What If Everyone Celebrated a Holiday From Another Country Once a Year?
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Albert, an engineer and explorer.
Hello everyone! My name is Albert and I am super happy to meet each person here! I love communicating in English and therefore I try to practice it as much as I can. I am an engineer by my background, and I like to know how everything works, as well as I like travelling, music, all sorts of activities and adventures.
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1-minute overview
Imagine a town where, once a year, every resident chooses a holiday rooted in another country and learns enough to mark it thoughtfully. A celebration can be much more than music, decorations, or a special dish. Festivals often carry memories of migration, faith, harvests, seasons, and family relationships. Sharing them may create curiosity and give neighbors a reason to meet, listen, and exchange skills.
Yet the idea also raises an important question: when does participation become respectful cultural exchange, and when does it turn a living tradition into a costume or spectacle? Some events are public and welcoming; others include religious, sacred, or community-specific elements that outsiders should observe rather than copy. A good approach begins with context: learn who celebrates, why it matters, and what role guests can appropriately play. Inviting people with personal knowledge, supporting local businesses, and being open about what you do not know can make the occasion warmer and more meaningful.
Yet the idea also raises an important question: when does participation become respectful cultural exchange, and when does it turn a living tradition into a costume or spectacle? Some events are public and welcoming; others include religious, sacred, or community-specific elements that outsiders should observe rather than copy. A good approach begins with context: learn who celebrates, why it matters, and what role guests can appropriately play. Inviting people with personal knowledge, supporting local businesses, and being open about what you do not know can make the occasion warmer and more meaningful.
Useful vocabulary
Approx. CEFR · Topic relevance
cultural exchange
The sharing of ideas, customs, or experiences between cultures.
Cooking together can turn a holiday event into genuine cultural exchange.
observance
/əbˈzɝvəns/The practice of marking a holiday or religious occasion in a particular way.
The observance may include fasting, prayer, or a family meal.
cultural appropriation
Using elements of another culture without understanding, permission, or respect.
Some people worry that wearing sacred clothing as a costume can be cultural appropriation.
context
The background and meaning needed to understand an action or tradition properly.
Without context, a festival tradition can be misunderstood as simple entertainment.
diaspora
/daɪˈæspərə/People from one country or culture living in other parts of the world.
A local diaspora community might be the best source of advice about the celebration.
hospitality
The friendly and generous welcome offered to guests.
Food is often an important expression of hospitality during a holiday.
Useful expressions
It depends on the context.
Use this to explain why the same activity may be respectful in one situation but not another.
Is it acceptable to join the dance? It depends on the context.
The key distinction is between ... and ...
Use this to compare two related ideas precisely.
The key distinction is between appreciating a tradition and copying it carelessly.
I would be cautious about assuming that ...
Use this to challenge a broad generalization politely.
I would be cautious about assuming that every public festival is open to participation.
That said, there is also a case for ...
Use this to introduce a balanced counterargument.
That said, there is also a case for sharing traditions with neighbors in a thoughtful way.
It is worth asking who benefits from it.
Use this to examine fairness, money, or recognition.
If a business uses holiday symbols, it is worth asking who benefits from it.
Question list
- Ice breaking
- Main topic
- Free talk
| Q1. | If you could instantly learn any language, which one would you choose and why? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | Are you a spender or a saver? |
| Q3. | If you could own any animal as a pet, what would it be? |
| Q4. | How do you identify when you’re avoiding something important? |
| Q5. | What’s a gesture of kindness from your past that you’ve never forgotten? |
| Q6. | How do you define a fulfilling life? |
| Q7. | What is a simple ritual that helps you start your day well? |
| Q8. | How do you rebuild your routine after a setback? |
| Q1. | Which holiday from another country would you try? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | What could a new celebration teach you? |
| Q3. | Would you cook a special meal for it? |
| Q4. | How could you celebrate respectfully? |
| Q5. | Could this idea bring neighbors together? |
| Q6. | What part of your own culture would you share? |
| Q7. | Would one new holiday each year feel exciting? |
| Q8. | Who would you invite to celebrate with you? |
| Q1. | What do you think are some of the most difficult problems faced by parents? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | Have you ever had a conversation that stayed with you forever? |
| Q3. | How do you handle situations where someone expects reassurance you cannot genuinely give? |
| Q4. | When was the last time you said someone you love them? |
| Q5. | If you were a type of ice cream, what flavor would you be and why? |
| Q6. | How do you recognize emotional patterns in others? |
| Q7. | If you could swap talents with anyone, who would it be? |
| Q8. | Why do we crave stories with satisfying endings? |
Rules
Please be kind and respectful.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
No flirting! Don't ask for other people's social network, number etc. if he/she refuses to give them.
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Give others an equal opportunity to speak.
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Avoid Smoking / Drinking while you are talking.
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Turning your camera on is mandatory.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
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