USA
From WikiCultures
Contents |
Background
Geography
History
People
Population
Language
English and Spanish are the most common language of the United States. Spanish is spoken more towards the south. Cajun can be heard in the Bayou. There are many accents all around the country. Standard radio accent is mid-western.
Language Tick: the use of the word "like" in conversation is common.
Religion
Values
Traditional values
Security: is very important to Americans, this can be found in public and private life, strongly in the American mind since 9/11 but also since the beginning of the United States. Immigrating to the new world was a big undertaking which involved many uncertainties. Law and order was not established, and great uncertainty was there, viewed as dangerous.
Smile: concerned when people do not smile. Need to be liked, connected to security. Smile to avoid conflict. Self-esteem connected to smiling and wanting to be liked.
Equality: did not bring the old world with them when immigrating, started new life, no pedigree, therefore start from scratch and define who you are. Chance to become who you want to be.
Freedom: you can be who you want to be, freedom to define yourself. Free enterprise: free to choose, to create and to develop on your own.
Cultural values
Customs
Greetings
A simple "hi", a handshake at work for people you haven't seen in a long time, but not if they are relatives. The younger generation might hug when they first meet, high school kids will hug in the mornings, girls with girls and girls with guys. Guys will do a "half chester" with each other. Younger generation will greet themselves with a "hey, wassup".
One kiss on the cheek if you are really close with friends.
Gestures
Pointing at people is considered rude. Greeting people by waving or to catch someone's attention. Flipping the bird (rude but a demonstration with pointing up of the middle finger) Asking for the check, make a signature signing gesture in the air.
Communication style
Openness : Americans are direct in the way of telling you what they want. Political Correctness: to avoid hurting feelings, the addition of "don't take this personally..." or circumventing the unpleasant or negative messages: "yoru weaknesses become: opportunities of growth" Americans are expected to speak rationaly not emotionally when discussing or arguing a point. Emotional outbursts and negativity are generally discouraged.
Eating
National dish could be the Turkey.
Gender roles
American strive for gender equality, but are conflicted by gender roles and sexual orientation.
Taboos
Being negative. Nudity on television especially at prime-time.
Titles
Informal use of titles, "hey, boss", "hey, doc" Use of first name is very common.
Arts
Life
Holidays
- Thanksgiving, last thursday of november, families get together, somehow more important than Christmas as it has less religious undertones. Turkey is the dish of choice. The week-end after thanksgiving is a massive shopping day in the US. It starts the Christmas season.
- Christmas, 25th of december, families get together, but can be more a friend gathering also. Wide ethnic variations.
- Memorial day, last monday in May, starts the summer
- 4th of July, independent's day
- Labor day, first monday of september,
- New year's day, is a party day, ends the Christmas season.
Resources
Education, Teaching & Research
John Brown University - Degrees Offered by the Department of Intercultural Studies Tel: 479 524 9500 info
California State University - Certificate Program in Intercultural Proficiency Tel: 323 343 3000
St. Lawrence University - Center for International and Intercultural Studies Tel: 315 229 5991 Fax: 315 229 5989 Nancy Pierce
School of Intercultural Studies - Fuller Theological Seminary - MA Intercultural Studies Tel: 626 584 5265 info
Intercultural Relations Program - Georgia State University Tel: 404 413 1586 Tonya Cook
Wofford College - Intercultural Studies for Business Tel: 864 597 4000 info
Opportunity Development and Diversity Education Planning - Georgia State University Tel: 404 413 2567 Fax: 404 413 2560 Linda Nelson
Salisbury State University - Department of Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies Tel: 410 543 6000
Montana State University - Intercultural Studies Tel: 406 994 4031 info
Columbia Basin College - Intercultural Studies Tel: 509 547 0511 Fax: 509 546 0401
School of International Studies - University of the Pacific - MA Intercultural Relations Tel: 209 946 2836 Fax: 209 946 3265 Kent Warren Katrina Jaggears
Lesley University - MA Intercultural Relations Tel: 617 868 9600 info or info
Indiana University - MA in Communication and Culture Tel: 812 855 4848
School of World Languages and Cultures - California State University Tel: 831 582 3863 Fax: 831 582 3885 info
Intercultural Studies - American University Tel: 202 885 1600
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication - Arizona State University Tel: 480 965 5095
Intercultural communication and language - California State University, Fullerton
Columbia University - Teachers College Tel: 212 678 3300
College of Education - Program in International / Intercultural Development Education - Florida State University Tel: 904 644 6885
George Mason University - Graduate School of Education Tel: 703 993 2010
Intercultural Communication Institute / School of International Studies at the University of the Pacific Tel: 503 297 4622
Monterey Institute of International Studies Tel: 831 647 4100
The Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies - The University of New Mexico Tel: 505 277 3027
School for International Training Tel: 802 257 7751 Fax: 802 258 3248 info
Program in International and Intercultural Communication - University of Denver - School of Communication Tel: 303 871 2088
University of Hawaii - Dept. of Communication - College of Social Sciences Tel: 808 956 8715
Intercultural communication and education - University of Houston - Clearlake Tel: 281 283 7600
University of Maryland, Baltimore County - Department of Education Tel: 410 455 2313
University of Minnesota - Department of Curriculum & Instruction (Second Languages & Cultures) Tel: 12 625 6372
Educational Policy & Administration (Comparative & International Development Education) - University of Minnesota Tel: 612 624 1006
Intercultural communication - University of New Mexico Tel: 505 277 5305
University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia - Graduate School of Education - Education in Language Division Tel: 215 898 6455
University of Southern California - Rossier School of Education Tel: 213 740 8313
University of Washington Tel: 206 616 4805
MA in Intercultural Studies - Union University Toll Free: +1 866 392 6700 Fax: 415 380 1302 Tel: 731 661 5358 Cynthia Powell Jayne
University of the Pacific - School of International Studies - MA Intercultural Relations Tel: 209 946 2650 Fax: 209 946 3265 Katrina Alison Jaggears Kent Warren
Trinity University - International Studies Major/Minor - International Studies Department Tel: 210 9997313 Fax: 210 999 7305 info
Intercultural Studies - Franklin University Tel: 614 797 4700 info
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Project on Multicultural Education has produced titles on the subject and information on other resources. Tel: 202 293 2450 Fax: 202 457 8095
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research info
American Forum For Global Education info
Diversity
America.gov Website about diversity in America.
American Institute for Managing Diversity aims to advancing diversity management through research, education and public outreach. Tel: 404 575 2131 Fax: 404 575 2139 info
American Society for Training and Development world’s largest association dedicated to learning and performance at the workplace by valuing diversity. Tel: 703 683 8100 Fax: 703 683 8153 info
Black Career Women national organization serving as a nucleus of support to identify and address the critical needs of black women in the workforce as it relates to their career mobility and achievement. Tel: 513 531 1932 Fax: 513 531 2166 info
Celebrating Cultural Diversity non-profit digital boutique TV co-production company. Tel: 212 759 4568 Fax: 212 573 6945 info
Diversity Graphics Provides materials, like posters, t-shirts, gifts, books, banners and videos, to increase the awareness of diversity. Tel: 626 755 0455 info
Diversity Pipeline Alliance network of national organizations who share the common goal of preparing students and professionals of color for leadership and management in the 21st century workforce. Tel: 703 893 2063 Fax: 703 893 2064 info
Diversity Resources Inc. Provides a multicultural calendar, diversity videos and e-learning, training and training materials. Tel: 1 800 865 5549 Fax: 413 253 7024 info
Diversity Training University International free-standing corporate university that exists to promote cultural competence and cultural diversity expertise. To this end, we advocate for credentialling diversity professionals, leadership diversity competence and culturally competent media coverage, and in teacher education. In addition, we provide certification training, actively voice our concerns about the impact of poor cultural competence, and try to represent cultural competence models. Tel: 415 495 7059 Fax: 1 888 288 1603 info
Executive diversity services Provides workplace training, consulting and organizational development services directed towards expanding the value of cultural diversity within companies, among their employees, and towards their customers. Tel: 206 224 9293 Fax: 206 224 9303 info
Institute for Cultural Partnership facilitates opportunities for understanding among diverse cultures and communities by offering diversity training and immigrant and refugee services. Tel: 717 238 1770 Fax: 717 238 3336
Institute for Latino Studies, Research and Development non-profit organization with the aim to empower Latinos in New Jersey through access to information, advocacy, and implementation of programs that have a positive impact on the local communities. Tel: 973 345 3624 info
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force leading progressive civil rights organization that supports grassroots organizing and advocacy for issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. Tel: 202 393 5177 Fax: 202 393 2241 info
Office of Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity provides leadership in creating and sustaining a diverse workforce and an environment free of discrimination at the Department of Health and Human Services. Tel: 202 619 0257
International Women’s Tribune Centre international non-governmental organization providing communication, information, education, and organizing support services to women's organizations and community groups working to improve the lives of women, particularly low-income women, in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Tel: 212 687 8633 Fax: 212 661 2704 info
Wellesley Center for Research on Women interdisciplinary community of scholars engaged in research, programs and publications, which examine the lives of women, men, and children in a changing world. Tel: 781 283 2500 Fax: 781 283 2504 info
Women Ink. Provides books on women, gender and development. Committed to locating and promoting publications from independent publishers and information producing groups in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Tel: 212 687 8633 ext. 204 Fax: 212 661 2704 info
Human Rights
AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. AFS is one of the world’s largest community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to building a more just and peaceful world by providing the needed intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding. Tel: 212 807 8686 Fax: 212 807 1001 info
American Jewish Committee international think tank and advocacy organization that attempts to identify trends and problems early and take action. They aim to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, promote pluralism and shared democratic values, support Israel's quest for peace and security, advocate for energy independence and strengthen Jewish life. Tel: 212 751 4000 Fax: 212 838 2120 info
Anti-Defamation League civil rights/human relations agency, fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all. Tel: 212 885 7970 Fax: 212 867 9406 info
Better World Together Foundation aims to create a world in which everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Tel: 951 506 2553 Fax: 951 506 2880
Cultural Survival Works for the human rights of indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, helping them secure economic and social justice. Links research to action through education and public policy programs, information packets and slide shows, and marketing products. Tel: 617 441 5400 Fax: 617 441 5417 info
Greater Twin Cities United Way unites caring people in building stronger communities by inspiring people to help others, increasing resources to meet needs and fostering innovative solutions to problems. Tel: 612 340 7400 Fax: 612 340 7675 info
Intercultural Development Research Association independent, private non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening public schools to work for all children. Tel: 210 444 1710 Fax: 210 444 1714 info
Intercultural Family Services independent non-profit human services agency committed to serving the needs of children and families in the Greater Philadelphia area through culturally competent services. Tel: 215 386 1298 Fax: 215 386 9348 info
International Institute of Minnesota inter-racial, non-political, non-sectarian social service agency aiming to provide a center for information and assembly for all nationalities and races, develop fellowship and understanding among such persons through group meetings and activities, promote the welfare of the foreign-born population and their families and preserve and stimulate intercultural values. Tel: 651 647 0191 Fax: 651 647 9268 info
Meridian International Center the nation’s premier non-profit institution dedicated to advancing international understanding through public diplomacy and global engagement. Tel: 202 667 6800 Fax: 202 667 1475 info
Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund A civil rights organization working on behalf of Latinos living in the United States. Has an education wing and publications. Tel: +1 (213) 629-2512 info
OCA dedicated to securing the rights of Chinese American and Asian American citizens and permanent residents through legislative and policy initiatives at all levels of the government. Tel: 202 223 5500 Fax: 202 296 0540
Open Society Institute & Soros Foundation Network private operating and grantmaking foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI works to build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as combating corruption and rights abuses. Tel: 212 548 0600 Fax: 212 548 4600
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Links
Association for Cultural Economics International ACEI is a scientific society that includes academic scholars, government officials, foundation officials, managers of arts and cultural organizations and artists, united in their interest in furthering understanding of the economic aspects of the arts and culture in their own countries and throughout the world. Tel: 01 617-373-2839 Fax: 01 617-373-3640 AECI
Altair Global Relocation Tel: +1 972 960 9000
American Citizens Abroad ACA is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization whose mission is to defend the rights of Americans living overseas. Tel/Fax: +41 22 3400233 info
Cort Global Network offers relocation services, housing solutions and furniture rentals for employees overseas worldwide. info
Cultural Awareness International Provides Relocation Services & Cross-Cultural Training for Global Corporations. Tel: (214) 691 4113 Fax: (214) 691 4128 CAI
International Schools Services ISS is the world's leader in providing a comprehensive range of quality educational services for schools, educators, families and corporations who are overseas. Tel: 609 452 0990 Fax: 609 452 2690 ISS
Living Abroad Provides comprehensive, quality and up-to-date country information, resources and tools at the best competitive value in order to provide each customer with the information and tools they need to assimilate into their host country environment with ease. Tel: +1 203 221 1997 Fax: +1 203 286 1338 info
Pals International Provides Translation & Interpretation, Global Relocation, & Cultural Training Services. Tel: (248) 362 2060 Fax: (248) 362 0626 sales
Paragon Provides relocation resources and global mobility consulting. Tel: +1 949 635 6000 Fax: +1 949 888 2491
U.S. Department of State Basic information on over 150 countries.
CIA World Factbook Provides country information Tel: (703) 482 0623 Fax: (703) 482 1739
Worldwide ERC Association for professionals who oversee, manage, or support U.S. domestic and international employee transfer to help our members overcome the challenges of workforce mobility Tel: +1 703 842 3400 Fax: +1 703 527 1552 info
