American values & assumptions
•Download as PPTX, PDF•
2 likes•490 views
The document discusses cultural values and assumptions, comparing those of Americans and non-Americans. It notes that cultures have unwritten rules around beliefs, customs and what is seen as normal or strange. Americans value individualism, equality, informality, achievement and direct communication. In contrast, other cultures may place more emphasis on family, tradition, respect for authority and saving face. The document encourages observing differences positively and open-mindedly rather than judging, in order to understand other perspectives.
Report
Share
American values & assumptions
- 1. Gary Althen
- 2. Introduction to the writer Introduction to the text Basic theme of the text *Introduction *Individualism and privacy *Equality
- 3. *The future, change and progress *Informality *Time *Achievement, action, and materialism *Directness and assertiveness
- 4. Foreign student adviser at University of Iowa Wrote 2 books on his experiences The handbook of Foreign Student Advising (1983) American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in United States(1988) This passage is extracted from the latter book
- 5. Unwritten rules of culture Difference in values and assumptions Beliefs and customs Seems normal in one and strange in another Problems resulting from cross-cultural variation
- 6. Values? Ideas about -what’s wrong and right -desirable and not desirable -normal and abnormal -proper and improper
- 7. We learn these values from? -parents and other relatives -teachers -books and newspapers -television programs
- 8. Assumptions? The unquestioned standards about people and life “The way things are” What we suppose or think
- 9. Values Assumptions Men and women should inhabit separate social world Family belongingness Respect towards God Patriotism Gaining education Lighting candles in birthdays Dress’ color of the bride Crossing of the way by a black cat
- 10. Consider themselves independent View about people with contrasting culture View of ideal person Relationship: parents and children Non-Americans’-regarding Americans’ culture Privacy
- 11. All men are created equal One man one vote Men and women are equal Respect to people of higher status Basic level of respect to everybody
- 12. Notion of equality lead Americans to be informal Informality in speech, posture and dress They find informality appealing Their informal and egalitarian approach to other people
- 13. History and traditions are passé A foreseen future Overcoming difficulties Culture verses culture Impatient bloodline
- 14. Time is a resource Time is money Admire well organized people Man or a machine McDonalds-Symbol of American society American concept of Efficient and Efficiency
- 15. Admiration for achievers Work harder and harder Be busy doing something Job is the identity Earning is must for evaluation of success
- 16. Directness=straightforwardness, sincerity, truthfulness Assertive=bold, courageous, confident Frank, bold and open Settling conflicts through forthright discussion Guarding emotional responses Speak up the mind
- 17. We need to learn from the Americans -individual and interdependency -no distinction, all are equal “All are created equal” -being informal makes you work easy
- 18. - respect for time- esp. future - schedule time and bring positive changes -be bold, frank and expressive. Don’t fear truth Observe the nature of people and act Don’t copy them but be inspired by them, positively “Be yourself ” !!!
- 20. Tips: Read the question or essay title Brainstorm Make it in simple words Do not repeat yourself-say it another way Look at the final version of essay -review Format it and note down
- 21. Introducing the topic Giving one point of view, in support of the argument, with reasons and examples Giving a contrasting or different view Concluding (giving your own opinion or interpretation of the facts