THE CULTURE OF USA

CATALINO S. CABALUNA JR.

BSHM II-C

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
The culture of the United States of America is primarily of Western culture (European)
origin and form, but is influenced by a multicultural ethos that includes African, Native American,
Asian, Polynesian, and Latin American people and their cultures.

Common English Greetings of USA

1. Hey, Hey man, or Hi

You can use “hey” and “hi” to greet someone instead of “hello”.
2. How’s it going? or How are you doing?
These are casual ways of asking “how are you?” If you’re trying to be particularly polite, stick
with “how are you?” but otherwise, you can use these expressions to greet almost anyone. The
word “going” is usually shortened, so it sounds more like “go-in”.
3. What’s up?, What’s new?, or What’s going on?
These are some other informal ways of asking “how are you?” which are typically used to
casually greet someone you have met before.
4. How’s everything ?, How are things?, or How’s life?
These are some other common ways of asking “how are you?” They can be used to casually
greet anyone, but most often they’re used to greet someone you already know.
5. How’s your day? or How’s your day going?
These questions mean “how are you?” not just right now, but how you’ve been all day. You
would use these greetings later in the day and with someone you see regularly.
6. Good to see you or Nice to see you
These casual greetings are used with friends, co-workers or family members that you haven’t
seen in a while.
7. Long time no see or It’s been a while
These casual greetings are used when you haven’t seen someone in a long time, particularly if
you meet that person unexpectedly
8. Good morning, Good afternoon, or Good evening
These are formal ways of saying “hello”, which change depending on the time of day.
9. It’s nice to meet you or Pleased to meet you
These greetings are formal and polite.
10. How have you been?
This greeting question is only asked by people who have already met.
 BUSINESS ETIQUETTE TIPS

 Dress code depends on where in the USA you are doing business. The weather and local
culture will determine what is appropriate or not.
 In general, people in the East dress more formally, while people in the West are known for being
a bit more casual.
 It is best to always dress conservatively until it is clear what the accepted dress code is.
 Men should wear shirts with suits and shoes. Ties are generally worn but not in all States.
Colours should be traditional such as black, blue, grey, etc.
 Women should wear modestly with not too much make-up or jewelry. Low-cut blouses, short
skirts and tight clothing are not appropriate.
 ‘Casual Friday’ is common in many companies. High technology companies often wear casual
clothes every day.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF USA

 Do be friendly and shake hands.

When meeting someone , extend the courtesy of greeting with a simple hi or hello. But
strengthen the bond by using a firm (but not crushing) handshake grip.
 Do give a tip for a good service.
If you were extended great service by bellhops or by cap drivers, do show your
appreciation for their hardwork and dedication by giving them a small tip. This is not a
bribe but also an assurance that you will receive better service the next time around.
 Do be punctual
Being late is frowned upon as American still value effectivity and efficiency in their work.
If you cannot help but be late try to advise the secretary beforehand so she can move
you up or down the schedule as needed.
 Do be mindful of the signs.
Be sure to read the signs. Sometimes, you will get fined because of not reading the
traffic signs or the prohibition signs tacked around. Police officers will always enforce
the law because their dash cams record everything outside of their cruisers.
 Do mind your language
Contrary to popular movies, American are mindful of their language. Be as formal or as
informal as you want in communicating with them but do not pepper your remarks
derogatory or cuss words which might offend the sensibilities or the person whom you
are talking with.
 Do drink in moderation
Specially if you are driving afterwards. The legal limits for alcohol in take vary per state
but cops are always going to apprehend you if your alcohol limit is above the approved
level.
  Do maintaion eye contact
Be firm, be personable and be able to maintaion eye contact. Diverting your eyes too
much would either identify you as a special needs person or you are holding something
back.

DON’TS OF USA
 Do not travel without your papers
Have your identification papers and travel documents ready just incase a state trooper
or an immigration agent asks for them. You will save yourself the hassle of some
detention time and tons of paper works.
 Don’t forget your plastic
When you travel to the US, while cold hard cash is accepted, when you don’t have enough
change, make sure you have your international credit card with you to facilitate the payment of
the purchase.
 Don’t smoke anywhere
Increasing awareness of health condition due to smoking necessitate the increase of none
smoking areas in cities. Be mindful where you light up. Make sure it is the permitted space for
smokers so you won’t be sighted by the authorities.
 Don’t be tackless or non-PC
Do not call dark skinned men Negroes as it is no longer the politically correct term. Do be
mindful of using politically correct terms when speaking to avoid offending other people
sensitivity. Don’t ask about personal finances or other sensitive topics during the first meeting.
Let the relationship bloom first before delving there.
 Don’t remove your shoes unless you are ask
Your are not supposed to remove your shoes when entering the house. Unless the hostess
specifically asks you to remove them, do not take off your footware.