Chapter 1 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication 1
1.1 Overview 3
1.2 Features of Culture 4
1.3 Culture and Language 6
1.4 Intercultural Communication 8
1.5 Culture Shock 10
Chapter 2 One Man's Meat Is Another Man's Poison:American and British Characters and Values 19
2.1 American Values 21
2.2 British Values 27
Chapter 3 Actions Speak Louder than Words:An Overview of Non-Verbal Communication 39
3.1 Classification of NVC 42
3.2 Body Language 44
Chapter 4 When in Rome,Do as the Romans Do:Traditions and Customs 57
4.1 Manners and Etiquette 61
4.2 Love,Marriage,and Family 66
4.3 Catering Culture and Table Manners 77
4.4 House in America and Britain 90
Chapter 5 Let Words Work Right for You:Formal and Informal English 95
5.1 British English and American English 98
5.2 Formal and Informal English 102
5.3 English Slang:An Informal Language 116
Chapter 6 Let's Strike a Deal:Business Communication 121
6.1 Business Etiquette 123
6.2 Writing Business Letters 131
6.3 Writing Business E-mail 139
Chapter 7 Knowledge Is Power:Education 150
7.1 Education in the United States 151
7.2 Education in the United Kingdom 164
7.3 Graduation Ceremony in the U.S.and the U.K 175
Chapter 8 To Get the Lion's Share:Economic Life 180
8.1 General Overview of American Economy 181
8.2 General Overview of British Economy 195
Chapter 9 All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy:Entertainment and Leisure Activities 203
9.1 Mass Media and Sports in the United States 205
9.2 Mass Media and Sports in Great Britain 217
Chapter 10 Histories Make Men Wise:History and Government 231
10.1 History and Government of the United States 233
10.2 History and Government of Great Britain 247
Chapter 11 See God to Believe,or Believe God to See:Religions and Beliefs 264
11.1 Religions in the United States 265
11.2 Religions in the United Kingdom 278
11.3 Belief in God and Church-Going in the U.S.and the U.K 284
11.4 Religion and Science 286
11.5 Religion and Politics 286
Chapter 12 Let's Paint the Town Red and Celebrate:Holidays and Festivals 290
12.1 Overview 292
12.2 Holidays and Festivals Shared by the U.S.and the U.K 297
12.3 Uniquely American Holidays and Festivals 312
12.4 Uniquely British Holidays and Festivals 320
Suggested Answers to Activities and Exercises 332
Bibliography 335