Introduction

Welcome to this week’s English Club Weekly Topic! Every country has its own customs, habits, and ways of thinking. These cultural differences can surprise us, make us laugh, or sometimes cause confusion. This week, let’s share our experiences and learn from one another. By talking openly about what makes our cultures special, we can understand each other better. Please keep the conversation friendly, respectful, and full of curiosity. Read the questions below and share as much as you feel comfortable with.

Subquestions

1. Could you describe a traditional custom from your own culture that you think a visitor might find interesting or surprising?

2. In your culture, how do people usually greet someone they are meeting for the first time? Are there any rules about physical contact?

3. Have you ever tried food from another culture that tasted very different from what you are used to? How did you react to it?

4. Can you share a personal experience of “culture shock” – a moment when you felt confused or out of place in a new cultural situation?

5. What is one everyday habit from your country that you later realized might be seen as unusual or even strange somewhere else?

6. Are there any topics of conversation that people in your culture normally avoid because they are considered too personal or impolite? How do you think this compares with other cultures?

7. Why do you think some cultural misunderstandings turn into serious problems, while others simply become funny stories to tell later?

8. In your opinion, how can learning about cultural differences help us build stronger, more meaningful friendships with people from around the world?

German (and many people in Western countries) will think it strange when they see (or hear) Chinese eat dog meat

Although there are also people in Western countries which are interested in dog meat

As I was still in Germany, I've once tried Blue cheese, and it tastes... very bad...

As I was still in Germany, there are many shops on the street which sells hand-made beef-burgers. And they like to add many onion pieces in the burger

In Western contexts, fish is generally NOT considered “meat” in everyday, culinary, or religious terms, even though biologically it is animal flesh.

Why fish is not meat:

    Religious tradition (especially Catholic): Fish is allowed during Lent and fasting days because it is cold‑blooded and aquatic, while “meat” refers to warm‑blooded land animals and poultry.

    Culinary practice: Kitchens and supermarkets separate “Meat” (butcher) from “Seafood” (fishmonger) – they are handled and cooked differently.

    Everyday language: The word “meat” in daily use defaults to land animals; if you ask for “meat” in a store, you won’t be directed to the fish counter.

    Dietary labels: There are clear distinctions –

        Pescatarian: eats fish but no land meat.

        Vegetarian: no fish nor meat.

        Vegan: no animal products at all. Saying “no meat” does not imply “no fish.”

What fish IS categorized as:

    Culinary: Seafood – alongside shellfish, in a separate category parallel to Meat and Poultry.

    Biological: Fish (as a vertebrate group) – though scientifically it is muscle tissue, this definition is rarely used in daily life.

    Religious/cultural: Aquatic life or cold‑blooded water dwellers.

    Dietary identity: The protein source for Pescatarians – a distinct dietary group, not a subset of vegetarianism or meat‑eating.