How We Do Things: Understanding Different Customs Around the World
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about customs, manners, and politeness.
- Talk about how customs are different in different places.
- Read about someone’s experience with a new culture.
- Listen to an expert talk about why different cultures have different rules.
- Write about the importance of manners and politeness in your own culture.
Key Words:
- Etiquette: Rules for being polite in different situations.
- Manners: Good behavior; being polite.
- Taboo: Something that is not okay to say or do in a certain culture.
- Custom: A way of doing something that is normal in a particular place or group.
- Culture shock: Feeling confused or surprised by a new culture.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What are some things that are considered good manners in your culture? (Examples: saying “please” and “thank you,” not talking with your mouth full.)
- What are some things that might be considered rude in your culture? (Examples: not making eye contact when speaking, being late.)
- Have you ever experienced culture shock? What was it like?
Let’s Read!
An American traveler went to a wedding in India. They were surprised to see how colorful everything was, with lots of music and dancing. They even got to try some new foods! It was different from their culture, but they learned a lot and had a great time.
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of a cultural expert talking about how cultural norms develop and why they differ from place to place.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a visitor to a new country. The other is a local person. The visitor asks about local customs and what’s considered polite.
Example:
- Visitor: “Should I take my shoes off before entering someone’s house?”
- Local: “Yes, it’s polite to take your shoes off at the door.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about good manners in your culture. What are some important things to remember when you meet new people or visit someone’s home?
Extra Fun:
If you can, find a video or pictures online that show interesting customs from around the world. Share them with the class!
