This lesson pushes you to train to speak about culture. Work through the exercises and remember that you can always refer to the transcript if you need support. Here is the cue card seen in this exercise:
Describe a traditional celebration or event in your culture. Please say:
-what the event is
-when and where it takes place
-why it is important
-and share your personal experiences or memories related to this celebration or event
Step 1: Listen to this week’s full band 9 model Part 2 response.
Step 2: Try this week’s podcast episode. The episode includes a few ‘repeat after me’ sentences from the full exercise.
Step 3: Work your way through this week’s full exercise. The video contains prompts to help support you if you don’t catch everything that is said.
Step 4: Read the below transcript. Do you understand every word and phrase? If not, be proactive. Post a comment. Check a dictionary. Make sure you note anything you learn in your journal.
Step 5: When you are fully familiar with the language, complete this week’s speech samples and post them to your Whatsapp group.
Transcript
Describe a traditional celebration or event in your culture. Please say:
-what the event is
-when and where it takes place
-why it is important
-and share your personal experiences or memories related to this celebration or event
I’d like to talk about a traditional celebration in my culture, which is known as Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Indonesia, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, and it’s a nationwide celebration in Indonesia. Families and communities come together to observe this festive occasion.
The importance of Eid al-Fitr in Indonesian culture is immense. It signifies the spiritual and personal growth achieved during Ramadan. People focus on prayer, self-reflection and acts of charity, and the holiday is considered a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and strengthen their bonds. Additionally, it’s customary to carry out almsgiving to help those in need, ensuring that everyone can join in the celebrations.
Personally, Eid al-Fitr holds a special place in my heart as well. I have fond memories of the preparations leading up to the festival. My family and I would start by cleaning our house, purchasing new clothes and preparing delicious traditional dishes. On the morning of Eid, we would attend a special prayer at the mosque, after which we would visit relatives and neighbours to exchange warm greetings and small gifts.
To my mind, this festival exemplifies the rich cultural diversity and religious traditions of Indonesia and remains a vibrant and meaningful celebration in the country.
Thank you.
Leave a Reply