Intended as an introduction to those about to visit the United States for the first time, this booklet provides general information about the United States and its people. The title, derived from Mark Twain's observation that "the only distinguishing characteristic of the American character I've been able to discover is a fondness for ice…

This "communication lexicon," a new source of information in the field of language and area studies, describes how selected themes such as family, society, work, and entertainment are perceived and understood by members of the Mexican, Colombian, and United States cultures. It identifies broad trends of perceptions and evaluations…

Cross-cultural understanding and successful communication are the objectives of this study, whose approach focuses upon descriptive knowledge of the foreign culture and society. In this part (written in English), the report focuses on some main culture patterns and social institutions of the United States, under the headings of (1) value system,…

Successful conduct of business in Saudi Arabia requires attitudes and skills significantly different from those needed in the United States. Distinct societal differences can turn winning practices in one culture into failures in another. Despite Saudi Arabia's recent emergence as a wealthy marketplace, traditional values and a unique lifestyle…