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In recent years some countries are experiencing rapid cultural changes and the culture of a
dominating country is being adopted by the people of other countries. For instance, due to the
spread of Indian TV channels and their Bombay-centric flamboyant Hindi cultures, many SAARC
countries are on the verge of losing their century-old cultural uniqueness. Interestingly, Indian culture
is also being influenced by more dominating Hollywood.
In the age of globalisation, countries are seeking greater cooperation and the spirit is a greater flow
of commodities, information and people across the borders of different countries. Mass media and
technology have played an even greater role in promoting the norm of globalisation and people
these days are aware of the cultural presence of other countries. The tourist influx in different
countries is creating a mix cultural global village where no country is unique, rather they all have a
mixed-culture.
Some people treat this as a natural process while others take it as a threat to their own cultural
identity. I personally believe that cultures are dynamic and living phenomena. Culture, what we know
today, was different in the past and that is why we should not be too much wary of changes. Even
before globalisation swept in, we started celebrating the 31st December and the Valentine’s Day,
which is completely foreign to our culture. This is the era of free information exchange and if we stop
international cooperation for the sake of our cultural identity, our progress would stop overnight.
In conclusion, the free trade and global market is such a powerful concept that it cannot be stopped
anymore. Keeping the window of progress is better than keeping them close even if this means
inheriting foreign cultures.
Some people think that a person can never understand the culture of a country unless
they speak the language.
Do you agree with this opinion?
Language is the medium of communication, a way in which people can interact with
others and share their ideas and opinions. Although, some people believe that to enjoy
and understand the culture of another place, one needs to be able to accept the cultural
differences while others believe that it is very important to know the language of the
place to understand the culture. In my opinion, language does plays a very important
role in accepting the culture but it is not the only factor in play.
Knowing the local language of the place surely makes it easier to understand the
traditions of that place. One a person can interact more intimately and since the people
who know the most are the ones who speak their language, exploring the place gets a
new dimension if you are fluent in the vernacular. Secondly, there are less chances of
fraud and one can travel around the place alone if he/she can speak the language. For
instance, a person speaking English might get into trouble with people who speak, say
Kannada, as the wicked people might take advantage and either loot him/her or put in
other problem.
However, the language can never be a barrier. Understanding the culture would then
require a friend who is aware about the nitty gritty of the place. Even more, with internet
in our hands and the entire information just a click away, roaming and understanding a
place is lot more easier.
Overall, in my opinion, knowing the language surely helps in travelling and exploring the
place. However, it is the will to understand the culture that ultimately plays the crucial
role.
Some people think that when a person travels into a different culture they
should adapt to the local practices and customs. To what extent you agree?
Some people believe that when a person goes to a foreign country, they
should follow practices and customs of that country. In my opinion, one should
not try to follow foreign culture or one’s own culture blindly. Rather / instead
one should adopt the best of both cultures.
When people stay in a foreign country, they should adapt to some of the
customs and rituals of that country. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it is
not possible to live in a foreign country completely isolated from foreign
people. Outsiders always require some kind of help and support from native
people in order to live in a foreign country successfully. Secondly, natives feel
happier when they see outsiders adopting some of the customs and practices
of locals into their life. This enables foreigners to have a good career and
pleasant life in another country. For example, native people feel happy when
foreigners greet them according to their style.
On the one hand, supporters of banning tourism often argue that religious,
linguistic and socio-cultural behavior will likely be more affected by the influx
of tourists. Tourists often interact with the local people in different ways, and
the locals may adopt certain foreign practices and customs. This may be bad
for traditional local culture. For example, children in touristy areas may prefer
to speak foreign languages rather than native languages because they want
to communicate with the tourists. Some people, therefore, feel that closing
such areas to tourists is the easiest way to conserve local culture and
traditions.
On the flip side, banning tourism can have an adverse effect on local
economy. Also some cultural changes may inevitably happen whether we
allow tourists or not. There are many local communities that survive on
tourism. If tourists stop coming, local businesses will retire and unemployment
rate will increase. The negative economic consequences of banning tourism
are worse than any cultural loss that may occur from the arrival of tourists.
The focal point of humanity should be moral values which are common in all
regions rather than customs and behaviors which are diverse in different
regions. If a host country cannot entertain the culture of visitors then its
participation with other countries in economic, financial and other activities will
be hampered. South Asian country India is the best example of unity in
diversity. There people from all the religions live peacefully and even visitors
from other countries can follow their own culture. In my opinion, it is the moral
responsibility of visitors to respect important beliefs and customs of their host
country.
Nowadays young people know less about traditions and culture than in the
past. What are the reasons for it? What can be done to improve this situation?
Cultural alienation is one of the major problems that youngsters face. They
know hardly anything about their culture and values. Consequently they have
little respect for their customs or traditions. For many of these people, culture
is what they see in Hollywood movies. This is a dangerous situation.
Youngsters need to be rooted in their culture to be able to contribute anything
meaningful to their society.
Culture and patriotism always go hand in hand. People who love their culture
also tend to love their country. They will want to work for the betterment of
their community. Such people are the greatest asset any nation can have.
Parents and teachers need to make a concerted effort to fight this menace.
Parents need to make a conscious effort to familiarize their children about
their culture and civilization. Most of them are only concerned about academic
grades. This has to change. The government can also play an important role.
Culture should be taught in schools. Just because a society is secular, it
doesn’t mean that it should eliminate all references to culture and religion from
textbooks.
Many people believe that international tourism is a bad thing for their own
countries. What are the reasons? What are the solutions to change negative
attitudes?
Some people are not in favour of foreigners visiting their country. They feel
that international tourists do more harm than good to their culture. In my
opinion, this negative attitude is the outcome of various misconceptions about
foreigners. The government and the media can do a lot to bust these myths.
Cultural differences exist between nations and that is the reason behind this
animosity towards foreign tourists. People, especially those living in
conservative societies, believe that the influx of foreign tourists to their country
can damage their ethnic culture and values. India, for example, is a
conservative country that expects both men and women to dress modestly
and behave conservatively in public. When western tourists, especially
women, wear skimpy outfits while touring the country, they invite a lot of
unwanted stares. The same thing happens in Arabian countries where public
display of affection is strictly forbidden. Obviously, Arabians do not like it when
foreigners kiss or engage in other acts of affection in public.
While it is true that no culture is better or worse than others, countries should
still advise their people to dress and behave appropriately when they are
abroad. Foreigners need to realize that when they disrespect local customs
and traditions, they are putting their safety at risk. Host nations should also
convince their people that tourism is actually good for their country and
economy. It creates jobs and boosts local economy.
Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign
language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages
of this outweigh the disadvantages?.
Learning a new language early in the life can make children more tolerant of
multicultural societies. Some parents are worried that if they teach a foreign
language their children may forget their culture and tradition. However,
according to a recent survey children who are exposed to a foreign language
at a young age can easily understand various cultures and traditions. As a
result, they are more comfortable and flexible when they live in a multicultural
society. Thus, being bilingual will make them culturally competent and less
anxious to face a foreign society in their future life.
Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local
customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country
should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
More and more people are now traveling to other countries for higher studies,
medical treatment, business and tourism. Some people feel that visitors
should follow the culture and tradition of their host country when they are
abroad. Others, however, feel that the host nation should respect cultural
diversity. In my opinion, visitors should respect the local culture. The host
country should also show a willingness to embrace cultures from around the
world.
While it is true that a nation can benefit from cultural diversity, it does not
mean that local cultures and traditions should be ignored. They should be
promoted too and a nation can encourage visitors to follow the local customs;
however, in my opinion, imposing them on a visitor is unwarranted. Visitors
who follow the local customs also benefit. They have better chances of
blending themselves with the local community. They also enjoy greater
degree of acceptance.
Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local
customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country
should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
Due to globalization, more and more people are now travelling to other
countries for many purposes such as higher studies, business, medical
treatment, immigration etc. Some people think that host culture should be
followed by visitors of other countries. On the other hand, some people argue
that it is imperative that cultural diversity is given importance by the host
country. In my opinion, the host country should always embrace disparate
cultures from all over the world rather than imposing their culture on them.
To conclude, host country should always welcome diverse people with diverse
culture from all over the world. It should also ensure that local culture is not
eradicated.
Today people are travelling more than ever before. Why is this the case?
What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?
More and more people travel a lot nowadays. They travel mainly because of
work related commitments and personal interests. While doing so, they
explore different cultures of the people and could even choose where they
want to live in the future.
One of the main reasons why people travel is their job. Due to globalization,
many companies want their employees to travel different locations to
understand the country’s specific requirements of their business. Once they
travel, they understand the business needs of the specific country and design
systems for the local markets. People also travel for leisure. They want to
enjoy their holidays and book a preplanned guided tour to a tourist destination
like Mauritius and Hawai. Some countries offer great deals during the peak
summer period to encourage people travel to their location.
Travelling to different places could help people live their dreamed life.
Commuting to various locations gives people an opportunity to visit different
places and understand a variety of cultures. This could help them analyse
how people live in different locations. As a result, people could get much
impressed with a particular country or location. They would like to relocate
permanently to that location and could plan to live there in the future. By doing
so, they would attain utmost satisfaction and could lead their life as per their
aspirations.
To conclude, people travel often these days due to their official demands and
leisure. During their journey they enjoy the different cultures of the people and
could get impressed to become a permanent resident on their admired
location to live a pleasant and peaceful life.