Cultural Corner

When learning a new language, understanding cultural nuances around food can be just as important as vocabulary and grammar. Food traditions offer a fascinating window into how different cultures interact socially.

Table Manners in English-Speaking Countries

In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, certain dining practices are considered polite in formal settings:

• Keeping hands visible on the table (but not elbows!)

• Waiting for everyone to be served before eating

• Chewing with your mouth closed

• Avoiding phone use during meals

Cultural Spotlight: Our Student Community

Our classroom's cultural diversity enriches our understanding of global food traditions:

Colombia: The sobremesa tradition extends meals beyond eating into a social experience where conversations continue long after plates are empty.

Brazil: Meals often blend into relaxed social gatherings where friends might spend hours enjoying feijoada on weekends.

Turkey: Food is deeply communal—meals typically feature multiple shared dishes placed in the center of the table.

Mexico: Food hospitality is paramount; refusing offered food can sometimes be perceived as impolite.

Peru: Lunch is traditionally the largest meal of the day, often followed by a brief siesta.

Classroom Activity

For next month's cultural exchange, we invite students to share a simple recipe from their home country, explaining it in English. We'll compile these into our class cookbook while practicing food vocabulary and imperative verb forms.

What food traditions from your country would you like to share with the class?

Cultural Corner: Food Etiquette

in English-Speaking Countries