
USA People, Language and Religion
People
US society can be roughly divided into 6 social classes.
According to sociologists, in 1998 there were about 1 percent prominent, wealthy citizens (upper class), about 15 percent highly qualified professionals such as doctors, professors, lawyers (upper middle class), about 32 percent well-trained professionals such as school teachers and craftsmen (lower middle class), about 32 percent Industrial workers, wage workers and simple employees (working class) and about 20 percent part-time poor or non-working who are dependent on public welfare.
Around 82 percent of the people living in the USA are white, around 13 percent black and mulatto, around 4 percent Asians and around 1 percent Indians. Visit handbagpicks for United States Tour Plan.
The United States is a popular immigration country, as can be seen in the more than 50 million immigrants who have immigrated since the beginning of the 19th century. These include Europeans, Central Americans and Asians. This ethnic diversity is still reflected today in the specific traditions that have been preserved and cultivated.
The descendants of the indigenous people are one of the socially weakest groups. More than half of them live in one of the approx. 300 reserves. In Alaska, the Indians and Eskimos make up around 16% of the population, the rest are whites.
And whites make up a third of the population in Hawaii. Otherwise, Japanese, residents of Polynesian descent and groups of Chinese, Koreans, blacks and Filipinos live there together.
Language
The most widely spoken language is American English (it is slightly different from British English). There are many Spanish-speaking residents in the state of New Mexico who only speak their native language. That is why Spanish is the second official language there.
In addition to German, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Polish are also common in the USA. Many of the over one hundred Indian languages are threatened with extinction.
English language courses
Among the multitude of language courses, I recommend multimedia language courses because you learn very quickly with this method. The link below provides you with a professional language course with which you can learn English quickly and easily:
- American English language course
Religion
The government does not keep a register of the religious status of residents. Through the history of immigration, different religions are represented in a variety of ways.
A good half of the total population is committed to one of the more than 240 Protestant churches. The proportion of Catholics is tending to increase due to ongoing immigration.
Judaism and Islam are also major religions in the country. Buddhists, Hinduists, Mormons and others are represented on a relatively large scale.
Because of their tradition of non-interference (regulated by the constitution) in religious affairs, many smaller denominations have found refuge in the states, such as the Amish, who live mainly in Pennsylvania and the neighboring states. For generations they have been practicing the simple life without any modern technology.
Culture
Sport is very important in America. In addition to American football, the national sports include baseball, basketball, ice hockey and soccer.
The numerous immigrant groups have of course brought their cultures and traditions with them. That’s why American culture is quite diverse.
Media
The film is one of the most important entertainment media in the United States. And who doesn’t know Hollywood films?
A very popular pastime for many Americans is to go to the movies. Walt Disney cartoons were also produced in the USA and are known worldwide.
The music is very important here. The music channel MTV was born in the USA.
The press plays an important role as the guardian of democracy, backed up by the first amendment to the American Constitution, which came into force in 1789. This article states that Congress cannot pass laws restricting the freedom of the press.
Training
Education varies across states. There is general compulsory schooling from 6/7. Age up to the age of 16.
Under certain conditions one can also give one’s children home schooling (homeschooling). About 1-2 percent of parents choose this option for reasons such as religious views, special needs of the children or because of problems such as bullying or drugs.
Most parents send their children to state schools for which the parents do not have to pay school fees. Only about 10% of US students attend private schools. An annual fee must be paid for this.
Over 3,000 universities and colleges are available. The most famous private universities include Princeton, Harvard and Stanford. Half of them are in private hands.
Three percent of the population over the age of 15 cannot read or write.
The grades in the United States are not numbers, but letters from A – F. A is the top grade. F usually means ‘failed’. The grades can be further differentiated with a plus or a minus.
Schools
Elementary School from Kindergarten – Grades from Kindergarten to fourth, fifth or sixth grade (depending on the school district). The class size is around 18–24 children.
Junior High School and Middle School – include grades 5–8, but mostly only grades 6–8.
The high school is a kind of unified school with a course system. It covers grades 9 to 12 and is completed with the high school diploma.