Abstract

This Family Album, U.S.A. is a set of practical American English textbooks for 35 countries around the world, which helps us understand the culture of the United States more comprehensively and it has a strong academic value and research value. There are many cultural differences between China and America, and this thesis only studies the time, wedding and independence, the several typical aspects reflecting the cultural differences between China and the United States, via Family Album, U.S.A. These studies make us have a further understanding of cultural differences between them, improve our ability of cross-cultural communication, and reduce the misunderstandings and conflicts. 

Furthermore, in the current that Sino-US cross-cultural communication becomes very common, it is necessary to probe further into the roots of the differences, for they can make us understand and tolerate the other’s culture. This thesis analyzes the roots from the perspectives of concepts of time, ideas of independence, modes of education, and so on. Finally, this thesis draws the conclusion that we should understand, learn and absorb from each other to improve our culture.

Keywords: Family Album, U.S.A.; China; America; cultural differences

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

2.1 Family Album U.S.A.-3

2.2 Previous Studies-3

3. Analysis of Sino-US Culture Differences of Time in Family Album, U.S.A..4

3.1 Punctuality and Waiting-4

3.2 Working Time and Playtime-5

3.3 Reservation-6

4. Analysis of Sino-US Culture Differences of Wedding in Family Album, U.S.A.-7

4.1 Bride’s Attire-7

4.2 Wedding Etiquette-8

4.3 Wedding Banquet-9

5. Analysis of Sino-US Culture Differences of Independence in Family Album, U.S.A.-10

5.1 Economic Independence-10

5.2 Individual Independence-11

6. Conclusion-13

Works Cited-14