Living in the U.S. - Making American Friends

Summary

This script offers insights into making American friends, highlighting the importance of nonverbal and verbal greetings like handshakes, waves, and nods. It suggests engaging in small talk, sharing cultural stories, and participating in campus activities to build connections. Inviting others for coffee, studying together, and joining student organizations are recommended for fostering friendships. The script also touches on the use of social media and texting as tools for communication and finding common interests.

Takeaways

• 🤝 Handshakes are a common greeting in the U.S., used for first meetings and in professional settings.
• 👋 The wave is a casual greeting or a way to get someone's attention, often used in informal settings.
• 🧢 The nod is a simple acknowledgment of another's presence, common when passing by strangers.
• 🏈 The fist bump is a unique USC gesture showing school spirit and unity among the Trojan family.
• 🗣️ Verbal greetings like 'how are you doing?' may be just a formality and not always followed by a conversation.
• ☕ Americans often bond over casual activities like getting tea, coffee, or sharing a meal.
• 🗣️ Small talk is a typical part of American conversations, covering topics like class, campus events, hobbies, and current news.
• 🌐 Sharing stories about your home country and culture can help connect with Americans who are curious about different backgrounds.
• 📲 Texting is a common method of communication for making plans and staying in touch.
• 👫 Joining student organizations at USC is an effective way to meet new people and engage with diverse student groups.
• 🤝 Building friendships may take time and persistence, so continue to be open and suggest ways to connect with others.

Q & A

What are some common nonverbal greetings used when meeting Americans for the first time?

The handshake is a common nonverbal greeting used when meeting someone for the first time, regardless of age. It is also used in professional settings. The wave is used for greetings, saying goodbye, or getting someone's attention. The nod is another nonverbal greeting acknowledging the other's presence. A unique gesture to USC is the fight on gesture, showing school spirit.

How do verbal greetings typically work in American culture?

General verbal greetings in American culture may not always be followed by a conversation. For example, if someone asks 'how are you doing?' and keeps walking without waiting for an answer, it's just a greeting.

What activities are Americans likely to engage in with new acquaintances?

Americans often spend time with new people by going to get tea or coffee, or eating lunch or a short meal together on campus.

What is considered small talk in American conversations, and why is it important?

Small talk in American conversations includes topics like class discussions, campus events, movies, hobbies, activities, and current news. Sharing stories about one's home country and culture is also a great way to connect. It's important because it helps to build rapport and find common ground.

How can international students practice their English and learn new slang through interactions with Americans?

International students can practice their English and learn new slang by engaging in conversations with Americans, where they can share stories about their home country and listen to American slang and phrases.

What is the significance of initial interactions with US students being short?

Initial interactions with US students being short allows for a comfortable introduction and eases into more extended conversations. It also sets the stage for potential future engagements.

How can one invite Americans out after having small talk with them?

After having small talk with the same person or group, one can invite them out by suggesting specific activities and providing a date and time for the event.

What should one do if Americans are not able to join them or already have plans?

If Americans are not able to join or already have plans, one should not be discouraged. It's important to continue being open to suggesting ways to connect, as friendships take time to form.

How do friendships often form in an academic setting like USC?

Friendships often form out of assigned groups in class. It's a good idea to ask fellow students to work together on homework or projects to get to know them better.

What role do social networking sites play in American social interactions?

Social networking sites are used by Americans to connect with each other, share pictures, and find common interests. They are a great way to make new friends and stay connected.

Why is joining a USC student organization beneficial for international students?

Joining a USC student organization is beneficial as it allows international students to meet new people, practice language skills, experience new cultures, learn new perspectives, and extend their support system.