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AMERICAN CHARACTER

American society seems to be much more informal than the British and, in some ways, is characterized by less social distinction. Students do not rise when a teacher enters the room. One does not always address a person by his title, such as «Major» or «General» or «Doctor». The respectful «Sir» is not always used in the northern and western parts of the country.

However, it is best to use a person's title when first meeting him/her, and then allow the person to tell you how he/she wishes to be called.

They use first names when calling each other, slap on the back, joke and are much freer in their speech, which is slangier than the conventional British English. You will often hear the word «Hi» (a form of greeting among friends) used instead of the usual «Hello» and «Howdy instead of «How do you do?».

Yet, in spite of all the informality, Americans, even in the way they address each other, show consciousness of social distinction. For example, one is likely to use somewhat more formal language when talking to superiors. While the informal «Hello» is an acceptable greeting from employee to employer, the employee is more apt to say «Hello, Mr. Ferguson», while the employer may reply «Hello, Jim».

Certain other forms of politeness are observed on social occasions. Women may wear hats in church, in restaurants, and often when attending luncheons in public places and other public social functions expect those that take place in the evening. Men who do wear hats ordinarily remove them in elevators, churches, restaurants, private homes, business offices – in fact, in most public situations when they wish to show respect

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HOLIDAYS IN THE USA

Every country has its own holidays. They reflect the history of the country and its cultural and religious traditions. Some religious holidays are common in different countries. They are Christmas and Easter.

Americans celebrate Christmas on the 25^th of December. They buy a lot of presents for each other, for their parents, children and friends.

The New Year's Day, the 1^st of January is not so widely celebrated in the United States as we do it in Russia.

Of course, the most important holiday in America is the 4^th of July, the Independence Day. People like to watch colourful fireworks in the evening. The 4^th of July is the day-off and people don't go to work.

The holidays when people don't go to work are: Martin Luther King's day on the 20^th of January, Labour Day on the 7^th of September and Thanksgiving on the last Friday of November. On Thanksgiving Americans usually eat turkey. This holiday reminds the time when the first colonists (pilgrims) from England came to America in 1620 and could survive in the unknown land. There is still a big white stone on the shore in Plymouth in Massachusetts that the pilgrims landed on. It is called «The Plymouth Rock».

The 31st of October is the children's most favourite holiday – Halloween. On this day children, dressed in funny dresses visit their neighbours and say «Trick or treat!» and get sweets.

The rest of the holidays are usually on weekends. They are: the Flag's Day, Mother's Day, and Armed Forces Day. Americans also celebrate Lincoln's birthday, Washington's Birthday, President's Day in February.

The 14th of February is Valentine's Day or as it is called «All lovers day».

20. Translate into English and learn the following words by heart:

Многочисленный, соединять, населять, Вавилон, средства передвижения (автомобили и т. п.), ворота, небоскребы, отрасли промышленности, городской транспорт, отражать, Рождество, Пасха, широко празднуется, выходной, фейерверк, индейка, напоминать, выживать, представлять, фон, гимн, орел, оливковая веточка, прибывать, факел.