Page 39 - CARRASCO CARRASCO JESSICA LIZBETH

websites have spread American words and expressions far beyond its borders.

Eased greatly in the twentieth century due to advancements in technology. Through
time the American English has gradually replaced the British variety as the accepted

international standard. In fact, it has even made inroads into British English itself,
replacing words like “stupid” with “dumb”, “angry” with “mad”.

Countries all around the world, now more than ever, are becoming familiar with
American popular culture and finding it appealing. American Popular Culture is

comprised of the attitudes and perspectives shared by the majority of United States
citizens. These attitudes and perspectives are fueled by mass media outlets such as:

television and films, sports, music, and fashion. These outlets are all ways to

broadcast America's culture. American English and culture provide a common
channel of communication and point of reference for people all over the world.

2.3 Television
American television shows and adaptations are popular in other countries.

America’s cultural influence through movies has been particularly strong. Just the

word “Hollywood” itself conjures up visions of movie stars and Oscar nights and
Western gunslingers getting ready for the shootout. Every year, Hollywood movies

studios make more than five hundred movies. Hollywood is one of the largest
cinema industries in the world - including twenty studios worldwide. (Paramount

Pictures, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century Fox.

Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp,
Sandra Bullock and Oprah have made successful careers in television and film and

are international icons.

2.4 Music

Globalization of markets also means globalization of American culture or

Americanization. An example can be seen in the music industry. Since the
development of hip-hop in the 1980’s, rap music has continued to spread to other

cultures around the globe. From South Africa to Japan, hip hop has made a
worldwide impact.

27