Tag: Culture and Countries

Wedding Ring History

B1 – Intermediate

It is quite surprising how the practice of wearing engagement or wedding rings started. For the longest time, we have been associating these rings with the notion of love and commitment. However, this was not exactly what it meant in the past.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript to understand this history better.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/wedding-ring-history-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the history of wedding rings? Which finger are they put on and why?
  2. In old Rome, the ring was a mark of ownership. What are your thoughts on this? How did this practice evolved over time?
  3. What is your opinion on engagement or wedding rings/symbols?
  4. In your country, are there alternatives to wedding/engagement rings? Give suggestions for other possible options.

The Importance of Intercultural Awareness

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Intercultural differences can be confusing. People from different parts of the world act, talk, and respond in various ways. We are compelled to gain intercultural awareness so we can co-exist with others better.

Watch the clip below and increase your understanding about the importance of intercultural awareness.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you define intercultural awareness?
  2. Tell about a time when you experienced intercultural differences.
  3. What are some ways people can adapt to foreign cultures?
  4. According to the video, it is important to respect foreign customs, rituals, and cultures. How do you think we can do this? Give some examples.
  5. What do you like most about your own culture that you want to share with others?

How People Drink Wine Around the World

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People’s choice of booze differs depending on many factors. But wine is undoubtedly one of the world’s most favorite. 

There are different ways people from every country enjoys this boozy drink.

Read the article about the different ways people drink their wine across the world.

https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/how-people-drink-wine-around-the-world

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which points in this article did you find the most interesting and surprising, and why?
  2. Share other ways people consume their wine that you’ve heard of.
  3. What’s the best way to enjoy wine?
  4. Do you have the custom to BYOB in your country? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think drinking wine will become more or less popular in the future? Explain your point.

Charbonnay Wine 

B1 – Intermediate

People are believed to have been consuming wine as early as 5400-5000 B.C. And ever since, there has been a continuing demand for wine all over the world. 

In Northern France, they have invented a new type of wine that is called “Charbonnay”. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about this new kind of wine.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/charbonnay-wine-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of charbonnay? Would you like to try it? Why or why not? If you have tried it, what can you say about it?
  2. Are there any new varieties of wine that has been produced in your country recently? Talk about it.
  3. How important is wine and the wine industry in your country?
  4. Do you like drinking wine? Why or why not?
  5. What are the good and bad things about wine/wine drinking?

Japanese People and Alcohol

B1 – Intermediate

It is believed that drinking alcohol is a very social activity. In Japan, people used to go to bars to hang out with friends or colleagues on weekends or after work. This has changed. Less and less people like drinking.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Japanese people’s changing behavior about alcohol consumption. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/japanese-people-and-alcohol-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the same is happening in your country? What is the reason for it?
  2. Is drinking an important custom in your country? Why or why not?
  3. Is it positive or negative if people didn’t drink alcohol anymore? Explain your opinion?
  4. How has your drinking behavior changed over the years?
  5. Do you think it’s true that people care more about their health now? Why or why not?

Israel-Gaza Conflict

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The extent of violence and level of tensions we have seen brought about by the Israel-Gaza conflict is at all-time high. A ceasefire mediated by Egypt has come into force. But until the status quo changes, the threats of future sieges still hold.

Read the article to know more about the root of the issue, the tensions between Israel and Palestinians now, and what the future holds for the two nations.

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on the Israel-Palestine conflict?
  2. The main issues which Israel and the Palestinians cannot agree on have already been identified but so far, the conflict still have not been solved. Share your thoughts on this.
  3. “Any future peace deal will need both sides to agree to resolve complex issues.” What are your thoughts on this?
  4. What do you know about the Gaza Strip?
  5. Any thoughts on America’s involvement in the Middle East peace plan?

Swedes Don’t Feed Their Children’s Playmates

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Cultures’ customs on hospitality differ. It is said that hospitality customs are very complicated issue.

Swedes are under fire on social media. Apparently, visiting playmates of their children are not offered snacks or to join the family’s meal. 

Find out why and why it is causing an uproar online.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jun/01/its-a-scandi-scandal-why-has-social-media-turned-on-sweden

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Swedes’ not feeding their children’s playmates when they visit? In your opinion, should Swedes change this? Why or why not?
  2. What is the custom in your country on this? Is it customary in your country to offer house guests food?
  3. What are other customs you have with house visitors and when visiting others’ home?
  4. Do families eat together in your country? Why or why not?
  5. Do you agree or disagree that “the meaning of shared meals and, in particular, the cultural mechanism of hospitality runs deep”? Share your insights.
  6. Share some mealtime customs in your country.

The Biggest Bonfire

B1 – Intermediate

Lustenau, Austria had created the tallest bonfire. They now hold the Guinness World Records which was previously with Norway. 

It took three months to build the gigantic structure and only less than 30 minutes before it collapsed.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the biggest bonfire in the world.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/biggest-bonfire-ever-level-3/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “bonfire”?
  2. What do you think of this bonfire? Why is it important?
  3. What are the negative things about bonfires such as this?
  4. Would you like to witness this kind of event? Why or why not?
  5. Talk about a similar event in your country. Why is it done/celebrated?

Traditional English Breakfast

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In Britain, the traditional English breakfast is a national institution. It has been enjoyed for so many years by people from all walks of life. It is served in luxury hotels, guest houses, country inns, B&B’s, guest houses, restaurants, and cafes. Even when traveling abroad, it can be found on the menu. It certainly is a meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Read the article to learn more about the traditional English breakfast and be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Traditional-English-Breakfast/

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever had traditional English breakfast before?What do you think about it?
  2. How would you compare the traditional English breakfast to that of your country? What is a typical breakfast in your country and what does it consist of?
  3. What do you usually have for breakfast and how important is it for you?
  4. Do you think it is important to keep a traditional meal such as this as is? Why or why not?
  5. What was the most bizarre breakfast food you’ve ever had and why did you think it was unusual?

Afternoon Tea

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Afternoon tea is an integral part of the British culture. It is a light meal served between 3:30 and 5 PM. It consists of tea, small sandwiches, cakes, lovely pastries, scones, bread, and jam which are served more fancily, on a tiered stand. In the recent years, this tradition became widely popular. Later, it spread all over the world and many people prepared it at home. Eventually, it became more of a special gathering to celebrate special life events with family and friends.

Read the article to learn more and be able to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Afternoon-Tea/

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how did tea tradition become a fashionable social event?
  2. Have you engaged in an afternoon tea party before? How was it? What do you think of this British tradition?
  3. Do you have this kind of tradition in your country? Tell something about it.
  4. What is the most quintessential of Spanish customs? Talk about it.