Sharing Cultures Through Conversation

On Friday 17^th March I had a “free conversation” class which I particularly enjoy. In this type of lesson, students and I chat about anything and at the end, I guide them to improve their communication skills. The conversation is usually about recent events in our lives.

Last week, we talked about recent National Holidays and one of the participants was talking about Girl’s Day, the traditions involved with that special day and the foods that are eaten. Even though Masami and I are not girls and the special day is not meant for us, we ate Girl’s Day confectionery anyway!

What both of the participants didn’t know, was that day was Saint Patrick’s Day, an Irish bank holiday which is also acknowledged in Britain. I explained about the Holiday and how some English people “acknowledge” the special day by drinking Guinness, a stout beer. Not particularly religious, just good marketing by a famous Irish brewery.

All the same, by sharing our cultural holidays through natural conversation we both learned a little more about each other’s traditions. That evening we celebrated individually, by drinking Guinness; all in the name of cultural awareness, sort of. Cheers to my students, and thank you for sharing your photos of your stout.