Local Customs

Warm-up: Don't offend anyone

2 warm-up questions

• Have you ever been surprised by a custom or tradition in another country?
• First try: I'm a friendly local in a country you've just arrived in. Ask me what you should know about greetings, dress, and table manners — 30 seconds, go.

Reading: Learning Local Ways

Read a 170-word text about Learning Local Ways

Learning Local Ways Maria is visiting Japan for the first time. Her hotel concierge gives her some tips. Maria: I'm really excited to explore the city. Are there any customs I should know about? Concierge: I'm glad you asked! There are a few things that visitors sometimes find surprising. Maria: Like what, for example? Concierge: Well, when you enter someone's home or many traditional restaurants, you should remove your shoes. There are usually slippers provided. Maria: That makes sense. What about tipping? Concierge: In Japan, tipping isn't customary and can actually be seen as rude. Good service is considered part of the job. Maria: Really? That's quite different from home. Concierge: Also, it's considered polite to bow when greeting people. A small bow is fine for tourists. Maria: I'll remember that. Any other tips? Concierge: When using chopsticks, never stick them upright in rice – it's associated with funeral rituals. And speaking quietly in public is appreciated. Maria: Thank you so much. I want to be respectful of the culture.

Vocabulary: Culture Words

6 items

Practice: Culture Sentences

Gap-fill exercise, 5 items

• It's a local ____ to greet with a bow.
• I want to be ____ of the local culture.
• Is this outfit ____ for visiting the temple?
• Some gestures that are okay at home can be ____ in other countries.
• What's the proper ____ for greeting someone here?

Practice: Match Customs to Countries

Matching exercise, 5 items

• Remove shoes indoors
• Kiss on both cheeks
• Never point with finger
• Leave some food on plate
• Shake hands firmly

Dialogue: Ask About Customs

Role-play: You're asking a local about customs (7 lines)

• You: Excuse me, I'm visiting from abroad. Is there anything I should know about local customs?
• Local: That's thoughtful of you to ask! One thing is we greet with a handshake, not a hug.
• You: Good to know. What about when visiting someone's home?
• Local: It's polite to bring a small gift, like flowers or chocolates.
• You: And regarding clothing, is there anything inappropriate to wear?
• Local: For religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. Otherwise, casual is fine.
• You: Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain.

Discussion: Your mission: ask before you offend

3 discussion questions

• Mission: you've just arrived in a country you'd love to visit and meet a friendly local. Ask about the customs you should know — greetings, dress, and table manners — and check you've understood. (Success = three polite questions, one "Is it okay to…?" check, and a thank-you. Tutor: play the local, and keep it under three minutes.)
• Second take: this time you've already made a mistake — you wore your shoes inside your host's home. Apologise, ask what you should have done, and recover the conversation politely.
• Compare this with your first try at the start of the lesson. Which question sounds more natural now — and what custom from YOUR country would you warn a visitor about?