English Listening Exercise: "Cultural Differences"

Free original listening materials for learners and teachers. Transcripts are placed below all audio/video files.

 

 
A2 Level (American Accent)

B2 Level (British accent)

Transcript (A2)

Cultural differences encompass the varying customs, traditions, and social behaviors observed across different societies. For instance, while punctuality is highly valued in Germany, where arriving even a few minutes late is considered rude, in countries like Brazil, time is viewed more flexibly, and being slightly late is often acceptable. Dining etiquette also varies; in Japan, slurping noodles is a sign of enjoyment, whereas in Western cultures, it might be seen as impolite. Another example is the concept of personal space—Americans typically maintain a larger personal space bubble compared to people from Middle Eastern countries, where closer proximity during conversation is normal. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for effective communication and can help prevent misunderstandings when interacting with people from different backgrounds. By embracing cultural differences, we foster global respect and cooperation. (115 words)

Transcript (B2)

Cultural differences encompass the varying customs, traditions, and social behaviors observed across different societies. For instance, while punctuality is highly valued in Germany, where arriving even a few minutes late is considered rude, in countries like Brazil, time is viewed more flexibly, and being slightly late is often acceptable. Dining etiquette also varies; in Japan, slurping noodles is a sign of enjoyment, whereas in Western cultures, it might be seen as impolite. Another example is the concept of personal space—Americans typically maintain a larger personal space bubble compared to people from Middle Eastern countries, where closer proximity during conversation is normal. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for effective communication and can help prevent misunderstandings when interacting with people from different backgrounds. By embracing cultural differences, we foster global respect and cooperation. (133 words)