Final answer:
Polite, agreeable, and respectful interactions form the cornerstone of Mexican American culture, influenced by regional and cultural diversity, as well as traditions called 'folkways'. It is typically respectful to address elders and leaders formally. Non-verbal cues like nodding may vary in meaning across cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is seeking to understand certain aspects of Mexican American culture. The correct answer is that polite, agreeable, and respectful interactions are indeed the cornerstone of Mexican American culture, as well as many other cultures. This is because folkways, which are the everyday habits and conventions of a culture, dictate that such behavior is appropriate and expected in social interactions.
In contrast, it is not universally true that nodding affirmatively always means agreement, as non-verbal communication can vary greatly between different cultures. It is also generally respectful to address elders and leaders formally in Mexican American culture. Lastly, while work might be an acceptable topic of conversation, family often holds a central place in Mexican American society, and inquiring about one’s family can be seen as a sign of warmth and interest. Therefore, it is not necessarily “better” to ask about work than about family.
Cultural diversity and regional diversity in Mexico contribute to a wide array of cultural expressions, making it essential to be aware of local customs and traditions. There is also a high rate of intermarriage between different ethnic groups in Mexico, as noted by Rodriguez, which has led to a cohesive Mexican identity.