25-26 April
Human Relationships – The Topic of Men and Women Not Understanding Each Other
Why, in most cases, do women and men not understand each other?
What do you think is the biggest difference between men and women? (Not physically, haha!)
What makes a man attractive? What makes a woman attractive?
What do you value most in the opposite sex?
What personality trait matters most when choosing a partner/lover?
Do you believe men and women can be best friends? Why or why not?
What do you think is the most common problem in relationships?
Do you think social media affects relationships? How?
Related Words: relationships, communication, misunderstanding, emotions, perspective, differences, compatibility, attraction, connection, empathy, trust, respect, gender roles, expectations, behavior, personality, conflict, compromise, understanding, expression, feelings, interaction, bonding, partnership, perception, sensitivity, communication gap, intimacy, balance, harmony
Watch the video above and discuss what you learned from it during your Spoken Cafe session
The Surprising History of the Word “Girl”
The word “girl” has an interesting history that isn’t tied to a specific gender. Originally, it wasn’t used to describe females at all. In fact, as linguistics professor Sally McConnell-Ginet explained, the word “girl” was first used in the 13th century to refer to a young person in general, regardless of their gender.
Up until the 16th century, “girl” could be used to describe both young men and women. For example, “gay girls” referred to cheerful young women, and “knave girls” referred to young men. The word “gay” at the time meant “cheerful” or “joyful,” and “knave” meant “dishonest” or “a person who behaves poorly.”
It wasn’t until later in history that “girl” came to be associated specifically with young females, and its meaning has evolved over the centuries. So, the word we use today has a much richer and more complex history than we might realise!
READ/SPEAK
Do you like kids? Why do you like them? Do you have any kids? What do you like and dislike about having kids?
If you don’t have children, would you like to have a boy or a girl, and why?
In your opinion, what is the most interesting English word?
What other words do you know that have changed meaning over time?
Can you think of a word in your native language that has changed meaning?
What is a word you find beautiful or interesting?
It is very difficult to teach someone new skills or to change someone’s habits or character.
LEARN THE IDIOM AND SPEAK
What has changed in your character since you were a child? What sides of your character have remained the same all your life?