Let's talk about Belarusian customs and traditions. They say every nation has got its customs and traditions. And what about Belarusians?

OK,..., let's talk aboutBelarusian customs and traditions. We, Belarusiansreally love holidays. We usually celebrate them with lots of food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends.

There are family holidays, state holidays and religious holidays.

Family holidays include birthdays, anniversaries, weddings.

State or public holidays in Belarus include New Year's Day, the International Women's Day, May Day, Victory Day and the Independence Day. People have a day off. There are some public celebrations in the downtown, a kind of concert or a parade etc.

Religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and others. In Malorita we also celebrate Kupalle in July.

Do you agree that Belarusians are traditionally considered tolerant people? Why? What are our national traits?

Yes, I agree that Belarusians are tolerant people.

Moreover we are modest, kind, honest, generous, easy-going, kind-hearted. We are always ready to help, never complain of difficulties and we are very clever and hard-working, I think.

3. Your friend from Scotland is to write a report about customs and traditions of Belarus. What questions will he ask you to get the necessary information do you think? I think heI'll ask me the following questions.

1. The first one: Will you tell me about the customs and traditions of Belarus?

2. The second one: Do people really eat many potatoes in Belarus?

3. The third one: How do you usually celebrate Christmas?

Your friend is going to leave for another country. What is your advice?

I think I'll give her the following advice:

· Never forget your country and the place where you were born!

· Be proud of being a Belarusian!

What do you think has an influence on forming national character? Can you give any examples?

I think family, school, society have an influence on forming national character. It’s difficult to give any example. Take me, for example. I’m a typical Belarussian wth a typical character: modest, tolerant, etc.

16. Let's talk about customs and traditions of English speaking countries

After your 3-months stay in Great Britain you were invited to make a report on British customs and traditions for the younger children in your school. What would you speak about?

OK,..., let's talk aboutBritish customs and traditions.

They have many customs and traditions in Britain. For example, the so called “5 o’clock tea”. It means that all people drink tea every day at 5 o’clock. It’s an old tradition and it is observed by everybody.

Then let’s take Christmas. People celebrate it on the 25^th of December. It’s a family holiday. So, all members of the family gather on the Christmas Eve. First they go to church, then come home and open presents, eat special food – roast turkey and pull crackers.

Then there’s a tradition that all the theatres and even shops are closed on Sundays.

The English proverb says: 'Custom is a second nature.' Do you agree? Why?

Yes, I agree that 'Custom is a second nature.' Because customs influence the nature.

English people are known as very conservative: they don’t hurry to change anything in their life – furniture, clothes, and habits. They are considered to be stay-at-home people. They are never messy. They don’t like loud music.

You are to write a report about customs and traditions of Scotland. Ask your peer from Scotland some questions to get necessary information.

I think I'll ask him the following questions.

1. The first one: Do men really wear skirts in Scotland?

2. The second one: Did you see a Loch Ness monster?

3. The third one: Will you tell me about the customs and traditions of Scotland?