14 July
Cultures, Countries, and Celebrations
Tell us about your favourite countries.
Why do you like them?
Have you ever been abroad? If so, tell us about the countries you visited.
If you didn’t live in Turkey, where would you like to live?
Tell us about some interesting celebrations or traditions from other cultures.
What are some unique traditions in your country?
Which country would you like to visit the most? Why?
What are the biggest cultural differences between your country and others?
Which country has the best food, in your opinion? Why?
What’s the most unusual food you have ever tried?
Have you ever experienced culture shock? If so, where and why?
What are some fun festivals around the world that you would like to attend?
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?
What are some traditional dances in different cultures?
What are some cultural taboos in different countries?
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Watch the videos above and discuss what you learned from them during your Spoken Cafe session
Cats Know Their Names—They Just Don’t Care
Cat owners, brace yourselves: your feline friend isn’t ignoring you by accident. They know when you’re calling their name—they’re just choosing not to respond. According to a 2019 study published in Scientific Reports, cats can recognise their own names but often display an indifferent attitude toward acknowledging them.
Researchers in the study tested 78 domestic cats to determine whether they could distinguish their names from other similar-sounding words. The results were clear: cats reacted more to their names, showing subtle signs such as ear movement, head turning, or even tail flicking. However, unlike dogs, who tend to enthusiastically respond when called, cats don’t feel the same obligation to interact.
This behaviour aligns with cats’ evolutionary history. Unlike dogs, which have been bred for thousands of years to work and communicate closely with humans, cats have a more solitary ancestry. Domesticated primarily for pest control, cats have maintained much of their independence, including their selective attention to human cues.
While this might frustrate cat owners, it’s also part of what makes cats so intriguing. Their aloof demeanour and independent nature are defining traits that many find endearing. So, the next time your cat pretends not to hear you, remember—they’re not ignoring you because they don’t know better. They’re ignoring you because they can.
Watch the video above and discuss what you learned from it during your Spoken Cafe session
READ/SPEAK
Why do you think cats are interesting? How do they react in different situations, and what are their differences from other animals and humans?
Do you agree with the idea that cats’ selective attention is a reflection of their independent nature?
Why do you think some people prefer having cats over other pets?
If you could ask a cat about its behaviour, what would you want to know?
Easy situations can never improve you or make you better
Example: You are just cutting days in the comfort of your home and spending your parents’ money. You need to get out and face actual life. Remember, a smooth sea has never made a skilled sailor
LEARN THE IDIOM AND SPEAK
Tell us about the hardest periods of your life. What difficulties and hard situations did you have, and how did you get over your problems?