Tag: tradition

Untrue Myths

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Myth, in everyday language, means a fiction or a fabrication. A few or even most of them are total lies. But admit it or not, they can sometimes have a compelling influence on us and a society as a whole.

The article below tries to explain why it is time to put an end to the most alluring everyday myths, mistaken beliefs, and exaggerations passed down from generation to generation.

https://thoughtcatalog.com/nico-lang/2013/09/13- everyday-myths-you-wont-believe-arent-true/

Discussion questions:

1. Which of these myths did you use to believe or do you still believe now?

2. How do you think these myths started?

3. Can you think of an everyday myth that turns out to be real?

4. Do you know if any of these 13 myths can more likely be real?

5. Think of another example of an everyday myth that is not really true.

Running Away to Escape a Marriage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

I is rather unfortunate that the practice of arranged marriages is still very much alive in some traditions. Certain Indian communities are continues to strongly practice it, even if the child firmly goes against it.

Read the article below to know the story of one Indian girl who escaped her arranged marriage but had to face the consequences.

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38833804

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you think of Jasvinder Sanghera’s story? How was she able to escape her arranged marriage?
  2. According to the article, why did Jasvinder dislike being in an arranged marriage? What were the struggles she had to endure?
  3. How do you view this custom? What are the good and bad things about it?
  4. What would you do if your parents fixed your marriage up with someone you barely know?
  5. Discuss other family traditions that you think should be discontinued.

Japan’s Legendary Female Divers

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C1 – Advanced

The Japanese are renowned for keeping most of their traditions alive. “Ama” divers is one of them. Read the article below to know what and who “ama” divers are and be ready to answer some discussion questions.

On the job with Japan’s legendary female ama divers

Discuss:

1. What kind of diving do the “ama” divers do?
2. In your country, what industries were thriving in the past but are now declining?
3. What are some traditions that your country has strongly carried through the years (food,feast, etc.)
4. What are some of the small towns in your country that local and foreign tourists like to visit because of it history and heritage?

Festivals: Chinese New Year

B1 – Intermediate

In most Asian countries, New Year’s is celebrated twice – in January and in February.

Read the article below to know more about the Chinese New Year and some cultural traditions that the Chinese practice. Be ready to also talk about this holiday and the important festivals from your country.

http://www.english-online.at/culture/chinese-new-year/chinese-new-year-celebrations.htm

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe how the Chinese celebrate their New Year.
  2. How do you celebrate NY in your country?
  3. Have you ever seen or witnessed a dragon dance or a Lantern Festival? What do you think of it?
  4. What are some Spanish festivals that are very specific to a region?
  5. In your country, what are the dishes or food that are especially served during New Year? Why are they typical NY food?

Bullfighting – A Big Attraction in Spain

B1 – Intermediate

It is no secret that Spain is famous for its bullfighting. Thousands of tourists get excited to watch a real bullfight in the arena.

Read the article below and express your thoughts about bullfighting and how activists are trying to stop the sport.

http://www.english-online.at/culture/bullfighting/bullfighting-in-spain.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of bullfighting as a kind of entertainment?
2. Do you think bulls should be eaten after being killed in the arena?
3. Is it possible to completely wipe out the industry of bullfighting?
4. Are there other historical activities in your country that should be stopped?

Festival of the Sun

B1 – Intermediate

Every culture has a different way of celebrating certain events. Christmas in Spain might be celebrated differently from Christmas in South Korea.

Read the article and watch the video to learn how Peru celebrates the Festival of the Sun.

http://www.newsinlevels.com/products/festival-of-the-sun-level-3/

Discussion Questiosn:

1. Describe how Peruvians commemorate or celebrate the Festival of the Sun.
2. Describe how traditional or religious festivals are observed in your country. Which ones do you participate in?
3. What other traditional festivities from other countries do you know of?

Men Taking their Wives’ Names

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C1 – Advanced

What’s in a name?  Some traditions and culture call for women taking their husband’s name immediately after getting married. But there’s a trend happening when it comes to changing names. Is it really new or is it just popularized by celebrities?

Read on to find out why.

A new wedding trend? The men taking their wives’ names

Discuss:

1. How do you feel about this trend of men taking their wife’s surname?
2. Do you know anyone who has adapted this practice?
3. What is the custom in your country when it comes to taking names?