American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in the United States

by Gary Althen

Book Overview

In clear language and with numerous examples, this book describes the basic characteristics of American culture: values, style of communication, patterns of thinking, customary behaviours, and underlines how they are different from the ways of other cultures. It then shows how these characteristics are reflected in the many aspects of American life which the foreigner encounters (including politics, social relations, personal hygiene, public behaviour,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0933662688
• ISBN13: 9780933662681
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Intercultural Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent

I think a lot of people that are American or have an American way of life, may find it uncomfortable because the book points both to strengths and flaws. We don't like our flaws to be exposed. That's why a lot of people give it bad ratings. But as a foreigner living in the US, I think the author is right on the money on everything he says. After this, I clearly understand American culture more. I am now less judgemental about Americans. You can't judge a person for something they grew up with generation after generation and for things that they learned that may be inappropriate for other cultures, but were very appropriate for their setting and environment. So congratulations to the author!!! and now I understand Americans and don't judge them lightly.

A must read for Americans who work with foreigners

The book, designed to explain to foreigners about American culture. It works equally well the other way around for Americans who work with foreigners. It helps to explain why foreigners don't see eye to eye with us, and is useful in recasting one's ways to get things done. Especially useful to forces serving overseas.

It works for the people who don't understand culture of the U.S.A at all

You can have a big picture or draft in your mind after reading this book.

Very insightful, easy reading, thought provoking resource on cultural norms

This book is an excellent resource for people who are ready and want to learn more about U.S. American cultural norms. This includes people from other countries and people living in the United States (regardless of citizenship). For U.S. Americans, by highlighting U.S. American culture the book also provides insight into other cultures. The author rightly addresses the issue of stereotyping in the Introduction on page xxii. This point about cultural norms (which by definition indicates a wide distribution of actual behaviors within a culture and individual variations is important to keep in mind. The book is an easy read. The chapters cover many aspects of life including social, educational, and business. U.S. Americans should also realize that the book is addressed to and written from the perspective of people from other countries. Nonetheless, it provides wonderful insights into U.S. culture and other cultures.

A Jem of a Book!

Some people do not understand the beauty of American Ways. They think that it merely depicts stories. The actual wonderful thing about this book is that it deals with stereotypes. Almost all of us, regardless of country, have certain pre-conceived notions regarding others. American Ways directly addresses foreigners stereotypes of Americans. The book is even bold enough to agree with the stereotypes at times. However, it typically dispels and explains the reasons for those stereotypes. This makes for a much richer understanding of aspects particular to American culture. Having previously taught English as a foreign language in China, I think that this book alone could inspire countless classroom discussions on a variety of aspects regarding Americans.