Cultural Spot - American Lifestyle

Read the text above:

Social Matters 

It is anappropriate to just show up at someone´s house. You must first call and ask them wether they are available at a particular date and time. If someone casually says "come any time", please don´t take it literally. If that person really wants you to visit, they will specify a date and time. Unexpected visits are not appreciated, exept in an emergency. Even if you´re invited at given date and time, as courtesy, you should call the host and inform them just before you leave so they can estimate your time if arrival.

Glossary:
arrival - an act of arriving; a coming:
host - One who receives or entertains guests in a social or official capacity.
literally - in the literal or strict sense: 
must - To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom
show up - To cause or allow to be seen; display
unexpected - Occurring without warning; unforeseen.

Completed the sentences above:

arrival - host - literally - must - show up´- unexpected 

1. Their _________________ was delayed by traffic.
2. Citizens _______________ register in order to vote.
3. They turn up in the most _______________ places.
4. What does the word mean _______________?
5. What is the city chosen as _______________ for the Olympic Games?
6. I am going to  _______________ my new tattoo.

Some topics to discuss: 

• What do you think are some good manners?
• What do you think are some bad manners?
• What are some good manners for using a cell phone?
• What are some good table manners?
• What are some good party manners?
• Is kissing in public good manners?
• Do you listen to other's people conversations on the street?
• What culture do you think is the most polite? Explain. 

Read the text above:

Social meeting:

Generally, you will only visit someone´s home if you´re invited. It may either be a general visit for snacks, lunch, dinner, or for a party. It is customary to bring a gift for the host. Of course, the nature of the gift would depend on the occasion, and the value of the gift may depend on your relationship with the host. If you are visiting for dinner, you may want to arrive early for drinks and conversation. Don´t leave immediatelly after dinner, instead, stay for further chat. In case you are invited for a party, it is customary to inform the host before leaving the party.

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Time puntuality

Most Americans are very punctual. Most people arrive exactly on time or a few minutes early for an appointment. If there is an expected delay, it is customary to inform the other party by calling them about the delay and apologize immediately upon meeting.