What are the biggest cultural differences between North America and Hungary?

North America and Hungary are two culturally different regions, and their differences can cause some people to experience a culture shock. Here is a look at how North America and Hungary differ from a cultural standpoint.

Language differences

Language is another key difference between North America and Hungary. The most prevalent languages in North America are English, Spanish and French. These three languages are dominant because of the colonization of the area by European settlers.

On the other hand, the official language in Hungary is Hungarian. Around 98% of the population in Hungary speaks this language. However, some speak other minority languages, such as Serbian, Romanian, Slovak, Romani, Croatian and German.

Attitudes toward family

Hungarian families are generally more traditional than their North American counterparts. They spend time together on weekends and share household chores. The Hungarian people follow a strict daily schedule, and spending time together is a significant part of that schedule.

On the other hand, in North America, there is no significant emphasis on families spending time together. However, many still make time to get together or talk on the phone.

Food culture

The most common place to see Hungarian cultural festivals is the countryside. During these festivals, food takes center stage. Outside of festivals, the Sunday family lunch is a significant part of the country’s food culture.

In addition, food is much cheaper in Hungary than in North America. People from North America do not place as much emphasis on food culture overall. Moreover, North American food features great flavors from all over the world, while Hungarians prioritize Hungarian cuisine.

Gaming culture

Gaming culture is one of the most significant areas that showcases the cultural differences between North America and Hungary. Today’s gaming culture has evolved due to the internet, which has led to an increase in digital gaming site options. Both cultures can attest that the internet has dramatically changed their gaming customs. Until the ’90s, table games were the top choice in both areas, but digital games are thriving in modern times.

The biggest differences lie in the types of games that enjoy success in both regions. The most popular games on digital gaming sites in North America are casino games such as poker, roulette, blackjack and craps. In contrast, the League of Legends is currently the most popular game in Hungary, along with first-person shooters.

In addition to gaming sites, another difference in gaming arises in the gaming market size of the two regions. The size of the gaming market in North America is $63.11 billion, while in Hungary, it’s 28 billion Hungarian Forints, which is roughly $77 million.

Traditions

North America has embraced the modernization of its culture. It has undergone a significant evolution from the traditional organization of its society to a more modern one. Finding North Americans who still practice their traditional culture can be challenging.

That’s not the case with Hungarians. In Hungary, people are more focused on preserving their traditional customs. This can be seen in their etiquette, buildings, food, and how they value the family setup.