UNIT5: CULTURAL IDENTITY

PERIOD 43: WRITING
VOCABULARY
unite /juˈnaɪt/ đoàn kết

demonstrate /ˈdemənstreɪt/ chứng minh

invade /ɪnˈveɪd/ xâm lược

define /dɪˈfaɪn/ khẳng định, chứng minh

identify /aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/ xác định



1. Work in pairs. Give the reasons why language is often considered the most important cultural identifier.
Language is the most important cultural identifier because it allows me to communicate with my family and community.
2. Read the following essay on language as defining a person`s cultural identity. Complete the essay, using the correct form of the words in the box.
For most people, one`s cultural identity is often a way to show who they are and how they relate to others. It can be through their language, food, clothing, beliefs, music and festivals. Among these
, language is what makes me Vietnamese. There are several reasons for this.

Vietnamese is the language that can the people of my country in the face of any danger. Although there are over fifty ethnic groups, we all use Vietnamese as the official language. It is the means of communication at school and in my community. It allows me to experience and my culture.

I am also proud to speak a language that has a long history. Although my country used to be by other countries, the language has always been kept alive. Modern Vietnamese developed from an ancient form similar to other Asian languages. It is written with the Latin alphabet combining letters with tone markings.

In conclusion, Vietnamese as the community and national language is the most powerful force. That is why it is also the most meaningful part of my cultural identity. This beautiful and language defines me as a person and I am very proud of it.
expressing

demonstrated

features

unite

share

invaded

unifying

unique




3. Which is the most important cultural identifier or the feature that defines your cultural identity? First, discuss your ideas in groups of four. Then decide on the most important feature and write an essay of 180-250 words.
You can choose one of the following cultural identifiers
- Festivals and cultural practices
- Shared values and beliefs
- Traditional food
- History
- Education

Some people believe cultural identity is how we identify ourselves as part of a culture. This can simply be done through the language we use, the food we often have, or the clothing we often wear on special occasions. In my opinion, festivals and cultural practices celebrated and preserved years after years are the most important cultural identifiers.

Through festivals, we want to express our unity as well as a cultural identifier. Originally, festivals are special occasions when people at a particular place stop working in order to celebrate parties or events. They are often connected with religious beliefs of a specific group of people to thank God sand ancestors for good harvests, fortune, and happiness.

Along with festivals, cultural practices are unique ways of expressing who we are and what country or culture we belong to. These are traditionally considered the right things to do in a community. For example, Vietnamese people usually go to pagodas on the first days of New Year to pray for good health and happiness. Although we are now in modern time, these traditions are well preserved respectably as a cultural stereotype.

As people all over the world become closer and closer, we share our festivals and cultural practices - the most important features. We organise international festivals and take part in various kinds of cultural events in other countries. This is always the meaningful way of identifying, sharing and preserving cultures.
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