Another cultural value that is part of U.S. American interaction patterns is how
frequently people use “I” in conversation and writing. When constructing your
résumé, personal accomplishments and rewards take precedence over group efforts.
During communicative interactions, you will probably be more concerned with pro-
tecting your own ego than that of others. This encourages U.S. Americans to use a
very direct, forthright style of communication that promotes the individuality so val-
ued in the United States. This means that U.S. Americans try to avoid vagueness and
ambiguity and get directly to the point. If that means saying“no,”they will say“no”
without hesitation.
As briefly noted earlier in this chapter,
the English language in other national
cultures can vary in usage, vocabulary,
and even speaking style. For instance,
theBritishplacemoreemphasisonsocial
status, or class, which can be reflected
through one’s accent. Additionally, they
tend to be more formal, and first names
are normally not used until a relationship has been established.Spanish
An exploration of how the Spanish language is used in Mexico can provide insight
into Mexican society and further demonstrate the codependency of language and
culture. First, communicative interaction, especially conversation, is an important
part of Mexican life, and Mexicans readily engage in casual talk and even delight in
wordplay. Condon points out that during interactions, even in business settings, puns,
double entendres, and colloquialisms are frequently interjected,^32 which give conver-
sations a feeling of liveliness and warmth. If there are opportunities to engage in talk,
the Mexican is ready, even among casual acquaintances. And, as Riding reports, once
an emotional bond is established, Mexicans are open and generous, willing to confide
and be very hospitable.^33
The male orientation that characterizes Mexican society, which we discussed in
Chapter 3, is evident in the Spanish language use of gendered nouns and pronouns.
For instance, men in an all-male group are referred to asellos, and women in an all-
female group areellas, theoending denoting masculine and theaending being femi-
nine. However,ellosis used for a group of several men and one woman, as well as a
gathering of women and one male. Small girls in a group are calledniñas, but if a boy
joins the girls,niñosis used.
The Spanish use of separate verb conjugations for formal and informal speech also
helps Mexicans express the formality that is important in their culture. To understand
this distinction, we can look at the pronoun“you.”In formal speech,ustedis used, but
when talking to family or friends, or in informal situations,túis more appropriate.
Mexicans also employ language as a means of demonstrating reverence, status, and
hierarchy. As Crouch notes,“Giving respect for achievement is part of the Mexican
linguistic blueprint. Titles such asingeniero(engineer),profesor(professor or teacher),
licenciado (attorney or other professional designation), and others are generously
accorded.”^34
Finally, it should be mentioned that“One of the key language use differences
between Americans and Mexicans involves direct versus indirect speech.”^35REMEMBER THIS
Linguistic“rules”can determine who talks first, what is a proper
topic of conversation, how interruptions are perceived, what is
the correct sequencing of subjects for discussion, and how is
humor treated.278 CHAPTER 8•Verbal Messages: Exchanging Ideas Through Language
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