Task#1.1
Say these words aloud and check the pronunciation if necessary
| Populous | Overpopulation |
| Various | Outsider |
| Development | Patriarch |
Task#1.2
Scan the text and figure out what the word in bold mean
Bangladesh is a relatively small country located in South Asia.
Bangladesh has a significant population, making it the eighth-most populous country in the world.
Bangladesh gained its independence in 1971 after a liberation war with Pakistan.
The country has since made significant progress in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic development. However, it still faces challenges such as poverty, overpopulation, and political instability.
Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its historical connections with different civilizations and religions.
The predominant religion is Islam, and the official language is Bengali.
Table of Contents
Exercise
Task#1.3
Read the sentences and analyze if these are things you should or shouldn’t do when visiting Bangladesh.
When analyzing the sentences, use expressions such as:
| #1 | I think #1 is true |
| #2 | I think #2 is false |
| #1 | I am not sure but I think #1 is False |
| #2 | I am not sure but I think #1 is True |
| #1 | I am 100% sure #1 is True |
| #2 | I am 100% sure #1 is False |
True and false statements about Bangladeshi People
- You should respect elderly people.
- You can talk freely about how much money people make.
- You can criticize Islamism. Bangladeshis understand outsider views.
- You should expect the patriarch to make family decisions.
- You should bring expensive alcohol as gifts.
- You must invite Bengali people to eat Pork Products. They love pork.
- You shouldn’t open gifts in front of the giver.
- It is fine to compare Bangladeshis with Pakistani people.
- You should sit close during conversations. The proximity between people is OK
- You can show public displays of affection in Bangladesh.
- I recommend giving white flowers to business people in Bangladesh
- You should avoid talking about Cricket. Bangladeshi are not into that sport.
- Don’t shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first.
- I recommend using the left hand for receiving and offering gifts.
- You should never eat with your hands
Source: Bangladeshi Culture
Task#1.4
Read the 15 sentences again and choose the one rule which is the most and the least strangest to you and explain why.
For example:
- I think that [tradition/custom] is the [most strangest/ least strangest] to me because… [reasons]
