B2 – Upper Intermediate
In many societies, divorce is often regarded as a source of shame and carries a heavy stigma. In contrast, Mauritania views divorce as a common occurrence and even an occasion for celebration, signaling a woman’s renewed availability for marriage. For generations, women have come together to feast, sing, and dance at each other’s divorce parties. Today, this tradition is evolving for a new era, incorporating personalized cakes and social media highlights alongside the traditional food and music, creating a vibrant blend of old and new.
Read this article to know how for Mauritian women, divorce is not a cause for sorrow, but for a celebration instead.
https://www.milleworld.com/in-this-tiny-arab-country-divorce-is-a-cause-for-celebration/
Vocabulary Questions:
1. What does “to weigh down” mean? “The limited options for women after divorce led to a tradition of celebrating, ensuring that their future would not be weighed down by their past.”? Use this term in a sentence.
2. What does the phrase “to start anew” mean? “Mauritian women treat the occasion of divorce as an opportunity to start anew, reiterating that there is nothing wrong with separation. ” Use this phase in your own sentence.
3. What does “lineage” mean? “To preserve lineage, alliances, and castes, women were often forced to marry their cousins.” Use this word in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- How is divorce viewed in your country? Is it considered a social stigma in your country?
- Share your thoughts on this statement, “Some women view their previous marriages as status symbols.“.
- What is your opinion on “matrimonial career” in Mauritania?
- Share your insights on this, “Women with experience from previous marriages are often considered better prospects than young, inexperienced brides.“
- What is your stance on this, “Celebrating women who divorce is a lot better than shaming them.“?
2 replies on “Divorce Is a Cause for Celebration”
• How is divorce viewed in your country? Is it considered a social stigma in your country?
In my country, we are used to seeing divorces, and it is not considered a stigma.
• Share your thoughts on this statement, “Some women view their previous marriages as status symbols.”
I find this idea strange. In my country, divorce is not a stigma, but it is also not seen as a status symbol. I think that in my country, such a view would be heavily criticized.
I don’t think divorce can be accepted as a status symbol.
• What is your opinion on “matrimonial career” in Mauritania?
I disagree with it because I believe that marriage should be respected. If a marriage is not working, it should end, but it shouldn’t be something common or casual.
• Share your insights on this, “Women with experience from previous marriages are often considered better prospects than young, inexperienced brides.”
I think women are different. Some women might be better because of their experience, while others may not. I don’t believe there is a single pattern.
• What is your stance on this, “Celebrating women who divorce is a lot better than shaming them”?
That is true. Divorce is usually seen as bad news, but it should be considered the start of a new life.
Way to go always answering your lessons’ discussion questions. It is definitely a good way to improve your writing.
See more accurate expressions you can use in this response:
*** If you say, “Women are different.”, you are comparing them to others. For example, Women are different from men.” However, “Every woman is different.” means all women are different from each other.
Keep on going! You are on the right track.