In Brazil the small-talk culture is also strongly present. I can't speak for all places in the US, but definitely more than NY. I also was able to notice the sa

In Brazil the small-talk culture is also strongly present. I can't speak for all places in the US, but definitely more than NY. I also was able to notice the same type of behavior in Venezuela, Uruguay and Peru. Maybe West could be replaced by West-of-the-Atlantic?