Part 1: Introduction & Interview (2-3 Minutes)

1. What traditions do you enjoy in your country?
   Sample Answer:
   “In my country, there are many traditions that I enjoy, but I particularly love the festivals. One of my favorites is our New Year celebration, which involves a lot of family gatherings, traditional music, and food. It’s a time when people come together to reflect on the past year and celebrate new beginnings.”

2. Do you think it is important to preserve cultural traditions? Why or why not?
   Sample Answer:
   “Yes, I think it’s very important to preserve cultural traditions because they represent a community’s identity and heritage. Traditions carry values, beliefs, and customs that connect generations and give people a sense of belonging. If traditions are lost, we lose a part of our history and the unique aspects that define different cultures.”

3. How do you think globalization has affected cultural diversity?
   Sample Answer:
   “Globalization has had both positive and negative effects on cultural diversity. On the positive side, it has allowed cultures to interact, share, and learn from each other, leading to more understanding and appreciation of different ways of life. However, globalization can also lead to the loss of local traditions as people adopt more universal or Westernized habits, which sometimes overshadow traditional practices.”

Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a cultural event or festival you have attended.

• You should say:
  • What the event was
  • Where and when it took place
  • What activities were part of it
• And explain how this event reflects the culture of the place.

Sample Answer:
“A cultural event that stands out to me is the Diwali festival in India, which I had the chance to attend a couple of years ago. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated across the country to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. I attended the event in Delhi, and it was a truly vibrant experience. People decorated their homes with oil lamps and colorful rangoli designs, and there were a lot of fireworks and traditional sweets being shared. The entire city was lit up, and there were dance and music performances in almost every neighborhood. The festival reflects the rich culture of India, focusing on family unity, spirituality, and the idea of good triumphing over evil.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think festivals are still as important as they were in the past?
Sample Answer:
“I think festivals continue to be very important, but the way they are celebrated has evolved. In the past, festivals were mainly about religious significance and community gatherings. Today, they still bring people together, but they may be more about celebration, entertainment, and cultural expression than religious practice for some people. Despite the changes, I believe festivals remain a significant part of our cultural identity.”

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some aspects that contribute to cultural diversity. Talk together about how important each of these aspects might be in maintaining cultural diversity and decide which is the most important.

• Language and dialects
• Food and cuisine
• Music and dance
• Clothing and fashion
• Art and crafts

Sample Discussion Points:
“Language is definitely one of the key aspects of cultural diversity because it’s a way of expressing ideas, traditions, and stories. Losing a language often means losing a part of the culture itself. However, food and cuisine are also crucial because they bring people together and offer a tangible way to experience culture. What do you think?”
“I agree, language and food are central to cultural diversity, but I think music and dance are equally important. They are a form of artistic expression and can convey cultural history, values, and emotions. Clothing and fashion are also quite significant because they often reflect cultural identity and social status. If you had to choose one aspect that most represents cultural diversity, what would it be?”

Extended Answer:
“It’s hard to pick just one, but I would probably say language has the deepest impact. It forms the foundation of how a culture communicates and passes on traditions. However, art and crafts are also vital because they reflect creativity, skills, and stories that have been handed down through generations. Each aspect plays a role in maintaining the richness of cultural diversity.”

Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

1. How do you think people can be encouraged to learn more about different cultures?
   Sample Answer:
   “I think education plays a big role in encouraging people to learn about different cultures. Schools can include multicultural programs or celebrate international days, where students can explore various customs and traditions. Travel is another great way to learn firsthand, as it allows people to experience different cultures in an authentic way. Media and technology also have the power to bridge cultural gaps, through things like documentaries, podcasts, and social media that showcase life in different parts of the world.”

2. Do you think younger generations are less interested in traditional customs and practices?
   Sample Answer:
   “To some extent, I think younger generations may be less interested in traditional customs, as they are often more exposed to global cultures and modern lifestyles. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t value traditions. Many young people are finding new ways to connect with their heritage, perhaps by modernizing traditional music or cuisine, or celebrating festivals in a way that fits with their contemporary lives. So, while their approach to traditions may differ, the interest is often still there.”

3. What challenges do you think exist when trying to preserve cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world?
   Sample Answer:
   “One of the main challenges is the pressure of modernization and globalization, which often push traditional practices to the sidelines. As more people move to urban areas, traditional customs might not be as relevant or practical in everyday life. Additionally, there’s the influence of mass media and technology, which can sometimes make people more interested in global trends than local traditions. Another challenge is language loss, as many indigenous languages are disappearing, which in turn affects the preservation of cultural practices tied to those languages. Finding a balance between embracing modernity and keeping traditions alive is crucial.”

Follow-up Question:
How do you think governments can help in preserving cultural heritage?
Sample Answer:
“Governments can play a significant role by supporting cultural preservation through policies and funding. They can establish heritage sites, support traditional art forms, and create educational programs that promote cultural awareness. In addition, governments can celebrate cultural diversity by organizing national festivals and encouraging communities to keep their customs alive. Providing legal protection to traditional knowledge and languages can also ensure that these aspects are preserved for future generations.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Cultural diversity: The variety of cultures within a certain area or group.

   • "Cultural diversity is celebrated through different languages, traditions, and customs."

2. Festivals: Public celebrations or events held to mark a particular occasion or cultural practice.

   • "Festivals often bring people together to celebrate cultural traditions."

3. Heritage: The traditions, customs, and history of a culture or society.

   • "It's important to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations."

4. Globalization: The process by which the world is becoming increasingly interconnected.

   • "Globalization has influenced cultural practices around the world."

5. Modernization: The process of adapting something to modern needs or habits.

   • "Modernization has led to changes in how traditional customs are practiced."

6. Language loss: The decline and eventual disappearance of a language.

   • "Language loss can result in the loss of cultural traditions."

7. Cultural identity: The feeling of belonging to a particular culture or ethnic group.

   • "Traditional customs are a strong part of cultural identity."

8. Cross-cultural understanding: Appreciating and respecting the differences between cultures.

   • "Travel and education promote cross-cultural understanding."

9. Rangoli designs: Traditional Indian patterns made on the floor during festivals, using colored powders.

   • "During Diwali, people create colorful rangoli designs in front of their homes."

10. Traditional knowledge: Knowledge, skills, and practices developed by a community, often passed down through generations.

    • "Traditional knowledge is key to maintaining cultural practices."

11. Artistic expression: Ways in which people express their thoughts, feelings, and culture through art forms.

    • "Music and dance are important forms of artistic expression in many cultures."

12. Authentic way: Experiencing something in its true and genuine form.

    • "Traveling to a country is the best way to experience its culture in an authentic way."

13. Bridge cultural gaps: To reduce misunderstandings or differences between cultures.

    • "Cultural exchange programs can bridge cultural gaps between communities."

14. Social status: The position or rank of a person within a society, which is often reflected in customs, clothing, and behavior.

    • "Traditional clothing can signify a person's social status."

15. Heritage sites: Places of cultural or historical importance that are protected and preserved.

    • "UNESCO recognizes many heritage sites around the world."

16. Embracing modernity: Adopting new ideas, ways of life, or technologies, while still respecting traditions.

    • "Many cultures are embracing modernity while preserving their heritage."

17. Values and beliefs: Core principles or ideas that are important to a culture or individual.

    • "Values and beliefs are passed down through traditions and customs."

18. Tangible way: A way that can be perceived or experienced physically.

    • "Food offers a tangible way to experience different cultures."