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A Brief Guide
In this section, you will find some generalizations about people in the
United States. We hope they are useful, especially for those of you who
may be first-time visitors to the United States. Your experience may reflect
some of these generalizations, but not all.
The United States
has many cultures, races, religions, and customs within our borders. We
hope that you will have opportunities to meet US Americans who represent
various ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, so that you will form
a well-rounded impression of our society.
The best way to get
to know US Americans is to ask questions and to answer their questions
in return. Your Greater Cincinnati hosts will want to ask questions about
your daily life, about politics and society in your country. US Americans
are generally frank, outspoken and value directness and openness in communication.
There are few issues that US Americans will not wish to discuss. So ask
your questions, answer those of your hosts, and let the dialogue flow!
Greetings
Typically, US American men and women greet each other with a firm handshake.
Closer friends and relatives may embrace when they meet, especially after
a long absence. Americans are casual and often friendly in their exchanges
with acquaintances and may greet total strangers with a "hello"
or "good morning." Another common greeting is a simple "How
are you?" to which the most common reply is "fine, and you?"
Language
While English is the predominant language of the United States, accents
and figures of speech differ from region to region. American English is
characterized by the use of many idioms and slang phrases that generally
pass unnoticed with other Americans. If you do not understand something,
do not hesitate to clarify. One of these that is particularly unique to
Cincinnati is the use of "Please?" to mean "I do not understand;
please repeat yourself."
Cultural Differences
Attitudes toward
Change
In the US American mind, change is seen as an indisputably good condition.
Change is strongly linked to development, improvement, progress, and
growth.
Attitudes toward
Time
Time is very important for the average US American. To many international
visitors, US Americans seem to be more concerned with getting things
accomplished on time than they are with developing deep interpersonal
relationships. Many US Americans will find it rude if a visitor is
late for an appointment, even by 10 minutes. Appointments are expected
to begin and end promptly.
Attitudes toward formality and informality
Visitors from more formal societies often find the US to be extremely
informal. US Americans are one of the most informal and casual people
in the world. US American bosses often urge their employees to call
them by their first name, and many US American workplaces have gone
to a casual dress code.
Final Words
We hope that your visit to the US is a successful and rewarding one. Our
final word of advice regarding the navigation of United States culture
is simply to have an open mind, ask questions, and engage those you meet
in discussions that lead to increased mutual understanding.
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