Introduction
The concept of culture is quite complex since it integrates diverse faith systems, practices, behaviors, and ideologies promoted in a particular society. Globalization has led to increasing levels of human movements, thereby influencing the common attributes different groups exhibit. As more and more individuals come together and share their experiences, a new way of life emerges whereby the participants borrow a lot from one another in an effort to pursue their aims. These descriptions could explain why Southeastern Europe and the United States could be studied as transitional regions whereby cultural attributes have been constructed as a product of diverse complexes and influences.
Cultural Comparisons
Being a member state of the Southeastern Europe region, Albania stands out as out of the countries with a recognizable culture and heritage. Specifically, the people of this state believe in the power of family and rely on it to promote their ethnic heritage (Gloyer 28). In the country, a common code or traditional practice known as besa appears to guide individuals whenever making choices. The concept encourages them to keep every promise they make, honor their respective families, and consider how they can emerge successful. On top of this cultural foundation, Albanians promote a unique sense of art, music, and social attributes that are defined under the Kanu. The promoted clans, also called fis, encouraged people to avoid all forms of discrimination, promote their respective belief systems, and help the needy.
By focusing on the United States, it is evident that the majority of the people promote liberal or conservative ideas that encourage them to do what seems appropriate to them. They have promoted religious and scientific ideologies that are pursued competitively among members of society. They believe in democratic approaches to problem-solving and encourage people to promote the power of expression (Lash 102). The American dream emerges as a phrase or guideline that supports the materialistic, economic, and ethical attributes of more individuals (Schaefer and Starre 28). Over the centuries, members of American society have taken a wide range of attributes seriously, including sports, religious practices, and practicality whenever addressing various social issues.
Albanians celebrate several holidays annually that reflect their cultural achievements and practices. New Year’s Day is a common holiday held on the first day of every New Year. The country allows members of the society to celebrate for the next two subsequent days after 1st January (Knowlton, Marylee, and Debbie Nevins 27). Having a Christian heritage, the people of Albania celebrate Aster Monday and Good Friday in the month of April every year. Labor Day is a common holiday held on May 1st and prolonged to the next day. Independence Day is celebrated on November 28th annually (Rindzevičiūtė 151). November 29th is the Liberation Day holiday in the country.
Most of the traditional ceremonies and holidays recorded in the United States are reflective of the cultural achievements and the past of the people. Some of the leading ones include New Year’s Day and the Birthday of Martin Luther King Junior. The people celebrate Memorial Day Holiday on the last Monday in May and Independence Day on the 4th of July (Knowlton and Nevins 46). Labor Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of September. Veterans Day is a common holiday held every year on 11 November while Thanksgiving Day is celebrated the fourth Thursday in the month of November. Human Rights Day is a famous holiday held on the 10th of every month of December. Christmas Day is celebrated with the other members of the world on December 25th every year.
Albania is one hour ahead of the international Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). For the United States, the GMT time is 5 hours ahead of that of New York (GMT -5). However, the expansive nature of this country explains why it has six different time zones. These include Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii time zones (Knowlton and Nevins 46). Some states in the country are split in such a way that they have different time zones, such as Idaho, Oregon, Nebraska, Kentucky, and Michigan.
In Albania, children are required to attend lower schools for eight years. This period is divided into two cycles of four years each. Upon the successful completion of the period, learners will attain a leaving certificate called Dëftesë Lirimi. This will be followed by grades nine to twelve whereby individuals are expected to complete high school (Gloyer 19). They will then be eligible for tertiary learning institutions, such as universities, vocational training centers, and colleges.
In the U.S., three schools or levels exist for individuals to go through. Elementary schools provide instructions for learners from Grades K to 5. In Middle schools, individuals will complete grades 6 to 8 after which they will be enrolled in high schools for grades 9 to 12. However, some differences are notable whereby specific districts have junior high schools for students in grades 7 and 8 (Shavitt and Barnes 43). Homeschooling and private schools have become common in the country depending on the needs of the targeted learners. These stages of education are mandatory while higher education remains optional in accordance with people’s aims.
Albanian remains the dominant language many people in Albania use to communicate with each other. This Indo-European language is used by over 8 million citizens in the country. In the United States, the government does not have a specific or official language that members of the society need to use. However, the American language has become the common means of communication with over 78 percent of the population relying on it (Shavitt and Barnes 46). Other languages minority groups use in the country include Spanish at 12.6 percent and Chinese at 0.9 percent.
In Albania, the people take marriage seriously and it is allowed when individuals have attained the age of 18. For traditional weddings, ceremonies can begin seven days before the day of the ceremony. People will sing, dance, and engage in parties that attract members of the wider village. Marriages would be registered in the Office of Civil Status and need to be done before the final ceremony (Rindzevičiūtė 151). In this country, divorce is permitted under the current Albanian civil law. The two major religions practiced in Albania include Christianity and Islam.
In the U.S., marriage is permitted under the law and the consent of parents is not required. The age limit for marriage is between 18 and 21 depending on the targeted state. Marriages in the country could either be religious or civil in nature. Sometimes they could be characterized by both aspects before licensing is made. Divorce is permitted under the law if the individuals are unable to stay together. Common religions in this country include Christians at 65 percent, Muslims at 0.9 percent, and pagans at 26 percent (Gloyer 67). The popularity of Christianity describes why the majority of people follow the Christian worldview.
Conclusion
The above discussion has revealed that Albania and the U.S. have unique cultural attributes that define the experiences, achievements, and goals of most of the citizens. Most of the recorded differences and similarities could be attributed to the histories of these two states. The promoted legal frameworks appear to dictate a wide range of social aspects, such as education, marriage, and holidays. Some of the similarities could be attributed to the forces of globalization experienced in the world over the past century.
Works Cited
Gloyer, Gillian. Albania. New York: Bradt Travel Guides.
Knowlton, Marylee, and Debbie Nevins. Cultures of the world: Albania. New York: Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC.
Lash, Christina L. “Making Americans: Schooling, Diversity, and Assimilation in the Twenty-First Century.” RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, vol. 4, no. 5, 2018, pp. 99-117.
Rindzevičiūtė, Eglė. “Transforming Cultural Policy in Eastern Europe: The Endless Frontier.” International Journal of Cultural Policy, vol. 27, no. 2, 2021, pp. 149-162.
Schaefer, Heike, and Alexander Starre, editors. The Printed Book in Contemporary American Culture: Medium, Object, Metaphor. New York: Springer Shop.
Shavitt, Sharon, and Aaron J. Barnes. “Culture and the Consumer Journey.” Journal of Retailing, vol. 96, no. 1, 2020, pp. 40-54.