Characteristics of Americans.

10. Listen to the text and get ready to find answers to the questions

a. What American characteristics do you like best?

b. Which American and Kyrgyz characteristics are different ?

c. What can you say about the time appointed to meet?

CHARACTERISTICS OF AMERICANS

Here are some characteristics of Americans that are “typical" from Atlantic to Pacific.

For example, they think themselves the equal of any other man or woman, they value their individuality, and they believe they are the masters of their own destiny.

Americans feel free to speak their minds on most subjects and express their own opinions. They know that freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution.

The people of the United States are simple in their communications, they ask questions when they need information; they say “no’’ when they mean “not".

Americans appear open and friendly at first meeting, but this means only that they are glad to make friends with; it may or may not lead to true friendship. They are informal; they often introduce themselves by their first names and call others by their first names as well from the very beginning of acquaintance.

In professional situation it is preferable to address people using their title and last name (e.g. Dr. Smith, Mr. Jones) until they ask you to use their first name.

Americans stand in an arm’s length distance when conversing and are not accustomed to touch one another, except to shake hands upon greeting one another.

When do make appointment or accept an invitation, they appear at the appointed time. Americans often seem to be in a hurry since “time is money”. They are materialistic on the whole, but generous as well. Generally, there are American customs we may adopt while we visit their country.

So it is best to be on time for appointments. When they are professional in nature - an appointment with a doctor or a colleague at an office - you should appear within five minutes of the time you have agreed upon.

On social occasion, for example, when the invitation is for a meal, plan to arrive no more than ten to fifteen minutes after the appointed hour (but never before the hour - the hosts may not be ready).

(To be continued)

(From “Living in the United States. A Handbook for Visiting Fullbright Scholars'’. Washington, DC., 20008-3009, pp. 7-8)

11. Tell your classmates about the main characteristics of Americans you have liked best.

Begin with: I like. ... I don't like....