Culture of the U.S.A

American Society and Culture 

America is ultimately a nation of immigrants . Not only is the country populated by people from foreign countries but all Americans in one way or another trace their ancestry back to another culture, whether Irish, German, Italian or Scottish. Language in the USA

Languages in USA

The United States does not have an official language, but English is spoken by about 82% of the population as a native language. The variety of English spoken in the United States is known as American English; together with Canadian English it makes up the group of dialects known as North American English. Spanish is the second-most common language in the country, spoken by almost 30 million people (or 12% of the population).

Customs and Etiquette in the U.S.A

Meeting and Greeting

• Greetings are casual.
• A handshake, a smile, and a 'hello' are all that is needed.
• Smile!
• Use first names, and be sure to introduce everyone to each other.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• In general, Americans give gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and major holidays, such as Christmas.
• A gift can be as simple as a card and personal note to something more elaborate for a person with whom you are close.
• Gift giving is not an elaborate event, except at Christmas.
• When invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a small box of good chocolates, a potted plant or flowers for the hostess.
• Gifts are normally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

• Table manners are more relaxed in the U.S. than in many other countries.
• The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating. The fork is held tines down. The knife is used to cut or spread something. To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand.
• If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
• If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner, go ahead. It will not offend anyone.
• Feel free to refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an explanation.
• Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or says to begin.
• Remain standing until invited to sit down.
• Do not rest your elbows on the table.
• Put your napkin in your lap as soon as you sit down.
• Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.