This unique book paints a revealing picture of America and its people for those foreigners who will benefit from a better understanding of America.
This unique worldwide book/ebook explores the role, struggles, and contributions of immigrants in the US. It paints a revealing picture of America for those foreigners who want a better understanding of the US to improve their chances of success. Endorsed by ambassadors, educators, and editors, it also informs Americans who want to learn more about the U.S. and how it compares to other countries around the world on many different levels.
As the title suggests, this book is for “foreigners” who are defined as anyone not sufficiently familiar with American culture to achieve success. Besides citizens of foreign countries who have relations with Americans, this also includes the multitude of foreign-born, naturalized American citizens who struggle with our ways and language. A foreigner could also be a first-generation American whose immigrant parents did not fully expose their children to American culture and they now pay the price in mainstream US. There are lots of other examples, too.
Excerpt
A Personal Note from the Author
I’ve witnessed my foreign heritage friends in America struggle to adjust to a new culture that’s in stark contrast to their own. There is so much for them to learn as they get new jobs, open businesses, enter school, and make friends. Even our rules of etiquette pose difficulties for them.
When I teach overseas and travel the world, I’m always amazed at the interest people have in all things American. Our language, government, people, music, and films. Our behavior. Even our negative image on the world stage. They want to know why the rules for our crazy English language are not more consistent like their languages. They’re puzzled why the U.S. feels it must be the policeman of the world. They want to know why Americans feel they are better than the rest of the world. Why we dislike foreigners but like wars. Why we don’t share our wealth with the rest of the world. Why we are all fat and drive such big cars and if the two are related. I’m especially amused when they ask me why we say “excuse me” for the slightest of things because I don’t think we do that as often as we should.
When we discuss my culture I learn about theirs, too. After years of these exchanges I searched for a book that I could recommend to them that condensed and simplified what America is all about. There wasn’t one. So I began thinking about writing one, not quite sure I wanted to tackle such a big undertaking. That soon changed...
Professional Reviews
Mindy Lawrence
What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z by Lance Johnson, a second generation United States citizen, has so much information in its 614 pages that anyone coming to our shores should find what they need to prevent cultural gaffs and language boo boos. They can discover ways to find jobs, open businesses and make friends in their new country, America.
Johnson is a world traveler. He knows what it's like to get along in other cultures. It was his travel, and the comments from those wanting to move to the United States, which made him notice what an important resource What Foreigners Need to Know could be. He has done the world a great service by the wonderful compilation of information he has gathered in this book to help others find their way around.
The paperback is divided into four sections:
* Section One: America's Heritage: the historical background of why America became what it is today - government, the American Dream, standard of living, etc.
* Section Two: America's Culture: How we conduct our live - etiquette, literature, movies and much more.
* Section Three: America's Business: Our business environment, customs and operations.
* Section Four: America's Language: Practical ways to improve English grammar, usage, writing, speech and communications skills. How not to embarrass yourself using an incorrect word.
Each one of these sections may be read individually or as the need arises. However, the entire book is so well thought out that I can't see why anyone would want to skip over anything Johnson has put together.
People moving to America have needed a book like this for many years. Thankfully, it has arrived.
Donna M. McDine
Whether you are a world traveler or not Lance Johnson's book, What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z provides an insightful first person account of his extensive world travels and experience. Cultures across our vast world often times clash because of our diverse differences and lack of understanding of one another's customs.
Through Johnson's willingness and openness to communicate with people throughout the world he begins with a direct and simple question, "What would you like to know about America you were always afraid of asking for fear of offending?" Intuitive conversation ensued practically every time, providing an inspiring opportunity for Johnson to learn about cultures outside his own as well as explaining American culture. Intrigued by the misconceptions foreigners have of America whether abroad or in their own travels to the United States, Johnson documented his extensive conversations resulting in the compilation of What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z.
Lance Johnson's one-on-one conversational writing style welcomes the reader from the onset. A natural born teacher, Johnson does not preach and keeps it simple with real life examples how the American culture operates. What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z goes well beyond the misdemeanor of personal culture. For to understanding all the components of this extensive guide will educate the reader well beyond their expectations, creating an opportunity to simulate into American culture seamlessly.
What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z is the perfect guide that does not need to be read from start to finish, but rather consumed by section of interest. Get your pen, paper, and highlighter ready for I'm sure any reader will make their own notations, highlight and earmark the pages for future reference for years to come.
W. Terry Whalin
Because I've lived outside of the United States for several years, I understand firsthand the challenges of adapting to another culture. Most people have no idea how simple tasks and simple sayings can become complex to someone from a different culture.
Lance Johnson has tackled a complex topic in WHAT FOREIGNERS NEED T O KNOW ABOUT AMERICA FROM A TO Z - yet he has handled these complexities with candor and valuable insight. This large volume is divided into four basic sections: America's Heritage, America's Culture, America's Business and America's Language.
Whether you use the detailed table of contents to find particular sections or the comprehensive index in the back of the book, you can easily locate what you need. Or if you read the book cover to cover, you will gain rich insight and understanding about the inner workings of America.
This book is an ideal gift to anyone from another country and Americans can learn a tremendous amount of information in this well-done book. I recommend it.
