Globiana Minute with Lisa La Valle-Finan
Published on Nov 21, 2015
Lisa La Valle-Finan takes us on a tour through American Informality.
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
With Lisa
La Valle-Finan
You’ll notice right away that Americans are generally on a first name basis, even at work.
Photo by tim caynes
After you’ve been introduced to someone you can call them by their first name.
Photo by Lena Nicholson Photography
Even if you’ve never visited the US, you’ve probably gathered from TV and movies, that Americans are pretty informal.
Photo by wbeem
It’s a reaction to the British and European society the American founders rejected.
Photo by Nick Kenrick.
It’s really a sincere desire to avoid making others feel left out or unequal.
Photo by Alyssa L. Miller
To use a sports analogy, Americans prefer a level playing field.
Photo by Davide Restivo
This doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone will succeed, but that everyone plays by the same set of rules to start with the same chance.
Photo by mightymoss
This behavior is also reflected in random seating at meetings or in situations where lining up occurs.
Photo by Gwenaël Piaser
Everyone stands in line and waits for a turn regardless of rank.
Photo by Maldita la hora
Americans are uncomfortable with "Sir" or "Madame" as these titles are far too formal.
Photo by _Davo_
However, in the South, exchanges are more formal or traditional, and women are often referred to as “Ma’am” and men as “Sir”.
Photo by dbnunley
Historically, Americans don’t hug or kiss when meeting, but that’s changing.
Photo by onkel_wart (thomas lieser)
If you see people hug or kiss when they meet, they likely know each other pretty well, and haven’t seen each other for a long time.
Photo by Emily✮Correia (trying to catch up!)
Or, they are from a very informal part of the nation, like California.
Photo by Stuck in Customs
If you meet an American in passing, they may say “Hi, how are you?” This is just form of salutation and not a true inquiry into your well-being.
Photo by Phil and Pam
The best way to respond is “Hi, fine, and you?” and keep walking. We like directness and enthusiasm.
Photo by Patricia Mellin
So, the next time you greet an American, be sure to look them directly in the eye...
...Shake their hand confidently and say: “Hi, it's great to meet you!”
Photo by Ron,Ron,Ron
...and it has been great to meet you on Globiana Minute!
For more tips on life in the USA follow us on vimeo.com/globianaus and youtube.com/globianaus.
For more information, visit Globiana.com.
Photo by Werner Kunz
For more tips on life in the USA follow us on vimeo.com/globianaus
and youtube.com/globianaus. For more information, visit Globiana.com.
Photo by Werner Kunz
