American Ways
Book

American Ways

A Guide for Foreigners in the United States

Gary Althen
Intercultural Press, 2003
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Editorial Rating

6

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Overview
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Gary Althen’s richly detailed guide shines a psychological, cultural and sociological spotlight on American customs, values, attitudes and behavior. Organized into 22 chapters that cover just about every aspect of American life, the book hits you with its uncanny insight, accuracy and honesty. Although he doesn’t completely avoid stereotyping (and doesn’t seem at all bothered by it), Althen presents the good, the bad and the quirky. He explains the “why” behind American attitudes and manners. Even though this is a guide for foreigners visiting, doing business in or living in the United States, Americans also should read this book. It’s an eye-opener about the national personality, or the perceived national personality, from naïvete to individualism. As Scotsman Robert Burns wrote, “Oh wad some power the giftie gie us, to see oursels as others see us.” Well, here’s your chance.

Summary

Americans: Nothing to Hide

Most Americans think of themselves as open, frank and friendly, They will cheerfully answer questions, believing that they have nothing to hide, so they don’t understand why - aside from language difficulties - people from other countries should have any problem understanding them. Yet, most foreigners have plenty of problems understanding Americans, not necessarily what they are saying, but what they are thinking and feeling. Foreigners can gain a better understanding of Americans if they learn:

  • What ideas and attitudes underlie Americans’ actions.
  • What motivates them.
  • What makes them talk and act the way they do.

To understand indigenous Americans in their own habitat, non-Americans need an “accurate set of ideas for interpreting” their behavior. These facts can help alleviate misunderstandings that may cause people from other places to regard Americans negatively.

Here’s an example: Tariq is an Egyptian who has come to the U.S. to earn a master’s degree in civil engineering. Through a university program, he regularly visits a host family, the Wilsons. In Tariq’s home society, family loyalty is intensely...

About the Author

Gary Althen, a former foreign student advisor at the University of Iowa, spending much of his 30 years on campus as director of the Office of International Students and Scholars. He has been president of NAPSA, the Association of International Educators. He is the author of The Handbook of Foreign Student Advising, and is author, editor or coauthor of many other international educational and inter-cultural affairs publications. He has lived and worked in Peru and Malaysia.

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