In these times of unprecedented ease of travel, the global landscape is progressively shrinking, rendering intercontinental journeys more accessible than ever before. This phenomenon is not limited to leisurely exploration; rather, it has become a significant work for individuals, encompassing both students and professionals, who traverse continents in pursuit of opportunities not readily available in their home countries. Among the destinations that magnetically draw many, the United States stands out prominently for Indians. Renowned for its prestigious educational institutions and world-class employment opportunities, the U.S. has become a focal point for those seeking advancement and growth.?
However, amidst the best educational and professional prospects, cultural diversity comes to the forefront. The culmination of diverse customs and traditions in India collides with the distinct way of life in the United States. What may be deemed ordinary in the daily routine of an individual in India could potentially appear peculiar or unfamiliar to an American observer. This stark contrast underscores the profound impact of cultural disparities, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding and appreciation of diverse norms as individuals navigate between these two distinct worlds.
As mentioned, there are several things which are considered pretty normal in our own country and are looked down upon in the USA. So, when one is travelling to the country it is only better to know how to act with those aspects there to not embarrass yourself. Here are some tips:
Even though the views on eye contact are considered different in different cultures, in the USA not making eye contact while speaking to someone is considered is considered rude. If you are being told off and you don't make any eye contact then it is seen as a sign of disrespect. In different cultures in Asia, while being told off not making eye contact is considered as a sign of respect.
Americans don't really like it when others ask them personal questions, regarding their salary, assets, their wealth or what their assets cost. This is considered rude and should be avoided.?
Whether it is a job interview, an event or even when you are invited to an event, if you are not on time, it is not considered a good sign. Sure, being fashionably late for some events such as a party or a club can be taken lightly but for a formal event, it is noted that being on time is the basic norm and anything other than that is not considered normal.?
We in our country bargain for the smallest of things, however, that may not be the norm in other places, especially in the United States. Bargaining is one norm which is not generally followed among Americans especially when fixed prices are at least provided. Haggling is a practice that is looked down upon so it should be practiced.?
In the US, tipping is considered a customer dining etiquette. The customers generally tend to tip 15-20%? of the total bill due to the non-prevalence of general taxes on food at most of the food outlets. The customers can not leave as such without tipping the servers for their service.?
Just like in India, where meeting each other can merely be a surprise or rather could be something that does not need much planning, that is not something that happens in the United States. Before visiting anyone, if it is family, one should let the hosts know in advance so that they can adapt to it or make any sort of progress regarding the same.?
We Indians love to eat our food with our hands. In fact, it is supposed to add more to our culture and the flavour to it (at least that is what many believe). However, in the American culture, where proper dining setting is considered people are expected to eat with a fork and a knife unless these are foods that require to be eaten by hand such as burgers or hot dogs.?
Americans tend to form a queue for everything that requires it. However, if one pushes in the queue or tries to skip the queue it is looked down upon. So following rules when it comes to queue etiquette is strictly something that people follow. If someone is in a rush then one needs to politely ask the person ahead of them if they can cut, it is up to them if they see the reason as feasible.?
So, if you are someone who is visiting the States or is planning to reside there for a while then these examples would be helpful.?