Abstract:

In the perspective of its contributors American culture is a kind of immigrant culture, which initially came into being during 1607 - 1783, fixed its characteristic pattern from 1783 to the end of the Second World War, and entered a new multicultural stage after 1950's. The three major elements in its formation include traditions of immigrants' original countries, confrontations between immigrants and their new environments, and melting of varied immigrants. Such a kind of culture has dual effects on America, making the nation absorb quintessence of diverse cultures in the world as well as leading to certain social problems.

Key words: U. S. A., American culture, immigrant, plurality