Chapter 1 briefly describes the similarities and differences between British and American cultures
The homology of British and American cultures
The homology of British and American cultures is undeniable. To be more precise, it should be that American culture has inherited many things from British culture. British culture is the root and source of American culture. This is because American history was influenced by Britain.
First of all, among the early immigrants in the United States, the British accounted for a very large proportion. Let nature take its course, and they brought British culture, British character traits, and British ways of thinking to this new world.
Secondly, in the 17th century, Britain took the lead among all countries in carrying out bourgeois revolution and became the first to enter the ranks of capitalist countries. The British economy has made great progress. Soon, it took the lead in the industrial revolution in the world. British power grew by leaps and bounds and dominated the world. The United States is an important area where it carries out military and cultural aggression. This kind of history leads to the homology of British and American culture.
2 The similarities between the cultures of the two countries
The homology makes the cultures of the two countries have many similarities.
1 Language - all are English
2 Religion - mainly Protestant Christianity
3 Some details of social interaction - ladies first, civilized and polite , protect privacy, taboo Friday, number thirteen, etc.
4 holidays - Halloween, Easter, etc.
Chapter 2 The manifestation of cultural differences between Britain and the United States
British and American cultures have many similarities. However, with the evolution of history and the inheritance of culture, American culture, which has developed independently for more than 200 years, has undergone many variations due to different ecological environments. Today we come back to British and American culture, and there are already many differences.
I read a post online a few days ago that talked about the differences between British and American returnees. Common comments about overseas returnees in the UK are that they dress decently, speak very politely, and behave politely. They follow the steps and are not impatient. However, they tend to be slow in doing things and like to twist around. They often go through hundreds of twists and turns just to say something unpleasant. circle. The evaluation of returnees studying in the United States can be summarized in three sentences: "dress tackily, speak arrogantly, and spend money stingily." That is to say, returnees studying in the United States generally dress casually and are not very particular about it. Even on certain occasions, they wear suits and leather shoes, are polite and have a somewhat "gentleman" air. But as soon as they see no one else around, these "gentlemen" reveal their true colors, taking off their shoes, loosening their ties, unbuttoning their buttons, and crossing their feet.
The differences in the behavior, words and deeds of these returnees actually reflect the differences between British and American cultures. In fact, the differences between British and American cultures are reflected in many aspects:
1. Differences in British and American languages
Although both the British and American countries speak English, American English and British English are different of. Although the British and Americans both speak English, the difference between the two types of English is still very big. Anyone who studies English knows that there are two types of English pronunciation: British pronunciation and American pronunciation. Relatively speaking, British English has clearer pronunciation, fewer consecutive parts, and generally sounds relatively straight and rounded. When Americans speak English, they adhere to the principle of sparing as much as they can and connecting as much as they can. , Therefore, for people who use English as a second language, it will be much more comfortable to listen to British pronunciation. If you want to get used to American pronunciation, I am afraid that only those who have lived in the United States can really do it. In addition, there are many differences in the usage of words between the two countries
2. Differences in British and American life customs
The British and Americans also have differences in their daily life customs.
From the perspective of clothing, the two British people are very particular about clothing and gentlemanly manners, with suits and leather shoes, and shiny leather shoes. Americans are more casual. They can wear whatever they want, focusing on their own comfort. They don't care about other people's comments, and others won't judge them either. When some British ladies receive yellow-skinned friends, they specially apply yellow cream to show their closeness and respect for their friends. Americans are much more convenient. In recent years, large flower pants have become popular in the United States. They are indispensable for people of all ages, both in and out of school. But this does not mean that they are casual everywhere. On some occasions, they also wear suits and leather shoes, are polite and have a somewhat "gentleman" style. But as soon as they see no one else around, these "gentlemen" reveal their true colors, taking off their shoes, loosening their ties, unbuttoning their buttons, and crossing their feet.
From a dietary point of view, the cuisine of both countries is like English, a hodgepodge that widely absorbs the influence of different cultures from around the world. As we all know, Britain is a place where many gentlemen and ladies gather, and British food exudes the noble temperament that the British upper class should have. From the selection of ingredients to cooking to every word and deed on the table, the British are all meticulous Taken to the extreme. Especially in terms of table manners, there is no talking at the table, no sound of knocking tableware, how to hold knives and forks... Almost all the rules of French and Western food we know are followed by the British, and the same is true for eating in the United States. In person, it seems much more casual. American food does not pay attention to finesse, but pursues speed and convenience. It is not luxurious and is more popular. Three meals a day are relatively casual. America’s favorite is so-called junk food. For Americans who live an extremely fast pace, hamburgers and fries that can be cooked in five minutes are obviously much more attractive than Western-style meals with many rules.
As for the result of this eating habit, among the people walking on the streets in the United States, there are obviously many more people with potbellies than people with standard figures. This kind of eating habits also reflects American life to a certain extent, which is vigorous and resolute, not as procrastinating and detail-oriented as the British.
In addition, Americans not only celebrate the same holidays as the British, but also have their own Thanksgiving.
3. The character of Americans is also different from that of British people.
Some people summarize the American character as: enthusiasm, cheerfulness, adventure, innovation, unrestrained, straightforward humor
The corresponding British character traits are: indifference, Implicit, restrained, conservative, rational and rigorous, gentleman's humor
Dickens is known as the master of British humor. Like all comedy masters, Dickens allowed humor to subvert people's assumptions. Whether these assumptions are general or specific, they have deeply influenced generations of British people and have become part of the British tradition. He took advantage of this to keep readers away from reason and theory, raised his heartfelt sympathy and happy attitude to the highest moral status, illuminated his lifeless business era with laughing emotions, and called people back to laughter and love. Dickens' humor influenced many later writers. For example, the humor in the famous Chinese writer Lao She's works was deeply influenced by Dickens. After reading Dickens' humor, I smiled knowingly.
One day, the British writer Dickens (1812--1870) was sitting by the river fishing. A stranger came up to him and asked him: "Why, are you fishing?" "Yes," Dickens He replied casually, "I'm really unlucky today. At this time, I haven't even seen one yet. But I was here yesterday and I got 15!" "Is that so?" the man said, "But do you know who I am? "I'm in charge of this section of the river. Fishing is prohibited here!" As he said this, he took out the invoice book from his pocket and asked for a fine. Dickens quickly asked: "Do you know who I am? I am responsible for fictional stories. Fictional stories are a writer's career, so you cannot fine me!"
But Dickens' humor is famous in the United States. Author Mark Twain disdained. Mark Twain once said that he could not read anything ridiculous in Dickens's works. In fact, Mark Twain's statement is somewhat biased. Because the humor he understands is American humor. He himself is also a representative figure of American humor. He is well-known in the United States and even nationally for his humor. Mark Twain's humor contains sarcasm, wit, teasing, and jokes, which can make you cry with laughter and make your heart tremble with laughter. It's like eating an olive, sweet but astringent.
Once, the American writer Mark Twain stayed at a hotel in a small town in England. When he signed the passenger registration book, he found that a famous passenger before him signed like this: "Von. The Duke of Butford and his many servants." Mark Twain smiled and wrote in the passenger book: "Mark Twain and his trunk."
The British and the United States. People are not convinced by each other. The British say that Americans have no history and are arrogant; Americans say that the British are conservative and rigid and do not understand the future.
4. The educational philosophies of Britain and the United States are different.
Americans’ tireless pursuit of equality and freedom is reflected in education. The American education system is diverse, open (open to people with different levels of learning abilities and economic conditions), international, and flexible. (Various schools of different natures meet the needs of people with different goals, and the country does not have a unified education system) characteristics, which enable American education to not only meet the needs of different groups and people at different levels, ensure educational fairness and equal opportunities, but also Satisfy and give full play to the personality characteristics of different educated objects, making education full of vitality and vitality.
The British’s conservatism and rigor are reflected in their rigorous style of study and perfect education system. It has a strict quality control system. The teaching quality evaluation and scientific research level evaluation results of major institutions are announced to the world. British higher education is regularly inspected. The scientific research level of British universities has been maintained at a very high level for a long time, which is also inseparable from this quality control system. Many groundbreaking research inventions originated in the UK, such as the first cloned sheep, which was cultivated at the University of Edinburgh. The quality of British education is also reflected in the strict assessment of students. Some majors can be described as "cruel", and there are many people who are eliminated and fail to get a degree. British teachers usually do not let students go just because they are just a little bit behind. Students Yima, their professional ethics and professionalism effectively guarantee the quality of education.
Two countries, two cultures, and two completely different educational styles, both represent the world’s top educational standards. This is inconsistent with the government and the public’s profound understanding of education. It doesn't matter. Americans believe that no matter what situation a person is in, there are two things that must be done throughout his life: one is to get an education, and the other is to believe in religion. Americans attach as much importance to education as they do to religion. The slogan of British Education is: The Best You Can Be - You can achieve the best, which reflects their educational philosophy and the belief they always pursue. Under this consciousness, both American education and British education are not only activities carried out for purely utilitarian purposes, but also have religious beliefs, almost a sacred religious act.
5. The corporate cultures of Britain and the United States are different.
American corporate culture emphasizes innovation, while British corporate culture is conservative. American corporate culture believes that everyone can realize personal value, but British corporate culture will emphasize hierarchy. American corporate culture believes that competition is the responsibility of the company. A source of life, while British business shuns competition. This in turn leads to differences in the development prospects of American companies and British companies.
Chapter 3 Reasons for the Differences in British and American Culture
Why are there such huge differences in the essence of British and American culture? I think the cultural ecological environment is different.
1. The geographical environment is different.
The two are located in different geographical locations, one is the European continent and the other is the American continent. After a long period of development, Britain has become very wealthy. But when the United States first came to a completely unfamiliar continent, the first immigrants were called pioneers, so they had to dare to take risks. Without the spirit of adventure, they would not be able to survive, let alone develop.
In addition, the differences between the entire European culture and American culture also have an impact on them.
2. Differences in humanistic environment.
The difference in humanistic environment is the main reason for the cultural differences between the two countries.
Britain is a traditional European country with a long historical heritage. There have long been hierarchical differences in its society, and there has always been a monarch. Therefore, the British like to be nostalgic, conservative, gentlemanly, etc. These aspects require historical precipitation and accumulation, and it is often impossible to achieve without historical precipitation and accumulation. The United States is precisely a young country without a deep historical accumulation. Therefore, Americans are brave in innovation and emphasize personal values. Because there are not many traditional things for them to remember and inherit, they need to explore. On the other hand, there are not many constraints, and they can be free to innovate boldly.
In addition, the population composition of the two countries is also different. The United States is a country of immigrants, and people from all countries and regions in the world are in the United States. Therefore, American culture presents multi-faceted characteristics. Therefore, American culture is also very receptive and tolerant, and can accept and absorb all cultural factors. It shows an open attitude towards foreign cultures. This culture has affected Americans, which is that Americans are very enthusiastic, cheerful, and good at accepting different people and things. However, the UK’s demographic structure is much more homogeneous than that of the US. Therefore, Britain is not easy to accept foreign culture.
Reflected on the British character, they are more restrained and reserved