American society is generally more informal than British society, with less emphasis on social distinction. Students do not stand when a teacher enters, first names are used, and speech is more casual and uses slang. Informality is valued, though some awareness of social roles remains - employees are more formal with employers. Southerners still use honorifics like "yes sir" with elders. While casual in public, Americans also value punctuality, direct communication, and individualism in their business culture.

1. American Character

2. American society seems to be much more informal than the British and, in some ways, is characterized by less social distinction. Students do not rise when a teacher enters the room..

3. They use first names when calling each other, slap on the back, joke and are much freer in their speech, which is more slangy than the conventional British English.

4. You will often hear the word "Hi" used instead of the usual "Hello," and "Howdy" instead of "How do you do?"Those who don't easily show these signs of friendship are called "snooty" or "snobbish."

5. Yet, in spite of all the informality, Americans, even in the way they address each other, show consciousness of social distinction. One is likely to use some­what more formal language when talking to superiors.

6. While the informal "Hello" is an acceptable greeting from employee to employer, the employee is more apt to say "Hello, Mr. Ferguson," while the employer may reply "Hello, Jim."

7. Southerners make a point of saying "Yes, sir," or "Yes, Ma'am," or "No, sir," or "No, Ma'am," when talking to an older person or a person in a position of authority.

8. Women may wear hats in church. in restaurants, and often when attending luncheons in public places and other public social functions except those that take place in the evening.

9. Men who do wear hats ordinarily remove them in elevators, churches, restaurants, private homes, business offices — in fad, in most public situations when they wish to show respect.

10. At the parting “Bye” or “See you later” are most common. Such phrases: “You should come over sometime” or “I’ll call you soon” – don’t mean that you have been invited. It’s just politeness.

11. Direct eye contact is very important. An American may grow suspicious if a person he is talking to is looking sideways.

12. Be aware of the aversion Americans fell for touching them on the hand or the arm if you are not very close. Americans also try to avoid close physical contact in public places.

13. Such topics as the financial status of a person, the cost of the house or other property, religion, the relations in the family and etc are avoided.

14. The USA falls on the rigid of the time spectrum. American business person's accessories are incomplete without an ever-present daily planner. Americans are expected to meet deadlines and finish projects.

15. Americans place value on direct communication because it helps to get things done quickly. “Don't beat around the bush.” “Just spit it out.”‘Get to the point.”

16. However, Americans also tend to lessen the damage of negative comments by framing them in a positive light - "That's an interesting idea, but..."

17. Americans pride themselves on their individualism. Most Americans view individualism as the freedom - and indeed the right - to do whatever they please.

18. Americans are quite task-oriented. Relationships play only the smallest of roles in their business lives. Americans have friends, but most find it easy to blend their professional and personal lives.

19. Thank you for attention