Ah, the American way of life! You are fortunate enough to live in the South, where the people are friendly and the living is easy. Right?
Well, while Southern cordiality and hospitality are undisputed, navigating the social nuances of living in a culture different from one’s own can present a challenge at times.
To illustrate my point, let me give you some questions frequently asked by newcomers to the Upstate:
- What is the proper reaction when my new neighbors come over with a housewarming gift and some food or a cake?
- How much participation at my child’s preschool or school is expected of me?
- Is it really OK to address everyone by their first name, even in a business environment?
- How should I react when someone invites me to go to church with them?
We would love to get your input on those questions. What are your thoughts, and what would you do in a similar situation? If you have other questions you would like to share here, feel free to post them in the comments below!
Over the course of the next few weeks, we will post some possible answers to the questions above. In the meantime use the material on our Languages website — for example the Business Traveler’s Guide, the Newcomer’s Guide, or contact us about your Intercultural Training options – for the nuts and bolts of Southern Living!
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
