There are a lot of common misunderstandings our Chinese students experienced in America. It is important for us to be fully aware of these common misunderstandings so that we will not embarrass ourselves in front of other people. What I am going to discuss is some typical common misunderstandings that my fellow Chinese students have experienced in high schools in America.
     For Chinese students, some typical common misunderstandings are the order of first and last names, age determination according to the lunar calendar, necessity of saying the golden words of  "Thank You" after being complimented.
     It is very common to hear the words "Thank You" from Americans once they are complimented, but it is unusual from Chinese. In China, when someone says, "You are very smart!" We are accustomed to respond, "No, I am not very smart!" instead of  "Thank you". We consider our response indicated a merit of modesty. However, we are now being educated in American schools and it is time to for us to adapt the new customs. There is an old saying that do as what other people do. Furthermore, saying "Thank you" shows your respect to others. I urge my fellow Chinese students learn the American way of saying "Thank you" whenever you receive a compliment.
     Don't write our last names before our first name unless we put a comma after our last names. Many Chinese students have often made this m istake. In America, it is common to write our first names before our first last names. In China, we should write our last names before our first names without any comma. If we keep this way of writing our names, Americans will be confused our last names with our first names.
     Obviously, it is necessary for us to avoid these common misunderstandings and adapt ourselves to American customs. Therefore, we will become more successful in communicating with others in America.