TOPIC: ANGLO – AMERICAN COUNTRY AND CULTURE
Group of students: Nguyen Phuong Linh
Pham Khanh Huyen
Tran Thi Hoai Linh
Nguyen Dieu Linh
Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh
Pham Nguyen Bao Minh
Class: D11.20.01
Tóm Tắt:
Mối quan hệ Anh-Mỹ là một liên minh then chốt đã định hình sâu sắc tiến trình lịch sử và văn hóa. Bắt nguồn từ các giá trị chung, ngôn ngữ và mối quan hệ lịch sử, mối quan hệ giữa Vương quốc Anh và Hoa Kỳ trải dài khắp các châu lục và nhiều thế kỷ. Từ văn học, chính trị đến âm nhạc và phim ảnh, sự trao đổi văn hóa giữa hai quốc gia này đã tạo nên một tấm thảm phong phú về những trải nghiệm được chia sẻ và ảnh hưởng lẫn nhau. Khám phá sự phức tạp của đất nước và văn hóa Anh-Mỹ mang đến một hành trình hấp dẫn về mối liên kết và sự phát triển năng động của hai xã hội có ảnh hưởng nhất thế giới.
Abstract:
The Anglo-American relationship is a pivotal alliance that has profoundly shaped the course of history and culture. Rooted in shared values, language, and historical ties, the bond between the United Kingdom and the United States spans continents and centuries. From literature and politics to music and film, the cultural exchange between these two nations has resulted in a rich tapestry of shared experiences and mutual influence. Exploring the intricacies of Anglo-American country and culture offers a fascinating journey into the interconnectedness and dynamic evolution of two of the world’s most influential societies.
Key words:
Culture, British, American, customs, history, values, society, identity.
INTRODUCTION
British American culture and country combine the two long-standing and strongly developed cultures of the United Kingdom and the United States. The interaction between these two countries has created a rich and diverse cultural environment, reflecting the light of harmony and interference between unique cultural elements from both sides. From literature, language, music, cinema, sports to lifestyle and cultural values, British and American culture and country all contribute and spread great influence on a global scale. The combination of sharp specialties from both countries has created a rich and unique cultural picture that also reflects the prosperity and strength of the relationship between Britain and America.
CHAPTER 1: THE DEVELOPMENT OF AMERICA AND BRITISH THROUGH THE PERIOD
- America
The cultural tapestry of the United States is a mosaic woven from various historical threads, each period adding unique colors and patterns to the overall design. From the early settlements to the present day, American culture has undergone significant transformations, shaped by historical events, societal shifts, and interactions with diverse peoples. Understanding these pivotal periods illuminates the evolution of American identity and values.
The Early Settlement Period (17th to 18th Century): The roots of American culture stretch back to the arrival of European settlers on the continent. The English, Spanish, French, and Dutch brought with them distinct cultural traditions, languages, and customs, laying the groundwork for what would become the United States. Through interactions with indigenous peoples and the challenges of establishing new colonies, settlers forged a blend of old and new world influences, shaping the early contours of American identity.
Bourgeois Democratic Period (18th to 19th Century): The dawn of the 18th century heralded a new era of enlightenment ideals and revolutionary fervor. The Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787) enshrined democratic principles and individual liberties, laying the groundwork for the nation’s political and legal framework. This period saw the emergence of a distinct American ethos centered on notions of freedom, equality, and opportunity, ideals that continue to resonate in the national consciousness.
The Period of Western Expansion (19th Century to Late 19th Century): As the young nation expanded westward, American culture underwent a dynamic evolution. The frontier spirit of exploration and conquest fueled a melting pot of cultural diversity, as settlers encountered and interacted with Native American tribes, immigrants, and migrants from across the globe. This period witnessed the blending of disparate cultural elements, shaping the cultural landscape of the American West and beyond.
The 20th Century: The 20th century ushered in a series of transformative events that left an indelible mark on American culture. World Wars I and II not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape but also catalyzed profound changes in society and culture. The influx of immigrants, wartime mobilization, and global conflicts influenced art, literature, and popular culture, reflecting the nation’s evolving identity and aspirations.
The post-war period witnessed the rise of American hegemony and the proliferation of mass media, cinema, and popular entertainment. Cultural icons such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Coca-Cola became global symbols of American cultural
- British
British culture has developed through various historical periods, each of which has had significantly influenced the country’s culture and art. The following are important periods in the development of British culture:
The Ancient and Romanization period, spanning from the 43rd to the 5th century, marked the onset of England’s unique cultural synthesis. The invasion by the Romans catalyzed a fusion of Celtic and Roman influences, giving rise to distinctive linguistic, architectural, and social structures. This period laid the groundwork for the evolution of English identity, setting the stage for future developments.
The Middle Ages, extending from the 5th to the 15th century, witnessed the ebb and flow of English culture amidst a backdrop of tumultuous events. From the Viking invasions to the establishment of the Anglo-Normandy kingdom, and finally, the blossoming of the Renaissance, this era saw the emergence of England’s medieval literature, including iconic works such as Arthurian poetry and the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer.
The Renaissance and Elizabethan period, spanning from the 15th to the 17th century, heralded a golden age of English literature and art. This prosperous epoch gave birth to timeless masterpieces by literary giants like William Shakespeare, John Milton, Francis Bacon, and Christopher Marlowe. The advent of printing techniques democratized access to literary works, fueling a cultural renaissance across the nation.
The Industrial Revolution and Victorian period, from the 18th to the early 20th century, witnessed seismic shifts in British society and culture. The rapid pace of social and technological advancements propelled the development of literature, art, and scientific innovation. Literary luminaries such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and poets like William Wordsworth and John Keats captured the essence of an evolving nation grappling with the complexities of industrialization and societal change.
In the 20th century and early 21st century, British culture continued its evolution across a myriad of artistic expressions. From literature to music, cinema to modern art, the works of visionaries like Virginia Woolf, George Orwell, and J.K. Rowling resonated with audiences worldwide. Musical icons like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, alongside the contributions of diverse artists, further enriched the cultural mosaic of modern Britain.
These historical periods not only shaped the contours of British culture but also served as mirrors reflecting the societal and historical transformations of the nation. Through triumphs and tribulations, Britain’s rich and diverse cultural heritage endures as a testament to its resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit.
CHAPTER 2: ANGLISH AND AMERICAN CULTURE AND THEIR VALUE IN MODERN SOCIETY
- America
American culture reflects the varied and multifaceted nature of the American people through a system of values, practices, beliefs, and lifestyles that are diverse and diverse. American culture has evolved over many centuries and has been influenced by a variety of factors, including contemporary American society and ancestry from Europe, Africa, Asia, and India.
- Family Culture.
In American culture, independence is highly valued. Even though individuals have close ties to their families and communities, they develop independence from a young age. In American culture, students must take the bus to and from school, as well as spend daily self-study time there. The American people also place great importance on advancing human rights and individuality.
- Culture of Behavior and communication.
- Through the way of addressing
First name, middle name, and last name in that order, in which names are written in America. Americans address people by their last name when speaking to them in a formal and courteous manner.
In addition, Americans tend to address one another by their academic title. A doctor (Dr.), professor (Prof.), or someone with a master’s or doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D.) are a few examples. People in America frequently use their first name in casual settings.
- Appreciate Straightforwardness.
In America, civility and professionalism are highly regarded. But what matters even more is being honest. In American culture, people always appreciate frank but respectful exchanges and comments. They are especially opposed to circling the issue, which allows them to find solutions without wasting time, running away from the issue, or requiring the assistance of a third party. You will realize that this candor is crucial to American life in this industrialized nation once you settle here.
- Comfortable Demeanor.
In communication, Americans always create the most comfortable demeanor for the other person. They are often more open and sincere, allowing issues to expand; they do not like mutual reservations. They do not place too much emphasis on social rituals as long as there is mutual respect in relationships.
- Body Language.
One aspect of American culture that can be even more significant than speech and communication is body language. How to shake hands, stand, sit, and how far to stand while speaking are examples of this.
- Public cultural spaces.
In the US, expressions like “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” are frequently required if you live and study there. This is the bare minimum of civility expected in American society, not a sign of politeness. No matter where you go, you must stand in line with everyone else, regardless of your age, gender, or status.
- British
In addition to America, British culture has its own unique traits. The United Kingdom is not only considered a modern nation but also a significant global financial and economic hub, earning it the nickname “The Sun Never Sets”. However, I was equally amazed by the distinctive, enduring cultural traits with Western influences. The communication and response style of the British are unique.
- Apologies-focused culture.
In English, the word “sorry” is used frequently. Whether it’s the weather or someone bumping into them on the train, British people tend to apologize excessively. According to a survey, the average person in the UK says “sorry” seven times a day on average, and some people say it up to twenty times.
- The culture of waiting.
In England, people are accustomed to waiting in lines at large gatherings of people. The British treat lines extremely seriously; people wait their turn and are served “first come, first served.” Under no circumstances should you push or jump as you will be met with disgusted looks, so please proceed with caution!
- Valor and civilized society.
British people are taught to say “please” and “thank you,” or “Ps and Qs,” from a very young age. As “manners make the man” according to traditional British customs, try to use as many Ps and Qs in conversation as possible. Everyone will always appreciate your politeness, and it will help you in many ways. Almost invariably, the phrase “please” comes before “thank you.”
- A culture of punctuality.
is highly esteemed by the British, and tardiness is frequently regarded as the pinnacle of impoliteness. Attend meetings, whether business or formal, five to ten minutes early. As nobody enjoys being interrupted in the middle of a lecture, try to arrive on time.
Please enter quietly and remember to say “sorry!” if you are running late.It is acceptable to arrive five or ten minutes late to more informal or larger gatherings, such as parties.
CHAPTER 3: THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENGLAND AND AMERICA
American and British histories are intertwined, which is why there are so many similarities. However, there are many differences between the two cultures, including but not limited to behavior, sense of humor, television, food and drink preferences, and sports.
Both America and British are English – speaking countries, and since England is the forerunner of the United States, there are certain aspects of their culture that they have passed on.
However, after nearly 250 years of separation, these cultures have evolved to become unique to their respective countries.
When a tourist goes to the US and UK, they may find them quite similar. From an outside perspective, both the US and the UK seem quite similar, both speak English and other than some dialect and culinary differences, they appear to be equivalent. However, when an American comes to England or vice versa, they are more likely to notice many differences. For example, British life and behavior seem more similar to that of Americans, who seem to prefer a more harried lifestyle. Meanwhile, to the British, Americans always seem to be in a hurry, and they can also appear forceful or demanding, the British at ease.
Another difference is in humor. The British are famous for their sarcastic sense of humor, while Americans have a blunt or self-deprecating sense of humor. The British often make fun of Americans because of their lack of irony and sarcasm.
Differences between American and British culture
American culture
|
British culture
|
|
Location | United States vs.
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United Kingdom, predominantly British
|
Behavior
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(busier and seems to be in a hurry
|
Put back
|
Meet people and making friends
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People began to have the ability to strike up conversations with strangers in public places
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People don’t like to chat with strangers and tend to stick with their old and close group of friends
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Sense of humor
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Frank or self-deprecating
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vs. sarcastic or satirical.
|
Radio
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Across multiple channels while programming
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vs. the channels are limited and too few compared to American culture
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Drink | Coffee, beer, and wine
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vs. tea, beer, and wine
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Food and cuisine
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Fast food | vs. pub food |
Sport | Baseball, beer, and racing vs.
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cricket, football, rugby, and tennis.
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Control
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Left steering wheel. Cars tend to have manual transmissions vs.
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right steering wheel. Cars tend to have automatic transmissions.
|
Measurement system
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Old British Imperial system (pints, gallons, Fahrenheit) | Metric system (meters, liters, degrees Celsius).
|
Talking about American and British culture will be a never-ending topic. Hopefully, some of the characteristics of American and British culture mentioned above will help you in understanding American culture as well as the people of this dynamic country, to avoid surprises if you have the opportunity to travel, study, or work in this country. In addition, if you want to study abroad or settle, please learn about that country first to gain more knowledge about it.
CHAPTER 4: ENGLISH AND AMERICAN CULTURE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN GLOBAL CULTURE
British and American cultures change over time, and they have distinct, special, and extremely interesting identities. We can learn about the culture of both countries through some of the following factors, and from there, we know their global importance.
1.British Culture
Communication and Behavior
The British have a special culture in communication. They speak moderately, control their voice, do not speak too loudly, and do not gesticulate when communicating. Most British people are masters about using non-verbal communication and do not use it much. Words carry a lot of emotion.
The British culture of written communication is also quite special. Addresses in documents often use the title and last name of the recipient. The recipient’s name is rarely used unless you are very close to that person. Today, as the age of information technology develops, email is used more commonly by people. However, the British still preserve etiquette and principles in written communication, which are a special features of British culture. In communication situations. Respectfully, they respectfully do not use slang or abbreviations.
Cultural Beliefs and Religion in England
The UK’s religious culture is very diverse, accepting all major world religions are accepted here. Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist centers, synagogues, and churches can be found in most major British cities. If you are a religious person who regularly celebrates ceremonies in your home country, do not worry, you can continue to do so when traveling or studying and living in the UK.
Dining Culture in England
Another characteristic of British culture is the eating culture. As a multi-ethnic country, the foods in the UK are also very diverse. Food ingredients from Asia, Africa, America. are all sold in supermarkets in the UK. Breakfast is considered the biggest meal of the day. Most British people like breakfasts that are dry and have cold meat combined with fried eggs and bread. Some people have toast, jam, and tea or coffee. British people usually eat lunch quite simply. They often bring rice from home and have lunch with colleagues or eat quick dishes such as fried fish and potatoes or spaghetti. On weekends, families often eat British dishes, national dish of grilled beef.
Afternoon tea is one of the typical British cultures and this culture is becoming popular all over the world. Afternoon teatime is usually around 5 pm. This is the time when British people relax, exchange light work, and talk with friends.
When you are invited to eat together, if you have friends or family in the UK, you should tell them in advance what foods you cannot eat for health, religious, or ethical reasons. You should also proactively end the meal because the host will not want to finish the meal first.
Entertainment activities
Sports are one of the indispensable pleasures of British people, and this is also considered a feature of British culture. There are many sports activities for you to choose from when living in the UK, such as jogging, cycling, playing rugby, or football. Many universities in the UK have modern sports facilities, but you can also go to local recreation centers to exercise and stay healthy.
British Arts and Culture
For those of you who love British culture, you probably know that British art has existed very long time and has been influential in the world. Regarding classical arts, British people are very fond of drama. There is the West End stage here, where most large and small shows in the UK take place, Or big concerts and opera performances. These are all characteristics of British classical art.
Regarding modern art, the British music industry has many famous names that have contributed to the world music industry, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones… In the field of cinema, the UK is equally developed with famous movies in the world.
Additionally, England is famous for its large museums and art galleries with designs ranging from classic to modern.
For international students passionate about the arts, England is a place worth considering.
England is a country with an incredible cultural history in the world. If you choose to study abroad in the UK, you should learn about British culture carefully to avoid culture shock when you arrive in the UK. ApplyZones – the leading online study abroad system, is ready to help you on your path to achieving your dream of studying abroad in the UK. Please access our system now to get answers to your questions about studying abroad as well as receive support from ApplyZones experts in completing visa procedures and admission procedures…
2.American culture
Communication Culture
American names are written in the order of first name, then middle name, and last name. They take their father’s surname; don’t use your mother’s last name. Middle names are often abbreviated or not even written at all. The full name can also be written as the last name first, then the given name, and finally the middle name. In this case, the last name is followed by a comma. For example: Clinton, Bill William.
American women change their last names to their husband’s when they get married. There are some people who use both their last name and their husband’s last name. For example, Hillary Rodham Clinton, where Hillary is a given name; Rodham is Hillary’s last name; and Clinton is her husband’s last name.
Addressing Etiquette
Except for some special cases, Americans usually call each other by their first names. However, there are some common principles that foreign traders should follow.
For the first face-to-face contact or through correspondence, you should address each other as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., or Dr. and next is them. For example, Mr. Clinton.
Individuals may be addressed by their first name only when given permission or after establishing a close relationship.
Do not use first names (unless invited) for people who are much older, have a much higher status or rank than you, or to people you want to show respect for.
It is appropriate to address children by their first name.
For military or police officers, they should be addressed by their rank (if known) or collectively called “Officer” followed by their last name. For example, General Clark or Officer Lugar.
For people you just met for the first time and do not know, such names (for example, sales staff, secretaries, drivers, or hotel staff and so on, you can address them as “Sir,” “Mr.,” “Ma’am,” or “Miss”.
Greeting
In the United States, shaking hands is a common greeting. You can shake hands with both men and women during the first or subsequent meetings.
Americans have a habit of shaking hands firmly using the whole hand, not just the fingers (which does not mean squeezing so hard that it hurts the other person’s hand) to show friendliness and enthusiasm. A loose handshake can be seen as uncertainty, lack of confidence, or even indifference in the relationship. Sometimes you can see men and women or women with women greeting each other by hugging, rubbing their cheeks together, or giving each other a gentle kiss on the cheek. This form of greeting is usually reserved for people who are long-time friends or at least have known each other. Additionally, Americans rarely touch each other.
Americans also use gestures and body language at different levels in communication to emphasize what they want to say or to follow natural habits. Shaking your head from side to side means disagreeing, while nodding means agreeing. Raised eyebrows show surprise, and shrugging your shoulders shows skepticism or uncertainty. In a restaurant, when you want to call a waiter, you can raise your hand high and stick out your index finger to attract their attention. However, waving or pointing your index finger at someone means accusing or challenging that person. Holding out your hand with your palm facing forward means stop. For Americans, raising the middle finger is considered obscene and defiant.
Office culture, America
Americans reject monopoly in politics, business, and even work in American culture. That is why America has two political parties and many technology companies providing diverse products to create fair competition and continue to develop and improve.
Americans tend to ask a lot of questions
Americans tend to ask a lot of questions, especially when meeting new acquaintances. This is a way for them to break the initial distance and create friendliness and better understanding of the other person. However, many personal questions can make you feel awkward and uncomfortable. If you feel uncomfortable, you can refuse to answer these questions and move on to another topic in American culture.
American culture of food & festivals
Culinary Culture
One of the unique cultural features of America that is different from Vietnam is that rice is not an indispensable dish in every meal. Americans prefer to consume wheat and corn. American culture is also famous for Fusion cuisine, which involves “Americanization” dishes from many different countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Italy, and Mexico and so on.
In addition, another hallmark of American culinary culture is the variety of eye-catching and delicious fast food from many famous brands such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Panera Bread… Among them, many brands have entered the Vietnamese market and won the sympathy of consumers, such as Starbucks and KFC and so on.
Festivals in America
In America, the two biggest festivals of the year are Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a special opportunities for international students to experience culinary culture, hear about heroic historical markers, and connect more closely with local people.
In American culture, Thanksgiving is often held on Thursday, the fourth week of November, with the original meaning of celebrating a good harvest and thanking God for protecting and bringing many blessings and happiness to the citizens. Today, Thanksgiving is an opportunity for families to gather and come together, And turkey is an indispensable dish on this special holiday.
Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Americans celebrate Christmas very lavishly. They decorate their houses and streets beautifully with Christmas trees, advent wreaths, and many strings of sparkling lights, and prepare gifts or cards for family and dear friends. Each state has its own culinary specialties on this holiday, such as ginger cookies (Delaware), apple pie (Iowa), cranberry sauce (Florida), and prime rib (Alaska) and so on.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Anglo-American relationship has fostered a deep intertwining of countries and cultures, resulting in a dynamic exchange of ideas, values, and traditions. From language and literature to politics and popular culture, the bonds between Britain and America have shaped the modern world in profound ways. As both nations continue to navigate the complexities of globalization and interdependence, their shared heritage serves as a cornerstone for collaboration, understanding, and mutual enrichment. Together, they stand as testament to the enduring power of cultural exchange and the strength found in unity amidst diversity.