Tag: Culture and Countries

Chinatown – How Chinese Live in the World’s Cities

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Chinatowns are vibrant neighborhoods filled with history, culture, and community. These areas grew as Chinese immigrants built homes, opened businesses, and kept their traditions alive while adapting to life in a new country. From the food stalls to the street festivals, everything in a Chinatown reflects the journey and resilience of its people.

Read more about these neighborhoods through the link below.

https://www.english-online.at/places/chinatown/chinatowns-around-the-world.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “harbour worker” mean? “They had jobs in farming, as cooks on ships or as harbour workers.” Use it in a sentence.

2. What does “façade” mean in this context, “Houses and buildings show typical façades that you would see in China.“? Use it in a sentence.

3. What does “date back” mean? “It dates back to the 1840s when many people rushed to the west coast in search of gold.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think Chinatowns reflect the experiences of Chinese immigrants?
  2. Is there a Chinatown in your city? How do you think it might influence the local culture?
  3. What challenges do immigrants face, and how do you think Chinatowns help?
  4. How do you think festivals and traditions in Chinatowns help preserve cultural identity?
  5. How do Chinatowns help bridge cultural gaps between communities?

Most Unusual Festivals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Across the globe, people celebrate unique festivals that showcase fascinating traditions. For example, in England, participants roll cheese down a steep hill. Meanwhile, in Thailand, monkeys are honored with grand feasts. These events highlight the creativity and diversity of different cultures. Moreover, they invite everyone to enjoy extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.

Read this article to learn about the 13 most unusual festivals in the world.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/articles/the-13-most-unusual-festivals-in-the-world

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “decommodification” mean? “Some of the group’s values include ‘radical’ inclusion, self-reliance, self-expression, community cooperation, decommodification and more.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. Define “drive something up“. ” The festival first occurred in 1989, run by a local businessman who thought of this unique way to drive up tourism in Lopburi.” Make a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is a “peat bog“? “Armed with a snorkel and flippers, participants must complete two consecutive lengths in a 60-yard trench of water cut through a peat bog, relying only on their flippers to push them through.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes a festival “unusual” in your opinion?
  2. Why do you think people celebrate festivals in such creative or unconventional ways?
  3. Do you think unusual festivals help promote tourism? Why or why not?
  4. If you could attend only one unusual festival, which one would you choose and why?
  5. If you could create your own unusual festival, what would it involve?

Finding Mushrooms in Catalonia

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in Spain, especially during the autumn months when the weather is cooler and the mushrooms are in season. This cultural tradition has been passed down through generation, with families and friends heading out into the forest in search of these delicious fungi.

It is a time-honored tradition that allows individuals to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the mushroom kingdom. So if you ever find yourself in Spain during mushroom season, be sure to join in on the fun and hunt for some delicious fungi.

Read the article and learn what you need to know about mushroom hunting.

https://www.senia.es/en/blog/beach-or-mountain/mushroom-hunting-catalonia

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “wear and tear” mean? “Mushroom pocket guides are usually small in size so that they can be carried with you when you are looking for mushrooms. There are also those that are well packed to prevent wear and tear.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “to dive deep into something” mean? “On the other hand, if you like books more than technology, there are several pocket guides with all kinds of information, with more detailed drawings to dive deeper into the world of mushrooms.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “encroachment” mean? “Finally, we don’t want to forget that the forest belongs to everyone and that our passage should not affect encroachment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the mushroom culture in Catalonia/Spain?
  2. What’s the mushroom hunting culture like now in your city?
  3. Have you ever been mushroom hunting before? Share your experience.
  4. What other cultural activities would you like to preserve and why? Also, why do you think it is important to pass it down to the next generations?

Asia’s Only Latin Town

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traveling to a country where one shares a common language can significantly enhance the overall experience. While English serves as a lingua franca in many regions, immersing oneself in a culture that speaks the same language offers unique advantages. This shared linguistic foundation can facilitate smoother interactions and foster relationships that might be challenging to establish in an unfamiliar language.

Visiting a country where one’s native language is spoken allows for enriched travel experiences through effective communication and cultural immersion. Such interactions are invaluable in cultivating empathy and global awareness.

Watch the video and explore a little culture of a city.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “creole language” mean? “It’s widely considered as the world’s oldest creole language and as a Spanish speaker myself, I’m completely fascinated by this stuff.” Create a sentence with this term.
  2. What does “to be drawn into” mean? “It’s been years since I wanted to visit Zamboanga. Not only because it has the coolest name or unique location in the southwestern point of the Philippines, but I’ve always been drawn into its culture.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to be drawn into’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to make one’s way” mean? “In 1521, the Spanish made their way to this archipelago of 7,641 islands and stayed for 377 years.” Create a sentence with this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the only ‘Latin town’ in Asia?
  2. Share your thoughts on creole languages?
  3. What would you do if you had to travel to a country where its people don’t know how to speak neither your language nor English?
  4. Have you ever visited a society where most people speak only one language? How was it?
  5. Talk about one unique place you have ever been to or culture you have ever experienced.

Egypt’s Pyramid Restoration

B1 – Intermediate

The pyramids in Egypt are ancient wonders that have fascinated people for centuries. From the famous pyramids at Giza to the smaller ones across Egypt, these historical monuments are part of our shared human history. Yet, keeping them safe and strong is a not an easy job.

To preserve the pyramids, Egypt is working hard on trying to restore them. This means fixing up the old stones and making sure the pyramids stay strong against elements such as the wind, sun, and rain.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Egypt’s pyramid restoration.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/egypts-pyramid-restoration-level-1/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to break all the rules” mean in the sentence, “It breaks all the rules for fixing old things.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to break all the rules’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “a big gift” mean in the sentence, “The workers say that it is a big gift for the world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘a big gift’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “think carefully about something” mean in the sentence, “The country must think carefully about what to do with old buildings.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘think carefully about something’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many people in Egypt emphasize the importance of taking care of old buildings and special places? Elaborate.
  2. How important is it to balance modern aesthetic improvements and preserving the historical value of ancient structures like the Menkaure Pyramid? Explain.
  3. What are the positive and negative impact of historical landmarks’ restorations on local communities/on a country?
  4. Are there any specific examples of old buildings or special places in Spain that have been successfully preserved and restored? Elaborate.
  5. Which World Wonder do you want to visit and why?

New Sins for the Modern Age

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Without a doubt, times have changed so much. There are more temptations around that each and everyone of us are confronted with. The use of the internet has revolutionized people’s capacity to commit sins in several and more imaginative ways. Though this is not all that the Vatican is worried about.

The Vatican believed that the Seven Deadly Sins had to be updated and more modern sins had to be added to the list which included those that touch on the complexities of the modern world.

Let’s read the article and know about the all-new set of deadly sins for the modern age.

Heads Up English | ESL Lessons – New Sins for the Modern Age

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “free of something” mean? “The church believes that all people should try to live a life free of the seven deadly sins, which will then ensure entrance into heaven.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘free of something’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “second-in-charge” mean? “The second-in-charge at the Vatican released the information on sins, modern evils, and forgiveness.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘second-in-charge’ in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to hold a point of view“? “The Catholic Church holds the point of view that stem cells represent a destroyed human life, and hence experimentation with them is a deadly evil.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Talk about your take on the deadly sins.
  2. What are your thoughts on the new sins for the modern age? Do you agree with the inclusion of these sins?
  3. If you were to add more sins to the list, what would they be?
  4. What is your stand on this statement, “The Catholic Church holds the point of view that stem cells represent a destroyed human life, and hence experimentation with them is a deadly evil.“?
  5. Do you agree or disagree: “It’s sinful to harm the environment.“. Share your opinion on this.

Instagram Traps Are Changing Art Museums

B2 – Upper Intermediate

New art installations in cities worldwide are shifting away from traditional exhibits and historical artifacts. Instead, these installations focus on providing picturesque backdrops for photos, particularly on Instagram. This trend reflects a changing landscape in the museum world. Both new temporary museums and traditional ones are adapting to the prevalence of smartphones, creating spaces designed for easy selfie-taking. As online experiences become more prevalent, these selfie-friendly spaces are becoming increasingly common.

Watch the video to learn more about pop-out museums and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “installation art“. “You can see installation art‘s influence on today’s pop-up museums pretty clearly.” Make one sentence using the word.
  2. What is a “pop-up museum“? “Pop-up museums figured out that there was a business to be made out of that photographability.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to put away” mean? “At Refinery29’s pop-up experience, that means having some rooms where phones are supposed to be put away.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to put away’ in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do Instagram traps enhance or detract from the traditional art museum experience? Share your opinion.
  2. How do you feel about art museums adapting to the trend of Instagram traps to attract a younger audience?
  3. Do you believe that the rise of Instagram traps in art museums is a positive evolution or a departure from the core purpose of these cultural institutions? Explain.
  4. How do you think the presence of Instagram traps affects the way people engage with and appreciate art within the museum setting?
  5. Do you think the popularity of Instagram traps might overshadow the significance of the artworks themselves in traditional art museums? Elaborate.

China’s Inventions Changed the World

B1 – Intermediate

China, a land steeped in history and culture, has given the world some truly incredible inventions. These inventions have not only shaped China’s own society, but have also had a profound impact on the rest of the world.

Let’s read the article below to know more about Chinese inventions that changed the world.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/history/chinese-inventions-during-song-dynasty.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “course of history” mean? “Chinese inventions have changed the world during the course of history.” Give a synonym and use “course of history” in a sentence.
  2. What does “date back” mean? “Most of them date back to the Song Dynasty, which ruled the Asian empire between 960 and 1280 A.D.” Give a synonym and use “date back” in a sentence.
  3. What does “at the height of” mean? “It was during this era that drinking tea was at the height of its popularity.” Give a synonym and use “at the height of” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you think China’s early inventions compare to modern technological innovations in terms of their impact on the world?
  2. How have these Chinese inventions influenced the fields of science and technology on a global scale?
  3. Can you think of any other inventions or discoveries from different cultures that had a similar impact on the world as these Chinese inventions?

Moai Tradition Makes Okinawan People Live Longer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Elderly people in Okinawa, Japan, live longer and healthier than others worldwide. They focus on a tradition called moai. It is a practice that has been in place for a long time.

In Okinawa’s small neighborhoods, friends gather regularly, sometimes daily or a few times a week. During each meeting, they chat, share life experiences, and help each other. They call these gatherings their moai groups.

The article below explores why these groups are essential in Okinawa’s communities.

https://www.bluezones.com/2018/08/moai-this-tradition-is-why-okinawan-people-live-longer-better/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What are “blue zones“? “Okinawa, Japan is one of the original blue zones longevity hotspots.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “safety net” mean? “It’s much easier to go through life knowing there is a safety net.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “tight-knit” mean? “Whether it was a spousal relationship or a tight-knit friend group, all that mattered was the bond the group shared.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes elderly people in Okinawa live longer and healthier lives than others globally?
  2. How does the ‘moai’ tradition in Okinawa impact the well-being of its residents?
  3. Can lessons from Okinawa’s elderly population be applied in your country to promote healthier aging? Why or why not?
  4. Do social connections still matter when people live independently today? If yes, how?
  5. How do your close friends and social connections affect your stress levels, happiness, and overall health?

India’s Unwanted Girls

B1 – Intermediate

One of the driving factors to the growing population in India is the family’s preference to have at least one son. Families keep on having children until the mother finally gives birth to a male baby. Although the country has shown improvement in several measures concerning women’s empowerment, the preference for a son has not completely disappeared in their culture.

Let’s read the article and know more about the Indian parents’ undying desire to have a son.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/world/asia/indias-unwanted-girls.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “go missing” mean? “About 2 Indian females go missing across all age groups because of abortions, diseases and malnutrition.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. Define the phrase “would rather“. “Many families would rather have a son than a daughter.” Give two synonyms and use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “take over” mean? “In upper-class families, sons carry on the family tradition or take over the family business.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do parents in India desire to have sons instead of daughters?
  2. What is the dowry system? What is your opinion on it?
  3. What could be the long term effects of son preference in India?
  4. Do you have a child? If yes, did you have a gender preference? Why or why not?
  5. In some societies, they prefer a boy for a child. What do you think about this?