Does the United States Have an Official

Language?
• The United States technically has
no official language.
• Historically, approximately 500
languages have been spoken in
the country with English being the
most widely spoken language.
• Spanish is the second most-
spoken language in the country.
UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA
(Cultural and Intercultural mode of
communication)
Spanish to English
• Hola. = Hello.
• amor = love
• felicidad = happiness
• gato = cat
• perro = dog
• sonreír = smile
• español = spanish
• Sí. = Yes.
• Gracias. = Thank you.
• Adiós. = Goodbye.
Verbal
Direct Communication:
• Americans are very direct communicators. They
tend to convey their entire message verbally,
paying less attention to body language.
• When Americans say "yes" or "no," they mean
precisely that. "Maybe" really does mean "it
might happen"; it does not mean "no."
Language Styles:
• Americans are generally quite enthusiastic,
assertive and persuasive in their speech.
Modesty:
• Americans are expected to speak on their own
behalf instead of waiting for someone to tell of
their achievements or success for them.
Raised Voices:
• Americans may speak at higher
volumes in public spaces,
however they generally do not
appreciate loud or emotional
outbursts.
Silence:
• Americans sometimes grow
uncomfortable when social chat is
punctuated with long periods of
pause or silence and often try to
fill the gap in conversation.
Q
Non-Verbal
Eye Contact:
 Eye contact should be maintained directly. It demonstrates
warmth, openness, honesty and approachability. If you make
eye contact with a stranger in passing (on the street, at a shop,
in a hallway, etc.) give a small smile or nod to acknowledge
them.
Physical Contact:
• Americans are not very tactile outside of their families and
close relationships. However, cities that are more internationally
exposed may adopt more physical contact in their mannerisms.
Touching someone of another gender especially in the
workplace can be misinterpreted as sexual harassment.
Personal Space:
• Americans like to be given a fair amount of
personal space, so try not to encroach on it
during a conversation. If an American feels
you are ‘in their face’ too much, they will
probably not mention it and simply step
back.
Gestures:
• It is best to nod or show some kind of sign
that you are listening throughout a
conversation.
Smiling:
• Many Americans smile when passing
strangers on the street as a simple gesture
of goodwill.
Greetings:
• Greetings are usually informal in social settings.
• First names are often used in initial
introductions.
• A handshake is the common greeting.
• In a business/formal setting, give a firm
handshake and hold eye contact
• An introduction is not always necessary in
casual settings, but is sometimes assumed that
people will get to know each other as they
mingle. Handshaking can also seem forced and
awkward in this context.
• People may hug to greet close friends or kiss
one another on the cheek.
• When meeting people, Americans often
describe themselves by their occupation.
Things that are rude for Americans
• It is rude to interrupt someone who is talking. Say, "Excuse
me" during a pause and wait to be recognized.
• It is very important in written communication to spell names
correctly and have correct titles.
• It is considered rude to stare, ask questions or otherwise
bring attention to someone's disability.
• Americans do not tend to like close contact with others.
• No touching ever with others