Transcript of American and Thai Culture Differences and Similarities
Cultures
America is a very diverse country, we pride ourselves from the many different cultures. With our country being so open to new people, it introduces us to different foods, languages and traditions. This s what truly makes us unique and special.
Since there is such a culture difference in America, we are lucky to experience different types of food, such as Chinese, Indian, Thai, Kosher and Italian, just to name a few. Many Americans take these foods for granted and don't realize how lucky we are to have such a diverse selection of food to choose from.
Traditionally in American, most Americans will celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah. Both these holidays are shared amongst friends and families. The only difference is that Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and there is only one day dedicated to Christmas. Typically with both holidays, there are presents and family gatherings involved.
Other Differences
Typically in the American culture, we pride ourselves on individuality. Most Americans are fortunate enough to afford individual rooms for all the children in their homes. Although this is becoming more popular as the generations go on, grandparents did not live with their immediate family. Sometimes they would live alone or in a nursing home.
American Food
Image by Tom Mooring
American and Thai Culture Differences and Similarities
Cultures
Thailand is a very unique part of Southern Asia. Unlike America, Thailand is mainly made up of Thai citizens, although there is a mixture of other Asians that live amongst them. The main language that is spoken is Thai.
American Holidays
By Emily Pletchan
Thai Food
In the Thai culture, the pride themselves on four certain taste, and from those taste they create all their foods around. Sour, sweet, salty and bitter trigger your senses during all your courses. Unlike the vast verities of cuisine that the Americans have to choose to from, the Thai's do not, although there is some verities like McDonalds, there is not much of a choice other than traditional Thai cuisine.
Thai Holidays
Although Christmas is celebrated in Thailand, it is what they consider a "Commercial Holiday." In the Thai culture they celebrate many holidays, but unlike the American holidays, the Thai culture celebrate the Queen's birthday, as well as mid year holiday and many more. All these holidays are celebrated with elaborate festivals and decorations.
I have personally celebrated the Lio Karathong holiday, this translates to "floating crown or floating decorations." This holiday takes place on the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar. Men, women and children gather around and decorate boats and flowers that are made to look like crowns and send them off into the water with a lit candle. It is said that the Thai culture does this festival to pay respects to the water sprites.
Unlike the American families, the Thai's
live in small homes that are close to one another. Because of this, there is not enough room for multiple children to have their own room, they are forced to live in a room with one another until they move out for college or get married. Also, in the Thai culture, the grandparents do tend to live wit the immediate family and the children and parents are expected to take care of them.