Topic american communication culture in social life

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American Communication Culture in Social Life.
Communication is always a necessary skill for success in life, especially among people in
different countries, communication skills should be considered because the world is not only
a culture. Communication is an opportunity to build relationships especially when studying
and living in another environment, another country like the United States. America is the
third largest country in the world with about 350 million people. Each year, over one million
people migrate to live and work at this country. American communities have their own
identities, languages, religions, beliefs and customs. However, unlike Vietnam, Americans
and the United States have particular traits in the culture of communication that each person
must learn and adapt to be able to build good relationships. As a Western country with a
modern, liberal lifestyle, there are certain standards in American culture of communication.
In this paper, readers can better understand the characteristics of American daily-life
communication culture.

Communicative culture is the whole of the cultural conversation of each person in society.
“Communication, through language and other symbolic forms, comprises the ambience of
human existence” (Carey, 1989: 24). Finding a transparent definition for a humanities &
social sciences concept is very difficult. This definition can only be given here from the
perspective of each person. Communicative culture is a part of the overall culture that refers
to the intercultural communication of each person in society (polite communication, friendly
attitude, openness, sincerity, showing the respect each other), is a combination of elements:
words, gestures, behaviors and attitudes. "Communication” is examined as a cultural term
whose meaning is problematic in selected instances of American speech about interpersonal
life (T Katriel, G Philipsen).


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America is a country with developed economy, beautiful nature. Although the number of

immigrants in this country is very large, they still retain their unique cultural characteristics.
The American way of life and working makes many people in the world admire. When it
comes to Americans it can be mentioned that factor is individualism. In the US, the personal
factor is the most important thing in the culture, which highlights the American personality.
Because of individualism, it has greatly influenced the cultural characteristics of American
communication. The first trait is personal enhancement. Individuality and difference are the
pride of every US citizen. Unlike Asians, American culture often does not promote a lifestyle
that follows the principles of the majority or the community. Instead, they tend to educate
children. With the policy of not following the trend of "following the majority" and teaching
them individuality and practicing "ego" very early. The American way of life lives up to the
concept of "If you want something to be done well, you have to do it yourself" or "In the long
run, the only person you can count on is you." Therefore, Americans often very boldly
expressed opinions though completely different from the vast majority. Creativity, difference
but not difference is always appreciated in this country. The United States is also a country
that upholds popular civil rights throughout the world. Regarding personal respect, promoting
independence is a typical trait of Americans. In Asian culture, parents often accumulate for
their children and pass on their possessions over generations. In stark contrast to Asia,
American culture is directed to independence and autonomy. American parents strive to forge
their children the typical American way of life. From an early age, children are taught to
stand on their own feet, which is independent. Most American students choose their own
classes and majors, pay part or all of the tuition fees, find jobs, plan their own marriages
instead of relying on their families.


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The next characteristic is that Americans often like to go ahead, like to explore and adapt to
new things. When in Europe, people lived in the social system established many generations
ago, so between people there exists the boundary of class, rich and poor regime, but to
America, everything is erased. They must adapt the environment to survive and thrive.

Compared to Europeans and Asians, Americans feel less constrained and quite satisfied in
social and professional life. Among the displeased people who leave their homeland, many
come from rebellious people in the land they were born in. They reform the world in part to
want to leave what they don't accept in their old society but at the same time they want to
challenge themselves to a new purpose. Americans always want to move forward, marked by
their tendency to grow to the West. This means giving up European influence, and developing
firmly independently of the American character. The rapid development of American
agriculture and industry is the result of a process of discoverability in order to find solutions
to old problems. Americans do not hesitate to learn a new career. For example, a university
professor may quit his job to do another job, and then apply to teach again. This is the most
obvious difference from the East. The rich geography and resources make it possible for the
United States to apply new ideas, sometimes quite expensive, but in return they find new,
better and more effective ones.
In addition, the US is an open society with sincere and unsophisticated people. It is generally
accepted by Americans abroad that Americans are quite open-minded, and very friendly,
though sometimes they value their individuality, which comes from the experience of settlers
and frontier people. The migrants left behind all their titles, caste, accepted into their new
environment, and in the new world there was no caste discrimination or cruel treatment
because they came here with yearn to build a new life. These people became open and sincere
in association with the hospitable personality of the Native Americans. The harsh living
conditions created an open hospitality for Americans because they had nothing in the


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beginning, were hungry, injured, and had to stay and received help from Native Americans.
Hospitality is to thank the long plates of the people who were conceived in the past. In
addition, because of economic benefits, so to build a better life, they are forced to be
hospitable and open. That is why many people are attracted to accompany them to realize
their dreams. In addition, for the first settlers on this desolate land, distance was a threat. So a

newcomer will not pose a threat but will give them information about the afterlife, farming
techniques. The process of advancing with difficulties forced people to unite together, erasing
their relationship with Europe in order to create new labor tools to meet the present life. With
experiences from the harsh life, Americans always uphold the spirit of willingness to do
volunteer work to help those they consider to be harder than themselves, for example, when
they create many non-profit and nongovernmental organizations. Americans still maintain the
tradition of respecting values of freedom and independence. In the past, these people still had
no confidence in the government and they felt more comfortable working together in
community rather than relying on government agencies. So everywhere in the United States,
local groups and organizations are found to improve the lives of migrant workers, fight
racism, fight crimes and help those suffering from natural disasters. And they do everything
not because they are rich, but from the heart that they think they must do. Americans look
quite cold and reserved but they are really sincere and very good. Associated with the austere
personality is simplicity, not fussy with the purpose of creating comfort in talking, bridging
the gap that makes it easy for everyone to work together. In conclusion, all of the above
American characteristics have a direct influence on their communication culture.

“Being social is defined quite differently in the United States than in other countries. One
important way to acquire new knowledge about self and others in a given local culture is
through communication and interaction” (Wang, 2017: 571). Communication culture is


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expressed directly in everyday life. First, the Americans have some cultural traits in greeting.
Americans have a characteristic culture when communicating that is the culture of shaking
hands when greeting. Handshaking is a long-standing sign language and it originated in the
fifth century BC, signifying a peace commitment that communicators were not carrying
weapons. Historically there is a notion that this shows goodwill and friendship because there
is no weapon in hands. For years, US President, Theodore Roosevelt held the world record

for shaking hands. On January 1, 1907, during a meeting at the White House, he shook hands
with 8,513 people. However, by July 1977, that record was broken by Joseph Lazaron, mayor
of New Jersey (USA), with 11,000 handshakes in just one day. Handshakes are the specialty
of American communication. You can shake hands with both men and women at the first
meeting or later. Americans have a habit of shaking hands, using both hands, not just fingers
to show friendliness and enthusiasm. In addition, the handshake firmly shows confidence to
the opposite person. Shaking hands is a common greeting not only in the US but also in
Eastern countries. However, the handshake will also show more or less the intentions and
messages that if you do not learn, sometimes it will be misunderstood or offended from the
first meeting. Moreover you can easily see greetings such as hugging, rubbing cheeks or
kissing softly on cheeks, back of hands on movies or anywhere in the US. This culture of
communication is often used by women. This is a way to show respect and affection for
women. However, this method is often used for friends or acquaintances who have long been
acquainted. For first time meeting, they often laugh or shake hands. If you are Vietnamese, do
not be embarrassed or too uncomfortable when communicating with light kisses on the cheek
for familiar friends in the US. Especially, when communicating with Americans, you should
learn some habits to avoid misleading and make a bad impression on the first meeting. First,
you should not ask for American age or income. And even religion, politics, sex are also
sensitive areas in the United States, you should avoid these topics unless with close friends.


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Second, when talking, Americans often look directly at the opposite person and do not get too
close, but the exception is the family members or close friends. According to Eckman
“Communication (also known as eyes contact) is a major channel of nonverbal
communication. In which time of making eye contact is the most important.” Therefore, you
should also do this because this is part of the American culture as well as showing your
respect and confidence attitude towards with partners. Third, you should avoid all external
touches such as putting your arm around their shoulders, holding their hands because these

too-friendly gestures also cause discomfort. Shaking hands when you first meet or be
introduced to someone is acceptable. Fourth, Americans do not pay much attention to the
humble, polite attitude, showing the traditional beauty and behavioral culture of Asians.
Therefore, it is natural to talk and be able to use gestures appropriate to your expressions.
Finally, when in a restaurant, you should not wave or point your index finger at others, which
means you are accusing or challenging the person. You just need to raise your hand up and
point your index finger to draw their attention to you. The act of raising the middle finger is
also considered obscene and challenging. So, you should be careful with the gestures on your
fingers.

An important factor you need to pay attention in greeting communication culture is vocative.
In the US, first names are spelled first and then middle names and last names. For example,
your Vietnamese name is Nguyen Van An while in America, your name will be spelled An
Van Nguyen. If called politely, Americans often call the last name along with "Mr." (Mister)
for boys, "Ms." (Miss) for unmarried girls, "Mrs." (Misses) for married girls and "M." if you
don't know if the girl is married or not. A person who has a master's degree or a doctorate
degree is often referred to as "Dr." (Doctor). Professors in universities are often called
"Professor" (Prof). In intimate cases, Americans call each other by their first names. You can


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call your friends and acquaintances by first name. But you should still call teachers,
professors with titles and last names. For example, you should call Professor Smith instead of
Professor John. For children, it is always possible to call their own name. The officer or the
police should call the rank if known or called as officer and followed by them. Americans
often introduce themselves by first and last name (Hello, I am Sarah Smith) or if they do not
need to be formal and friendly, they will only introduce their names (Hi, I am Sarah). Your
usual answer when someone introduced you is Pleased to meet you. Unless that person
introduces his / her first and last name (Mr / Ms Smith), you should call them by their first

names. Usually in work and society, Americans often call each other by their first names.
However, you should always call professors in universities by title and surname (for example,
Professor Smith), unless they allow or ask you to call them by name. In addition, when
talking on the phone, Americans often answer by phone by saying "Hello". If you call for
work, the person answering the phone usually starts with the company name and their name
after that. If you meet the person you need right away, just say Hello and your name. If not,
you should politely ask the person answering the phone, "May I speak with George Brown
please?" Most Americans usually have an answering machine at home. At the same time,
most companies often have voice messages for their employees so you can leave a message.
Give your first name clearly and leave your phone number so they can call you back. The
messages should be short and to the point. As a Western country with a modern, liberal
lifestyle, there are certain standards in American culture of communication. Despite the
cultural diversity, the United States still has a unique cultural identity, especially the culture
of greeting.

In business communications, Americans value the most on time. Be on time for your
appointment, even if your American partner is late. On the other hand, you should not come


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to the appointment too early because it will be considered impolite, even if you are invited to
the gala or bird's nest. However, you can allow yourself to be late from a few minutes to half
an hour if you are invited to a cooktail. The habit of American businessmen is to prepare all
documents and materials with the close support of specialized lawyers so that if possible,
they can sign contracts immediately, even after the first negotiation. They also often discuss
business at lunch time (usually starts at 12am and ends at 2pm, called business lunch), even at
breakfast at 7am (business breakfast). In everyday society, Americans often like to praise and
be happy to receive compliments. After a strong, tight handshake (a weak hand is considered
a sign of weakness, shyness, cowardice), the eye looks directly into the eye and asks a few

questions about health, work progresses. Normally, women hold out their hands to the men to
catch. Americans always avoid the topic of religion, money, politics and topics that can cause
controversy and shock such as family planning, sexual harassment. Talents are often referred
to as movies, books, music, sports, gymnastics, tourism and food. So if you often have to
negotiate with your American counterpart, you need to know about good movies, famous
songs, bestsellers... to have something to say to them when taking a break. Sometimes the
coincidence of hobbies and lifestyles makes it easy for the main job that's negotiating to
succeed. If you're introduced to an American businesswoman, remember to just ask her a few
general etiquette questions. Remember never to ask the age of a woman, that's taboo. And
also remember that giving her cosmetics, aromatic oils, clothes for her is not suitable for
American civilization. Don't wonder because you don't see your American partner give you a
gift after you've reached an agreement and you've given them a souvenir. Americans don't
give off immediately and wait a short time before sending it to you. These are useful cultural
insights for everyone working with Americans in their home countries.


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Here are a few American public communication cultures that people all over the world
admire. Apologies and thanks are always used in public places such as supermarkets,
restaurants, buses...When getting on and off the bus, passengers greet the driver and vice
versa. When entering the door anywhere, the first person standing behind to hold the door for
the people who come in after finishing their turn and the next always say thank you for the
person who kept the door for me to enter. When a collision occurs, the apology is always
happy to accept. People always give in to each other in communication, especially in an order
that never jumps in no matter who you are. For example, about President Obama's summer
vacation in Hawaii, he also stood in line to buy ice cream for children like everyone else. In
the hospital, when you quickly go to the administrative staff to do the procedures, the nurses
warmly welcome you into the waiting room, then they go to the doctor to see you. The
doctors are very dedicated, talking softly with the patient, it is great in communicating with

the patient making you feel somewhat relieved. Especially when participating in traffic, there
is no rushing, winning the road, reckless crossing the road. People obey traffic laws as a
driver culture. At an intersection when the traffic lights suddenly go wrong or the signals are
not right, people give way, each direction moves about 4-5 pieces then automatically give
way to the other direction. 4-5 cars and so on, but there was no traffic jam even though there
were no police there. In the United States, there is a law banning the consumption of alcohol
while driving, but it is important that everyone is self-conscious. Internal roads in
supermarkets, shopping malls and residential areas, when passing by pedestrians, all drivers
must stop to give way before continuing. Cars run a lot on the road as well as in the city
center but don't have a car horn. In the middle of the night, there were no cars, but the driver
still waited for the green light at the intersection to light up before continuing. Moreover,
when shopping, the goods you buy are exchanged or returned within one month after use if
you do not feel like it (no need for damaged or malfunctioning products) and the seller is


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happy to receive it back. At each shopping place, there is a counter specializing in taking
back the goods that customers return, everyone is happy to have no argument between buyers
and sellers. In the United States, when you buy a home, you will be returned to the owner for
a month if you don't like the house anymore.

American society is formed by a multi-racial community and originated from many social
classes, therefore the American way of life and a culture of communication and behavior
have its own characteristics. As a civilized culture, American communication is also very
polite and civilized. Because cultures built on American personalities and lifestyles have
created a unique feature in communicating that people from all countries of the world
appreciate. From this research, readers will gain a better understanding of American
communication culture in daily life so that people can be more confident in creating a good
relationship and have more attractive experiences when studying and working in U.S. At

present, the behaviors in communication culture are gradually globalized, but the
characteristics of communication styles in each country are still very interesting.


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Works cited
Carey, James W. Communication as culture, revised edition: Essays on media and society.
Routledge, 2008.
Katriel, Tamar, and Gerry Philipsen. "“What we need is communication”:“Communication”
as a cultural category in some American speech." Communication Monographs 48.4
(1981): 301-317.
Wang,

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"Why

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Americans." Journal of International Students 7.3 (2017): 555-582.
Weiten, W., Dunn, D, & Hammer, E, Psychology Applied to Modern Life (2009). Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth.

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