#1553915 CEBRASPE (CESPE) - 2009 - Professor (SEDUC CE)/Língua Inglesa

Immigrants in the United States

In the 20th century, people called the United States a melting pot of cultures. This meant that they looked at the country as a place where immigrants’ customs and traditions came together to form one single American culture. In the early 1900s, this seemed to be true. When new immigrants arrived, many of them tried to assimilate quickly because they wanted to fit into the new culture. They believed that, to be successful, they had to take on American customs and leave their own customs behind. However, by the end of the 20th century, this way of thinking began to change. Today many new immigrants are holding on to their first languages and cultures as they learn English and the customs of their new home. They prefer to preserve their own culture rather than assimilate completely. They have always had a great effect on their new home, influencing the music that Americans listen to, the food they eat, and the ideas they have.

These contributions are an important part of the country’s history and future. After all, it is the variety of cultures and ideas that gives the United States its energy and ability to grow and change.

Lori Howard. Read and Reflect 2. Unit1,

Oxford University Press, 2004 (adapted).

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