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PYLP– Batch 10
Welcome to the United States!A “Crash Course” in Cultural Orientation
Dr. Katharine L. WiegeleAsst. ProfessorDepartment of AnthropologyNorthern Illinois University
PYLP-Batch 10
The next few weeks are going to be very busy for all of
you. Each day will be filled with new learning
opportunities. You will see many interesting places
and be introduced to lots of new ideas and concepts. And you will meet many different people who call the United States home.
PYLP-Batch 10
A crash course in American Culture
Practical, or Survival, Information Greetings, addressing people, useful phrases Language & Body language What to wear Time Money
Cultural information Personality characteristics typically associated with
people from the United States Addressing Stereotypes Practical information
Final Thoughts and Advice
PYLP-Batch 10
A few ground rules…
Like many Americans, I tend to speak quickly, especially for those from other places in the world. If you do not understand what I said, or I speak too fast, please raise your hand and ask me to repeat what you may have missed.
Please take notes. You may have a question about what I am talking about and questions which will be addressed at the end of each of the sections of this talk. Write them down so that you don’t forget!
You may also ask questions at any time.
PYLP-Batch 10
Practical, or Survival, Information – Greetings &
Addressing People There are formal and informal greetings.
“Good morning” (or any other indicator of time of day) and “Hello” are more formal greetings.
“Hey,” “Hi,” “Yo” or “What’s up?” are informal greetings.
Formal greetings should be used with people in positions of authority – professors, elders, acquaintances, etc.
Use Ms., Mrs., or Mr. when you address an adult. If they have a title, like Doctor or Professor, address them using these titles (Dr. Russell, Dr. Ong)
Sometimes those in positions of authority will give you permission to address them more informally. It is wise to address them using their title and last name until they give you permission. (call me Kate)
Informal greetings are commonly used among groups of friends and peers in the same age group.
PYLP-Batch 10
Practical, or Survival, Information –Greetings, Language & Body
Language How Are You? or What’s Up? When someone asks you “How are
you?” or “What’s up?” they are not really asking you to tell them how you are feeling at that moment with considerable explanation. “How are you?” is a variation of “Hello” or “Hi” in some ways. Appropriate responses include “I’m fine,” “I’m okay,” “Doing great,” “Alright,” or even “Could be better,” “Eh,” etc.
Body language greetingsFrom far away, informal – a wave.More formal – a firm handshake.More informal – a high-five, fistbump, chin nod followed by a chin dip. If you know the person well, a hug is sometimes appropriate.Raising eyebrows would not be recognized as a greeting
PYLP-Batch 10
“Please,” “Thank You,” & “You’re Welcome.” If you are asking someone for something, or are asking them to do something, don’t forget to say “please” when asking and “thank you” after they answer your question or give you what you need. If you are asked for something and finish the task, answer their “thank you” with “you’re welcome.”
A: Can you please pass me the pencil?”
B: Here you go.
A: Thank you.
B: You’re welcome.
Practical, or Survival, Information –Language
PYLP-Batch 10
“Is this for here or to go?” If you go to McDonald’s or any other fast-food restaurant, they will ask you this phrase. “For here” means that you intend to eat your meal in the restaurant; “To go” means that you will be taking your meal elsewhere and they will put it in a bag.
Ask for clarification. If you are unsure about something that has been said or asked, it is best to ask that person to either repeat the what they said or explain/ask in a different way. Most people are understanding if you let them know that you are from another country.
Speak English. When with a group of people that include people who do not speak your native language, it is common courtesy to speak English. To speak your native language without explanation in front of one who does not speak your language is considered rude.
Practical, or Survival, Information –Language
PYLP-Batch 10
Personal Space: Americans expect others to respect their personal space. Personal space is an imaginary area around your body in which you are comfortable. People come into your personal space according to how well they know you. As a rule of thumb, it is best to keep an arm’s length away from people you’re not too familiar with – close enough for a handshake and far enough to not invade their personal space.
Practical, or Survival, Information – Body Language
PYLP-Batch 10
Other body signals to be aware of:
Rolling your eyes. This could be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
Crossing your arms in front of you. You’re not listening to the person who is speaking. You do not think what they are saying is important.
Nodding your head. Can indicate that one is listening to what is being said; it can also indicate one is NOT listening if done too vigorously.
Thumbs up. Your reaction to the situation is positive. Thumbs Down. Your reaction to the situation is negative.
Raising eyebrows. During a conversation, it indicates CURIOSITY. If done to a stranger, they might think you’re “interested.”
Pointing with your lips. Not recognized here.
Practical, or Survival, Information – Body Language
PYLP-Batch 10
The weather in this part of the United States is still cold in April…but getting warmer. …
So you don’t get sick…
Check the temperature every day before you leave your hotel room or host family’s home. You can do so by watching TV, looking at the newspaper or going on the internet.
Layer your clothing. Wear a short sleeved shirt over a long sleeved shirt. Wear gloves to keep your hands warm.
Be sure to cover your head and ears. Wear a hat, earmuffs, or headband designed to keep your ears warm. Wear a scarf. It can get very windy without warning, which can make it feel much colder.
Practical, or Survival, Information – What to wear
PYLP-Batch 10
Practical, or Survival, Information – Time
Be on time to all of your PYLP learning sessions. To be late is considered rude and disrespectful to the session presenter.
Try to arrive a 5 minutes early to get yourself settled in your seat before the sessions begins.
For field trips be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to leave. Students who were late getting to the bus have been left behind at NIU – missing out on cultural experiences, sightseeing, etc.
Time is extremely important in American culture. We will discuss this more in the next session.
PYLP-Batch 10
Penny It is worth ONE cent. It is the least valuable of all the coins. It is the BROWN coin. The person on the penny is Abraham
Lincoln
Practical, or Survival, Information – Money
•The value of coins in the United States is referred to as cents.•The size or weight of the coin does not indicate its worth.•U.S. coins are two colors. Most coins are silver; only the penny is a brown, copper color.•The front side of the coin is referred to as HEADS because it usually has the picture of a person on it; the back side of the coin is referred to as TAILS and has different engravings of pictures, animals, or flowers.
PYLP-Batch 10
Nickel It is worth FIVE cents. It is the thickest coin of the most circulated
US coins. It is a little bigger than the penny. It is silver in color
Practical, or Survival, Information – Money
Dime It is worth TEN cents. It is the smallest coin of all US coins. It is the thinnest coin in comparison to other US
coins. It is silver in color
Quarter It is worth TWENTY FIVE cents. It is the largest coin of the most circulated US coins. It is silver in color. Quarters that have been minted in the last 5+
years commemorate the induction of each state into the United States. You will see different states on the back side of the quarter.
PYLP-Batch 10
Practical, or Survival, Information – Money
Dollar Coins = 100¢ = $1
Often gold in color, with Sacajawea or a president on it.
More common in large cities and Washington, DC
PYLP-Batch 10
There are ONE HUNDRED CENTS in One Dollar.
Most US paper money is GREEN although they are coming out with new designs for the different bills to try to minimize counterfeiting.
Count your money before you leave the cashier whenever you buy something at the store.
Practical, or Survival, Information – Money
PYLP-Batch 10
Any questions on what we have already covered before we move
forward?
10 minute break. Stretch your legs, get some water. See you in TEN
minutes!
PYLP-Batch 10
Cultural information –Perceptions of Americans
How many of watch American television or movies in your home countries?
What does the typical American look like?
How do they act?
What do they wear?
How do they treat other people?
What was your impression of Americans through TV and movies?
5 minute exercise – break into groups and talk about these questions. Come up with a collective perception of Americans based on those experiences.
PYLP-Batch 10Cultural information –Perceptions of Americans
How many of you have encountered Americans in your home country?
What was it like to meet them?
What was it like to speak to them?
What were they wearing?
What kind of questions did they ask?
What was your impression of them?
5 minute exercise – break into groups and talk about these questions. Come up with a collective perception of Americans based on those experiences.
PYLP-Batch 10Cultural information –Can you pick out the
American?
PYLP-Batch 10
The United States is a very diverse place. The geography, the people, class status, race, religion, ethnicity, work, political views – the spectrum of what each of those categories exists within the U.S.
Cultural information –Judging books by their covers
PYLP-Batch 10
Individuality
Independence & Self-Reliance
Punctuality
Being Direct
Physical Space
Cultural information –American Characteristics
PYLP-Batch 10
Individuality is the importance of self
Personal success versus communal or even familial success.
Personal freedoms
Individual Rights
Cultural information –American Characteristics - Individuality
PYLP-Batch 10
In the US, individuals are considered legal adults at the age of 18.
At age 18 citizens have the right to choose their educational direction, career, life partner, even religious faith. While they consult immediate family or friends for advice, the final decision rests in the hands of that one person. Of course they may take into consideration the impact of their decisions on others.
If they commit a crime, the individual, not the family, is held responsible.
A self-reliant and independent person is also thought of as considerate to others because they are not a burden on others. Therefore self-reliance is a source of pride.
Cultural information –American Characteristics – Independence & Self
Reliance
PYLP-Batch 10
Time is important to Americans because it is linked to being efficient and productive. In order to be efficient and productive, one must be on time for class, meetings, work, etc. Being late is generally frowned upon because it inconveniences everyone else involved. As mentioned previously, it also seen as being disrespectful and rude to others.
Cultural information –American Characteristics – Punctuality
Please consult your handbook on proper etiquette for being late or cancelling an appointment.
PYLP-Batch 10
Being direct is “getting to the point” and expressing your thoughts.
Some would say “being direct” is the same as “being assertive.”
Tip: To avoid confusion, don't say yes if don't really mean yes. Americans will find this confusing and may not read your body language. Say, "I'm not sure, I'll let you know later when I check my schedule."--then DO let them know later. Or just say “no, thank you” with a polite explanation.
Cultural information –American Characteristics – Being Direct
PYLP-Batch 10
Americans are taught at an early age to reason out or express themselves, express or defend an alternative point of view…even to elders and authority.
This applies in the classroom as well, where students are expected to ask questions or express other viewpoints.
Family is important to Americans. Americans support their parents, support their kids, even after 18. The cultural ideal is independence, not neglect.
Keep in mind that these characteristics, while considered American, are not indicative of ALL Americans. Everyone is different and influenced by different factors in their lives.
Cultural information –American Characteristics – Miscellaneous
PYLP-Batch 10
Some practical information...
When dialing other local numbers (which start with 815) from a land line, you will need to dial 1 first.
Do not call internationally from your room without your phone card.
If there is an emergency, the emergency
fire department, police, and medical number is 911.
PYLP-Batch 10
Cultural information –Tips– Miscellaneous
Tipping, or offering a small amount of money, is customary for several services in the United States. Including:
“Sit down” meals - 15-20% of the total bill
Baggage Handling - $1 per bag
Taxis – 15% of fair, but never less than 25¢
PYLP-Batch 10
Three phases
“Honeymoon Phase”
“What am I doing here?”
“I’m going to be all right.”
Culture Shock
PYLP-Batch 10
Final Thoughts Keep an open mind
Be willing to share your own experiences and culture with different people you encounter
Be ready to learn
Be proud of who you are and where you come from while being respectful of others who do not share that heritage.
Enjoy your time here in the United States. Soak up as many memories and as much learning as you can. Good luck!
