Pluricultural Competence in Action

Session 2:   Traditions

Teacher:       Athena Alchazidu and Kateřina Sedláčková

Term:            Spring 2024


Session objectives

●     This session aims to acquaint students with a variety of tools and approaches that will help
them explore the importance of traditions in different societies, in order to understand the
complex nature of this concept. This will allow them foster their pluricultural repertoire and
develop their pluricultural competence.


Key concepts

●     Traditions

●     Rituals

●     Ceremonies

●     Festivities


1 Group work - preparation

·         Form pairs, or groups of 3 and choose one of the topics to learn about and present.

a.       Traditions

b.      Ritual

c.       Ceremonies

d.      Festivities


·         Each group has a set of learning tasks to complete that include listening and reading
tasks.


·         Work together as a group to finish all the tasks.

·         When you’re ready, prepare a mini presentation for the other people in the class.

·         The mini presentation should cover the following points:

o   a description of the main point(s) of the concept

o   some examples


·         Prepare notes with the most important points to be able to cover key information and
speak fluently.














Also, prepare a few questions for your audience to make sure they understood your presentation.



2 Group work – presentation


·         Recreate groups so that there’s at least one person knowledgeable about each concept.

·         Take turns and present your concept.

·         As you’re listening to the presenters, take notes.

·         You can ask them as many questions as you want to make sure you understand their
presentation.











3 Class discussion


·         Rearrange groups.

·         In your group, discuss the following questions related to your topic:







Category

                                             Questions

Traditions

1. What are some traditions that your family observes regularly?

2. How do traditions help in maintaining cultural heritage and identity?

3. Can you name a tradition that has evolved over time in your community?

4. Why do you think it is important to pass on traditions to future generations?

5. How can traditions help in building a sense of community and belonging?

6. What are some ways to keep traditions alive in a rapidly changing world?

Rituals

1. What role do rituals play in religious or spiritual practices in your culture?

2. How do rituals differ from traditions, and what are their unique significance?

3. Can you describe a common ritual performed during a significant life event (e.g., birth,
marriage, death)?

4. How do rituals help in marking important milestones in an individual's life?

5. In what ways do rituals help in strengthening family bonds and relationships?

6. How can participating in rituals enhance an individual’s understanding of their culture and
beliefs?

Ceremonies

1. What are some key ceremonies observed in your culture, and what is their significance?

2. How do ceremonies help in the transition of individuals through different stages of life?

3. Can you explain the importance of a specific ceremony in maintaining social order and cohesion?

4. How do ceremonies serve as a means of expressing collective values and beliefs?

5. What role do ceremonies play in reinforcing community identity and continuity?

6. How can ceremonies be adapted to reflect contemporary values while preserving their traditional
essence?

Festivities

1. How do festivities contribute to the cultural and social life of a community?

2. What are some major festivities in your culture, and what do they celebrate?

3. How do festivities help in fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among participants?

4. In what ways do festivities provide opportunities for cultural expression and creativity?

5. How can festivities promote intercultural understanding and appreciation in a multicultural
society?

6. What impact do festivities have on the economy and tourism in your region?

These questions are designed to stimulate discussion and reflection on the role and significance of
traditions, rituals, ceremonies, and festivities in various cultural contexts.




4 Sharing


·         Choose a tradition you really like  and present it to class mentioning its cultural
significance in the country/region/community, it comes from.

·         Explain how it represents key aspects of the culture it comes from.

·         Put down key ideas that define that tradition.













New vocabulary

Go through the material once more, and list any new words you do not know and consider useful to
learn. Write at least one example sentence for each word.