The course · track

Culture & holidays

Celebrations and traditions. 2 units, 10 scenes, each one played three ways. Tracks open the moment your level allows, independent of the road: this is the one to pick when this is what your week needs.

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Unit 1 of 2 · A2 and up

Celebrations

Dinners, new year, birthdays, weddings.After this unitAccept and ask what to bring · Make a toast · Tell a story about someone · Ask about a tradition
5 scenes

Scene 1 · 3 min · Prima plays a colleague inviting you

The holiday dinner invitation

A phone call.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A colleague who is glad you can come. Accept and ask what to bring.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A colleague who explains the customs. Ask about the customs, the dress and the time.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A host with strong rules. Navigate them without offence.
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Scene 2 · 3 min · Prima plays friends and strangers

New Year wishes

A midnight crowd.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A happy crowd. Wish three people a happy new year.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
Friends who want a toast. Make a toast and a resolution.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A stranger who asks about your year. Tell it well.
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Scene 3 · 3 min · Prima plays a friend on their birthday

The birthday call

A phone call.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A friend who is celebrating. Wish them happy birthday and ask about the plans.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A friend who wants a story. Tell a story about them and make them laugh.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A friend who is sad on their birthday. Lift them up.
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Scene 4 · 3 min · Prima plays the bride or groom

The wedding RSVP

A phone call to the couple.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A couple who are thrilled. Say you will come and ask about the dress code.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A couple with logistics. Ask about gifts, the plus-one and the hotel.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A couple with complicated family rules. Get the details without gossip.
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Scene 5 · finale · 3 min · Prima plays a local

The local festival

A square full of people.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A local who is happy to explain. Ask what the festival is about.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A local who pulls you in. Ask about the traditions and join in.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A local who tests your knowledge. Learn fast and take part.
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Unit 2 of 2 · B2 and up

Traditions

Your holiday, their customs, the table.After this unitExplain a ritual · Discuss beliefs with respect · Follow customs and converse · Understand a faux pas
5 scenes

Scene 1 · 3 min · Prima plays a curious host

Explain your holiday

A dinner with locals.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A host who asks what it celebrates. Say what your holiday celebrates.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A host who wants the rituals. Explain the rituals and the food.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A host who compares it to their own. Find the parallels and the differences.
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Scene 2 · 3 min · Prima plays a friend who is superstitious

Superstitions

A late-night chat.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A friend who asks about yours. Say one superstition from your country.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A friend who believes some. Discuss which ones you believe and why.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A friend who takes it seriously. Respect it while being honest.
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Scene 3 · 3 min · Prima plays a guide

A custom, respectfully

A visit to a place of worship.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A guide who explains the rules. Ask what you should do and not do.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A guide who explains the meaning. Ask about the meaning of what you see.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A guide who asks about your beliefs. Answer with respect and honesty.
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Scene 4 · 3 min · Prima plays a host watching your fork

Table manners abroad

A formal dinner.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A host who helps. Ask what to do with the bread.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A host who makes conversation. Follow the customs and make conversation.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A host who tests you with a joke. Get the joke and return it.
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Scene 5 · finale · 3 min · Prima plays a friend who knows the culture

Gift-giving etiquette

Choosing a gift for a host.

A1 · A2 Beginner
A friend with suggestions. Ask what to bring.
B1 · B2 Intermediate
A friend who explains the rules. Discuss what is appropriate and what is not.
C1 · C2 Advanced
A friend who says your idea is a faux pas. Understand why and fix it.
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