Making
Friends In The US
The
Truth About America
For the
newcomer, America can be a lonely place at first. This is partly due
to the career-driven and transitory nature of our society. One's career
may force one's family to move many times to many different locales.
Unlike more traditional cultures with strong extended family and long-term
relationships, friendships are made and lost readily here. Some might
find Americans superficial and even selfish. However, it is possible
to make close friendships - it is just more difficult, depending on
where you live. Social relationships in the U.S., by and large, revolve
around one's career and hobbies, one's religion and one's cultural background.
In the
large cities and towns there are many opportunities to get involved
in social and cultural activities, with a multitude of hobbyist clubs
and associations catering to almost every interest: travelling, cooking,
writing, dining out, sailing and watersports, etc. If you love
to read books or watch films, for example, there are a number of clubs
in large cities catering to these interests. If you like nature, you
can join hiking clubs or environmental organizations.
Good ways
to meet Americans include sports and athletic clubs, i.e. tennis clubs,
children's sports like Little League, joining the PTA at your children's
school or volunteering at your children's school or church. Learn the
basic rules of these games. Learning a sport like golf, tennis or even
frisbee can be an excellent way to meet friends and strengthen relationships
with business colleagues and clients.
Off-Color
Humor: Some Americans like to poke fun, but most of the time it
is meant to be in good humor. Many Americans do not understand when
they are being racist. In fact, more Americans than ever are sensitive
to cultural diversity. However, if racist comments are persistent, it
would be better to find a new friend.
!
Children and Social Isolation: Your child will greatly benefit by
joining a school or community team. Take care to make sure your children
aren't suffering from social isolation by organizing parties or events
they can attend after school. in a new culture, children can be the
greatest victims.
Professional
associations in your line of work will help you network and socialize.
Toastmasters International, a public speaking organization, can help
you hone your public speaking skills (very important) and meet others.
Yahoo has a list of Toastmasters
chapters in the U.S.
!
In
small towns, college students may find it easier to meet Americans if
they appear more "American", i.e. look, act and sound American.
!
Slang:
Learning American colloquial slang can help you "fit in,"
especially if you are under 35, but try not to sound forced - it may
backfire.
Guides
to American Speech:
American
Words and Expressions:
http://www.takeourword.com/arc_logi.html
http://www.takeourword.com/links.html
280 American
slang expressions:
http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~itesls/slang/
Practice
your knowledge of American slang:
http://www.esl-lab.com/slang/slangrd2.htm
Humorous
site on local slang common to different American cities: http://www.slanguage.com/
