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Settling in the U.S.:
Getting to Know the Host Culture: Robert Kohl's Fifty Questions
Below is a list of questions that will help you start thinking about American
culture. Don't be afraid to ask these questions of your fellow Americans. These
questions will not only help you learn about American culture, but can provide a
framework of discussion topics between you and Americans you meet.
- How many people who are prominent in the affairs (politics, religion, the
arts, etc.) of your host country can you name?
- Who are the country's national heroes and heroines?
- Can you recognize the national anthem?
- Are other languages spoken besides the dominant language?
- What is the predominant religion and have you read any of the writings?
- What are the most important religious observances and ceremonies?
- How do members of the predominant religion feel about other religions?
- What are the most common forms of marriage ceremonies and celebrations?
- What is the attitude toward divorce? Extramarital relationships?
- What is the attitude toward drinking?
- What is the attitude toward gambling?
- Is the price asked for merchandise fixed or can customers bargain on the
price?
- If you touch or handle merchandise for sale, how will the storekeeper react?
- How do people organize their daily activities? What is the normal meal schedule?
Customary time for visiting?
- What foods are most popular and how are they prepared?
- What things are taboo in this society?
- What is the usual dress for women? For men? How does this vary for different
occasions?
- Do hairdressers use similar techniques to what you are used to, and does
the time needed for an appointment vary?
- What are the special privileges of age and/or sex?
- If you are invited for dinner, should you arrive on time? Early? Late? Should
you bring something?
- On what occasion would you present gifts for other people and what kinds
of gifts?
- Do some flowers have a particular significance?
- How do people greet one another?
- Who would you expect to find among the other guests at a cocktail party?
- What are the important holidays, and how are they observed?
- What are the favorite leisure activities for the different age groups?
- What sports are popular?
- What kinds of television programs are shown? Do they serve a social purpose?
- What is the normal work schedule? How does it accommodate environmental
or other conditions?
- How will your financial position and living conditions compare with those
of the majority of the people living in the country?
- What games do children play?
- How are children disciplined at home?
- Are children usually present at social occasions? If not, how are they cared
for ?
- How does society observe the coming of age?
- What kind of local public transportation is available? Do all classes of
people use it?
- Who has the right of way in traffic? Vehicles, animals, pedestrians?
- Is military training compulsory?
- What are the largest circulating newspapers saying about your home country?
- What is the history of the relationships between this country and your own?
- How many people are emigrating to your own country? To other countries?
- Are there many expatriates from your country living here?
- What are the options for foreigners choosing a place to live?
- What kind of health services are available, and where are they located?
- Where can medicines be purchased, and what are some local remedies?
- Is education free? Compulsory?
- In schools, are children segregated by race, class, caste or sex?
- What kinds of schools are the best? Public, private or parochial?
- In schools, how important is learning by rote?
- How are children disciplined in school?
- What are the important universities of the country? If education is sought
abroad, where would most of the students attend?
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