Tag: culture

China’s Curious Cult of the Mango

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C1 – Advanced

Who knew that mangoes can be sacred?

Click on the title below to read about how mangoes were viewed in China. Read the article part by part and take note of new vocabulary words and expressions.

China’s curious cult of the mango

Discuss:

1. Explain the past that China had with the mango fruit. How Significant was it?
2. In the article, what were some of the ancient insights that showed a part of the Chinese culture?
3. Share some of the unique traditions that your country has that has been long part of history.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts About the Philippines

B2 – Upper intermediate

Here’s an interesting video you can watch to know a little more about the Philippines. Be ready to practice your speaking skills by answering the different discussion questions with your teacher.

Discuss:

1. Talk about some of the facts that you learned in the video. Which one did you find interesting?
2. Have you been to the Philippines? What do you already know about the country?
3. Share some interesting facts about your own country.

The Japanese Women who Married the Enemy

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C1 – Advanced

After WWII, Japan was devastated yet thousands of their women married American soldiers and moved to the US to have a new life.

Read the article and watch the videos to find out how the Japanese women survived the American lifestyle.

The Japanese women who married the enemy

Discuss:

1. What was your reaction after reading the text and watching the videos?
2. What were the challenges and how did the women in the story overcome them?
3. Would you marry someone who is considered an enemy by many?
4. What do you know about WWII and what damage did it bring to your country?

A Chinese Man’s Plea for Love

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C1 – Advanced

Does status play a role when two people are in love? In China, it does. And, most of the time, it’s not easy getting around it.

Read the article below to find out about Xiao Yang and how he dealt with his sensitive situation.

 

 

‘I am a painter’: A Chinese man’s plea for love

Discuss:

1. What do you think of Xiao Yang’s letter?
2. Do you think the mother was right to have misconceptions?
3. China has a very interesting history when it comes to status symbols. Is it the same in your country? Discuss some of the traditions you have in your country when it comes to marriage and the role of men and women in society.

Strange Habits in Different Countries

C1 – Advanced

They say that “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” If this is true, then you can say this guy is quite rich. Read on as he tells us some peculiar habits that he has learned from his experiences visiting and living in different places in the world.

The 23 strangest habits you’ll pick up after living in 23 different countries

Discuss:

1. Talk about three strangest habits you’ve acquired or observed from visiting or living in a different country?
2. How do you adapt to differences in customs and traditions?
3. Which habit mentioned in this blog would you like to pick up?