B1 – Intermediate
When someone sneezes, some people immediately respond with “God bless you!”. Just why people respond to this is not really crystal clear. There have been numerous beliefs as to its logic and origin.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript to know some of the reasons people use this expression.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/why-we-say-god-bless-you-level-1/
Discussion Questions:
- Do you use this response when someone sneezes? Why or why not?
- Do you know other interpretation of this expression?
- Do you think this is considered a polite gesture? Why or why not?
- What other polite gestures are common in your country?