Table of Contents
Introduction vii
1 First Impressions 1
A America's Size and Its People 2
B A Brief History of the USA 8
C The Melting Pot of America: Statistics on Where People Come From and Their Languages 11
D Puzzles of American Culture: Basic Values and Unpleasant Realities 14
2 Body Language 17
A Translation of American Body Language 18
B Personal Space 20
C Touching 22
D Gestures 25
3 Social Customs and Manners 31
A Smiling Faces 32
B "How Are You?" 34
C Eating in Restaurants 36
D Being Invited or Inviting Americans to the Home 43
E American Parties 45
F What to Wear 50
G Things We Don't Talk About 55
4 Relationships 59
A Dating 60
B Marriage and In-Laws 64
C Children, Parents, and Pets 68
D Senior Citizens 73
E Homosexuality 77
F Domestic Violence 79
5 Celebrations and Gifts 83
A Weddings 84
B Birthdays and Anniversaries 87
C Baby and Wedding Showers 90
D Funerals 93
6 Surviving in the City 95
A Public Transportation 96
B Walking in the City 101
C Driving in the City 104
D The Police 106
E City Services 109
F Tenant/Landlord Rights 111
G Strange Laws 115
H Garage Sales 117
7 The Workplace 121
A Job Interviews 122
B Unwanted Attention 125
8 Schools 127
A Taking Tests and Cheating 128
B Teacher Expectations and Student Responsibilities 132
9 Health and Personal Matters 135
A Staying Clean and Healthy 136
B Talking to a Doctor 138
C Using Bathrooms 142