Enjoy the twentieth first episode of Culture To Grow, which allows you to travel the world from the comfort of your home, your car, or if you are still half asleep in your bed.

In this episode, we will be wishing my sister a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and also learn about  the wonderful ways birthdays are celebrated in different corners of the world. You will also learn about two unique traditions that my family does for each person's birthday.

Some of my guests who will be sharing their own unique cultures with all of you are  from Somalia, China, Vietnam, Sudan, and Japan. 

Somalia - [00:01:38]
China -  [00:02:25]
Vietnam - [00:03:04]
Sudan - [00:03:47]
Japan - [00:04:47]

Culture To Grow

Episode 21: Birthday Culture Around the World Part 2

外婆，好想多一些了解你

有外婆的夏天，格外像夏天，温和的胖老太太讲话轻声细语，走路没有声响，静静地在屋里削土豆、泡茶、剥豆子。我们一放暑假就扎堆儿去乡下。
早上外婆会叫我或我妹去摸几个鸡蛋，刚生的蛋还热热的。外婆常给我们做米酒蛋汤，一人一碗。现在看来，是难得的绿色无污染食品，怪不得我们家的人个个身体倍儿棒。
午后午休，她拿扇子给我们赶蚊子，怕吵醒我们，动作轻柔。我挨着她睡，她的皮肤松弛，好凉好舒服。外婆身上有种令人极度安心的味儿，可能来自棉布、花露水，或者烧饭的油烟。我问外婆，房顶上咚咚咚的是什么声音啊？她说：“是猫在跑呢，睡吧。”

厨房里用的词：
1. 削：削土豆皮，削苹果皮
2. 剥：剥花生，剥豆子，剥香蕉皮，剥桔子皮，剥大蒜皮，
3. 泡：泡茶，泡黄豆，把大米泡一下
4. 烧：烧饭；烧烤，烧茄子，红烧鱼，红烧肉
5. 汤：鸡汤，骨头汤，鸡蛋汤，米酒蛋汤，蔬菜汤
6. 油烟：做饭的时候油烟比较大；油烟机

边听边说 More than Chinese Listening

第五集  外婆，好想多一些了解你（上）

How can you use critical thinking more? Listen to the podcast to find some tips.

-------------------------

In English exams like the IELTS test, there are speaking or writing questions that require critical thinking skills. If you feel weak in this area, you’re not alone. Many people do. The reason is that critical thinking is challenging, and this isn’t helped by the fact that not all education systems or schools focus the same energy on developing such skills. So what does it mean to think critically, and how can you do it more often?

***What is critical thinking?***

There are many different aspects to critical thinking. It may be about using your knowledge to predict what consequences different actions will have. It may be about looking at information and then forming opinions or reaching conclusions. It may also be about understanding when some important information is missing, and being able to gather the extra information that you need. In your work life or student life, these skills are vital for finding solutions to problems. If you have them and can present your analyses to other people effectively, you will be a valued member of any forward-thinking team.

---------------------------

If you want to work on your critical thinking with a qualified, experienced teacher, and to practise applying it when speaking or writing, please get in contact with me or book a class.

English exam skills

Critical thinking

Quanti di questi modi di dire conoscevate? Esistono le stesse espressioni nella vostra lingua? Fatemi sapere e andate a fare il QUIZ dopo l'ascolto del podcast! :)
Sabina

L'Italia per tutti

Modi di dire... con il cibo!

Ever heard “she ate” or “he’s on thin ice” and had NO idea what just happened? This episode reveals the real figurative English that natives use every day. Mastering phrasal verbs and you’ll finally stop feeling lost in conversations.

Real English Skills

If English is Your Second Language, You Need Phrasal Verbs

In this episode, I read a simplified version of Mikhail Zoshchenko’s short story “Жених” — a funny and ironic story about work, social expectations, and human vanity.
Together, we’ll listen to the story, talk about some interesting expressions, and explore Zoshchenko’s unique humor and vivid language.

This episode is great for intermediate learners (B1–B2) who want to improve their listening skills.

Слово за словом с Дашей

Жених (The Groom) by Mikhail Zoshchenko B1 - B2

The Little Prince in Cantonese - Chapter 4
Book: https://www.cantonese.com.hk/lepetitprince/text-jyutping/ch4/

RealLife Cantonese with Grace(细菌)

The Little Prince in Cantonese - Chapter 4

This English learning episode is about how to use the pomodoro study method.  Study more focused and book an English lesson with me!  https://teach.italki.com/teacher/1947582 Thanks for listening!

Streetwise English

SWE20  Method to improve focus while studying

In this short fable, written by Aesop (Ezop), a Greek fable writer, you will discover why living TOGETHER👦👧🧑 is better than living ALONE.👧
Срећно учење! / Srećno učenje!📚
If you like this podcast, please contact me for the transcript.🧾
See you in class!👋
