Lesson 19: Different Cultures

DIALOGUE

In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: different cultures. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again. 

Dorothy and Kevin are talking about the difference between cultures.

Dorothy: Kevin, have you ever experienced culture shock?

Kevin: Yes, I did when I lived in Thailand. They have different beliefs there. Most of the Thai people are Buddhists.

Dorothy: I’m sure they have different values also.

Kevin: One value they have in their religion is karma.

Dorothy: I’ve heard of it. Do they stereotype other countries and people?

Kevin: I think some people do, but I don’t let it bother me. Sometimes I had to watch my body language.

Dorothy: That’s interesting. What about the Thai language. Are there different dialects?

Kevin: Yes, it depends on which region you’re living in. In northern Thailand, they speak differently than people from Bangkok.

Dorothy: How are their manners different?

Kevin: They bow their head and put their hands together between the heart and face. It’s their cultural way of saying hi. It’s called wai.

VOCABULARY

Go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.

Vocabulary/ Expressions

EXERCISE

Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.

1. How do you feel or how do you think you would feel in another culture?
   1. I experienced culture shock when I was in Thailand. It was a different way of living.
   2. I think I would feel different, especially if I noticed how they used body language.
   3. Your answer:
2. What do you think is important about visiting another country?
   1. In my opinion, you should try to speak their language.
   2. I think it’s really important to respect another country’s culture, beliefs, and values.
   3. Your answer:
3. How should people act when they come to your country?
   1. When meeting somebody new in my country, it’s important to make eye contact.
   2. It’s important not to stare at another person. It shows disrespect.
   3. Your answer:
4. What are some signs of culture shock?
   1. When a person doesn’t like the food of another country.
   2. I think when a person starts to feel sad and lonely, especially without family.
   3. Your answer:
5. Which country would you like to visit and why?
   1. I would love to travel to Iceland because I heard the landscapes are beautiful.
   2. I want to go to South Korea because I heard the street food is delicious.
   3. Your answer:

CONVERSATION

Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.

1. What do you think is interesting about your culture?
2. Describe the way people greet each other in your culture.
3. What don’t you like about your culture?
4. Tell me some of the typical food in your culture.
5. Do you use body language in your culture? If yes, tell me about it.

WRAP-UP

Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.