101 American Customs : Understanding Language and Culture Through Common Practices

by Harry Collis, Joe Kohl

What is sold at garage sales? Why does no one get wet at a bridal shower? For non-native speakers, here's a humorous approach to understanding common American customs and the expressions related to them. Customs are explained, one to a page, with conversational examples and whimsical cartoons. Topics range from age-old traditions, such as shaking hands and bachelor parties, to more modern American practices--coupon clipping, TV dinners, and tailgate parties.

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Zahra Saedi · Rating 3 out of 5]

داستان خواندن این کتاب اینطور بود که یک روز که خانه‌ی مادرم بودم بین کتاب‌هایی که آنجا دارم گشتم و تصمیم گرفتم این کتاب را که کوتاه و سبک بود بخوانم. کتاب همان‌طور که از اسمش پیداست رسم‌ورسوم آمریکایی‌ها را معرفی می‌کند. کتاب شاید برای دهه‌های ۸۰ و ۹۰ میلادی خوب بود اما حالا با فراگیر شدن اینترنت و ساخته شدن سریال‌های‌ رنگارنگ می‌توان همه‌ی این رسوم را با دیدن سریال یاد گرفت و حتی بهتر و‌ کاربردی‌تر‌ چرا که موقعیت را تمام و کمال به تصویر می‌کشد.

[Amir Rashidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it and since I'm an English teacher, sometimes I have to explain why some American customs are different from us and what is the source of some differences. This booked helped me with my problem. It was a lot though but I liked it.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Familiar with most of the customs but I learned a few things.
Great way for a non American to learn more about us.

[Duy Trần · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Minaho Isaji · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 8, 2012 70minutes part 1 costom 1 ~ costom 18

special, occasions, party, parade, cake, prom, cards

Have you ever had your birthday party?
- No, I have not, but I had been to my friend's birthday party.

Do you want to go to the prom?
- Yes, I do. I know the prom is a very special high school dance in the US.

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December 15, 2012 60minutes part 2 costom 19 ~ costom 29

courtship, marriage, newlyweds, throw, rice, anniversary, gifts

Have you ever participated in the marriage ceremony?
- No, I have not. I want to participate in the marriage ceremony.
It is beautiful and wonderful.

What do you think about Gifts exchange of a wedding anniversary?
- I think it is a good thing. It can keep relationship between a husband and a wife good. According to this book, while the fiftieth and sixtieth are celebrated with gold and a diamond respectively.

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December 28, 2012 60 minutes part 3 costom 30 ~ costom 41

body, language, hands, sign, thumbs, shoulders, fingers

In America, when a man and woman walk together, the man walks on the outsude. How about your country?
- Here in Japan, Japanese men also walk on the outside, when a man and woman walk together. I think South Korean men also walk outside. I have watched hat situiation on a South korean tv drama.

When people sneeze, do you say "Bless you"?
- I do not say that, but when I was in Boston, my Englosh teacher saied that. Even now in Japan, one of my friend says "Bless you."

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January 5, 2013 75 minute part 4 costom 42 ~ costom 53

meal, breakfast, fast food, fish, tabke, ketchup, potluck

In America, people watch a baseball game with hot dogs at a baseball park. How about your country?
- I do not know, because I have neber been to a baseball park to watch a baseball game in Japan. I have watched a baseball game only once at baseball game in Boston. At that time, many people were eating ot dogs.

Do you like barbecue?
- Yes, i do. Every summer, I do barbecue with my friends or my family. However, we do not that at the backyard. we do at park or near the river.

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