Unit 1a-How we see other cultures

Grammar practice: Tell us some things you like/dislike and something you are currently working on. Hey! I’m Maddie, a sophomore at Pacific Coast University studying Environmental Science. Here are three things about me: 1. I’m totally obsessed with the ocean. I grew up in Santa Cruz, so I’ve always felt connected to the water. I spend every weekend surfing or doing beach clean-ups—it’s my happy place. 2. I’m a total plant mom. My dorm room looks like a jungle. I have 17 plants (yes, I counted), and I talk to them like they’re my babies. My monstera’s name is Kevin. 3. I make a mean(slang for amazing) grilled cheese sandwich. Like, if it were an Olympic event, I’d have the gold medal. My secret? Sourdough bread, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tiny bit of garlic butter.

How we see other cultures My neighbour recently came back from holiday. I guess he was in Australia-he's wearing one of those bush hats with corks around it everywhere he goes. I'm curious about why we identify places by things like hats. I mean, baseball caps are certainly popular in the United States, but I'm looking out of my window (I live in central London) and nobody is wearing a bowler hat. And you don't see many Mexicans with sombreros or Vietnamese with straw hats in everyday life either. The question is, why do we think about other national groups in this way? According to psychologists, it's because people put the things they meet in the world into groups. We do this for several reasons. First, it means that our brain doesn't work so hard because it doesn't need to analyze every new individual thing that we meet. Another reason is that when we understand (or think we understand) something, we can make predictions about it - we know what kind of behaviour to expect. Finally, it seems that we all love to feel good about ourselves and the group we belong to. This is easier when we put others into groups too. So is it a good thing or a bad thing to have these general opinions? Perhaps the first and more important question is to ask ourselves if the things we believe about other groups are actually true. And in the case of hats, I don't think it is! (Continued on next page)

Ultimately, while stereotypes like hats may seem harmless or even humorous, they can oversimplify the rich and complex realities of different cultures. Every country is made up of diverse individuals with unique lifestyles, values, and stories. When we rely on these mental shortcuts, we risk missing out on genuine understanding. So maybe the next time we see someone in a quirky hat, we should take it as an opportunity to learn more—not about the hat, but about the person wearing it.

Word focus love Look at this line from the article. Then look at how love is used in the sentences. When could you use each expression? ... we all love to feel good about ourselves 1 I'd love to! Thanks. 2 I love walking in the rain. 3 Lots of love, Jenna 4 We love the summer. 5 Please give Oscar our love. 6 The story of two strangers who fall in love. 7 They are very much in love. 8 I'm loving it. Challenge: Think of two-line exchanges using the expressions above. Example A: Do you want to come for something to eat after class? B: I'D LOVE TO! THANKS.

a I work / I'm working for a large cultural organization. b I work / I'm working extra hours. It's the busy season at work. 2 a We live / We're living with my parents until our flat is ready. b We live / We're living just outside the city. 3 a The kids are / are being naughty today. Sorry! b The kids are / are being usually very good. 4 a She has / She's having an exam every week. b She has / She's having some problems with her school work.

I work for a large cultural organization. (It's generally true. Not 100% permanent but it's a long-time thing) I'm working extra hours. It's the busy season at work.(Switching to the "am .....ing" because this is temporary) 2 We're living with my parents until our apartment is ready. (Temporary) b We're living just outside the city. 3 a The kids are being naughty today. Sorry! (Temporary) b The kids are usually very good. (Generally true) 4 a She has an exam every week.(Generally true) b She's having some problems with her school work. (Temporary)