more optimistic about efficiency-related pragmatism. Their pragmatism is mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, health. Americans are increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy diet to their health, and now Americans are gradually moving away from "junk food".
Second is money. In basic necessities of life, Americans prefer to spend more money on clothing, housing, transportation and entertainment, and less on food. Finally, it is quick and convenient.
"Time is money" is one of the typical characteristics of western social culture. Coupled with the fast pace of life and many single-parent families, Americans are generally reluctant to cook at home.
In cooking, the color and taste of dishes are secondary. From this aspect, we can also see that Americans have a more rational concept of diet. They just use diet as a means to satisfy their hunger.
In the form of dining, the United States implements a separate dining system, which also reflects the American values of attaching importance to individuals and advocating individualism.
3, food etiquette:
Compared with China people, Americans are a little casual. However, they also have their own unique food etiquette. Take family dining in the United States as an example to explain in detail.
In the United States, the principle of "ladies first" is the standard for them to arrange seats. The order of serving is usually arranged from outside to inside, and the use is also taken from outside to inside. When eating, only the hostess began to eat, and others began to eat. In the process of eating, Americans pay attention to silence and try not to make a sound when drinking and chewing. Toasting each other and toasting each other is just a polite behavior, not a Chinese "binge drinking".
During the dinner, the guests seldom make any noise, but only talk to the guests next to them in a low voice. After dinner, only the hostess leaves the table, and others can leave. If you eat in a restaurant, Americans often use AA system.
Let's go Dutch. It should also be noted that no matter where you eat, you should try to finish all the food on your plate. In China and the United States, it is the same for guests to take a break after dinner and then thank their hosts before leaving.
Second, sports.
Sports culture, each university has its own team, every season there are competitions, football, rugby, baseball, basketball, and the resulting cheerleading culture. Every season, when the whole family goes out, they just open the trunk of the car and drive, eat, drink and chat together. National fitness, came to the United States to study, found that not going to the gym seems to be an alien.
It may also be because the medical expenses in the United States are high even with insurance, and the best way to make money is exercise. Besides, most Americans look quite sunny and active, all because of the benefits of active exercise.
Sports should know that the United States is the largest sports country in the world, MLB NBA NFL NHL. These are very popular sports leagues in the United States, and American music styles are also diverse. Black music plays an important role in American pop music, such as singer Fei? Answer? T cooperation, like jay z kanye am and so on. You know, American presidents are all black.
It is these black people who have derived American street culture, so you can see young people playing skateboard graffiti with snapback everywhere in the United States, that is, hi? P hop culture, these factors have gradually replaced gang drug crimes in the 1980s and 1990s, and these street cultures are an important part of American culture.
Third, social culture.
1. Most China students are shy and introverted, and don't know how to communicate with Americans or solve problems. The best way to solve the problem is communication, communication, communication! Many misunderstandings are caused by the lack of effective communication. China students need to express their ideas bravely and politely.
2. Participating in sports and club activities is a good way to socialize. Most Americans like sports, which can help you make friends quickly.
The United States encourages everyone to speak for themselves and express their views. Class participation will be graded, and class speech is also an essential lesson for every student. No matter what the English level is, only by expressing more can we integrate into the United States more quickly.
Americans attach great importance to small talk. For example, how to communicate politely and briefly when meeting classmates and friends in elevators and school corridors is an important social skill.
5. Don't use excuses instead of' Excuseme' and' ExcusemeI'm sorry apologize, but I'm sorry is heavy, which means I admit my fault or mistake; If you say "I'm sorry" to make way for the other party, it may confuse the other party.
6. Say hello to strangers. On the road, in the elevator, or in the corridor, we often meet oncoming people. When eyes meet, it is the habit of many people in China to bow their heads, but it is the habit of Americans to greet with their eyes. They shouldn't look away at once, or turn their faces to one side and pretend not to see them.
Americans only do this to people who don't like it and don't care. When Americans walk in the street in the morning, they will habitually say good morning if they meet people passing by. Of course, in a street with many pedestrians, you don't have to say hello to all the people passing by.
7. Pay attention to the topic of conversation. Attend American parties, don't just talk about the topics you care about and are good at. Talking only about topics you are familiar with will make others feel embarrassed and even disgusted. When you speak, you should find a topic that everyone is interested in, a relaxed and happy topic.
8. Don't stick out your tongue in front of others. Americans think sticking out your tongue in front of others is unsightly and impolite, giving people a vulgar and indecent feeling, which can even be interpreted as looking down on others.
9. Don't give gifts indiscriminately. Gifts must be meaningful. For example, a friend's birthday, a colleague's marriage, you can send a gift to express your mind. Don't give gifts for no reason, especially expensive gifts, so that the other party will not only be grateful, but also suspect that you have other intentions. When you don't know what gift is appropriate, you can send flowers, be a guest or attend a banquet. Flowers are always suitable. Perfume and vitamins are also very popular.
10. Don't pay for others. China people's habit is that when several friends go out together, they always scramble to pay for tickets and tickets. If they do this to Americans, they won't get their thanks. This will make Americans feel indebted. When going out together, Americans always go Dutch, including fare, meal and tip.
1 1. Reply to others' invitation. A common social etiquette mistake made by China people in the United States is not to respond to other people's invitations. The habit of Americans is that after receiving an invitation, they will reply in time whether they go or not. If you are not sure, tell the other party that you are not sure at present and when you can be sure. If you don't respond after receiving the invitation, you will directly kill the host and even bring extra people there, which will make the host unprepared.