American is much more informal than that of many other countries and, in some ways, is characterized by less social 41________ .The American mixture of pride in achievement and sense of “I'm just as good as anybody else.” along with 42________importance placed on personal dignity, is difficult for a foreigner to understand. Americans in general do not like to be considered inferior, and they grumble loudly about inconveniences or not getting a “fair deal”. Yet they do not 43________ their personal honor.
Yet 44________ all the informality, America is not completely without customs that show consciousness of social distinction. For example, one is likely to use somewhat more formal language when talking to superiors. While the informal “Hello” is an acceptable greeting from employee to employer, the employee is more 45________ say, “Hello,Jim?”Southerners make a point of saying “Yes, sir,” or “Yes, ma'am,” or “No, sir,” or “No, ma'am,” when talking to an older person or a person in position of authority. Although this is a good form all over the United States, “Yes, Mr. Weston” or “No, Mrs. Baker” is somewhat more common in a similar situation in the North or West.
American surface informality often 46________ the foreigner because he interprets it to mean no formality at all. He does not understand the point 47________ informality stops. A teacher, though friendly, pleasant, and informal in class,expects students to study hard, and he grades each student's work critically and carefully. He also expects to be treated with 48________ . Although students are 49________ ask question about statements made by the teacher, and may say that they disagree with what he says, they are not expected to 50________ him. Similarly, in boy-girl relationships a foreign student should not mistake the easy relationship and flattery that are part of the dating pattern in the United States, nor presume that it means more than it does. (From American Social Relations)