On the eve of the Christmas holidays, a special event took place at our institution. Oksana Tytyun, a lecturer from the Department of Foreign Languages, organized a meeting between students of English language courses (faculty members of PNU) and a native English speaker. The discussion centered on Ukrainian and American Christmas traditions, immersing participants in the holiday spirit and providing a deeper understanding of cultural differences and similarities.
The conversation revolved around traditions from both countries, covering everything from decorating Christmas trees to preparing traditional holiday dishes. On the Ukrainian side, participants discussed carols, Christmas stars, and shchedrivky (New Year songs), while the American traditions featured bright lights, gifts from Santa Claus, and the classic Christmas pudding. Participants enthusiastically exchanged views on how Christmas trees are decorated in various parts of the world, the most popular Christmas symbols, and their meanings.
The American guest shared personal experiences of celebrating Christmas in the United States, emphasizing family gatherings and traditional dishes like turkey with cranberry sauce, hot apple cider, and gingerbread cookies. Ukrainian attendees, in turn, described the preparation of kutia (a traditional wheat dish), baking honey cookies, decorating homes with didukh (a sheaf of wheat), and the significance of nativity plays.
The meeting had a warm and friendly atmosphere, transcending cultural differences. To end the session, the attendees surprised their guest with a performance of a Ukrainian folk carol, accompanied by accordion music played by Liliia Pasichniak, an associate professor from the Department of Musical Ukrainian Studies and Folk Instrumental Art. This heartfelt moment brought everyone together, proving that music can bridge cultural divides regardless of nationality or language.
This event was more than just an English lesson; it was a genuine cultural exchange. Participants not only improved their language skills but also gained a deeper appreciation of each other’s traditions. Learning about Christmas customs became a symbol of openness and friendship between cultures. In today’s globalized world, such events carry special significance, showcasing that no matter the language, human values remain universal.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you celebrate Christmas in your family?
- What are some popular Christmas traditions in your country?
- What foods do people usually eat at Christmas? Do you have a favorite holiday dish?
- How do people prepare for Christmas? Do they decorate their homes or neighborhoods?
- Do you have a Christmas tree? If so, when do you put it up and take it down?
- What is your favorite thing about Christmas?
- Do you have any favorite Christmas memories or stories?
- Can you teach us some popular Christmas greetings or phrases?
- Are there any idioms or expressions related to Christmas in English?