The American influence is a part of Globalization which everyone can see in the media, taste in the food, and sense in the products we buy. Hence, it is perceivable for everyone, every day. Satellites, the internet, airplanes, and container ships are carrying the American culture to Europe all around the clock.
In fact, the English language, or better said, American English and its variations are dominating the stage in all fields of intercultural exchange such as business, sciences, and entertainment. Just 100 years ago, German scientists dominated worldwide research, and thus most publications were in German. Nowadays most publications are in English, due to the concentration of the best researchers at American universities and the function of English as the “common denominator”. In times of the rule of “publish or perish” one is forced to adopt English in order to obtain international recognition. But the impact is far deeper. It goes back to our cultural identity itself. When you switch on the television, when you go to the cinema, or when you open a magazines you will recognize this American influence such as in the case of Anglicisms like “Star“, “Opponent” and “Internet Kids”.
This essay aims a shedding more light on the myth of Americanization. Based on a definition, it will cover briefly its chronology and then continue with two deep dives on language and popular culture.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Defining Americanization
- Chronology
- The First Impacts
- American influence after the Second World War
- The Cold War
- The Last Decade
- Language
- Popular culture
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the impact of American culture on European society, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of Americanization. It examines how American influence has permeated various aspects of European culture, including language, popular culture, and social values.
- Defining Americanization and its different meanings
- Chronological overview of American influence in Europe
- Impact of Americanization on language, popular culture, and social values
- The role of globalization and technological advancements in the spread of American culture
- The implications of Americanization for European cultural identity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of Americanization and its pervasiveness in contemporary society. It highlights the influence of American culture in various aspects of life, from media and entertainment to language and products. The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding Americanization in the context of globalization and cultural exchange.
- Defining Americanization: This chapter explores the different meanings of Americanization, particularly focusing on the distinction between internal Americanization (for immigrants) and external Americanization (the spread of American culture to other nations). It examines how Americanization has been perceived and interpreted throughout history, from the early days of immigration to the Cold War and beyond.
- Chronology: This chapter traces the historical evolution of American influence in Europe, starting from the early 20th century and highlighting key events and developments that contributed to its spread. It examines the impact of World War II, the Cold War, and globalization on the process of Americanization.
- Language: This chapter focuses on the impact of American English on European languages. It explores how American English has become increasingly dominant in various domains, including academia, business, and entertainment, and the implications of this shift for European linguistic diversity.
- Popular culture: This chapter examines the influence of American popular culture on European society, including music, films, television, and fashion. It explores how American popular culture has shaped and influenced European tastes and values.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this essay are: Americanization, globalization, cultural exchange, language, popular culture, social values, identity, American influence, European culture, historical context, Cold War, Marshall Plan, technological advancements, and globalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by the term "Americanization"?
Americanization refers to the pervasive influence of American culture, language, products, and values on other societies, particularly in Europe, often seen as a key component of globalization.
How has the English language's role changed over the last century?
While German was dominant in science 100 years ago, American English is now the "common denominator" in business, science, and entertainment due to the influence of U.S. research and media.
What are the historical stages of American influence in Europe?
The essay traces the chronology from early impacts, through the significant influence after World War II (Marshall Plan), the Cold War era, up to the digital globalization of the last decade.
What is the difference between internal and external Americanization?
Internal Americanization refers to the cultural assimilation of immigrants within the U.S., while external Americanization is the spread of American culture to other sovereign nations.
How does popular culture drive Americanization?
Through movies, music, television, and fashion, American popular culture shapes European tastes and social values, often leading to the adoption of Anglicisms in daily language.
What role does technology play in this process?
Satellites, the internet, and modern transportation systems act as carriers, delivering American cultural content and products to Europe around the clock.
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- Mirko Gropp (Autor:in), 2002, Americanization - The US strikes back?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/6052
