Foreigners in American Culture - Speech or Presentation Example

Foreigners in American Culture Foreigners in international environments are required to try as much as possible to understand the attitudes, beliefs and cultural backgrounds of their new environments. Those that are not able to learn these aspects have a hard time adapting. On the other hand individuals who have cultural intelligence are able to spot cultural differences and adapt their behaviors accordingly (Elaine, 2011). Christopher Earley defined cultural intelligence as the ability to adapt to new cultures.

Individuals who have cultural intelligence are not familiar with every culture but they are able to observe and read situations and people in order to make appropriate decisions. The paper will highlight the American cultures that foreigner find to be familiar or weird. America is full of immigrants and this means that they are rich in cultural diversity. A foreigner is therefore tasked with the responsibility of trying to fit in. Some cultures are however common for instance the forms of greeting people such as handshakes and hellos.

Punctuality is also a common attribute that most people even foreigners are familiar with (Christopher, 2010). What many foreigners are not familiar with is the aspect of informality especially with strangers. An American native can begin a conversation with a stranger anywhere. Foreigners might find this act to be very weird especially those that are silent and conservative. Foreigners might not be aware that tech based companies in America allow their workers to wear casually every day of the week.

This is uncommon as many companies all over the world are quite strict in matters of decency and mode of dressing especially in the office. Dining etiquettes might also confuse new foreigners who are used to their own dining etiquettes (Kwintensential, 2015). People who are able to learn these cultural differences are able to quickly adapt and also able to collaborate and communicate with individuals who are from a different cultural background.ReferencesChristopher, E. (2010). Foreigners guide.

London: London Business School pressElaine, M. (2011).Cultural diversity. Boulder: University of Colorado press. Kwintensential, 2015. USA-language, culture, customs and etiquette. Kwinttensential. Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/usa.html