The rules are as follows:
RULE 1: Appreciate the Person Most Americans like to be recognized as individuals as someone special with unique characteristics and personalities. Therefore, never say, “ You're from America so I want to be your friend.” Also don't imply that the reason why you approached them is because you wanted someone to practice your English with. That turns people off. Instead try saying,“ You seem like a real nice and interesting person and I would like to get to know you better.” This way, they are much more inclined to be friendly because you see them as a three dimensional person and appreciate them for who they are in the inside. And by doing so, you not only learn about America and practice your English, but also gain a real friend in the process.
RULE 2:Quit Calling Us Foreigners Please refrain from calling a foreigner a foreigner especially in his face. The word makes people feel like an outsider, and even unwelcome, suggesting separation and insurmountable differences, widening an already existing gap in the situation.
When Americans travel, they rarely say, “I’m foreign to your place.” They tend to say, “I’m new in town. I'm new here.” The reason is because new and unfamiliar things can become old and familiar. But can foreign things become native? Aha? You catch my drift.
RULE 3: Just Do It Some students like to be told about American culture but are less interested in spending the time and the effort to actually experience it. As Americans always say, “Get your hands dirty.” Until you have first hand and hands on experience, you'll never really know anything. Right?
So whenever you have the opportunity to participate in American culture, don't just sit there and watch. Get up and get involved!
RULE 4: Find that Common Language Now I must stress the importance of finding a common language. By that I don't mean English, Chinese, German, French, etc. I mean finding something you have in common with another person on a spiritual and philosophical level: likes, dislikes, worldviews, ways of thinking, and attitudes toward life. And to start, you must first enhance your knowledge of the particular culture from which your potential new friend comes from.
It's paramount to keep in mind that people want to talk to you because of who you are and what you have to say, not because you speak a particular language or dialect. After all, the most important purpose for learning a language is to communicate with other PEOPLE.
RULE 1: Appreciate the Person Most Americans like to be recognized as individuals as someone special with unique characteristics and personalities. Therefore, never say, “ You're from America so I want to be your friend.” Also don't imply that the reason why you approached them is because you wanted someone to practice your English with. That turns people off. Instead try saying,“ You seem like a real nice and interesting person and I would like to get to know you better.” This way, they are much more inclined to be friendly because you see them as a three dimensional person and appreciate them for who they are in the inside. And by doing so, you not only learn about America and practice your English, but also gain a real friend in the process.
RULE 2:Quit Calling Us Foreigners Please refrain from calling a foreigner a foreigner especially in his face. The word makes people feel like an outsider, and even unwelcome, suggesting separation and insurmountable differences, widening an already existing gap in the situation.
When Americans travel, they rarely say, “I’m foreign to your place.” They tend to say, “I’m new in town. I'm new here.” The reason is because new and unfamiliar things can become old and familiar. But can foreign things become native? Aha? You catch my drift.
RULE 3: Just Do It Some students like to be told about American culture but are less interested in spending the time and the effort to actually experience it. As Americans always say, “Get your hands dirty.” Until you have first hand and hands on experience, you'll never really know anything. Right?
So whenever you have the opportunity to participate in American culture, don't just sit there and watch. Get up and get involved!
RULE 4: Find that Common Language Now I must stress the importance of finding a common language. By that I don't mean English, Chinese, German, French, etc. I mean finding something you have in common with another person on a spiritual and philosophical level: likes, dislikes, worldviews, ways of thinking, and attitudes toward life. And to start, you must first enhance your knowledge of the particular culture from which your potential new friend comes from.
It's paramount to keep in mind that people want to talk to you because of who you are and what you have to say, not because you speak a particular language or dialect. After all, the most important purpose for learning a language is to communicate with other PEOPLE.