Cultural Differences & Modals of Obligation | B1 English Podcast #30
Is it rude to slurp your noodles? Do you have to tip in the USA? Or mustn't you do it? 🍜🚫
📝 Transcript
Click any sentence to jump to that moment in the video. Use the 🔊 button to hear the pronunciation.
Hello everyone. Welcome to show number 30. Today we will talk about different places in the world.
dangerous because in English, mixing up "mustn't" and "don't have to" can cause very big problems.
Right. But the opposite is much worse. Have you ever shaken a hand that felt dead?
If you try to shake hands and they try to kiss your cheek, you might hit them by mistake or kiss their nose.
In North America and many parts of Europe, looking directly into someone's eyes means you are honest. It shows you are confident.
📚 Recommended for this lesson
Short Stories in English for Beginners
Enjoyed listening? Try reading too — these stories are designed for your level.
Check Price on AmazonEnjoying this lesson? Get free episodes every week!
📖 Vocabulary
Key vocabulary from this episode with part of speech, meaning, and example sentences. Practice along with the video above.
The rules for polite behavior in society or in a particular group.
Learning proper table etiquette is important when you eat with new people.
Something you must do because it is your duty or because of a law.
Paying taxes is a legal obligation for all citizens.
Causing someone to feel very embarrassed or ashamed.
It was mortifying when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.
Coming from strong emotions and not from careful thought.
The smell of the food caused a visceral reaction of hunger.
A rule that stops something from being done or used.
There is a prohibition against smoking in public buildings.
A social custom that says you must not do, say, or use something because it is offensive or shocking.
In some cultures, talking about money is a taboo subject.
The fact of arriving, doing, or happening at the expected or correct time.
Punctuality is very important in German business meetings.
Not obeying authority; refusing to follow orders.
The employee was fired for being insubordinate to his boss.
A word or phrase that is often repeated and expresses a particular belief.
"Context is king" is a good mantra for travelers.
| Word | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| etiquette | noun | The rules for polite behavior in society or in a particular group. | Learning proper table etiquette is important when you eat with new people. |
| obligation | noun | Something you must do because it is your duty or because of a law. | Paying taxes is a legal obligation for all citizens. |
| mortifying | adjective | Causing someone to feel very embarrassed or ashamed. | It was mortifying when I tripped and fell in front of everyone. |
| visceral | adjective | Coming from strong emotions and not from careful thought. | The smell of the food caused a visceral reaction of hunger. |
| prohibition | noun | A rule that stops something from being done or used. | There is a prohibition against smoking in public buildings. |
| taboo | noun | A social custom that says you must not do, say, or use something because it is offensive or shocking. | In some cultures, talking about money is a taboo subject. |
| punctuality | noun | The fact of arriving, doing, or happening at the expected or correct time. | Punctuality is very important in German business meetings. |
| insubordinate | adjective | Not obeying authority; refusing to follow orders. | The employee was fired for being insubordinate to his boss. |
| mantra | noun | A word or phrase that is often repeated and expresses a particular belief. | "Context is king" is a good mantra for travelers. |
✏️ Exercises
Test your understanding with fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice questions. Click "Check" to see the answer.
In the USA, you ___ tip your waiter because their salary depends on it.
You ___ smoke inside a hospital. It is forbidden.
In Japan, sticking chopsticks vertically into rice is a big ___, as it reminds people of funerals.
In Western cultures, making loud slurping noises while eating soup is generally considered:
It's Saturday, so I ___ go to work today. I can relax.
What does a "dead fish handshake" signal in the UK or US?
The rules for polite behavior in society are called ___.
If you want to show deep respect to an elder in Japan, you ___ bow deeply.
In Germany, if a business meeting is at 9:00 a.m., you ___ arrive at 8:55 a.m.
You ___ touch the art in the museum. There is a sign that says "Do Not Touch."
📚 Recommended Study Materials
Short Stories in English for Beginners
Olly Richards
Read for pleasure while expanding vocabulary. 8 stories designed for A2-B1 learners.
Check Price on Amazon
English Grammar in Use
Raymond Murphy
The world's best-selling grammar book. Clear explanations with practice exercises for every unit.
Check Price on Amazon
Oxford Picture Dictionary
3rd Edition
4,000+ words with full-color illustrations. Perfect for visual learners building everyday vocabulary.
Check Price on Amazon
💬 Comments
Loading comments...