Family Life in Different Cultures (Intermediate-Advanced)

Practice on Your Own

Imagine you are planning to go to a country where the language is spoken. You will live with a host family there. Before you go, you would like to learn about the similarities and differences between family life in your home country and in the country you will be visiting.

• Think about families in your home country. How many people usually live in a house? How many generations typically live together? Do household tasks tend to be divided based on gender and/or age? Do children speak to their parents formally or informally? How often do people usually spend time with their extended family? Is it typical to have a maid, cook, or other household employees? Is it common to keep pets?
• Do some research about family life in the country/ies where the language is spoken. What similarities and differences stand out to you?
• Practice asking and answering questions about family life in your home country and in the country/ies where the language is spoken. How would you ask a friend in the host country about what is typical there? How would you explain to your host family about family life in your home country?
• Practice comparing and contrasting family life in the U.S. and in the country/ies where the language is spoken. Imagine you have returned from your trip abroad and you are giving a presentation to a language class in the U.S. Use as much detail as possible.

Practice in Conversation Session

• To warm up, give a brief description of your family or an imaginary family in your home country.
• Be prepared to role play situations in which you ask and answer questions about family life in your home country and in the country/ies where the language is spoken. These situations could include conversations with a friend, classmate, or host family member about family life in the different countries.
• Be prepared to role play giving a presentation to a language class in the U.S. You will need to compare and contrast family life in the U.S. and in the country/ies where the language is spoken, using as much detail as possible.
• Have a follow‐up conversation with your conversation partner and fellow students. Did you learn anything new that surprised you? Do you have any remaining questions about family life in the country/ies where the language is spoken?