CC BY
8УДК 316.722
Baktybekova M.B.
2nd year student, Faculty of Philology, Department of Foreign Languages
Issyk-Kul region State University (Karakol, Kyrgyzstan)
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AMERICAN AND KYRGYZ PEOPLE
Аннотация: this report talks about the cultural differences between Americans andKyrgyz. These are two unique nations with diverse traditions and values. The report examined key aspects of both cultures, including historical context, religion, family values, food preferences and style of communication. The report is about respect for differences, understanding values and cultural traditions contribute to strengthening friendly relations and prosperity for both countries.
Ключевые слова: Americans, Kyrgyz, nations, differences, traditions, values, religion.
Cultural differences play a key role in shaping the identity of nations and contribute to the diversity of the world's cultural heritage. In the context of globalization and integration, cultural understanding and interaction are becoming an important part of international relations. Understanding the cultural differences between two countries promotes mutual understanding and cooperation.[1]
Relations between the United States and Kyrgyzstan have a long history, dating back to the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union and Kyrgyzstan's independence in 1991. The United States was one of the first to recognize the independence of Kyrgyzstan and for the first time in the history of Kyrgyzstan opened the US Embassy in Bishkek. Over all the past years, the Kyrgyz Republic has gone through a difficult period of transformation in its relations with the United States, ultimately becoming one of the main partners of the United States in Central Asia. Particularly noticeable growth in strengthening relationships between these two countries has been observed in recent years. Both countries continue to cooperate in a
number of key areas, covering political, economic, educational and cultural spheres: the United States is one of the largest investors in the economy of Kyrgyzstan, educational and cultural exchanges are conducted between countries, including student exchanges, vocational training programs, and the organization of cultural events, The United States supports the development of civil society in the Kyrgyz Republic.[2] With what has been said above, understanding the cultural backgrounds of these two countries helps to build trust and strengthen the relationship between the governments and people of the United States and Kyrgyzstan. Mutual understanding can help strengthen business relationships, attract investment, and promote trade between the United States and Kyrgyzstan. Studying and respecting the cultural traditions and values of the two nations is extremely important in the development of relations and their further prosperity. By their nature, the United States and Kyrgyzstan are two completely different countries, with many more differences than similarities. Firstly, the geographical location of these countries is fundamentally different: the USA is located in North America, and Kyrgyzstan is in Central Asia. Secondly, the ethnicity of these two nations has completely different roots: the Kyrgyz descend from Turkic people, whose roots go back to ancient times, Americans are a diverse population with different ethnic backgrounds. Geographical location and origin play a key role in shaping the identity and culture of a nation. We can say that American and Kyrgyz cultures are dissimilar in many aspects. The USA is a relatively young country, which was formed only in the 18th century under the influence of numerous waves of emigration, starting from the colonial periods and ending in modern times. American culture is a unique culture that is a mixture of traditions and customs of many nations, including Europeans, Africans, Asians and Latin Americans. While the history of Kyrgyzstan goes back to ancient times. Kyrgyz culture was formed under the influence of the historical traditions of the ancient Turks who lived in Central Asia and the influence of Islamic culture. Religion has played a significant role in the formation of culture, it influences everyday life, cultural traditions and customs. Today, the majority of the population of Kyrgyzstan professes Islam. Unlike the Kyrgyz, Christianity predominates among Americans, although there are a significant number of people
belonging to other religious denominations. One of the key features of American culture is individualism, where every person strives for self-realization, personal development and achieving their own goals. Among Americans, personal space is highly valued. In comparison with American culture, which is characterized by individualism, Kyrgyz culture emphasizes collective and family values. The family plays a central role in kyrgyz society. Family ties play an important role in the formation and development of an individual in society. The Kyrgyz have a huge number of relatives, and these family ties not only exist as branches of a person's family tree, but they also maintain contact with each of them, whether it is a close relationship or a distant one. In contrast to the American family, where family ties are maintained for 3-4 generations, the concept of "clan" is widespread in Kyrgyz culture, with the help of which Kyrgyz people know even their most distant relatives, which often surprises Americans. Among the Kyrgyz, respect for elders is of particular importance. Older generations make important decisions regarding the family, and there are numerous statements about elders in kyrgyz nation, which emphasizes the importance of elder people. There is a clear boundary between the older and younger generations, which is not the case in American culture. For example, within American culture young person can easily become friends with an elderly person. For Kyrgyz people this is something impossible. [3] Traditions and customs in American culture have a rich, multinational heritage. They reflect history, religion, attitude towards nature and society. In the United States, traditions and customs can vary greatly depending on region and ethnic characteristics. But nevertheless, there are traditions and customs that embrace the entire American people. For example, celebrations such as Thanksgiving or Independence Day is very important for every American. The Kyrgyz people also have a rich cultural heritage, which includes many traditions and rituals that play an important role in their daily life even in modern times. These can be wedding ceremonies, ceremonies associated with birth and death, holidays in honor of nature, traditional games and entertainment. For example: when holding a wedding, the Kyrgyz are limited not only to the ceremony itself, but also to many customs before and after the wedding: "Kudalashuu", "Soiko saluu", "Kyz uzatuu", "Kelin koruu",
etc., which the Americans do not have . All these rituals occupy a large part of the Kyrgyz pastime, and we can say that life, at some point, revolves around all of this customs. Attitudes to time in Kyrgyz and American cultures also differ greatly. If for Americans strict adherence to schedule and punctuality are one of the established principles, then in the Kyrgyz mentality the attitude towards time is more flexible. In many cases, arriving at an event 1-2 hours later than the scheduled time is not only acceptable, but also required, since the event organizers themselves expect guests to arrive later. Of course, this does not apply to events of special importance, but nevertheless, the attitude towards time remains freedom . This can greatly surprise a representative of American culture, in the same way, a representative of Kyrgyz culture, finding himself in American society, can easily be late for an event, relying on the peculiarities of his own culture. Americans prefer and use a straightforward communication style, most are characterized by direct and open expression of their thoughts and feelings. Kyrgyz people, in turn, are more indirect in their communication, especially when communicating with older or high-ranking people. But on the other hand, Kyrgyz people can without any hesitation ask a complete stranger about personal information. And this is an absolute norm on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, but it can cause great confusion and be mistaken for tactlessness by representatives of American culture. Also, during communication, Americans often use active gestures, facial expressions and emotions, which is completely uncharacteristi of the Kyrgyz. Active using of facial expressions and expression of emotions is often considered as frivolity in Kyrgyz society. However, when greeting, in addition to verbal greetings, Kyrgyz people resort to physical contact: a handshake, hugs and kisses on the cheeks, even with unfamiliar people. Unlike the Kyrgyz, Americans practically do not use physical contact. American cuisine is known for its diversity, where everyone can find something the will like. Like other aspects of the US culture, American cuisine varies from region to region. The USA is also known as the birthplace of fast food. The most popular dishes are burgers, pia, French fries, hot dogs, fried chicken, etc.. Also dishes from different cultural traditions such as Italian, Chinese and Mexican cuisines are very popular. Kyrgyz cuisine is a traditional nomadic cuisine known for using
copious amount of meat, noodles and dairy products. In addition to lamb and beef, horse meat is very common in Kyrgyzstan. Americans usually experience culture shock when they sKyrgyz people eating horse meat.
When cultures interact with each other, misunderstandings may occur, so it is important to take into account the characteristics of the culture in which a person lives. Studying the cultural differences between Americans and Kyrgyz people helps us to better understand the diversity of human experience and contrast these two unique cultural contexts. Different cultures exist within different nations and are unique in their own ways.
During this report, we looked at the main differences in the cultures of these two countries. Studying and understanding the cultural differences between Americans and Kyrgyz allows us not to only better understand the cultures, but also to improve mutual understanding and cooperation between countries.
Respect for differences, understanding of common values and cultural traditions contributes to the strengthening of friendly relations, international stability and prosperity of both nations.
СПИСОК ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ:
1. Culturology. History of world culture: Textbook for universities/ Ed. prof. A.N. Markova. 2nd ed., revised. And additional - M.: UNITY - DANA, 2005. - 600 p., ill.color;
2. Kyrgyz-American political relations / N.M. Namatbekova // International Journal of Humanities and Natural sciences, vol.1, 2018. - p.22-25;
3. National culture of the Kyrgyz/Ed.: K. Yusupov, J. Bakashova, K 97 K. Imanaliev, M.K. Omurbay. - B.: 2012. - 972 p
