Culture Connect
When we learn a new language, we don’t just learn new words — we learn a new way of seeing the world. In this blog, I want to help you explore culture through English, and also learn how to share your own experiences with confidence.
I often meet people who struggle to explain cultural differences in business meetings or at work. Sometimes, the challenge comes from vocabulary; other times, it comes from not fully understanding the cultural context. This can make communication difficult — even when you have great ideas to share. One student even told me: “I have better ideas to share, but because of the language barrier, I feel frustrated.” Moments like this show how important it is to have the right words and expressions to communicate clearly.
My goal here is to give you useful expressions, vocabulary, and communication tips so you can talk about your culture, understand others, and feel comfortable expressing cultural differences. Together, we will learn how to connect, listen, and speak confidently across cultures.
Thank you for being here — let’s start this journey of language and culture!
Let's begin with some expressions to express your opinion about culture-
Expressing Your Opinion About Culture
*In my opinion, culture plays an important role in our identity.
*From my point of view, culture shapes the way we think and behave.
*I personally believe that culture influences our values and traditions.
*As far as I'm concerned, cultural diversity makes society richer.
Comparing Cultures
*Compared to other cultures, my culture focuses more on…
*In many Western/Eastern cultures…*Unlike my culture, some cultures believe that…
*There are similarities between my culture and others, such as…
Giving Examples
*For example, in my country, we celebrate…*A good example of cultural tradition is…
*Take (holiday/custom/food) as an example…
Talking About Cultural Change
*Culture is constantly changing due to globalization.
*Nowadays, young people are influenced by both modernand traditional culture.
*Some traditions are disappearing, while new ones are emerging.
Sample Examples
Anne
I would like to share my personal experience of culture shock. In my opinion, culture plays a vital role in shaping our identity. I am from India, where I was born and completed all my studies. Compared to many other cultures, Indian culture places a strong emphasis on traditions and values. It embraces many languages, religions, and festivals with equal respect. India's cultural heritage reflects beauty, diversity, and harmony.
When I moved to France, it was a major change in my life — from language to lifestyle and cultural expectations. For example, France has a more individualistic lifestyle and values personal freedom, whereas India is known for strong family bonds and community living. This difference made the transition both challenging and eye-opening.
However, I truly embrace this change in my life. It has taught me a new language, helped me become more independent, and made me understand the importance of personal freedom.
MS.Catalan
I am Catalan. I am French.
I would like to share my experience of the United Kingdom. Moving to the UK was both exciting and challenging for me. Although France and the UK are geographically close, I quickly realized that the cultures have many differences.
In France, conversations are often direct and expressive, and people usually take time to enjoy meals, socialize, and relax. Food is a very important part of our culture — we spend time cooking, eating together, and enjoying long dinners. When I arrived in the UK, I noticed that life felt faster and more practical. People often eat on the go, and dinner time is earlier and much quicker than in France.
Another big difference was communication. British people tend to be more polite and indirect when expressing opinions, which sometimes made it difficult for me to understand what they really meant. For example, when someone said “That’s interesting,” I later learned it could mean they disagreed but didn’t want to say it directly. At first, this confused me, but over time I adapted.
Despite these challenges, I truly appreciate my experience in the UK. It has taught me to be more flexible and open-minded. I also improved my English and learned to appreciate British humour, which is very different from the French style. Today, I can say that living in the UK helped me grow as a person and understand another culture deeply. Even though I sometimes miss French food and long meals with family, I am grateful for this eye-opening journey.
Question for you ? Writing Task
👉Can you share your stories of culture change? How was your experience and keylearnings? ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Listening on YOU TUBE
Watch this video to improve your listening skills (@sprouts thanks for creating amazing videos)
4 stages of adaptation
Video by Creator Name, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY).
Another interesting video by DR.TOM Verghese
He is encourages audiences to explore cultural intelligence with examples and sories of clients. Click below👇
https://youtu.be/0W9iLrfyq20?si=B0JFkS4WMiJrVEKF
Grammar point - Linkers to connect ideas
During the sample examples,you have noticed linking words that are particularly useful for business and formal speaking.
ALTHOUGH, HOWEVER , DESPITE, EVEN THOUGH, THEREFORE
French equivalentALTHOUGH → bien que
HOWEVER → cependant / toutefois / néanmoins
DESPITE → malgré
EVEN THOUGH → même si
THEREFORE → donc / ainsiLets learn how to use them in speaking and writing
1. Although - Introduces a contrast (Two ideas that do not match)
Examples -Although the meeting was long, it was productive.
They decided to go for a walk, although it was raining.
Although +subject +verb
(Although can be used in the beginning or middle of the sentence)
2. However- show contrast between two sentences, it is like (but).
However, it is used always after full stop(.) or semi-colon(;) and before comma.
Try to use However instead of but it sounds more Formal.
Sentence 1.However, Sentence 2
Examples- We tried our best.However,we could not meet the deadline.
The client appreciated our proposal;however, they requested a few revisions before final approval.
3.Despite- is followed by noun or pronoun or ing form. ( not a full clause)
Examples: Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
Despite his efforts, the deal was not approved.
Despite being tired, she finished her report.
👉Students - question for you?
Is despite is used only in past scenarios?
No, it can be used in present, past, future situations.
For instance- Despite the challenges, we continue to grow.( Present)
Despite expected delays, the project will launch next month. (Future)
4.Even Though -
Rule - is followed by a full clause ( subject +verb)
Examples- Even though she was tired, she finished the report.
Even though the client requested changes, the team delivered on schedule.
Even though resources are limited, we will meet our targets.The team worked overtime; ________, they were unable to finish the project on time.
________ the client requested several changes, the development team managed to meet the original deadline.
________ she is very nice, she doesn’t has many friends.
Sales have increased this quarter. ________, we need to focus on improving customer retention.
We need to buy a new car.________,we can’t afford it right now.
The report was submitted late. ________, a penalty will be applied.
________ being tired, the employees attended the important meeting.
The new software has many features. ________, it is not yet compatible with all devices.
________ limited resources, the marketing team launched a successful campaign.
Trains are still running, ________ the snow.
Answers
However Although Although However However Therefore
Even though However Despite Despite
For more Grammar practice
For fun and interactive grammar excercises visit British council Learn English
Thank you!
Speak with confidence!
Regards,
Anu
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