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CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

I.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Language is the principle means whereby we conduct our social lives. When it is
used in contexts of communication, it is bound up with culture in multiple and complex
way.
We may say that language expresses, embodies and symbolizes cultural reality. So,
that is the reason why we should discover the culture of the country we are learning its
language. To begin with, this book is written mainly for English learners. At first sight, we
may see almost all proverbs and sayings; thus through these ones, we will think of the
culture, people, views on life and all possible things about that nation. I myself dare to
affirm that this material shall help learners understand not only language aspects but also
exciting cultural values. And “The ABCs of American culture”- first steps toward
understanding the American people through their common sayings and proverbs – By Stan
Nussbaum says a lot of distinctive features of Americans. We choose America as the
destination of adventuring language and culture because this is a big country full of
impressive characteristics and colorful diversity as well.

I.2. STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE

Arising from the above background and the need of discovering American culture,
this research aims at:
• Giving a general and systematic study of American culture through proverbs and
sayings divided into particular topics.
• Providing with a plentiful amount of vocabulary by means of illustrative examples
and proverbs taken from the available material, especially from the source book
“The ABCs of American culture” by Stan Nussbaum.
• Comparing Vietnamese culture to American one by pointing out the similarities
and differences.
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I.3. SOURCE OF DATA

To finish this research, I did mainly base on the book “The ABCs of American
culture” by Stan Nussbaum. Besides, I also collected the information from a variety of
sources such as:
• “Culture shock USA”- by Esther Waning.
• “Spotlight on the USA”- by Grandee Falk.
• The Internet and other documents.

I.4. RESEARCH PROCEDURES AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research is carried out with the following methods:
• Collecting the concerning information to the source data.
• Selecting useful ideas to write.
• Basing on the source material to review developed and enriches it.
• Giving the remarks on the document and making a clear understanding about the
purpose of the author in this book.
• Showing out the helpful values of the study by supplying a various number of
proverbs, and from then on, learners can understand adequately and they support
them a lot in learning this language.
However, due to the fact that the theme covers a wide range of instances, I have
narrowed down the topic to the most common cases, chosen the most typical examples
with special attention to those contained in the book “The ABCs of American culture”,
and selected the proverbs and sayings having high frequency of use.

I.5. STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY

This study is divided into five chapters:
• Chapter I: Introduces the study.
• Chapter II: Deals with main American cultural values, typically individual
success, self-esteem, and fun.
• Chapter III: Discovers the American view of Human beings and Society in terms
of human beings, social relationships and structure.
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• Chapter IV: Analyses the American outlook on life in general, such as time and
efficiency, change and progress, optimism, unseen powers and destiny.
• Chapter V: Summaries the study, gives out some remarks and limitations of the
study. Besides, provides with the list of similar Vietnamese proverbs in
comparison to American ones and notice some appendixes.

I.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

I hope to bring learners some fundamental elements:
• Help learners study English language and American culture easily by proverbs.
• Contact to popular cultural values of America and support those who want to
come to America for studying and working.
• Broaden knowledge of the greatest nation in the world.
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CHAPTER II: THE AMERICAN CULTURAL VALUES

II.1. THREE PRIMARY GOALS

American life is goal-oriented from start to finish. So, being success, building self-
esteem and having fun are the three important goals of theirs.

II.1.1. INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS

Success is the target that Americans always
pursuit. They seem to think about a no meaning
life without the desires of being success.
Normally, they naturally think first of individual
success. Americans want to draw their proud
biography–“that must be a success story”.
II.1.1.1. Success as an ideal
1. 1. You can’t argue with
success: Success is success. We can not criticize success especially when it brings
us pride, honor and true benefits without cheating.
2. Nothing succeeds like success: If at first you only get a small success, it is not a
matter in that the next chance may be a very big success of yours.
3. All is well that ends well: There is a solution to everything even though there are
doubts. No pain no gain, let us forget about the pain and mistakes along the way.
Enjoy your success!
4. Killing two birds with one stone: A smart person know how to achieve two
different goals only by one action.
5. If you can’t beat them, join them: You should aware of where you are and who you
are. Sometimes it had better if you make friend with those who have ever been your
competitors.
we realize that the “America dream” is a dream of individual success. From a child
to an adult, Americans always foster the hope of achieving success. They want to be
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respected and admired .They is ready to face with difficulties and hardness. It is ambition
and expectations which are two of the most motivate things inspire and support them to
non-stop trying. They also think that you can’t argue with success, simply because to get
it, you need to sacrifice your health, your mind and even your blood. That is why it
becomes very precious and respectful. Your success will be increased twice if you may
“kill two birds with one stone”- succeed in two ways through one action. Further more,
you are advised that “if you can’t beat them, join them”- this is a clever action which helps
you avoid failure but still share in their success.
Success is appreciated. The author says “the best success has to be “fair and square”.
Cheating may make success but that success is looked down on. The people only base on
luck or cheating are “always a day late and a dollar short”. Stan Nussbaum supplies us with
a broad knowledge. Success seems to be really marvelous, we feel the happiness, joy, also
glory. Thus we realize his opinion about individual success- what it is and how it works.
He assumed that success is an ideal because it is not easy for anyone to achieve, people
have right to dream of it and try their best to win what they desire. Furthermore, he inspires
us strength to think of possible success if we attempt. All is well that ends well are totally
right. Step forward and the next door will open.

II.1.1.2 Setting goals and choosing strategies

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In order to achieve a goal, we need to give it a

setting like proposing plans or methods instead of
doing things carelessly and unthoughtfully. Certainly,
after setting goals, it is necessary to choose strategies.
We can imagine that this step looks like when we
write an essay, at first we should choose the topic, then
brainstorm, next write an outline and step by step we
have good ideas and correct the unsuitable ones. So,
setting goals and choosing strategies are very
important.

1. One thing at a time: Do not focus on too many things at the same time. Just only
one in order for you can do it well enough or else you will fail and get no
achievement, even that is only a small and easy thing.
2. When in Rome do as the Romans do: Become accustomed to the new place will
support you to be more confident and easier to succeed.
3. Don’t put the cart before the horse: Do not be too hasty, you had better think
over and wait for the right time.
4. Easy do it: If you find something is beyond your ability, you may stop. Do not
push much pressure on that.
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5. Flattery will get you nowhere: Flattery may be insincere praise. Thus, instead of
bringing you benefits, it could harm you. Be careful!
We see that setting goals and choosing strategies require many things. The author tends
to use exposition method to explain, such as these proverbs describe strategies as
concentration just one thing at a time; flexibility When in Rome does as the Romans
do- you should adopt the customs of the people or country you are visiting and behave in
the same way; common sense don’t put the cart before the horse and gentleness Easy
does it. Avery successful man knows how to make use of most possible strategies and put
it into practice.

II.1.1.3 Confidence of success

Optimists can achieve their goals easily
because they always think positively and rarely
hesitate when facing to obstacles. In other
words, they are very confident, it is likely that
they inherit their ancestor’s spirit of taking risk
to succeed.

1. Go for it: Do not worry about failure or difficulties. Go ahead and try your best.
2. The sky is limited: You can do all things you want as troubles will be nothing if
you do not hesitate.
3. So far so good: Confidence increases step by step. In that the father you go, the
more confident you feel.
4. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it: An obvious truth is that whenever
we are in an urgent condition, we ourselves immediately know how to deal with
it. Keep calm and everything naturally goes well.
5. Practice makes perfect: Efforts will be paid if you try continually and doing
something repeatedly is the only way to become good at it.
6. The bigger they are, the harder they fall: Do not be afraid of big hurdles or a
strong competitor. Think carefully and you will surely find out the solutions.
Confidence helps American do things well. They leave out scare and worry. I have ever
heard about a very meaningful saying of William Osler “Let’s split life into separated
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sections, each day is a section”- This means life is full of obstacles and challenges, but if
you know the ways to make it easy, firstly think of what you must do today, do not bother
about difficulties of tomorrow or about mistakes in the past, believe in yourselves, you will
succeed. And confidence is mentioned here.

II.1.1.4 Taking risk cautiously

Several thousands of immigrants are moving to
America each year with the hope of a brighter future
and a better life. They have to push themselves for
success. That is right and they turn out to be risk-
takers. Yet, local people welcome them, perhaps
because all people join in a line, so they must make
their efforts toward success by equal competition.
However, before taking risk, they notice us:

1. Look before you leap: Haste gets nothing. Think carefully and plan strategies
before jumping into a situation. Consider possible consequences before taking
action.
2. All that glitters is not goal: Do not be cheated by the invaluable things that seem
to be alike precious things. What look good on the outside may not be so in
reality.
3. There is no such thing as a free lunch: Watch out. Some one can take advantage
of you if you have ever received gifts or money of theirs.
4. Seeing is believing: You should not over believe in what you have no seen yet.
5. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire: Before something happens, there are some
unusually signals. If you see them, you will overcome without any hesitation.
6. Time will tell: Wait and see how things will work out.
7. Better safe than sorry: Do not take risk foolishly or else you will get nowhere.
It’s better to be too careful than to be careless and regret it later.
8. Don’t count the children before they are hatched: Don’t be overconfident about
achievements that you have not got.
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9. Pride goes before a fall: Self-congratulation is a serious disease. You had better
control yourselves before everything goes out of your thinking.
10. Don’t bite off more than you can chew: Greed is a harmful dose. Better
consider your strength.
11. The burned child shuns fire: Some one must pay for his mistake, but
thanks to it, he will not make the same one twice.
In fact, Americans’ attitude toward taking risk is very clearly. “If you want to go to
Belize and open a boarding house, you do. If you want to walk alone to the North Pole, go
ahead”.
Stan Nussbaum shows us a truth that American tend to be risk-takers. He assumes that
excellent risk-takers have lots of experience to judge what is wrong, what is right. So, they
can avoid big mistakes and worthless failure on the way to success. Though these above
proverbs are like warnings and sometimes they may discourage those who are not
confident enough, they are helpful guidance about what risk-takers should keep in mind
whenever they take risks. That is, may be an advice of seeing such as, Look before you
leap; all that glitters is not goal; seeing is believing. Or the evidence of a problem where
there’s smoke, there’s fire. Anyway, whenever and wherever you feel a danger, stop and
reconsider for a while at least in that better safe than sorry or there is no such thing as a
free lunch – Time will tell.
Moreover, from the analyzing of the author, we understand that risk-taking is good, yet
it will be unwise if it is unnecessary. Be aware of yourselves don’t bite off more than you
can chew; Overconfidence results in pride goes before a fall because something may
happen to make you look foolish and also should not be arrogant or should not foretell that
something will be successful, saying, don’t count the chickens before they are hatched.

II.1.1.5 Facing set-backs with determination

Americans dare to take risks that means they are ready to face failure. But that failure
can not discourage them from trying again. In contrast, they become stronger and more
confident to go on because they already received a worthy lesson before.
6. When the going gets touch, the touch gets going: When you are placed into a
thorny situation. Naturally you will find suitable solution to that problem then.
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7. While there is life there is hope: Try to stand up even if you have not seen
anyway that your situation will improve.
8. Rome wasn’t built in a day: Like practice make perfect, success takes time. Do
not worry, patience is important. Furthermore, it must take a long time to do a
job properly. You should not expect to do it quickly.
9. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again: Do not give up.
10. There is other fish in the sea: Success come after many failures, consider
another way to redo.
“ Difficulty is what makes success so sweet to us” said the author. That’s right; no
perfect success has no difficulties encountered. Hence, we are taken inspiration to attempt
more when the going gets touch, the touch gets going.
These proverbs advise people not to surprise if one’s first attempt is not completely
successful. Do not lose your confidence as Rome wasn’t built in a day. In addition, if you
really feel that you are handle other better opportunities, you can certainly start looking for
another way to succeed provided that you do not stop seeking success.

II.1.2 SELF-ESTEEM – THE DIGNITY OF THE INDIVIDUAl.

the most basic human right and also the key mark of a psychologically healthy person.

Self-esteem reflects a person’s overall evaluation or

appraisal of his or her own worth. It encompasses beliefs and
emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame. A
person’s self-esteem may be reflected in their behavior, such
as in assertiveness, shyness, confidence or caution. As Stan
Nussbaum indicated “Like a desire for success, self-esteem
can be seen as a core value of American culture. Self-esteem,
which is closely related to personal dignity is often seen as
Nobody wants to have a
low self-esteem, and no one wants to associate with people who do. Therefore, we should
take a look at these five proverbs:
1. Live and let live: Also, like happiness and like love, self-esteem is almost
impossible to get by trying to get it. Try to get self-esteem and you are likely to
fail, but do good to others and accomplish something for yourselves and you will
have all you need.
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2. To each his own: Each person is entitled to his or her own personal tastes and
opinions
3. Looking out for number one: Do not only take care of yourself and your
interests, rather than those of people.
4. Be true to yourself: Be who you are. Have the courage to accept yourself as you
really are, not as someone else thinks you should be. Do not action or pretend to
be some one else for the sake of gaining acceptance.
5. The customer is always right: Businesses instruct their clerks to listen to the
customers and request them to respect and do nothing that might threaten to a
customer’s self-esteem.
“Whatever promote self-esteem is good and whatever diminishes it is bad…They all
attempt to assert one person’s dignity in a way that tears down the dignity of some one
else”. A 1989 study of mathematical skills compared students in eight different countries.
American ranked lowest in mathematical competence and Korean students ranked highest.
But the researcher also asked students to rate how good they were at mathematics. The
American ranked highest in self-judged mathematical ability, while the Koreans ranked
lowest. This is certainly an example of a feel-good psychology keep students from an
accurate perception of reality. The self-esteem theory predicts that only those who feel
good about themselves will do well, which is supposedly why students need it. From that
point, we see that Americans are those who are full of self-esteem. They think that “they
are the most important in the whole world”. Their daily sayings cover with self-esteem
such as, when a man pay court to a girl he could say “you are the most beautiful girl in the
world” or a successful trade man may boast himself as the cleverest, etc. Or Julius Cesar,
Napoleon, Hitler, and Stalin were all men determined to prove they were big. In fact,
feeling good about yourselves may simply make you overconfident, narcissistic and unable
to work hard. The above proverbs also advise us something like To each his own – this
could apply to a person’s choice of romantic partner or musical preference or political
leanings or any other pursuits- what might appear offensive or unappealing to some may be
quite the opposite for others; Be true to yourself- a meaningful proverb to who is living
deceitfully because “He who trim himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away”
said Raymond Hull.
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II.1.3: FUN
Fun is a thing that not only Americans but also
everyone in the world desire to have. Such a wonderful
time makes us feel comfortable and relaxed. Moments
to do whatever you like and go wherever you want.
Having fun means having tonics. When experiencing
this, we dispel sadness, worry, and tiredness and forget
bad memories, think of better things.

1. 1. Time flies
when you are having fun: A day goes by quickly when you enjoy your life with
fun. In contrast, it seems like an eternity if you are in trouble.
2. If you feel good, do it: Do not hesitate, do what you like. Forget rules, regulation
or consequences. Just have fun.
3. You only go around once in life: Why do you leave your fun? Enjoy life and
you will see how wonderful it is.
4. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy: Everybody needs a certain
amount of relaxation. It is not good to work all the time.
5. The more the merrier: The bigger the group, the bigger the party.
6. It takes two to tango: In the tango, it requires a couple to cooperate. One will not
dance the tango.
For Americans, there are many things called fun such as, love is fun, sex is fun,
shopping is fun, games and so on. In my point of view, Americans love having fun. Except
busy working days, they spend time on relaxing. That is, maybe, going on an excursion, go
out for a picnic with the family or friends, going shopping, playing tennis, etc. That is the
reason why we see they travel around the year. Weekend automobile trips are a tradition
for many families, as are longer summer vacation trips. Also car travel is the most leisure
activity in America. Most Americans enjoy sports, such as baseball, football, basketball
and hockey, as well as golf and tennis- both playing sports themselves and watching their
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favorite sports and teams. They are some popular leisure and entertainment activities in
America.
These above proverbs emphasize the importance of relaxation, recreation. Americans
use them very often as they want to give some one an advice All work and no play makes
Jack a dull boy- a criticism to those who never or seldom spend time having fun. As we
know, success is extremely important but having fun is not less important. Nevertheless,
fun is necessary thing we need to be ready on the way to success. We seem to recognize
that, fun is even multiple when it is shared the more the merrier. Let us enjoy this life
because we only go around once in life.

II.1.4: CONFLICTS AMONG THE PRIMARY GOALS.

Everything in the world itself contains contradictions. That’s right and no exception
for three primary goals of American. As the author observed that “Like other cultures,
American culture has core values which do not fit together perfectly”, so “Individual
success, self-esteem and fun may not be achievable at the same time”.
First, success may conflict with self-esteem. That is, when individual success is so
important, Americans( not all) dare to do anything, even cheating as long as it brings them
success and glory. They do not care for whether others underestimate them or not, thus
their self-esteem will be hurt. Further more, they do not believe that self-esteem should
change no matter how much one succeeds or fails.
Second, self-esteem and fun can clash with each other. Specifically, when their lives
become better, they seem to be over weight. This, actually, lowers their self-esteem in that
they will look ridiculous like a barrel latenting unknown diseases. So, this is the reason
why they start going on diets regularly. Obviously, as a role of a vegetarian they lose their
fun- the fun of eating. And they deem that: You can’t have a cake and eat it too:
sometimes one must choose between two very desirable things, giving up one in order to
enjoy the other.
Last but not the least, success may argue with fun. For example, successful people
often spend much of their time for working instead of having fun, they are addicted to
work without time or energy left for fun, we call them “ workaholics” ( as the term the
author referred). Hence there are a few proverbs tell us about such over hardworking
people like “all work and no play make Jack a dull boy”- criticize those who seldom spend
even a little time to entertain. On the other hand, there are people, especially students, who
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only want to concentrate on playing and having fun but forgetting doing school work, can
not have success.

II.1.5. JUST THREE GOALS BUT THOUSANDS OF VARIATIONS.

As we know that individual success, self-esteem and fun are the most three
fundamental values of American culture. So, there are many variations of the three goals
according to each American’s opinion. Money- a sign of success- may be important to
some one but not to another or watching TV all free time is joyful to a person but boring
for others. Therefore, Americans love to be choosers in a variety of options. This makes
them feel enjoyable and free.
1. Shop till you drop: Shopping is the time we relax and enjoy moments of
choosing in a variety of options.
2. Variety is the spice of life: Doing a lot of different things makes life more
interesting.
3. One man’s meat is another man’s poison: People do not always like the same
things.
Choice is considered as the “bread and butter” of American life. The author said
“Multiplication of options and choices is evident everywhere in America”. That is the
reason why “there are 400 TV channels available on one satellite hook-up, hundreds of
pictures and designs…dozen of flavors and type of dog food…and a bewildering list of
kinds of dressing you can order for your salad..”. Although they say variety is the spice of
life, life does not depend on spice since no one can watch two or more favorite channels at
the same time or taste all dressings for salad for a dinner. However, there is no need for us
to look at whether they can enjoy all, the most important thing to emphasize is that
Americans love to have choices as much as possible and that is the distinctive
characteristic of theirs in comparison to others.

II.2. WAYS TO ACHIEVE ALL THREE GOALS AT ONCE.

Certainly, Americans always desire to achieve all three goals without any conflicts or
obstacles. They give out at least three things to prove that they will have them if they have
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love, money or they can play to win. This seems to be right when we take a serious look at
these.

II.2.1. LOVE
Love is also a thing that they hope to
possess. Love brings everybody different
feelings, happiness, excitement, pride and even
grief. Thus, Americans assume that they are in
love they just feel that they achieve three basic
goals, that success, self-esteem and fun.

1. Love conquers all: difficulties will be nothing if we have love.

2. Love finds the way: It is no surprise that, two people fall in love; they know
how to get together.
3. Love makes the world go round: Love makes life worth living. If you
understand love, you understand all.
4. Love is blind: A person in love does not see the faults of the person he/she
loves.
5. Absence makes the heart grow fonder: When you are away from someone you
love, you love them even more.
6. Out of sight, out of mind: Contrast to the previous proverb. This said that we
tend to forget people or things that we do not see.
7. Marry in haste and repent at leisure: If you get married too quickly, you may
spend all your life regretting it.
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To American, love often accompanies with sex. Most of them still see it as a success to
have steady, enjoyable love relationship, they subdue their partner and they become
winners. Their self-esteem also goes up when they are loved passionately; they think they
are the most important person in the world. Moreover sex is fun, they enjoy romantic
moments to be by their lover’s side. So, love is like a marvelous key to open a wonderful
door taking people to the real world.

II.2.2. MONEY
Money is the key to social position, and it is
nearly impossible to be upper class without it. Thus
the seriousness of money. Esthen Wauning wrote
“If I make a lot of money, I can drive a Mercedes,
buy a big house. And join a country club. I will be
accepted, not just because I have the money, but
because the money proves that I have performed in
society at a high level…”.
1. Time is money: Time is valuable and should not be wasted.
2. Money talks: Wealth has influence. They can do things that the poor can not.
3. Beggars can not be choosers: Beggars have no right to choose whatever they
will be received.
4. Money can’t buy happiness: Money is important but it does not mean that it is
all.
5. The love of money is the root of all evil: Greed makes people cruel. Even
sometimes they can not aware of this.
Not every one, of course, admires money-takes, but we respect those who earn money
validly. Time is money, they say. They do not waste time because if every minute goes by,
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they will lose their money without doing something. In addition, they assume that money
talks – money has omnipotent power and money is the means of measuring the success of
some one. Hence, beggars can not be choosers as the result of having no money-no
power or choices. However, American people also advise that it is better to not attach too
much importance to money, may be you have a lot of money but no one stands by you
when necessary. Furthermore, they indicate a danger of greed as the love of money is the
root of all evil. On the whole, earning much money is important thus we should not
overestimate it in case it will become harmful. Also, money proves that you have a high
self-esteem, others will respect you and money helps you go everywhere. Besides, money
can buy fun; of course, a millionaire can travel for fun all around the world if they have in
hand a big amount of money but the poor can not. That is the reason why we state that in
the point of view of American, money brings them success, self-esteem and fun.

II.2.3. PLAYING TO WIN

“American play tends to be achievement-oriented and
competitive”. It is impossible to understand what most
Americans mean when they say they believe in equality of
opportunity. They do not mean that everyone is or should be
equal. However they do mean that each individual should
have an equal chance for success. They see much of life as a
race for success. Playing to win is also the standard that they
need to reach.

1. We’re number one: this means “we are the best” – a statement aims at
supporting people to try.
2. It isn’t whether you win or not, it’s how you play the game: This saying is
used to solace some one who has lost the game. It means that the most
important thing is playing fair and square but always succeeding.
3. Winning isn’t everything: Same as the previous saying, do not disappoint, you
should proud if you have ever attempted and tried your best.
We know that a price to be paid for success: competition. But in each race, only one
person rewarded. It does not mean that others are losers, on the contrary, they are worth to
praise themselves because of attempts. People who like to compete and are more
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successful than others are honored by being called winners it isn’t whether you win or
not, it’s how you play the game. On the other hand, those who do not like to compete and
are not successful when they try are often dishonored by being called losers. This is
especially true for American men, and it is becoming more and more true for women.
Therefore, playing to win means you achieve your goal, you are looked up to and you are
happy to enjoy your victory.

II.3 ESSENTIALS FOR ACHIEVING ANY GOAL

It is very clear that American find out at least three ways to achieve three goals
immediately. In addition, they also propose two essentials for achieving any goal. To
succeed, people need these: Freedom to pursue success and taking initiative to make use of
that freedom.

II.3.1: FREEDOM – EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

If you ask an American what the most important
right to him is, definitely we will answer that is
freedom. They need freedom and they appreciate
it. Many foreigners agree that American freedom
is excessive. They tend to leap to the conclusion
that a limitation on their rights is an attack on the
American way of life. “All men are created equal”
express this opinion.

1. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness: this sentence is stated in the
American Declaration of Independence in 1776. It indicated the three primary
rights of American citizens including freedom.
2. The land of the free and the home of the brave: this is extracted from the
national anthem of America. It reminds the pride of free and brave countries.
3. We shall overcome: this proverb motivates Americans (especially minorities)
to overcome discrimination and prove their freedom.
Americans think of their society is right-based. They do not object to following rules,
but they want to know that they are fair and the same for everyone. Even children are
taught from a young age to “stick up for your rights”. Said as Esthen Wauning “These
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equal rights are essential to the idea of America as a nation in which “all men are created
equal”. However, the discrimination still exists. So, some gives out a slogan we shall
overcome to support civil rights for each. Freedom is an equal right to all, that is right, and
it plays a very important role helping Americans reach their goal simpler. They can do
anything to serve their purposes without any interference. Success is possible when they
have freedom.

II.3.2. PERSONAL INITIATIVE

It is great when we have freedom in hand, but it does not mean that we only rely on
freedom, success comes to us at once. Success will appear as we make use of freedom and
then take initiative. Many American proverbs encourage people to take some initiative and
use that freedom. We may divide them in to several groups.

II.3.2.1. Doing something is better than doing nothing.

1. Just do it: It is like a slogan means “Quit being indecisive. Don’t bother
consulting a lot of people. Don’t waste much time on planning. Just do it and
do it now. It will be OK. If not, you can always fix it later, or leave it for some
one else”.
2. Action speaks louder than words: What a person actually does is more
important than what they say they will do.
3. The best defense is a good offense: not only protect yourself, stand up and
fight against difficulties. Do not be timid.
4. Never put off it tomorrow what you can do today: Do not postpone something
you can do now.
5. The road to hell is paved with good attentions: It’s not enough to intend to do
something, you must actually do it.
6. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop: Do not make you become too
unoccupied. It will harm you by having no achievements and success.

II.3.2.2. Depending on yourself and your own actions.

1. Stand on your own two feet: Be independent, you can not lean on others
continuously.
 20

2. You’ve got to take the bull by the horns: Never be discouraged. Try harder.
3. Money doesn’t grow on the tree: You should not waste your money because it
is not plentiful.
4. Necessity is the mother if invention: The need for something forces people to
find a way of obtaining it.
5. Too many cooks spoil the broth: If too many people are involved in
something, it will not be done properly.

II.3.2.3. Expecting approval for taking initiative.

1. Nothing ventured, nothing gained: You can not expect to achieve anything if
you do not take risks.
2. First come, first served: The first person in the line will be attended to first
3. There no harm in trying: As long as your works do not harm any other, you
do.
4. No pain, no gain: Get touch, do not whine.

II.3.2.4. Knowing the proper limits of initiative.

1. Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile: Be careful of those who take more
initiative than they should. That person may take advantage of you.
2. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it: Do not improve some thing working well.
3. The cure is worse than the disease: you should be careful when trying to
solve a problem or else it will become a bigger one and make you all trouble.
4. Count to ten before you lose your temper: Keep calm whenever you are going
to act.
5. All things come to him who waits: patience is very necessary as your chances
have not come yet.
All these essentials ways are hoped to bring about achievements. It is said that
Americans do not care much about what happens in the rest of the world as long as it does
not threaten American freedom. Even they have very little interest in international affairs.
From that point we see the role of freedom to American. They protect their freedom as
protect their existence. A belief of success must rely on freedom basis. Furthermore,
 21

Americans are ‘doers”, they never stop trying to seek a better life and often believe
progress is possible and any individual can make it, so taking initiative is the next step
when they are already free. Also, they expect approval though any result may come to
them-“success is better than failure but failure is better than not trying”.

II.4 DIFFERENCIES AND SIMMILARITIES BETWEEN AMERICAN

CULTURAL VALUES AND VIETNAM ONES.
Like America, Vietnam is a country of plentiful and various cultural traditions. This S-
shaped nation makes much impression on visitors and foreigners because of distinctive and
exciting features in comparison to others. From that point, I would like to introduce and
give out a brief description about Vietnamese culture by means of comparing the similar
and different values between two countries: American culture that we are discovering and
Vietnamese one.
II.4.1 Similarities.
Both American and Vietnamese suppose that success, self-esteem and having fun are
very important. First, success is the most desired thing that everyone tries to get by
anyway. Second, self-esteem is considered as one of the basic dignities of human, so when
some one fails or be looked down on it means that they have lower self-esteem. Third, fun
is extremely necessary to help people release stress after hard working days, enjoy life, live
longer and more meaningful. In Vietnam, there are many proverbs and sayings
corresponding to American ones about these values.
II.4.2. Differences.
• Success is important to Vietnamese, however most of us do not often propose plans
and strategies to follow, and we are not ready to take risks whenever we find a
danger. In contrast, Americans seem to work harder and more responsible. To
achieve their goals, they pre-prepare a lot and always see their life as competitions.
By the awareness of life as a “rat race”, Americans never stop trying and trying-It
does not matter whether you are right or wrong provided that you work best
for no regret later.
• A lot of Vietnamese people like to dream of success instead of beginning to make
that dreams come true. Thus, Americans consider success as an ideal, a target for
 22

their all life. They always push themselves into pressure. Thanks to goal-oriented
citizens, now America has become the strongest countries in the whole world.
• We Vietnamese appropriate the importance of self-esteem. Anyone who insults us
will be seen as attackers and we normally fight against. But for Americans, self-
esteem will be higher if you achieve your goals but if you do not, you are still
respected because of your attempts, not only your results.
• Vietnamese seem to spend much time to have fun such as chatting, watching TV,
listening to music and so on. But Americans are busy people, although they aware
of how fun is necessary, there is little time to have fun on the way trying to reach
the goals. So, weekends and holidays are the freest time for them to have fun.
• Vietnamese think that the essentials for achieving success base on temper, skills,
behavior, will and knowledge while American assume that to achieve success a
person need to set goals, choose strategies, have confidence, determination and take
risks.
These are only simple things to make you understand more about the two countries.
Aims to do this are not to compare which culture is better. We just take a look at, think and
try to learn something from a different culture to enrich our knowledge. It is very helpful to
accept good values, however we should integrate, do not mix up with. In addition, in this
chapter, the author discussed much about the necessary values. They are really helpful to
understand the special characteristics of American culture. He argued, illustrated the main
points by means of giving out the typical proverbs and then comparing to make it clearer.
It seems that the author’s arguments are true. We can easily find this information in a
variety of sources. And I am sure that they have the same opinions to what the author of
this book already gave.
 23

CHAPTER III: THE AMERICAN VIEW OF

HUMAN BEINGS AND SOCEITY

III.1. HUMAN BEINGS

III.1.1. HUMAN NATURE
When referring to human, there are many aspects to say. As indicated very clearly in the
book, Stan Nussbaum generalized the American salient features. From the beginning to the
end, we see a number of proverbs. Through these ones, we have a better knowledge about
the American view of human.
1. Nobody is perfect: It is hard for some one to be good at all aspects. Whether
the thing is big or small, we can not avoid mistakes.
2. To err is human: Same as the previous proverb. Nobody bat 1000, so having
faults may help people get more experience.
 24

3. There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip: A person can still fail even
when their plans are good. Sometimes we can not have a cake and eat it too.
4. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t: It is better to deal with
somebody difficult but familiar than change and risk dealing with somebody
worse.
5. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence: people are often
greedy. Seldom do we satisfy with what we have. We always want to have
anything we desire.
Just a few proverbs but they show us some useful information for finding out about
Americans. As the author wrote “Americans recognize that all human beings have faults”,
that is right because to err is human- it is human nature to make mistakes, therefore one
should forgive. Besides, human always wants to have all, we planned carefully, we try our
best but nothing goes smoothly forever. Although sometime we seem to reach the
destination, it does not happen as expected. It is like “when one is drinking from the cup,
one intends to get all the drink into the mouth, but this does not always happen” (Page 25).
In the book, Stan Nussbaum discussed much about selfishness and self-interest. He
explained that Americans think selfishness is totally different from self-interest. So do I
They are considered as the negative sides of human. A selfish person only cares for himself
not any others but a person who is self-interest only aims to take advantage of others and
make their own benefits.

III.1.2. AGE
It is true that the freest, happiest and probably best years of people’s lives often come
during the youth. It seems that Americans, especially women, are afraid of becoming older.
Because it means that they will look bad, have less energy, less strength and lost of
liveliness. Many of them try to find efficient methods to make them younger and cosmetic
surgeons are the best one to serve their wish. That is the reason why “America worships its
children” (p.27). So they are trying to do all things possible before the old age comes.
1.A man is only as old as he feels: This proverb supports people to think
positively. Age is not important and dangerous as it is.
2.You are only young once: Do what you can when you are young. If not, you
will regret later.
 25

We find out a few proverbs that talk about age. Americans think that the youth is an
ideal time which is the time of choices, vitality and freedom. The author referred to the
word “retirement”- “It is seen as a time of self-indulgence” that means they come to the
days without competitions, ambitions and dreams. They move away and enjoy their age
“Retired people do not expect to be looked up to or even paid much attention by younger
people. They do not expect anyone to show special respect for them or seek their advice”
(P.27).Now most older people live on their own, generally stay in contact with their
children but might live in a different part of the country. Modern American culture tends to
value youth rather than age. Normally, we often see many American elders living in
retirement home as well as receiving Social security program.
However, may be, retired people will feel comfortable when they really have free time
to relax. Moreover, a mount of money helps them enjoy the rest of life. They are also free-
no obligations or stress, no one can force them to do what they do not like.

II.1.3. GENDER
Today the difference in social position between men and women is minimized. Time is
still flies and the society has changed. Both men and women play very important roles in
all aspects. There are several proverbs about this.
1.A man’s home is his castle: Home is the best place for men to dominate.
2.A man may work from sun to sun, but woman’s work is never done: There is
no-name work that women have to do all day. In contrast, men work long
hours but they have time to rest after work.
3.Beauty is only skin deep: A person’ character is more important than their
appearance.
4.It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind: Women now have more
rights to decide things than in the past.

III.2. SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND STRUCTURES

III.2.1. GROUPS
At first we may deem that Americans will not like to be in groups because of their
individualism. Thus this is not true all time. To be in a group help all people to exchange
experience, make friend and work more efficiently.
 26

1.Two heads are better than one: Frankly, two people are likely to get
achievement than only one.
2.Many hands make light work: Sharing work makes work easier.
3.There is safety in numbers: Being in a crowded makes you feel more
confident.
4.Blood is thicker than water: Family relationships are stronger than
relationships with other people.
5.Two is company and three is a crowd: Two people are good enough to do one
thing. There is no need to add more.
6.Birds of a feather flock together: People of the same sort are usually found
together.
“Americans enjoy groups but don’t like group obligations”. This becomes true because
when they are in group, they will feel safe in a crowd there is safety in numbers, will
share hobbies birds of a feather flock together and will heighten kinship blood is thicker
than water. Yet, the reason why Americans do not like to be in groups because of rules
and obligations. Most Americans would like to join a group easily and leave it as soon as
possible if it does not satisfy or serve their benefits. Normally “Personal freedom or self-
development is rarely scarified for the sake of a group”, so a group only exists when it
meets the one’s needs. To some extent, a group will last for a long time if its members join
hands to make it develop, certainly when a group work efficiently, all members will be
close-knit.

III.2.2. THE FAMILY AS A GROUP

The American family has changed greatly in the
last 20 or 30 years. Many of these changes are
similar to changes taking place in others countries.
Firstly, let us take a look at the following proverbs
and then we will study deeper the “family system of
Americans” today.

1. Charity begins at home: A person’s first duty is to help and care for his own
family.
 27

2. There is no place like home: Home is the place of relaxing time, people stay
together and share feelings
3. Home is where the heart is: You call home the place where the people you
love are.
4. Like father, like son: A son’s character can be expected to resemble his
father’s
5. Spare the rod and spoil the child: If you do not punish a child when he does
wrong, you will spoil his character.
A “typical” British family used to consist of mother, father and three children or we say
“nuclear family”, but in recent years there have been many changes in family life. The
changes caused by at least two reasons: the rate of divorced couples and the number of the
elders who wants to live in nursing home. To statistic in the Spotlight on the USA by
Randee Falk “Approximately 1 in every 2 marriages ends in divorce”, so America tends to
have nontraditional families and single-parents. In addition, members of family-
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins- keep in touch, but they see less of each other than
they used to. This is because people often move away from their home town to work, and
so the family becomes scattered. There are many proverbs discussing about family life,
they aims are mainly to recall people to its values home, sweet home and there is no place
like home. To be frank, if we want to recover strong family relationships, these proverbs
will not help us much like spare the rod and spoil the child- said the author. Not only
Americans but also we Vietnamese wonder that how the future of American family will be.
“Experts say, however, that the family is as strong as ever, family is still at the center of
most people’s lives”- Randee Falk- Home is where the heart is.

III.2.3 JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS

Stan Nussbaum says “Human rights are the
standard of America justice. Whatever protects
human rights is just; whatever goes against
human rights is unjust”. Americans love justice
and fairness, hence they will stand up for their
rights and people are expected not to violate
each other’s rights.
 28

1. Enough is enough: It is time for some one to stand up for their rights
instead of endurance.
2. Silence is consent: If you do not object to some thing it can be assumed that
you agree with it.
3. Two wrongs do not make a right: It is wrong to harm some one because
they have harmed you.
4. Honesty is the best policy: It is always better to be honest.
5. What goes around comes a round: the same as if you scratch my back, I’ll
scratch yours. Once did you harm some one, they may take revenge you.
6. Justice is blind: It means that the judge becomes “blind” when they return a
verdict.
7. Finders keepers, losers weepers: This is aimed to justify keeping something
some one picked up in a public place.
Justice and fairness are the same rights to all people in the world. Americans like them
and we too. They say enough is enough to declare to some one that “I have had enough of
the unjust things you are doing to me or to the ones I love. I am not going to take it
anymore. I am going to act to put some justice into this situation” (P.33). Stan Nussbaum
indicated that a person right begins at birth and all have the equal rights. If one interferes or
violates another interest, he will be considered as a hostile. Furthermore, justice is blind- a
picture of a blindfolded woman holding a pair of scale. She is thought to be weighing the
evidence, not the people concern. An advice to everybody honesty is the best policy,
that’s right, we have right to hear the truth and people have the duty not to tell a lie.

III.2.4. CREDIT AND BLAME

It is not wrong that human is very politic. We are always want to have a cake and eat it
too. This is also called greediness. In America, this is quite popular, “if we succeed at
something, we want to take credit for it. If we fail, we want to find some one else to
blame” (P.35). Or we can say that the benefits are often accepted by all people, they
celebrate and they are delighted with, in contrast, they will accuse or blame some one for
unexpected things.
1. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink: You can
offer some one an opportunity to do something but you can’t force them.
 29

2. The devil made me do it: This is used for some one to defend his mistakes.
3. You made the bed, you lie in it: If you make a mistake, you will be
responsible for it.
4. Be sure your sins will find you out: Any crime must be paid. No one can
cover up forever.
5. The pot calling the kettle black: You should not gossip and criticize others
or else you will be called talebearer.
6. There are two sides to everything: A person always has a good and a bad
side. Try to control your bad side in order to make you become better.
This is obviously true when Americans only like to take credit success because “this
protects their self-esteem”. They are afraid of being looked down on or being called losers.
However, crime pays, everyone must admit their mistakes you made the bed and you lie
in it. We should tell a lie, anyway a truth will be reveal, we can not keep it so long be sure
your sins will find you out. Although we realize that everything has two sides, as I have
said, it is better to make the good side improve and the bad one disappear. If you accept
these advices, at least you will be what you are. The author of this book also appreciates
this.

III.2.5. DUTIES AND LOYALTY.

1. One good turn deserves another: You should be helpful to some one who
helps you.
2. If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours: This means you help me, I help
you.
3. A friend in need is a friend indeed: Some one who helps you when you are
in trouble is a real friend.
4. My country, right or wrong: It does not matter how the policy of their
country right or wrong, they still agree.
5. No man can serve two masters: It is impossible to follow instructions from
two different sources.
6. A dog is a man’s best friend: Dog is considered as the most loyal animal to
people. We can believe in its sincere.
 30

Americans are loyal to themselves. Loyalty is something like my country right or

wrong, but this is not true all the time. Americans say they have rights and they also have
duties to the country and have to show their loyalty in certain way. They assume that no
man can serve two masters, it means, dividing loyalty will break down sooner or after. If
you behave well to others, you do well your duties, you will be treated and rewarded
adequately as one good turn deserves another. Some time, friendship shows the loyalty.
We found a best friend who always stands beside, motivates and helps you even in the
most difficult circumstances- a friend in need is a friend indeed.

III.2.6. AUTHORITIES AND RULES.

Contrasting to many cultures, American proverbs tend to teach people to question and
challenge authorities. Authorities say, but if they do not suit to people, they will be
overthrown.
1. Rules are made to be broken: You should think for yourself in every
situation. Do not just obey rules.
2. There is an exception to every rule: Nothing is perfect and rules are too.
3. The exception proves the rule: The rule may become better when it
includes exceptions which need to be proved.
4. Power corrupt: people with power will abuse and make benefits for
themselves.
Rule are made to be broken, to some extent, this is right but not all rules are need to
be broken. Consequently, the unsuitable ones will be eliminated. Furthermore, nothing is
perfect- there is an exception to every rule; but this exception is not always bad, it may
prove the rule and makes it improve.

III.2.7. CONFLICTS
The life contains lots of conflicts as we said in the first chapter. Also, people try to find
the ways make them easy. We say Americans are doing their best to do this.
III.2.7.1 Avoiding conflict
1. Let a sleeping dog lie:
2. The pen is mighter than the sword:
 31

3. People who live in glass houses should not throw stone: One should not
criticize others for faults similar to own’s ones.
4. Stick a and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me: This
saying means physical attacks may harm some one, but cruel word will not.
To avoid a conflict, it is better for Americans not to talk about sensitive issues such as
religion or politics. Because these often lead dissimilarity and an argument is possible to
happen. So do let a sleeping dog lie. Moreover, we should not disparage others’ faults.
People who are being insulted will stand up for his right. Be careful.
III.2.7.2 Revenge or Forgiveness
Life is complex. Sometimes we ask our self whether it is possible to against some one
as a response to a real or perceived grievance. The goal of revenge usually consists of
forcing the perceived wrong doer to suffer the same or greater pain than that which was
originally inflicted. By contrast, when thinking over, we assume that every one in the
world all makes mistake. It is generous to forgive rather than revenge. From that point, the
author of this book provides us with these proverbs:
1. He who laughs last, laughs best: You should not criticize some one’s
mistakes or else you will be disparaged more strictly when making the same
mistakes latter.
2. Revenge is sweet: Some times revenge makes people closer.
3. Forgive and forget: You should stop thinking of the ways to avenge.
Forgive and then you forget. There is no pain or regret left.
4. Let bygone be bygones: Some thing happened; you had better not to recall
it.
5. Time heals all wounds: No pain, no wound lasts forever if you try to take it
easy.
American proverbs tend to give some advice to its citizen not to make contradictions.
He who laughs last, laughs best- life seem to be equal to all, we do not laugh at others’
pain and failures, instead we should express our sympathy and shareness. Some even says
revenge is sweet like an exception- we act as if we want to take revenge, in fact we show
our love or a bit trick to others. A very meaningful proverb let bygone be bygones makes
me feel worth to acquire. Thinking about the past over time makes us sad and
disappointed, let us forget and go on looking forward and time heals all wounds.
 32

III.3 VIETNAMESE VIEW OF HUMAN AND SOCEITY

CHAPTER IV: THE AMERICAN OUTLOOK ON LIFE

IN GENERAL

IV.1. TIME AND EFFICIENCY

 33

We have already discussed a little about time and its

values. “If there is anything that warms the American
heart, it’s efficiency”- Esthen Wauning. As we said time
is money, so Americans show little forbearance if their
time is wasted. They evaluate time as a valuable thing, it
goes by quickly and comes hastily. To some extent,
Americans want to “catch” all the time by doing the use-
ful work. They attempt to save and make use of it. This is one of the best values of theirs
that need to be reffered clearly in this chapter.
1. Making every minute count: Let us save time. Each moment is precious.

2. Time flies: We can not keep or bind time. So, make it beneficial to you.

3. The sooner the better: Do not hesitate, do as soon as possible.

4. Now or never: Same meaning as the previous proverb.

5. Opportunities only knocks once: Make use of the chance you have just given.
Do not miss opportunites that come a long.

6. The early bird catches the worm: If you want to do some thing successfully,
you should do is as soon as possible.

7. Better late than never: It is better to do some thing, even if it is late, than not
do it at all.

Time waits for no man, of cource, time is all important to Americans.An anthropologist
Edward T.Hall says “we are (America) a monochronic culture, meaning we operate
according to schedules, doing one thing at a time”. Working with a time table may help
people save more time and do not leave it wastefully. When the bell rings, the class is over,
no matter how interesting the discussion at that moment”. It is likely that when Asian
people come to America, they see American as robots, they work and work very hard. We
think that perhaps they do not have enough time for pleasure. Because one thing is that
they desire to draw their proud life- time is one of their tools making every minutes
count. Besides they suppose that if you can not catch it as soon as possible, you will try
and continue doing better late than never.
 34

IV.2. CHANGE AND PROGRESS

IV.2.1. EVERYTHING CHANGES
Changing is living. Nothing stays still. As the author remarks “we (Americans) live in a
soceity where everything can change, and almost everything does”. And we find many
things special in America-“there is no national costume or dress, no influential American
folk tales or myths, no folk songs that everyone knows, no standard American way to
conduct weddings or funerals,…no official national language”. Thus they do not mind to
change because changes help them become perfect.
1. Time marches on: Same as time and tide wait for no man. Time goes by
very fast. Take you chances immediately.

2. The worm turns: You do not expect all thing stay the same. They are
changing so much.

3. Here today, gone tomorrow: Although everything is changing. You should

not be too hasty. Do things gradually but never stop.

IV.2.2. CHANGE IS USUALLY PROGRESS.

What do you want from changes? Certainly that is the progress. Americans think the
world is generally changing for the better, not going downhill.
1. A new broom sweeps clean: A newly- appointed person makes changes
enertically

2. Tomorrow is another day: Today may be dark, but tomorrow will be

brighter- chances will come.

3. The darkest hour is just before the dawn: There is hope eben in the worst of
times.

They have a deep belief that all things are going to get better as tomorrow is another
day. That is, in the near future, scientists will find out the cure for AIDS, for cancer and
other fatal diseases and that the world will develop and all people live in happiness,
 35

richness and liberty. What a wonderful the future is. They still hope and belive in changes
that make real progresses.

IV.2.3. CHANGE AT A DEEP LEVEL IS NOT EASY

From the above part, we study about Americans’ belief in change is usually progress.
But in this section, we see an opposite thing. That is change at a deep level is not easy.
1. You can not teach an old dog new tricks: A person who is used to doing
things a certain way can not change.

2. History repeats itself: If some one do not change their ways or learn from
mistakes of others, he/she will repeat them.

3. The leopard can not change his spot: A bad person tries to change for better
but falls in to the same mistakes all over again.

By the three proverbs, surely, we realise that to change for better is not very easy. Some
thing can not be changed efficiently. We say “it is waste of time trying to change
unchangeable things”- history repeats itself or “it is too late for changing”- you can not
teach an old dog new tricks. Though changing at a deep level is difficult, we can do if we
go step by step. Frankly, nothing is impossible when absorbing in it.

IV.3 OPTIMISM
The Oxford dictionary defines “Optimism as
hopefulness and confidence about the future or
success of something”. That Americans seem to be.
They have a slogan go for it- do things without
hesitation. In my opinion, we- Vietnamese should
learn some thing from our counterpart. Instead of
thinking negatively, we should change our look
andmake all attempts to get progress.
1. Look on the bright side: The better you think, the more pleasant you feel.
2. Every cloud has a silver lining: There is a positive or hopeful side to every
unpleasure situation.
 36

3. Half a load is better than no bread at all: You should be grateful for
something, even if it is not as much as you want.
4. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place: An unusual event is not
likely to occur again in exactly the same circumstances.
Stan Nussbaum says “these proverbs represent an underlying American cultural belief
that we should be positive about life, even the parts of life seem difficult”. This statement
sounds right, always look on the bright side helps people believe in themselves and keep
trying to success. The proverb every cloud has a silver lining indicates that if a person
meet lots of bad luck, it does not mean this will last long anymore, the good ones will
come from bad ones because lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

IV.4 UNSEEN POWERS; DESTINY

“American is very religious”. When do important things, they often pray God to help
and support them. However, this belief is not right all time. Americans realize that the real
God in America is the individual person.
1. God helps those who help themselves: Do not rely on the unseen powers. No
one can help you except for your self.
2. Time and tide wait for no man: Delaying a decision will not prevent events
from taking place.
3. Man proposes: Our destiny depends on God’s will.
4. What will be will be: Something can not be changed or avoided.
Actually, this is happening. A numer of Americans ask lots of questions about whether
God is real while many good people still die at a young age like the good die young or
some one who tries their best and even sacrifice himself but no good result. When referring
to the destiny, many American will object- “We do not believe that fate, God, or any
unseen power has determined things and left us powerless to change them”(P.47), they
assume that God helps those who help themselve. However, any way, some still trusts in
God’ presence and the fate, they say man proposes, God disposes as well as what will be
will be.
In my point of view, I agree both. Why? I believe in God’ presence- may be it sounds
funny to you- I think that people always have a spirit world and a realistic one, we can not
say that spirit is true or not, we trust in means we affirm it is reasonable. In addition,
 37

people mainly live in a realistic world, so it had better not to hope or wait for good luck,
they does not grow on trees; by contrast we should make luck by ourselves.

IV.5 VIETNAMESE OUTLOOK ON LIFE

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION
 38

V.1. SUMARY AND REMARK

Like other cultures, American culture has many strengths intermixing with some
weaknesses and special features- There are two sides to every thing. Every year, many
immigrants move here because America is the strongest country in the world with lots of
chances for job, studying and getting rich; with skyscrapers, gorgeous palaces and modern
streets; with the greatest freedom and thousands of reasons. Actually, when mentioning to
America, each person has proper opinions. In summary, the necessity is that we will take a
brief look at the core values of American culture again.
Success, self-esteem and fun- as discussed- are the most fundamental values of
Americans. To achieve their goals, they try best and never “say no” to chances; to protect
their self-esteem, they look for number one; to have fun, they confirm if it feels good, do it.
The ways to have in hand the three valued things above are love, money and playing to
win. Also, people wish to achieve any goal is supposed to have freedom and to take
initiative.
From that point, Americans seem to be so busy that the time for family and social
relationships are little. This is one of the barriers which limits them to get all the primary
values. And, they are too ambitious to have all but we can’t have a cake and eat it too.
Thus, may be we assume that Americans always think of them as “talents” or “genius” but
not they say nobody is perfect and to err is human.
In addition, American culture comprises of noticeable things. Normally, most of them
are goal-oriented -we should learn from them. Time is extremely precious; Americans save
it and make use of it to satisfy their desires as opportunity only knocks once.
American now has been changing very fast. All peole want that changes are progress,
however, changing at a deep level is not easy. Hence, to get progress, they need
confidence, optimism- always look on the bright side and try.
A great number of Americans reject the help of God, they quote God help those who
help themselve. But before having a meal, going to bed or doing special things they often
pray “thank God” or “God willing”. This sound conflicting. In fact, although they still
respect God- In God we trust, they do things by themselves not because of the support
from any unseen powers.
I really appreciate this book “The ABCs of American culture” by Stan Nussbaum. It
provides me with interesting proverbs and sayings, clear topics and expanded knowledge
 39

to review it the best. Any way, this book is written for anybody who both likes studying
American culture and loves learning English through common proverbs. Why don’t you
try to discover? I am sure that after reading the whole book, you will find many things
useful to you in the English studying process. The book is divided into chapters, it is easy
to find out your interested topics. And each topic represents a thesis.
Finally, I would like to say “Learning a foreign language is not an easy work, if you
want to make success yourselves, try to learn much about culture”.

V.2. LIMITATIONS
 40

Nothing is perfect. This proverb seems to be right all the time. As far as I am
concern, this book is written by the enthusiasm and big attemps. Why? Because to
review a book of a professor is not simple. The writer/ reviewer has to understand
the materical first and then- the most difficult step- convey the contents and
purposes of the author. Actually, I myself have never reviewed such a book like
this before. So, when doing this research, I already encountered a lot of obstacles.
Go for it and we will cross it when we come to it- I always think so to motivate
myself.
Because of the limitation of time and the scope of theme, certainly, I made lots
of mistake. I am sure that I need the advice of all people. The mistakes and
weaknesses remaining in this research is mine alone.
If I have more time, I will do much more on this book. This book “The ABCs
of American culture” is a helpful material. At first, you may not care for it at all
but when you read only a few pages, the inspiration to be continued will attract
you.
To be frank, Stan Nussbaum- author of the book detailed the information very
well. May be, due to some aspects, the book still has some weaknesses. That is,
sometimes, he went deeply into analysing a respect and unintentionally forgot to
explain the necessary topic; or he complicated some issues that interferce the
personal opinions. These are only my subjective attitude. On the whole, this book
is very interesting and it is possible to upgrade it to the second step instead of the
first step toward understanding the American people.

Appendix I
 41

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF AMERICAN CULTURE

In this book, the author mentioned to ten commandments of American culture at the
introduction. Thus I did not place them at the same place. Instead, I want to provide you
with this as a kind of further reading because all these proverbs and sayings already
offerred in the review. They are the most common ones in America. Commandments
advise people not to break any of them or else Americans think you do not fit well there,
and even you will be insulted or criticized.

• Commandement 1: You can’t argue with success. (Be a success)

• Commandement 2: Live and let live.

• Commandement 3: Time flies when you’re having fun.

• Commandement 4: Shop till you drop.

• Commandement 5: Just do it.

• Commandement 6: No pain, no gain.

• Commandement 7: Enough is enough.

• Commandement 8: Time is money.

• Commandement 9: Rules are made to be broken. (Think for yourself)

• Commandement 10: God helps those who help themselves.

 42

Appendix II
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF PROVERBS QUOTED
AMERICAN – VIETNAMESE

STT AMERICAN VIETNAMESE

1 A dog is a man’s best friend Chó là người bạn trung thành nhất
2 A friend in need is a friend indeed Bạn trong lúc khó khăn mới là bạn
3 A man is only old as he feels ---
4 A man may work from sun to sun, but ---
woman’s work is never done
5 A man’s home is in his castle ---
6 A new broom sweeps clean Tân quan tân chính sách
7 Absence makes the heart grow fonder ---
8 Actions speak louder than words Hành động hơn lời nói
9 All is well that ends well Mọi việc cuối cùng rồi sẽ tốt đẹp
10 All that glitters is not goal Chớ thấy sáng mà ngỡ là vàng
11 Allthings come to him who waits Chờ đợi cơ hội đến
12 All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy ---
13 Be sure your sin will find you out ---
14 Be true to your self Sống thật với chính mình
15 Beauty is only skin deep Nhan sắc chỉ là bề ngoài
16 Beggars can’t be choosers Ăn mày còn đòi ăn xôi gấc
17 Better late than never Muộn còn hơn không
18 Better safe than sorry Cẩn tắc vô ưu
19 Better the devil you know than the devil you Ma quen hơn quỷ lạ
don’t
20 Birds of a feather flock together Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã
21 Blood is thicker than water Giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã
22 Charity begins at home Từ thiện tại gia
23 Count to ten before you lose your temper ---
24 Don’t bite off more than you can chew Nên lượng sức mình
25 Don’t count your chickens before they are Không nên đếm cua trong hang/ cầm đèn chạy
hatched trước ô tô.
26 Easy does it Dễ thì làm
27 Enough is enough Đủ rồi đấy
28 Every cloud has a silver lining Trong cái rủi có cái may
29 Finders keepers, losers weepers Tìm được giữ được
30 First come, first served Đến trước hưởng trước
31 Flattery will get you nowhere ---
32 Forgive and forget Tha thứ và quên đi
33 Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile Được đằng chân lân đằng đầu
34 Go for it Tiến lên
 43

35 Gods help those who help themselves ---

36 Half a load is better than no bread at all Có còn hơn không
37 Haste makes waste ---
38 He who laughs last, laughs best Cười người hôm trước hôm sau người cười
39 Here today, gone tomorrow Nay đây mai đó
41 History repeat itself Lịch sử tự lặp lại
41 Home is where the heart is Gia đình là tổ ấm
42 Honesty is the best policy ---
43 If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again Nếu chưa thành công hãy cố gắng tiếp
44 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it Đừng chữa lợn lành thành lợn què
45 If it feels good, do it Thấy tốt thì làm
46 If you can’t beat them, join them Biến thù thành bạn
47 If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours Ăn miếng trả miếng
48 It isn’t whether you win or lose, it’s how you Thắng hay thua không quan trọng bằng sự
play the game nhiệt tình trong lúc tham gia
49 It takes two to tango Niềm vui chia đôi
50 Just do it Cứ làm đi
51 Justice is blind ---
52 Killing two birds with one stone Nhất cử lưỡng tiện
53 Let a sleeping dog lie Đừng nhắc lại chuyện quá khứ
54 Let bygones be bygones Hẫy để những gì đã qua qua đi
55 Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness Quyền sống, tự do và mưu cầu hạnh phúc
56 Lightning never strikes twice in the same Sét chẳng đánh ai hai lần
place
57 Like father, like son Giỏ nhà nào quai nhà ấy/cha nào con nấy
58 Live and let live Dĩ hoà vi quý/Đèn nhà ai người nấy rạng
59 Look before you leap Ăn có nhai, nói có nghĩ
60 Look on the bright side Hãy nhìn về ánh sáng mặt trời
61 Looking out for number one ---
62 Love conquers all Tình yêu vượt qua tất cả
63 Love finds the way Tình yêu sẽ tìm ra lối
64 Love is blind Tình yêu là mù quáng
65 Love makes the world go round Tình yêu làm thế giới quay tròn
66 Making every minute count Hãy tiết kiệm từng phút giây
67 Man proposes, God disposes Người tính không bằng trời tính
68 Many hands make light work Một cây làm chẳng lên non; Ba cây chụm lại
lên hòn núi cao
69 Money can’t buy happiness Tiền bạc không mua được hạnh phúc
70 Money doesn’t grow on trees Tiền không từ trên trời rơi xuống
71 My country, right or wrong
72 Never put off it tomorrow what can you do Đừng bao giờ trì hoãn đến ngày mai những gì
today bạn có thể làm hôm nay
73 No man can serve two masters Ăn cây nào rào cây ấy
74 No pain, no gain Được ăn cả ngã về không
75 Nobody is perfect Không ai là hoàn hảo hết
76 Nothing succeds like success Hết thắng lợi này dẫn đến thắng lợi khác
 44

77 Now or never Bây giờ hoặc không bao giờ

78 Once bitten, twice shy Phải một bận cạch tới già
79 One good turn deserves another Ở hiền gặp lành
80 One man’s meat is another man’s poison Cái sướng cho người này là cái khổ cho người
khác
81 One thing at a time Mỗi lúc một việc
82 Oppotrunity only knocks once Cơ hội chỉ đến 1 lần
83 Out of sight, out of mind Xa mặt cách lòng
84 People who live in glass house should not Không nên bài bác người khác về những
throw stones khuyết điểm mà mình cũng gặp phải
85 Power corrupts Quyền lực gây ra tham nhũng
86 Practice makes perfect Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim
87 Pride goes before a fall Trèo cao ngã đau
88 Revenge is sweet
89 Rome wasn’t build in a day Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim
90 Rules are made to be broken ----
91 Seeing is believing Trăm nghe không bằng 1 thấy
92 Shop till you drop ---
93 Silence is consent Im lặng là thừa nhận
94 So far so good Càng tiến xa càng tốt
95 Spare the rod and spoil the child Thương cho roi vọt, ghét cho ngọt bùi
96 Stand on your own two feet Hãy đứng bằng đôi bàn chân của mình
97 Sticks and stones may break my bones but ---
words will never hurt me
98 The best defence is a good offense Sự phòng thủ hiệu quả nhất là tấn công
99 The bigger they are, the harder they fall ---
100 The burned childs shuns fire Ngã đau nhớ lâu
101 The cure is worse than the disease Phòng bệnh hơn chữa bệnh
102 The customer is always right Khách hàng là thượng đế
103 The darkest hour is just before the dawn Phòng bệnh hơn chữa bệnh
104 The early bird catches the worm Đến trước thì được miếng ngon
105 The end justifies the means Mục đích biện minh cho phương tiện
106 The exception proves the rule Ngoại lệ làm sáng tỏ quy tắc
107 The grass is always greener on the other side Đứng núi này trông núi nọ
of the fence
108 The land of free and the home of the brave ---
109 The leopard can not change his spots Đánh chết cái nết không chừa
110 The love of money is the root of all evil Tiền bạc là nguồn gốc nảy sinh tội ác
111 The more the merrier Càng đông càng vui
112 The pen is mighter than the sword Ngòi bút mạnh hơn gươm giáo
113 The pot calling the kettle black Lươn ngắn lại chê chạch dài
114 The road to hell is paved with good intentions Làm không đúng mục đích tốt đẹp ban đầu thì
sớm muộn sẽ phải trả giá
115 The sky is limit Bầy trời có giới hạn
116 The sooner the better Càng sớm càng tốt
 45

117 There are other fish in the sea Thua keo này ta bày keo khác
118 There are two sides to everything Mọi thứ đều tồn tại hai mặt
119 There is an exception to every rule ---
120 There is no harm in trying ---
121 There is no such thing as a free lunch Của biếu là của lo của cho là của nợ
122 There’s many slip between the cup and the lip Miếng ăn đến miệng còn rơi
123 Time and tide wait for no man Thời gian chẳng đợi chẳng chờ
124 Time flies when you are having fun Thời gian trôi nhanh khi niềm vui đến
125 Time flies ---
126 Time heals all wounds Thời gian hàn gắn những vết thương
127 Time is money Thời gian là tiền bạc
128 Time marches on Thời gian không đợi chờ ai
129 To each his own Việc ai nấy làm
130 To err is human Nhân vô thập toàn
131 Tomorrow is another day Mai là một ngày khác
132 Too many cooks spoil the broth Lắm thầy thối ma
133 Two heads are better than one Hai vẫn hơn một
134 Two is company and three is a crowd ---
135 Two wrongs do not make a right Đừng viện cớ bào chữa
136 Variety is the spice of life Đa dạng là hương vị của cuộc sống
137 We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it ---
138 We are number one Chúng ta là số 1
139 What goes a round comes a round ---
140 What will be will be Cái gì đến sẽ đến
141 When in Rome do as the Roman do Nhập gia tuỳ tục
142 When the going gets touch, the touch get Cái khó ló cái khôn
going
143 Where there’s a will, there’s a way Có chí thì nên

144 Where there’s smoke there’s fire Có lửa thì mới có khói
145 While there is a hope there’s a life ---
146 Winning is not everything Chiến tháng không phải là tất cả
147 You are only young once Cuộc đời chỉ có 1 lần xuân
148 You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t Bạn tạo cơ hội cho người ta nhưng họ vẫn có
make him drink thể bỏ cơ hội ấy
149 You can’t argue with success Không ai có thể phủ nhận được thành công
150 You can’t have your cake and eat it too Được cái nọ mất cái kia
151 You can’t teach an old dog new tricks Tre già khó uốn
152 You made the bed you lie in it Mình làm mình chịu
153 You only go around once in life Đời chỉ có 1 lần thanh xuân
154 You’ve take the bull by the horn Không sợ khó khăn nguy hiểm