American Culture

 Definiton of Culture

Culture is the characteristics of a particular group of people defined by language, religion, social habits, music, arts...

Useem, J., & Useem, R. (1963) - Human Organizations
 "Culture has been defined in a number of ways, but most simply, as the learned and shared behavior of a community of interacting human beings"

 Linton, R. (1945) - The Cultural Background of Personality (New York)
 "A culture is a configuration of learned behaviors and results of behavior whose component elements are shared and transmitted by the members of a particular society"

 American Culture - Traditions and Customs of the United States

Nearly every region of the world has influenced American culture because it is a country of immigrants.
U.S. culture has also been shaped by the cultures of Native Americans, Latin Americans, Africans and Asians.
Just als cultures from around the world have influenced American culture, today American culture influences the world. Here is a brief overview of the culture of the United States:

Language

There is no official language of the United States, although 31 states have made English their official language or given it exceptional status. More than 90 percent of the U.S. population speaks and understands at least some English and also most official business is conducted in English.
While almost every language in the world is spoken in the United States , Spanish, Chinese, French and German are among the most frequently spoken non-English languages. Each region of the United States, in particular the South, has its own spin on the language with unique pronunciations and phrases.

Religion

More than 75 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians. About half are Protestant, about one-quarter are Catholic, and a small percentage are Mormon. About 20 percent of the population has no religious affiliation.

American food

American cuisine has been influenced by Europeans and Native Americans in its early history. Today, there are a number of foods that are commonly identified as American, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, macaroni and cheese and meat loaf. "As American as apple pie" has come to mean something that is authentically American.

American style

Clothing styles vary by region and climate, but the American style of dressing is casual. Denim, sneakers and cowboy hats and boots are some items of clothing that are closely associated with Americans. Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Victoria Secret are some well-known American brands. American fashion is widely influenced by celebrities.

Arts

The United States is widely known around the world as a leader in mass media production, including television and movies. The television broadcasting industry took hold in the United States in the early 1950s and American television programs are shown around the world. The United States also has a vibrant movie industry, centered in Hollywood, and American movies are popular worldwide.


American music is very diverse with many, many styles, including rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, country and western, bluegrass, rock 'n' roll and hip hop.