The American Culture (At a Glance) By DeCryptors (Group No. 2)

History 1.Pre Columbus Era 2.After the discovery of America 3.Slaves 4.Political Rule

United States of America Known as the “melting pot” It’s a federal Republic Bordered with Mexico on the South, and Canada on the north Capital: Washington, D.C. National Bird : Eagle Dialling code: +1 Founded: July 4, 1776

United States ISO code: USA Area: 9,826,675 sq. km. Population: 314,555,000 President: Barack Obama Population: million (2014)

Religion Nearly every known religion is practiced in the United States, which was founded on the basis of religious freedom

Flag Stars = the 50 States Stripes = the 13 colonies

Language There is no official language of the United States, according to the U.S. government. While almost every language in the world is spoken in the United States, Spanish, Chinese, French and German are among the most frequently spoken non- English languages.

North vs South Americans 1.Route (N) 2.Theater (S) 3.Fire (N) 4.Sure (N) 5.Data (N) 6.Crayon (N) 7.Lawyer (N) 8.Syrup (N) 9.Pajamas (S) 10.Caught (S) 11.Oil

Where They Do That At? Pronounced As “Way Day Do Da Aa?”

Americans comes from many nations

New York City The Statue of Liberty –Given by France after the American Revolution –Represents freedom and democracy –Torch: symbol of enlightenment –Crown (25 windows): symbolizes gemstones and heaven ’ s rays shining over the world –Crown spikes (7): seven seas and continents –Tablet: a book of law –Broken chains: freedom as movement forward against oppression and servitude

Salient points on America New York City is America’s largest city. Chicago is the second largest city, Los Angeles is third, and Philadelphia is the fourth largest. Only one percent of the population cannot read or write. There are two major political parties in the United States, the Democratic and the Republican.

Mass media The top five daily newspapers based on circulation are The Wall Street Journal The New York Times USA Today Los Angeles Times Daily News of New York

Mass Media Three privately owned networks that offered free programming financed by commercials - NBC, CBS, and ABC - controlled 90 percent of the TV market. There are 335 public television stations across the United States, each of which is independent and serves its community’s interests.

Work Culture

The United States, the work environment is both professional and causal as well. Don’t be surprised if you see people bring their pets to work! The work culture and dress code here are different than in India. Schedules are flexible, and the atmosphere is informal.

Work Culture American involves a lot of meetings. These meetings need not deal with big decisions, but are more like discussions, and are centered on the analyzing, planning and review of any project. Opinions and ideas are shared, and objections are made. The office environment is informal, and there is no apparent hierarchy between managers and their subordinates. Employees are treated as equals, and independent views are welcomed.

Time Management Americans are very particular about time management: They come to office early and leave on time. You will rarely find them working late hours, or on weekends. They have their weekends pre-planned, and value their privacy.

US holidays and festivals New Year’s Eve & Day President’s Day (3 rd Monday of February) Easter (1 st Sunday in April) Memorial day (Last Monday in May) Labor Day (1 st Sunday of September) Halloween (31 st October) Thanksgiving ( 4 th November) Veteran’s day (11 th November) Christmas ( 25 th December)

Other holidays Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15 th ) Groundhog Day (February 2nd) International Women’s Day (March 8th)‏

Other holidays April Fool’s Day (1 st April)‏ Mothers day (2 nd Sunday of May) Fathers Day (3 rd Sunday of June)

American Behavior Generally, Americans are very polite, friendly and helpful, but have no patience with interference in their private lives. You may find it difficult to discuss everything with an American friend, at least, when you are getting to know each other.

Do’s At work or anywhere. Don't nod your head up and down. Moving your head side to side is found to be very confusing, and its mostly taken as NO. Never call a black person a "Negro/Nigga" or any thing else. Never, ever talk in your native language in presence of Americans during a gathering.

Don'ts Don't say "The Phone was engaged", as engaged means getting engaged. Instead say "There was a busy tone". Don't say "I'll ring you back." or "I'll give you a ring later". Here ring is the engagement ring, rather say "I'll call you, or buzz you". Don't offer chewing gum, or a breath freshener to others. It gives them a message that they have a bad breath. Your intention may not be but it is easily mistaken..

Salary Plans Paid vacations are usually two weeks. Other company benefits include sick days and personal days.

Retirement Age Americans usually retire at the age of 65, but may retire earlier if their pension plans permit it.

Reference Wikipedia: – the_United_States#_note- The_Hidden_Dimension