Cultural Differences Life and Work situations

SoftServe, Inc.September 2008

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EQUALITY

Americans work better when they are in an atmosphere in which all

are considered equal and things are ‘fair’. While equality includes the

equal right to seek the “the good life”, it doesn’t guarantee equality

of talent or ability.

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CONFRONTATION

Discussing issues or ideas openly with other people is considered not

only proper, but often a responsibility as well. Americans may bring up

issues which are sensitive or embarrassing to others. In addition,

Americans, particularly in a business situation, do not spend the time

on polite social talk that many other nationalities do. They often get

right to the point.

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INFORMALITY AND FORMALITY

In most cases Americans avoid elaborate social rituals.

Most of time, they tend to treat everyone in a similar way with

little concern for titles or status.

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COMPETITION

Because Americans tend to value achievement and equality, they often compete with each other.

You will find both friendly and not-so-friendly competition everywhere.

Although this behavior is natural for Americans, it may seem quite overbearing to others.

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COOPERATION

Although Americans are competitive, they also engage in cooperative behavior.

Though cooperation often comes from liking and wishing to help

others, it may also be a way of getting to a goal; a way to help the

entire group accomplish its task. While this may appear opportunistic,

the goal is to get things done and learn in the process so that in the

future the individual may achieve on his own.

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TIME is very important in American society, and it is essential that

you be on time for appointments, meetings, or social engagements.

If you can not keep an appointment, or are going to be late, it is

extremely important for you to call and explain. In most situations,

the time you are asked to be someplace is exactly the time you are

expected to be there.

TIME AND PROMPTNESS

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For most Americans silence is uncomfortable . Small talk and

superficial conversations are usually preferable to quiet. People will

commonly talk about whether, sport, parties, food, clothing, anything.

Americans tend to stand no less than eighteen inches apart while

talking; standing too close will make them uncomfortable.

CONVERSATION

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INVITATIONS

You should reply to an invitation by telephone or by letter. AN

INVITATION SHOULD NEVER BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THERE IS EVERY

INTENTION OF GOING. It is accepted to refuse an invitation by

explaining that you have other plans or no free time. If the plans

must be changed after they are made because of illness or other

unavoidable problem, inform your host as soon as possible before

the event.

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The colloquial expressions and slang that American use on a

daily basis can often cause confusion and miscommunication.

Native English speakers tend to use the language creatively in

such a way that non-native speakers can have a difficult time

understanding them. In fact, Americans from different areas of

the country can often have a difficult time understanding one

another!

The most important thing to remember is that it is perfectly

acceptable to ASK someone what they mean. Don’t just nod or

pretend to understand, particularly at your training site.

Americans use expressions so often that we don’t even realize

we are doing it. However, if politely brought to our attention,

most Americans are happy to explain. You might even start a

fun conversation.

SOME COMMOM AMERICAN EXPRESSIONS

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Expressions that you might hear very often

Bring something up/bring up something: Mention something

Crack someone up: make someone laugh

Cut it out: Stop it

Cut the mustard: to be able to do something well

Drop the ball: fail at something

Funny business/Monkey business: Silliness; Horseplay

Get it together: Get yourself organized; Get yourself mentally adjusted

Get on the stick: get organized and get busy

Get the message/Get the picture?: Do you understand?

Get with it: Hurry up; Get busy

Go Dutch/Dutch Treat: Split the cost of something; Each buy your own

Go with the flow: accept things as they are; Be the same as everyone else

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Expressions cont.

Goof up: Make a mistake

Goof off/Goof around: Waste time

I owe you one: Thank you. I owe you a favor

Keep your cool: Remain calm and in control

Keep your head on straight: Think clearly; Remain calm and collected

Keep your shirt on/Keep your pants on: Wait a minute; Be right with you

Knuckle down: get serious and get busy

No big deal/No biggie: Not difficult; Not a problem

Play it by ear: Wait and see what develops before making a decision

Same difference: The same; No difference at all

Stick around: Remain nearby; Stay here

Take a load off: Sit; Relax; Be comfortable

Throw a fit: Have a display of bad temper

Use your head: Think

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Thank You!www.softservecom.com

Copyright © 2008 SoftServe, Inc.

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