Discussion Althen
This week our group of ESL students was working on the excerpt from the Gary Althen's book "American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in the United States", There were just several paragraphs, but they show us prominent values, beliefs, and cultural patterns of Americans. We learned that the most important thing to understand about Americans is probably their devotion to individualism. They are tough since childhood to consider themselves as separate' individuals. At the same time they have been trained since kindergarten to find person or a group for games, later in college for studies. "Now, I want you to work in group and to..." - that's typical phrase at class. Nevertheless in the chart "What's important to Americans" statement "Freedom of choice to do what one want" stands on the fifth position. Funny, a? Another interesting thing. According to Althen "Many Americans do not display the degree of respect for their parents..." . Although, the statement "Having a good family life" is standing at the first place of the chart that I mentioned above. To my mind, we must look a little bit forward and not to forget that all th
The only thing I don't like is American food. Too much brad, too much potatoes, too much junk food. When you have an invitation to the picnic or barbeque you know for sure that hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken legs are expecting you. Later some donates and Coke, Pepsi or other pop is free. I appreciate most of the things that Althen wrote about. And I try to use them in my daily life. I do like the way you teach. You have freedom, choice; you can get your teacher in any time, ask him as much questions as possible, at last you can call your teacher by name. Grate, fantastic! Americans are also distinctive in the degree to which they believe in the ideal, as stated in their "Declaration of Independence" - "All men are created equal". But as far as I know KKK is still exists, community of Afro-Americans and people from Latin America unit to deal with segregation. If all people are equal why personal managers try to hire white persons. I don't want to say that it's bad or good, it's your "skeleton in the wardrobe". I've just mentioned it. Those who live in USA are well know as very friendly people. They can say, "Hi, what's up?" to a complete stranger. They always have a smile or joke for you. But at the same time there are boundaries that other people are not supposed to cross. There yards, hous
Some common words found in the essay are:
It's Americans, Latin America, Jerry Salty, Yes Americans, Foreigners United, Thanksgiving Day, Althen Americans, Declaration Independence, What's Americans, Journal Assignment, partly true, freedom choice, wife husband, americans money,
Approximate Word count = 906
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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