Tag: Culture and Countries

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.

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.

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?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The sixties was a revolutionary time. It was a memorable point in history, filled with celebrations and controversies. This was not only evident in one country, but all across the globe.

Activism, inventions, conflict, and music painted a rich picture of this decade. These marked as a springboard for other developments and changes that came in the decades that followed.

Read the article below on what life was like in the 60s.

https://www.english-online.at/history/1960s/society-and-change-in-the-sixties.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What were some historical events in the 60s that you know about?
2. Who among these historical figures are you familiar with?
3. What would be some interesting things that you would want to try in this decade?
4. How was your country during this time?
5. What were some good and bad things that came out of the 60s?
6. What are some other memorable decades?
7. If you could travel in time, what decade would you go to and why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, is a Christian ceremony celebrated in honor of all the saints of the church. People around the world are familiar with the American version of this holiday involving costumes and trick-or-treating. Most of us follow a tradition that originates from All Saints’ Day or All Souls Day come October 31st and November 1st.

Here’s a quick look at some of the ways people celebrate Halloween around the world.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think Halloween is still appropriate to celebrate it today? Why or why not?
2. How is Halloween celebrated in your country?
3. Does your family have a special tradition for this holiday?
4. What other ways to celebrate Halloween do you know of? How did you come to know this?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There are so many bad things happening everywhere around us. Sometimes, all we need is a little random act of kindness from a stranger. Can you just imagine how different the world would be like if we all treat each other with kindness.

It is reassuring to know that such a place still exists. 

Find out more about the country ruled by kindness. Read the full article below.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20201115-teraanga-the-word-that-defines-senegal

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on teraanga and how it is embodied in Senegal?
2. What do you think is the word that defines your country? Explain the meaning of the word in your language and how is it mirrored in people’s daily lives?
3. Describe the people and way of life in your country. Feel free to talk about the positives and negatives.
4. What’s the boldest request you’ve ever gotten from a stranger and the other way around, what’s the biggest favor you’ve ever had to ask a complete stranger?
5. What is the nicest / most generous thing you have ever done in your life?