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Although the three countries that make up North America are physically close, Mexico is simply a different country than her northern neighbors. Mexico has a different history and a different culture. Mexicans have their own ways of doing and looking at things. Each Mexican's beliefs, expectations and codes of personal and social conduct are so different as to be from a different world. Of course, from their perspective, you are from a different world.

To successfully interact with a Mexican, it is necessary to enter the world of the Mexican, and be aware of the fact that your assumptions about how things are done, often are not true.

CONCLUSION

There are the obvious cultural differences that people have pointed out here, but you must remember two things: One is that there are HUGE cultural differences inside Mexico itself. It is a very diverse country ethnically, socioeconomically, and geographically. The cultural abyss between an upper class white Mexico City housewife and a young Zapotec farmer from Oaxaca is far more pronounced than; whatever cultural differences you would find between two middle class blue collar workers on both sides of the border.

People

United States: With the exception of Native Indigenous Americans, the entire population of the United States is comprised of people and their families who immigrated to the country at one time or another. Early on, the majority of immigrants were from European countries, which is why European Americans make up 75% of the American population. Currently, Hispanic and Latino Americans make up the largest ethnic minority.

Mexico: The people of Mexico are made up of a variety of different heritages. After Mexico achieved independence from Spanish colonization in the early 1800s, a fusion between indigenous pre-Columbian ancestry and the Europeans who stayed in the country after colonization helped to create the unique multi-ethnic culture that makes up Mexico today.

Cultural differences between Mexico and USA

Ethics

Language

United States: In the United States, there is no federally recognized language, but over half of the 50 states have recognized American English as their official language. While English is the most widely spoken language in the nation, there are believed to be nearly 150 living languages spoken around the United States today.

Mexico: Like the United States, Mexico does not have a defined language. However, Mexico is the most populated Spanish-speaking country in the world, as there are most Spanish speakers in Mexico than there are in Spain! The Mexican government also recognizes 62 indigenous languages that are spoken within the country’s borders, called Amerindian languages.

USA

Mexico

Family

USA

Family is usually second to work.

Children often minimally parented; are independent.

Wife often fulfills dual roles.

Mobility quite common.

Mexico

Family is the first priority.

Children are celebrated and sheltered.

Wife fulfills domestic role.

Mobility is limited.

Truth is tempered by need for diplomacy.

Truth is a relative concept.

Direct Yes/No answers given and expected.

Truth seen as absolute value.

Aesthetics

USA

Mexico

No time for "useless frills".

Aesthetic side of life is important even at work.

Religion

USA

Mexico

Long Roman Catholic tradition.

Fatalistic outlook. "As God wills."

Mixed religions.

"Master of own life" outlook.

Status

Education

USA

Mexico

Analytical approach.

Emphasis on the practical.

Narrow, in-depth specialization.

Mexico

Etiquette

Money is main status measure and is reward for achievement.

Title and position more important than money in eyes of society.

USA

Memorization.

Emphasis on theoretical.

Rigid, broad curriculum

Mexico

Formality often sacrificed for efficiency.

"Let's get to the point" approach.

design by Dóri Sirály for Prezi

"Old world" formality.

Etiquette and manners seen as measure of breeding.

BY YAZARELI FLORES INCLÁN

ENGLISH IV

GROUP:12401

LIC. PABLO GONZÁLEZ CÁRDENAS

Work and Family

United States: In the United States, Americans place a lot of their self-worth on their profession, so much so that in some cases, work is placed before family. Children are raised are often raised in a more independent manner, and are encouraged to be independent of their family.

Mexico: In Mexico, family is usual placed ahead of profession. Most children are raised with a lot of parental care, and are taught to put the family first. It is not uncommon to see large Mexican families living in one location together for generations.

USA

Nationalism

(U.S.)Very patriotic.

Proud of "American way of life."

Assumes everyone shares his/her materialistic values

Very nationalistic.

Proud of long history and traditions.

Reluctant to settle outside Mexico.

Personal Sensitivity

USA

MEXICO

Separates work from emotions/personal relationships.

Sensitivity seen as weakness.

Tough business front.

Has difficulty with subtlety.

Difficulty separating work and personal relationships.

Sensitive to differences of opinion.

Fears loss of face, especially publicly.

Shuns confrontation.

Food

United States: In the U.S, there really is no such this as “traditional” American food, simply because America is considered to be the “melting pot” of many different heritages and cultures. Cuisine will vary based on location, and is largely influenced by the people living in the area.

Mexico: Mexican food is well known world-wide because of its distinct flavors and colors. Mexican food contains many delicious spices and herbs, and while most traditional dishes have originated in Mexico, it is not uncommon to see a Spanish influence in the cuisine as well.

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