Unusual Things That Are Common in Other Countries

B2 – Upper Intermediate

One of the characteristics that distinguish humans from other members of the animal world is our tendency to develop conventions. Thousands of diverse cultures have sprung up around the world since the beginning of civilization.

Sometimes, there normal things that are customary in other countries but are very different from what we are used to.

Here are 10 incredible customs from all over the world.

https://brightside.me/wonder-places/10-unusual-things-that-are-common-in-other-countries-796969/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Name some points from the article that you found really unusual and explain why you think they are rather bizarre.
  2. Have you ever experienced culture shock? Share your experience and how you dealt with it.
  3. Have you ever felt confused by the actions of someone from another culture? What was that practice and how did you and that person bridge the gap between your customs?
  4. Do you think “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” is always good advice? Why or why not?
  5. If foreigners visit your country, what are things that might surprise them?
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4 replies on “Unusual Things That Are Common in Other Countries”

1. One of the points I have found rather unusual is that some Dutch people do not close their curtains and anyone can see what they are doing at home. I think that you lose your privacy even though nobody usually likes peering. I suppose that one reason for this tradition can also be that these countries from north Europe do not receive much sunlight along the day and they will want to enjoy as much as they can from the natural light.
2./3. For me, the most shocking situation I have experienced in my life has been with Chinese people. We had a business meal with a group of Chinese. At the end of the meal, all of them starting spitting. I was previously warned about this custom, but I never thought it was possible, taking into account that they were in other different country and had been informed that this tradition was considered unpolite in our country. The reality was completely different since they felt our client and therefore, they could do whatever they wanted without respecting our feelings. It was a very embarrassing moment and the gap between cultures could not be overcome.
4. From my point of view, this saying is important to be followed because it can avoid some misunderstandings or complicated situations. Maybe, certain attitudes or acts which are correct in some cultures, are considered offensive or unpolite in others. For example, in the west countries a way of saluting people is shake hands or give a kiss on the other person’s check. However, it is completely forbidden in the Arab countries, mainly between man and woman.
5. In my country, there are different customs which usually the foreign people get surprised such as the timetable of meals. We usually eat later than the rest of the countries around the world. Another shocking custom is the bullfighting which is a spectacle considered by many people (even for some locals) cruel.

It is good to see all your hard work in writing your answers to your every lesson’s discussion questions. You are doing a great job so far.

Take a look at a few sentences and see how you can improve them:

… and anyone can see what they are doing at home.
> … and anyone can see what they are doing inside their homes.

and they will want to enjoy as much as they can from the natural light.
> and they would want to enjoy natural light as much as they can.

At the end of the meal, all of them starting spitting.
> At the end of the meal, all of them started spitting.

… taking into account that they were in other different country and had been informed that this tradition was considered unpolite in our country.
> … taking into account that they were in a different country and had been informed that this tradition is considered impolite in our country.

Cheers to more entries from you!

1. Yes, in South Korea, everything (food) is spicy, even the food that is not supposed to be spicy. Also, I noticed the steepeness of Dutch stairs.
2. Not really, but I feel curious about it. For example, Korean people always greet by bowing a little.
3. I think it is a good advice, a good way of integrate and interact with someone in another culture is to respect and follow it by some degree. This way, they will notice you in a very positive way.
4. Here, in Spain, we tend to kiss to much. On a greeting, it is common to kiss in the cheek the other person, except on the man to man case. In that case, the hands are used usually.

Good job answering the questions to this lesson.

Take a look at how you can write this sentence better:

I think it is a good advice, a good way of integrate and interact with someone in another culture is to respect and follow it by some degree.

I think it is a good advice, a good way to integrate and interact with someone from another culture is to respect and follow it to some degree.

Keep going with this exercise.

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