American Сulture. Жукова Е.Ф. - 24 стр.

Friday. Would you like to go?” Peter said that he couldn’t go, and then he rushed
away. He didn’t want anyone to see him talking to her because she obviously wasn’t
a nice girl. He wondered how he could ever have thought she was nice.


IV. Participating in Social Events
   Religious customs and social events are central to any culture. They provide the
means to deal with birth, marriage, and death. These events are also the stepping-
stones to adulthood and acceptance in the community. In this chapter, we will discuss
various social events, ways to deal with difficult social situations, and conversations
appropriate to each.


   1. Social Events


   Here is the chart of important social events and ways that they are observed in the
United States. Discuss these American customs and compare these occasions in
Russian culture.
Event                      Observance in the United States
Birth                      Friends give a baby shower for expectant mother; people
                           send gifts for baby, flowers for the mother in the
                           hospital; and send birth announcement to friends; people
                           send greeting cards to new parents.
Birthday                   Adults celebrate with family and usually have a cake
                           with candles; children have parties, invite friends, wear
                           hats, play games, receive prizes, eat cakes and ice cream;
                           guests bring relatively inexpensive presents.
Marriage                   Engagement: Fiancë gives his future wife a ring, usually
                           with a diamond; the bride’s friends give bridal showers,
                           where the bride receives household gifts; friends of the
                           groom give him a “stag party.”


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