Lance Johnson's Multi
Award-Winning
What
Foreigners Need To Know About
America From A To Z
As Featured in Publishers Weekly,
Aug. 27, 2012
Selected Reading for Fulbright Scholars
What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z is for anyone
who interacts with Americans in the US or abroad and anyone--immigrants
or visitors--who want more effective social or business relationships
with Americans.
Gold Medal Winner
Silver Medal Winner
First Runnerup Legacy
Award
A to Z
is an Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller.
A to Z is a Silver
Global EBook Award Winner.
For metadata on
these books.
For a
review of America A to Z from US Review that was
included as part of his Eric Hoffer Award.
Award-winning
playwright's book for #immigrants and #ESL wins
Eric Hoffer Award. http://dld.bz/fYaA2
A to Z is now
published in Simplified Chinese in two different
Chinese speaking countries,
and in English and Ukrainian (as shown above).
-
Clark T. Randt, Jr., US Ambassador to
China
-
Zhou Wenzhong, China Ambassador to US
-
Mohammad Vazeeruddin, India journalist
-
Jay Gajjar, India language professor
-
Sarah Kim, Korean-American business
owner, Los Angeles
"A
to Z is by a scholar of globalization...the
message is clear, the language is easy to
understand."
~ Dr. Stephen Gill, literary critic
"[The author] has handled these [American]
complexities with candor and valuable
insight." ~
Five-star review from Terry Whalin,
editor, writer, publisher and top Amazon
reviewer
"I
used Lance Johnson's text "What Foreigners
Need To Know About America From A to Z" in
my Summer Cultural Program, a program
dedicated to advanced studies for
international students traveling from South
Korea and China. The text was perfect in the
sense that it was accommodating as an easy
read for students who were being introduced
to English reading and writing. The
information was useful for starting
discussions with students about their
transition as international students in
American society. I've undergone a number of
different texts to bring out important facts
and figures about American culture, but
Johnson's text was most helpful in assessing
readily available information that was both
informative and important for international
students. I highly recommend this book to
other teachers/professors who teach in
similar programs." ~ Five-star review from
Kitsy Dixon, university Fulbright professor
Select Reviews
Available on this Site.
|
Quote from the
Author...
Before I wrote A to Z, foreigners and
students in the 81 countries and the 49
states I visited always sought my
recommendation for a book that would answer
their questions about America. There wasn't
one with the intellectual underpinning I
viewed as necessary to truly understanding
America, its culture, its language, and its
people. That's why I wrote A to Z,
which is unique in tone and comprehensive in
scope, unlike most that are written like
travel guides or textbooks.
|
|
About
What Foreigners Need To
Know
About America From A To Z |
When you
enter a country, find out its customs. – Chinese proverb
Each
of the 26 chapters’ brush strokes contributes to the final painting of
what America is all about and who Americans are. The chapters are
grouped into four sections. (Individual books are also available for
each section.)
·
Section I –
America’s Heritage.
This defines the historical background of why America and its people
became who and what we are today. To understand complex America, it is
important to gain this understanding.
·
Section II –
America’s Culture.
This smaller section focuses on who we are as a nation and how we conduct
our everyday lives, ranging from customs and etiquette, to what’s on the
minds of Americans, to education, literature, movies, and a whole lot
more. It even includes what we think of foreigners and what they think
of us.
·
Section III –
America’s Business.
The third section explains our complex business environment, operations,
customs, and why American businesses are successful around the world. It
also provides information for dealing with American business personnel
in the US and abroad, for starting and operating a business of your own
as many foreigners do, and for increasing your chances of being hired by
an American employer here or abroad.
·
Section IV –
America’s Language.
These chapters discuss practical ways for English-as-second-language
speakers to improve their grammar, speech, writing, and communication
skills, including accent reduction. Common English grammar and speech
errors made by foreigners are identified with simple tips for overcoming
them and improving the image they create.
Note:
The author uses tricky and often-used idioms in a natural conversational
setting to help English as a second language learners better understand
one of the trickiest aspects of the language.
Note:
The sections are also
available as separate books for those who prefer to focus on one aspect
of American life like culture (maybe sports?) or business if they have
or want to open a business here. |
|
Review
of
A to Z
|
By Tianchi Lu,
Director-Suzhou Education
Research Institute
The Suzhou Education
Research Institute, of which I am the Director, has the task
of improving the quality of education in the schools of
Suzhou, China. One of our many projects was the exploration
of ways we could improve the level of English taught in our
schools that begins in the first grade. To achieve this
objective, we realized we must first improve the skills of
our teachers.
Teachers
of English from eight of our schools were selected to attend
a unique and extensive course in which Mr. Lance Johnson was
our educator. Not only did we want our teachers to improve
their command of English grammar and speech, but as a
backdrop we wanted them to learn more about America, its
people, and its culture. He used his A to Z book as a
guide for his classes.
We were
extremely pleased with the knowledge our teachers gained
from this program. Their level of listening, reading,
speaking, and writing of English increased dramatically.
They also gained confidence using the English language and
understanding Western ways.
His
chapters on English grammar and speech identify common
problems for foreigners and provide easy ways they can
overcome their shortcomings. His book also summarizes many
important aspects of America that foreigners should know
more about, including customs and culture. This unique
approach to learning was fun and informative for our
teachers and gave them a deeper understanding of America. In
turn, they will impart this knowledge to their students.
I
strongly recommend Mr. Johnson’s book to anyone who wishes
to learn about America and Western culture, its people,
customs and language. It will certainly benefit those going
to America for work or school, or those who do business with
or have contact with Americans either in their homeland or
in America.
Tianchi Lu, Director,
Suzhou Education Research Institute, Suzhou, China
For More Reviews Go
To Lance's Review Page.
|
|
The Book's Concept
|
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.
I was on a cruise ship in Asia and
worried that our itinerary called for two stops in Vietnam.
Didn’t they still consider us their enemy? At one stop in Ho
Chi Minh City my tour group and our Vietnamese guides ate
box lunches in a park. Off in the distance I spotted
hundreds of schoolgirls in immaculate white dresses riding
rusty bicycles down a dirty street over lorded by
dilapidated buildings.
Because the Vietnamese lived under
communism, I assumed these girls would be repressed just
like their depressing surroundings. I was wrong. Smiling and
chatting, they waved merrily to us as they peddled their way
to school. Sitting there, I wondered how many other
misconceptions I had about this country fourteen time zones
away from home.
One tour guide sat down next to me
and had non-stop questions about America. In order to
advance in his job, he said he had to improve his knowledge
about America and our language. He asked if I knew of a book
like the one I had envisioned. His disappointment showed
when I shook my head no. He then asked if he could e-mail me
more questions about my country. Much to his delight I
nodded yes. That was it. His infectious dedication became my
dedication to start this book.
I not only wanted my book to
enlighten those who merely have a curious interest about the
world’s last remaining superpower, but also to help further
the personal lives of those who have dealings with
Americans, either in the U.S. or abroad, like my new friend.
Perhaps one day one of the school girls in white.
I learned other lessons from that
visit. I assumed the Vietnamese still hated America for the
devastation we wrought on their country four decades
earlier, as did the French before us. We lost fifty-eight
thousand soldiers. They lost millions. People were missing
arms and legs. Buildings were still riddled with bullet
holes. Twenty percent of the country had unexploded land
mines that had killed 40,000 people since the war ended.
In spite all these losses, these
same people—even those with missing limbs—were genuinely
friendly to us Americans. The tour guide explained, “The war
is long over. We have all moved on.” How nice it would be, I
thought, if we all could follow the example set by these
people. Maybe, just maybe, my book would help a little. More
reasons for starting the book.
Alone that night in the silence of the ship’s wood paneled
library as we headed for Bangkok, I listed the objectives
for my book that might someday be sitting on a foreigner’s
bookshelf. Maybe in my tour guide’s hand. Here’s what I
wrote.
To
serve the reader, this book must:
· Be an easy-to-read, fun resource for those who
want to learn what America is really like, in ways that will
increase understanding between peoples, whether they reside
in their native countries or come to live, play, work, or
study in America.
· Use simple language and sentences because
English might be the reader’s second language. (I made a
note to myself with our slang word “KISS” that means keep it
simple, stupid.)
·
Use and explain slang words and sayings that
foreigners might encounter and actually use themselves.
·
Provide some good honest explaining on my part
about America and about foreigners with no sugar
coating. (I made a note to myself using another one of our
slang sayings: “Be a straight shooter.”)
· Make the reader feel he or she is one-on-one
with me, just as my young friend was in the park.
· Provide comparisons of how we do things in the
U.S. versus how they are done in other countries. I’ve
learned from acting and teaching culture that comparisons
are excellent learning tools.
· Have “From A to Z” in the title to convey the
broad scope of the book, yet group and condense the 26 most
important aspects about America so they are easily
understood.
· Identify the true character and values of the
American people. Discuss what’s on our minds today and how
we compare to people in other countries.
·
Explain the underlying forces that helped mold
our culture so others can understand the reasons why
we are the way we are.
· Provide practical tips for enhancing one’s
daily experiences for those who visit or reside in America.
· Provide additional learning tools such as the
names of recommended books, magazines, newspapers, films,
and Internet sites.
· Explain how readers can improve their English
grammar and speech if they have that need. Their ability to
do this will enhance the image they project to Americans and
other Westerners and perhaps further their chances for
success.
· Provide important information for the millions
of foreign students who attend school in the U.S. Explain
our admission process and how they can improve their
experience once here.
· Discuss our business environment for those who
work for an American employer here or abroad, or for those
who want to start a business or get a job in the U.S.
· Encourage readers by introducing them to many
of America’s leaders and achievers who have come from other
countries.
·
Provide pictures to further illustrate topics
and make the reader feel at home.
I
also reflected on a discussion I had with an American
executive I sat next to on my flight to Asia where I was to
board the cruise ship. He was in charge of overseas
operations for a major U.S. corporation and lamented the
difficulty he had teaching American business concepts to his
foreign managers because of differing cultures. I told him I
was thinking about writing a book for foreigners that would
include a few pages on business matters. He said he would
definitely have them read it if I should write it, but he
suggested I expand the scope of my discussion on business.
He said this would make the book an even more valuable
training aid that he could give to his foreign managers and
executives. “Good hard facts,” he said, “culture, plus the
big picture, plus the details so they understand the how and
why of our business culture, something we keep trying and
trying to drive home, but because of cultural differences,
they just don’t get it and revert back to local customs.” I
took his advice.
When I returned home, I began my
A to Z book that would take two years to write. Halfway
through my writing, research, and consultations with dozens
of experts in some fields, a major overseas publisher
acquired the book’s rights. I finally had the confirmation I
wanted: What I was doing was indeed important. Another year
and this undertaking would be finished and I knew it would
be of help to that young Vietnamese tour guide and hopefully
millions of others around the world.
----
That was the past. Today, this
updated version of that book is for everyone around the
world who wants to learn more about America. And that
includes Americans! Even I learned a lot about America from
the research I did.
The importance of understanding our
culture and the subtleties of our difficult English
language cannot be overstressed for those who deal with
Americans. As you learn about our culture and language, you
will become more comfortable and confident in your relations with us, and that
just might lead to further success for you and perhaps
indirectly for us, too.
With this better understanding, we will all feel more
positive and have mutual respect for one another. It has
worked for my students and it will work for you.
With all of our cultural differences though, you’ll be
surprised to learn how much our countries—and we as human
beings—have in common on this third rock from the sun called Earth. After all, the song played at our
Disneyland parks around the world is “It’s A Small World
After All.”
Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. Thank you
for allowing me to share my America with you. And thanks to
all of you who shared your country with me.
Peace.
LJ
Photos Above: #1 Author at Giza
right after the Arab Spring demonstrations in Tahrir Square
|
|
Metadata for Lance's A to Z |
RECENT PUBLICATION
in Ukraine
(Ukrainian)
Osnovy Publishing
Darwin str. 10, office 25A
Kyiv, Ukraine 01004
Publisher:
danapavlychko@gmail.com
UPCOMING PUBLICATION
in mainland China
(Simplified Chinese)
Tianjin People's Publishing
House,
Room 514, No. 35 Xikang Road,
Heping District, Tianjin,
300051, P.R. China
Contact:
wenxinxin0906@163.com
FORMERLY PUBLISHED in mainland
China
(Simplified Chinese)
Oriental Press
COMMENTS
(from Amazon.com)
·
“I teach English as a Second
Language and this is a source
from heaven!”
·
“We distributed copies to 100
international students at our
business school, and the
feedback has been universally
positive. ‘A To Z’ is both easy
to read and contains enough
material to serve as a reference
for Americans and non-Americans
alike. I highly recommend this
book!”
·
“This is one of the most
comprehensive books on America
for foreigners.”
·
“It's a fascinating book giving
insight into the US culture that
we as Americans don't see.”
·
“The best book I've read on
immigration. It helps me to
better understand US culture and
to be accepted in this society
with ease.”
·
“I am planning to develop a
presentation for my students
based on this book. Compared
different cultures very well.
Very entertaining.”
Read about
Lance's Legacy Award from Eric
Hoffer.
|
|
Contents
for
A to Z |
For
those with special needs or interests,
the sections of this book
are also available separately:
Book 1 - America's Heritage
Book 2 - America's Culture
Book 3 - America's Business
Book 4 - America's Language
Contents
A Personal Note from the Author ix
Let’s Get the Most out of This Book
xiii
Importance of Understanding Cultural
Differences 1
SECTION
I – AMERICA’S HERITAGE
A – WE
THE PEOPLE
13
Spirit of the People 13
The American Dream 14
Immigrants 15
Population 16
Families 17
Languages 19
Standard of Living 19
Social Equality 22
Foreign Heritage Roots 23
The Asian American Experience 27
Foreign Heritage Influence in Our Cities
28
B – GOVERNMENT
31
Federal Government 33
State Government 36
County and City Government 37
Political Parties 39
What We Think About Our Government 42
Foreign Heritage Americans in U.S.
Government 43
C –
GEOGRAPHY 45
Mountains 48
Rivers and Lakes 49
Geographical Regions 51
Other Regions 54
Our Largest States and Cities 55
Climate 55
National Parks 56
Trivia Quiz 61
D –
HISTORY 63
The
1500s – Exploration 63
The 1600s – Settlement 64
The 1700s – Independence 65
The 1800s – Expansion 70
The 1900s – Conflicts and Reforms 73
The New Millennium 74
Immigration History 80
E – LAW 85
Legal
Vocabulary for You 87
Our Different Courts 88
Courtroom Alternatives 89
Legal Assistance 90
Legal Status of Foreigners 91
Law Profession 92
Rulings That Changed America 93
Famous Court Cases 96
F – RELIGION
99
Christianity 103
Protestant Churches 104
Roman Catholic Church 106
Eastern Orthodox Church 106
Judaism 106
Other Fundamental Religions 107
Non-Mainstream Religions 107
G – MEASUREMENTS 109
Weight 110
Volume 110
Length 111
Surface or Area 113
Temperature 113
Money 114
SECTION II –
AMERICA’S CULTURE
H – CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE
119
Foreign vs. American Customs 121
How Other Nations View Americans 123
Influencing Factors 125
Greetings Customs 127
Social Gathering Etiquette 132
Conversation Customs 135
Telephone Etiquette 138
Drinking and Smoking Customs 141
Automobile Customs 142
Environmental Customs 145
Pet Customs 146
Walking Customs 147
Superstitions 148
Thank You Customs 150
I – EDUCATION 153
Lower
Level School Fundamentals 156
School Divisions 158
College Fundamentals 164
College Rankings 168
Applying to an American College 169
College Financial Assistance 171
Free Colleges 173
Foreign Students in American Colleges
174
Cultural Courses for International
Students 176
Kahn Academy Assistance 178
J – RELATIONSHIPS
179
Dating and Courtship 182
Engagement 191
Wedding 193
Divorce
K – LITERATURE
199
Historical Perspective 200
Selected American Authors 201
Other Notable Authors 206
Best Selling Fiction 207
Foreign Heritage American Writers 208
L – FILM
211
Top
20 American Films 213
Other Public Favorites 219
Foreign Contributors to Film Industry 220
M – ART 223
Selected American Artists 224
Other Artistic Achievers 230
Favorite Museums 230
Foreign Contributors to American Art
231
N – SPORTS
235
Baseball 237
Football 242
Basketball 245
Golf 249
Fan Favorites 252
Other Foreign Heritage Sports Figures
253
O – FOOD AND DINING 255
Everyday Food Terms 259
Regional U.S. Cuisines 260
Dining Out 261
Table Etiquette 263
National Fast Food Restaurants 270
P – DRESS AND APPEARANCE
273
Dressing Tips for Foreigners 277
Dressing Styles 279
Fashion Magazines 283
Clothing Sizes 284
Foreign Heritage Designers 285
Q –
MEDIA 287
Newspapers 291
Magazines 294
Radio 296
Television 298
Internet 301
Foreign Heritage Americans in the Media
303
R – HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS 305
Federal Holidays 306
National Celebrations 315
Religious Celebrations 317
Fun Days 318
Ethnic Celebrations 320
Other Dates and Traditions 321
S – WHAT AMERICANS THINK 325
Most
Admired People 325
Top Government Accomplishments 1950 - 2000
327
Government’s Top Priorities in 21st
Century 329
Top Events of the 20th Century 329
Other American Beliefs 330
How We View Our Future 354
T – WHAT FOREIGNERS THINK ABOUT AMERICA
355
The
Ugly American 356
A Frenchman 357
Foreign Exchange Students 359
An Englishman 361
An Asian Teacher 363
Muslim American Survey 363
A Vietnamese Immigrant 364
Foreign Students in the U.S. 365
SECTION III –
AMERICA’S BUSINESS
U
– BUSINESS AND FINANCE
369
Capitalism 370
Government Involvement 371
International Differences 374
International Trade 378
International Business Models 379
Business Ethics 382
Definitions and Terms 384
Business Structures 386
Small Businesses 390
Entrepreneurs 390
Accounting Systems 391
Financial Reports 393
Business Organization 395
Labor Unions 400
Banking and Finance 401
Investments 402
Retirement Investment Plans 408
Business Publications 409
Kings of Business 410
Other Innovators 413
Successful Foreign Heritage Business Persons
414
V – BUSINESS CUSTOMS
417
Making Your Business Appointment 417
Preparing for Your Appointment 419
Business Greetings and Introductions
421
Business Meeting Conduct 422
Small Talk 424
Talking Business 425
Business Entertaining 429
W –
OWNING A BUSINESS
431
Starting a Business on Your Own 433
Purchasing a Business Opportunity 434
Purchasing an Existing Business 436
Running Your New Business 440
X –
GETTING A JOB
443
Finding Job Opportunities 443
Preparing Your Cover Letter 446
Writing Your Resume 448
Your Interview 452
Quitting Your Job 457
Job Market Today 458
Paying Your Taxes 458
SECTION IV
– AMERICA’S LANGUAGE
Y – LET’S USE BETTER ENGLISH GRAMMAR
463
Common Foreign Errors 464
The Alphabet 465
Levels of English Usage 466
Six Types of Words 467
The Sentence 471
Making Your Sentences Correct 473
Verb Tenses 483
Common Verb Errors 486
Other Common Errors 487
Understanding English Words 493
The Most Commonly Used English Words
498
English Trivia Quiz 498
Congratulations! You Are a Wonder! 499
Z – LET’S SPEAK BETTER ENGLISH 501
Vowel
Sounds 504
Consonant Sounds 507
Ending Sounds 514
Syllables 517
Sentence Stress 519
Sentence Tone 523
Abbreviations 525
Slang Sayings 526
Good Speaking Tips 529
Practical Advice for English Learners
542
Impressive Words 543
British English vs. American English
546
APPENDIX
1.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address 551
2.
Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges in America
552
3.
Top 50 Universities in America 553
4.
Colleges with Largest Percentage of
International Students 554
5.
Sample Income Tax Form 1040 555
6.
The Pulitzer Prize for Literature
557
7.
Academy Awards – Best Picture 558
8.
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus
559
9.
The 50 U.S. States 560
10.
U.S. History Government Quiz 561
INDEX 567
|
|
Tip
from A to Z
From the chapter on doing business in the US.
Note: The author puts slang
terms, with their definitions, in his chapters
throughout the book. It is a wonderful way to become
familiar with
American slang and so help folks adapt to our culture.
|
|
Lance's Language and Culture Credentials |
University Study |
Teaching
Expertise |
Travel
and Study |
-
University
of Utah, BS
-
Columbia
University, MBA
-
Oxford
University, post graduate study, drama
|
- Business seminars, several awards for
speaking/teaching
- Teaching English teachers
for the Suzhou,
China, school district.
|
- Travel associated
with
teaching, research, pleasure trips and acting in 81 countries.
- Lived in China during stints
filming and teaching.
|
The
author teaching English and culture in China.
|
About the Author |
Born
and raised in America, Lance Johnson has long been fascinated with the
history and culture of America and foreign countries and how they
differ. Having visited 49 of the 50 U.S. states and traveled in 81
countries, he’s learned among other things that the Black Sea, Red Sea,
and the Blue Danube do not reflect those colors, and that Iceland might
better be called Greenland and vice versa. He’s also learned how America
and its people are perceived abroad both correctly and incorrectly. And
how America’s perception of the rest of the world can vary, too.
A
student of cultural differences, his travels also allow him to explore
the difficulties foreigners face understanding American ways and
language, and how that affects their success in dealing with us. He
consults, teaches, and conducts seminars about the subjects in this
book. He has an Ivy League graduate business degree and has studied at
Oxford University in England.
The author and lecturer was a manager
with an international management consulting firm and a corporate
president for 26 years before taking up acting and writing. He now
volunteers his services to nonprofit organizations and immigrants. He
has appeared in movies, stage plays, national commercials, and TV
dramas, including a lead American role in a 28-part China TV production.
As a second-generation American, he
shares his love of history and culture with visitors at a leading museum
of history where he is a docent. He also golfs and skis, adores his
grandchildren, and plays with Malibu Barbie, his third Great Dane, and
Max, his Bulldog-Pug mix. He has also mentored underprivileged youth.
His
American heroes include American visionary presidents Thomas Jefferson,
Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt, and inventor Thomas Edison, all of
whom had significant roles in the development of America and its culture
as we know it today.
Equally important on his list are those foreigners who came to America
and despite overwhelming discrimination, sacrifice, and deprivation
contributed to the rich history of the early settlement of America. The
legacy of all these immigrants resides throughout America today.
Equation of life: Knowledge +
Understanding +
Acceptance = A Better World for All.
- Lance Johnson
Photo: Author at Yunnan Stone Forest outside Kunming, China
|
Excerpt
The
Intro from a Chapter on
Language and Accent Reduction |
Americans are not a people like the French,
Germans, or Japanese,
whose genes have been mixing with kindred genes for
thousands of
years. Americans are held together only by ideas. –
Theodore White, writer
This is an excerpt from the book--the first page of Chapter
Y that helps readers improve their English grammar. It was
one of the first I wrote to share with my friends overseas
and here at home, just as
they have shared with me.
Chapter Y
LET’S
USE
BETTER
ENGLISH
GRAMMAR
Order and
simplification are the first steps toward the mastery of a subject.
- Thomas Mann (20th century author)
The purpose of
this chapter is to identify typical grammar problems
foreigners have with English and how they can overcome these
stumbling blocks. In order to do this, it is necessary to
discuss our basic rules of grammar. Grammar defines how the
various components of a language are used correctly. In
Chapter Z – Let’s Speak Better English, we deal with how you
can become a more effective English speaker. The two
chapters go hand in hand.
Correct use of
grammar will help you better communicate with Americans and
you will improve the image you create for yourself.
This is
important for those foreigners who deal with Americans, or
if English is used in their country like India. But, even as
some Asian Indians are learning (and I discovered there),
though they think they know English, they still have
problems communicating with Americans.
As you may
know, English grammar rules are full of generalities and the
generalities are full of exceptions. Even the exceptions
have exceptions. This is why English is one of the most
difficult languages to master. In fact, a recent European
study discovered that most children master the basic
elements of their language within a year or less of starting
primary school. However, English speaking children require
two to three years of learning to reach the same level. Why?
It is believed the difficulty is created by the complex
syllable structure (a single-sound unit in our words) and
the inconsistent spelling system of English, both of which
we address in this and the next chapter.
Hint:
In the interest of simplifying a complex subject, advanced
English speakers may not find all the exceptions in our
language discussed in this chapter. The focus is on
general rules, not on all possibilities, in order to
identify and explain common errors made by foreigners. For
those seeking all possibilities, they should obtain an
advanced book on English grammar.
Most of my
foreign friends and students who speak English as a second
language (ESL) have either studied the language in their
countries, have taken English classes in America, or done
both. Most of them have an understanding of our
grammar rules, but still have problems making their
sentences grammatically correct. I even found this true with
the teachers of English I taught in China. Part of the
problem is foreigners do not have the opportunity to apply what
they have learned in the classroom or from books by speaking
English to native English speakers. So, they might do well
on basic grammar tests as my teacher-students did, but
stumble when actually trying to assemble what they have
learned about grammar and actually using it.
You will
become a better writer and speaker using this chapter,
even if you think you have sufficient knowledge of our
grammar. Please keep an open mind and don’t skip over it.
Also, because of the chapter’s linear organization, please
take your time and understand one section before going on to
the next. |
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Praise
for
A to Z |
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Lance's
Growing
Online Articles and Appearances |
Lance is
a
guest blogger for author Aaron Lazar: "Genesis
of a Book to Help Foreigners Understand Crazy
America."
~
Review from award-winning author Leora Skolkin-Smith.
~
Featured
author at Book 'Em Writers Conference, North
Carolina, 2012. Online listing at
http://bookemnc.net.
Please
contract the author at
info@AmericaAtoZ.com
for articles, interviews, podcasts and other guest
appearances. Please note he is an actor and
voiceover professional.
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Contact ~
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The author is generous with permission for use when contacted.
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Lance
Johnson |
Assortment of Reviews
for A To Z |
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Learn
More About
Lance's Award-Winning
Plays |
Lance's multi award-winning plays are
award-winners that have had stagings in Los
Angeles and New York off broadway!
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Tip |
Lance's A
To Z Now Available to Ukrainians
(In Ukrainian!)
What
Foreigners Need To Know About Americans From A To Z is
now available in simplified Chinese in two countries, in
English, and in Ukrainian. |
Quote
from A to Z |
We have become not a melting pot but a
beautiful mosaic.
Different people, different beliefs,
different yearnings, different
hopes, different dreams. - Jimmy Carter,
U.S. president 1977–1981
|
Endorsement |
"The A to Z
chapters are nicely written and are very informative. The language
is simple and lucid and presented in a nice manner with fine
sequence. The writer’s efforts of thorough research are
praiseworthy. It is, in short, a realistic bible of modern America."
~Jay Gajjar, India language professor, writer of three hundred short
stories |
Article on Author's Chinese TV Series |
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Language Tip |
"Those
who speak English as a second language tend to
forget to use our articles--those little words 'a,'
'an,' and 'the.' We understand you if you don't use
them, but it's one small correction you can make
that will help you sound like a native." ~ From
What Foreigners Need to Know About America From A To
Z |
Travel Tip |
"When I travel I ask people what they would like to
know about America that they were always afraid of
asking for fear of offending. What a great
conversation starter that is!"
~ From
What Foreigners Need to Know About America From A To
Z |
Typical A to Z Hint |
"Community colleges can be excellent choices for
foreigners who want to study in America. They
are available to anyone who wants to study
either during the day or at night, part time or
full time. I have foreign heritage friends who
take English language classes at these colleges
at night or on weekends. They are not working
toward a degree but are trying to improve their
language skills. I strongly recommend them
for immigrants."
Hints like this may be found throughout the A To
Z book.
|
Tip on
Culture |
"Our world is
overflowing with hundreds of cultures and
thousands of misconceptions and myths that
we have about each other and our counties.
America has had an enormous influx of people
who brought these cultures and views with
them. In fact, the U.S. allows more
immigration than all other countries of the
world combined. In 1970, one in twenty
Americans was from a foreign country; today,
one in nine. They might come to the U.S. to
work for American employers, to open branch
offices or factories for their homeland
employers, to start their own businesses, or
go to school. Others might work for American
organizations in their homelands or have
American teachers or neighbors there. Either
way, an understanding of our culture and
language can be important for them."
Hints like this may be found throughout the A To
Z book.
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Lance's A To Z
Appearances |
Lance was
a featured author at
Book 'Em
February
2013, Robeson Community College, Lumberton, N.C.
Lance lectured at Rancho Las Palmas Library, 2014 |
Lance's Suggestions for Helpful Sites and Books for His
Readers |
Help
for those interested in
Work-Study
in the US.
~
Help for
those who want
foreign language help that makes a difference.
~
A
historic novel about frontier life in Kentucky
in the early 1800s
By Eddie Price |
Lance's
Growing Online Articles and Reviews |
Lance is
a
guest blogger for author Aaron Lazar: "Genesis
of a Book to Help Foreigners Understand Crazy
America."
~
Interview
by
Donna McDine for
her blog.
~
Review from award-winning author Leora Skolkin-Smith.
~
Review
from
Donna M. McDine's review blog.
~
Five-Star Review
from Alice D. at
Readers Favorite
~
Interview at
The Pen Muse
~
Review by
Conny Withay
~
Review
by Mary Cowper for
Midwest Reviews:
"Packed with invaluable insights and information for
those who are not wholly familiar with America's way
of life (including immigrant citizens who may have
lived in America for years but are still adjusting
to different cultural practices and rules of
etiquette!)..."
~
Review from Dave Menefee for Book Pleasures and
The New Book Review.
~
Featured
on Penny Ehrenkranz's
One Writer's Journey.
Please
contact the author at
info@AmericaAtoZ.com
for articles, interviews, podcasts, and other guest
appearances. Please note he is an actor and
voiceover professional. |
Honors
for Lance |
"Lance, congratulations!
You have one of the top 10% most
viewed LinkedIn profiles for 2012."
LinkedIn now has 200 million members. Thanks for playing a
unique part in our community!
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