Are you looking for conversations about culture and tradition that are easy, real, and perfect for your ESL class? You’re in the right place! This post gives you 20 complete, natural conversations your students can actually relate to—no complicated language, no boring textbook talk.
We created these conversations to help your students speak more confidently about daily life, festivals, customs, and how traditions change in the city. They are great for teaching vocabulary, checking understanding with questions, or even turning them into fun role-plays. Each conversation shows how people talk in real situations, from city tours to food traditions to family events.
These dialogues also give your class a chance to explore common expressions, polite phrases, and even some cultural idioms—all in a way that makes sense. You can easily build your own lessons around them, or use them as warm-up activities, group work, or homework.
Whether you’re planning a full lesson on culture, setting up a debate, or just looking for conversation practice, this resource will save you time and boost student engagement. So scroll down, dive in, and discover how easy and fun it can be to teach culture and tradition through real English conversations!
Table of Contents
Why Conversations About Culture and Tradition Matter in ESL
In ESL classes, students come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. When they talk about culture and tradition, they learn to share their own ideas and respect others. This makes the classroom a more open and friendly place.
Talking about culture and tradition helps students build real communication skills. These are topics they will often discuss in their everyday life—at school, at work, or with friends. So, they need the right words and confidence to speak about them clearly.
Also, this topic brings in a lot of emotion, memories, and identity. When students talk about their festivals, food, or customs, they feel more connected and proud. It motivates them to speak more, which improves their fluency.
Finally, lessons on culture and tradition help students understand not just the English language, but the world around them. They learn to listen, ask questions, and talk politely with people from many cultures—just like they’ll need to do in real life.
Talking About Festivals in the City
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two coworkers are having lunch in a busy city café. They start talking about local festivals and traditions.
Emma: Did you see the parade last night?
Rafiq: Yes! It was so colorful. I loved the music.
Emma: I liked the dancing. Everyone looked so happy.
Rafiq: What festival was it? I didn’t catch the name.
Emma: It was the Spring Cultural Festival. It happens every year.
Rafiq: Oh, I’m new in the city. I didn’t know.
Emma: It celebrates the beginning of spring. Many people wear traditional clothes.
Rafiq: That’s why I saw people in saris and panjabis!
Emma: Yes! Did you eat anything from the food stalls?
Rafiq: I had some sweet rice and spicy beef. Very tasty!
Emma: I tried a local dessert called “pitha.” It was sweet and soft.
Rafiq: Sounds delicious. I want to try that next time.
Emma: You should! There will be more festivals this month.
Rafiq: Really? Like what?
Emma: The Folk Art Fair is next weekend. They show crafts, music, and food.
Rafiq: Let’s go together. I want to learn more.
Emma: Great idea! I’ll send you the details.
Rafiq: Thanks, Emma. I like learning about new traditions.
Emma: It’s the best part of living in a big city!
Visiting a Cultural Museum
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two university friends are visiting a cultural museum in a large city.
Leo: Wow, look at this old drum!
Nina: It’s beautiful. It says it’s from 1850.
Leo: That’s a long time ago. What is it used for?
Nina: The sign says it was used in village festivals.
Leo: That’s so cool. Do you have something like this in your country?
Nina: Yes, we use drums in weddings and celebrations.
Leo: In my country, we use drums in parades.
Nina: Look over there! That’s a traditional dress.
Leo: It’s so colorful. I wonder how heavy it is.
Nina: Let’s read the card. It says it’s handmade from cotton and silk.
Leo: So much work goes into one dress.
Nina: My grandma has one like this at home.
Leo: Really? Does she still wear it?
Nina: Only for special days like New Year’s.
Leo: My family also wears special clothes for festivals.
Nina: Visiting this museum makes me think of home.
Leo: Me too. Culture connects us all.
Talking with a Taxi Driver About Traditions
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: A tourist is chatting with a local taxi driver during a ride through the city.
Samantha: Hello! This is my first time in the city.
Driver: Welcome! I hope you enjoy your time here.
Samantha: Thank you! Are there any traditions I should know about?
Driver: Yes, we have many. This month is full of cultural events.
Samantha: Like what?
Driver: There’s a dance festival in the park every weekend.
Samantha: That sounds fun. Do people wear costumes?
Driver: Yes, traditional ones. Very colorful.
Samantha: I’d love to see that.
Driver: You should! You’ll also hear local songs and music.
Samantha: Are there any food festivals too?
Driver: Of course. We love food here.
Samantha: Me too! I want to try something special.
Driver: Try the fried fish with rice. It’s our favorite dish.
Samantha: Yum! Where can I get it?
Driver: Many stalls in the market sell it fresh.
Samantha: Thank you. I’m excited to explore!
Driver: Enjoy your stay and don’t forget your camera!
Planning a Traditional Day at School
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two teachers at a language school are planning a cultural event for their students.
Maya: We need to plan something for Cultural Day.
Tom: Yes. What about a traditional clothes fashion show?
Maya: Good idea! Students can wear clothes from their countries.
Tom: They can also bring traditional food.
Maya: Perfect! And maybe we can have some music and dance.
Tom: I know a student who plays the tabla.
Maya: Great! We can also ask parents to join.
Tom: Let’s make posters and tell everyone.
Maya: We should explain why culture is important.
Tom: Yes. Let’s start the day with a short talk.
Maya: And end it with a group dance!
Tom: That will be so much fun.
Maya: I’m excited already. The kids will love it.
Tom: Let’s write the plan and share it with the team.
Maya: Done. Cultural Day is going to be amazing!
At the Local Food Festival
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two friends are walking around a cultural food festival in a city square.
Amina: Look at all this food! I don’t know where to start.
Jason: Let’s try something local first.
Amina: Good idea. What’s that over there?
Jason: That’s a stall selling biryani. It smells great.
Amina: I’ve never tried biryani. Is it spicy?
Jason: A little, but it’s full of flavor.
Amina: Okay, let’s get one plate to share.
Jason: Sure! And maybe a mango drink too.
Amina: Yes, it’s so hot today.
Jason: Look, there’s a cooking show starting over there.
Amina: Let’s go watch after we eat.
Jason: I love how this festival brings people together.
Amina: Yes, culture and food really connect us.
Jason: Every city should have events like this.
Amina: I agree. I feel like I’m learning something new.
Jason: Let’s take pictures for our school blog.
Amina: Great idea! This is a day to remember.
Sharing Family Traditions in Class
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Students in an ESL classroom are sharing about their home traditions during a speaking activity.
Teacher: Today we will talk about family traditions. Who wants to start?
Aiko: In Japan, we eat special soup on New Year’s Day.
Carlos: In Mexico, we have a big family dinner and fireworks.
Lina: We dance and sing during the New Year in my country.
Teacher: That’s great! What about you, Samir?
Samir: We visit our grandparents and give them gifts.
Teacher: That’s lovely. Do you wear anything special?
Samir: Yes, we wear new clothes, usually bright colors.
Lina: We do that too!
Aiko: I wear a kimono with my family.
Carlos: I want to try wearing a kimono someday.
Teacher: Traditions are special. They bring families together.
Samir: I want to share photos next time.
Teacher: Good idea. Everyone can bring a picture next class.
Lina: I will bring one from our dance night.
Carlos: I’ll bring a photo of our festival food!
Teacher: I’m excited already. Thank you for sharing!
Shopping for Traditional Clothes
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two friends are at a shopping mall looking for traditional clothes for a cultural program.
Aliya: I need something nice for the school program.
Sophie: Let’s look in that shop. They have traditional clothes.
Aliya: This dress is beautiful! What do you think?
Sophie: I love the colors. Try it on!
Aliya: Okay, I’ll go to the fitting room.
Sophie: I’ll wait here. I’ll look at the scarves.
Aliya: What do you think?
Sophie: Wow! You look amazing. It’s perfect.
Aliya: Thank you! I feel happy in this dress.
Sophie: You’ll look great at the event.
Aliya: Should I buy matching shoes too?
Sophie: Yes! Let’s find a pair now.
Aliya: This shopping trip is fun.
Sophie: And now I want something too!
Aliya: Let’s both look good on Cultural Day!
Celebrating Eid in the City
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two neighbors are talking in the elevator after celebrating Eid.
Sara: Eid Mubarak! How was your Eid?
Noman: Eid Mubarak! It was nice. We visited family.
Sara: Did you make any special food?
Noman: Yes! We made biryani and kebabs.
Sara: Yum! I love biryani.
Noman: What did you do for Eid?
Sara: We went to the mosque in the morning.
Noman: We did too. It was very crowded.
Sara: Then we gave gifts to the kids.
Noman: That’s my favorite part. Their happy faces!
Sara: Did you wear new clothes?
Noman: Yes, I wore a new panjabi.
Sara: You looked nice yesterday!
Noman: Thank you! You too. I liked your dress.
Sara: Thank you. City Eid is fun, but I miss my village.
Noman: Me too. But it’s still special here.
Cultural Event at the Community Center
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two volunteers are setting up for a cultural event at a community center.
Fatima: Can you help me hang these flags?
George: Sure! Where do you want them?
Fatima: Across the wall. They show all the countries.
George: Great! I see my country’s flag too.
Fatima: Mine is here too. It makes me smile.
George: What time does the event start?
Fatima: At 5 p.m. People will come at 4:30.
George: What’s first on the program?
Fatima: A welcome dance and a short speech.
George: Who is doing the dance?
Fatima: Two kids from the school. They practiced a lot.
George: That’s nice. I brought snacks too.
Fatima: Perfect! Thank you.
George: I like this event. It brings people together.
Fatima: Yes, culture connects us in many ways.
George: Let’s make tonight special for everyone.
Talking About a Wedding Tradition
Level: A1 (Beginner)
Context: Two colleagues are talking about a wedding one of them attended over the weekend.
Zara: I went to my cousin’s wedding yesterday.
Ben: That’s great! Was it a big wedding?
Zara: Yes, more than 300 people came.
Ben: Wow! That’s huge. What did the bride wear?
Zara: A red and gold saree with lots of jewelry.
Ben: That must have looked beautiful.
Zara: It was. There was music, dancing, and great food.
Ben: What kind of food did they serve?
Zara: Rice, chicken curry, and sweets.
Ben: Yum! Did you dance too?
Zara: Of course! Everyone danced.
Ben: That sounds like a fun tradition.
Zara: It is. Weddings are a big part of our culture.
Ben: I’ve never been to a wedding like that.
Zara: Next time, you’re invited!
Ben: Thank you! I’d love to join.
Discussing Cultural Differences at a University Club
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Context: Two university students from different countries are chatting after a multicultural club meeting.
Ivy: That was an interesting meeting. I liked hearing about everyone’s traditions.
Rashid: Me too. I never knew New Year celebrations could be so different around the world.
Ivy: Right? In my country, we eat twelve grapes at midnight for good luck.
Rashid: That’s so unique! In Bangladesh, we have “Pohela Boishakh,” our Bengali New Year.
Ivy: What happens during that celebration?
Rashid: People wear red and white clothes, eat traditional food, and there’s music and fairs in the streets.
Ivy: That sounds like fun! Is it a public holiday?
Rashid: Yes, schools and offices close for the day. Everyone celebrates together.
Ivy: I love how culture brings people together like that.
Rashid: I agree. That’s why I joined this club—to learn more about others.
Ivy: Same here. I think understanding culture helps us be more open.
Rashid: Yes, and it helps avoid misunderstandings too.
Ivy: Like when I first came here, I didn’t know you shouldn’t touch someone’s head in some cultures.
Rashid: Exactly! In my culture, touching someone’s head—especially an elder’s—is disrespectful.
Ivy: Now I try to be more careful. It’s all part of growing, right?
Rashid: Definitely. Every conversation teaches us something new.
Exploring the City’s Heritage Festival
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Context: Two friends explore a city-wide heritage festival celebrating different cultures.
Nadia: There’s so much happening here! Music, food, art—it’s amazing.
Carlos: I know! This heritage festival is one of my favorite city events.
Nadia: Look at that booth—they’re doing henna tattoos. Have you tried it before?
Carlos: Once, during a wedding. It was so detailed and beautiful.
Nadia: We do henna for special holidays like Eid and weddings in my culture.
Carlos: That’s great. I also saw a booth with handmade crafts from Africa.
Nadia: Let’s go there next. I want to buy something handmade.
Carlos: I already bought a small drum from the Latin American stall.
Nadia: I love how every booth tells a story.
Carlos: Yeah, it makes me realize how rich the world is with traditions.
Nadia: Did you try any food yet?
Carlos: I had Moroccan couscous and Turkish kebabs. What about you?
Nadia: I had some dumplings and sweet tea from the Chinese stall.
Carlos: We should come back tomorrow. There’s still so much to see.
Nadia: For sure! This festival helps people learn and connect.
Comparing Holiday Traditions
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Context: Two coworkers in a multinational office talk about how they celebrate holidays in their cultures.
Mei: Are you doing anything special for the holidays?
Samir: Yes, I’m going home to celebrate with my family. We’ll cook, visit relatives, and have a small party.
Mei: That sounds lovely. In my country, we usually travel or host a big dinner at home.
Samir: What kind of food do you usually prepare?
Mei: A lot of dumplings, rice cakes, and sweet soup. We also clean the house before the new year.
Samir: Oh, we do the same! Cleaning is part of preparing for the new beginning.
Mei: Do you give gifts to children during holidays?
Samir: Yes! It’s a big tradition. We also give “salami”—some money in envelopes.
Mei: That’s similar to our red envelopes with money for good luck.
Samir: I love how different cultures share the same values, just in different ways.
Mei: It’s true. Family, food, and being thankful are common in most cultures.
Samir: Do you ever mix traditions now that you live in a new country?
Mei: Sometimes! We mix traditional food with local dishes. It’s fun.
Samir: Same here. It creates new memories.
Mei: Culture always grows when we share.
Preparing for a Multicultural Class Presentation
Level: B2 (Intermediate)
Context: Two ESL students are preparing a presentation about culture and tradition for their class.
Ana: We need to include at least two traditions from our home countries.
Javed: Okay. I can talk about traditional weddings in Pakistan. What about you?
Ana: I’ll talk about Carnival in Brazil. It’s one of our biggest traditions.
Javed: That’s the one with music and dancing in the streets, right?
Ana: Yes! People wear colorful costumes and join parades. It lasts for days.
Javed: Sounds amazing. Our weddings also go on for days, with different events each night.
Ana: What kind of clothes do people wear?
Javed: The bride wears a red dress and a lot of gold jewelry. The groom also wears traditional clothes.
Ana: That would be great to show in class. Do you have pictures?
Javed: Yes, I’ll bring some from my cousin’s wedding.
Ana: I’ll bring a video of Carnival from my hometown.
Javed: We should also explain why these traditions matter.
Ana: Yes, like how they help keep our identity alive.
Javed: Exactly. And they bring people together, no matter their background.
Ana: I think our presentation will be very interesting.
Javed: Let’s make it fun and educational at the same time.
Debating Cultural Change in the City
Level: B2 (Intermediate)
Context: Two university students are having a thoughtful discussion about how traditions are changing in modern city life.
Leila: Do you think culture is fading in big cities?
Omar: Not fading, but maybe changing. Cities are fast and people don’t always have time for old traditions.
Leila: I agree. Many young people don’t follow customs like their grandparents did.
Omar: But at the same time, cities offer space to mix and grow new traditions.
Leila: That’s true. I see people from different cultures celebrating festivals together.
Omar: Like how Diwali and Christmas are both celebrated in our neighborhood.
Leila: Yes, and cultural food is available everywhere. That keeps traditions alive in a new way.
Omar: Social media also helps. People share traditional dances, recipes, and stories online.
Leila: I hadn’t thought of that. Culture becomes digital too.
Omar: Exactly. I think culture doesn’t disappear—it evolves.
Leila: But do you think something important is lost in the process?
Omar: Maybe. Personal connection to tradition can weaken if it’s only online.
Leila: Then maybe the key is balance—keep the roots, but stay open to change.
Omar: That’s well said. Cities should protect tradition while welcoming new ideas.
Leila: Culture is not fixed—it’s living and moving, just like cities.
Visiting a Cultural Museum Together
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Context: Two friends visit a city museum that has a special exhibition on local traditions.
Maya: Look at this section! It shows wedding traditions from 100 years ago.
Imran: Wow, the clothes are so different. Look at that headpiece!
Maya: It says brides wore that for good luck.
Imran: My grandmother had something similar in her wedding photos.
Maya: That’s amazing. I love how museums keep culture alive.
Imran: Me too. And it’s great they added audio stories.
Maya: Did you hear the part about old New Year celebrations?
Imran: Yes! They danced and sang in the streets for hours.
Maya: Some villages still do that, but not here in the city.
Imran: City life is fast. People don’t celebrate like before.
Maya: True, but this museum helps us remember.
Imran: I think schools should bring students here more often.
Maya: Definitely. Culture is more than just books.
Imran: It’s food, clothing, music—our way of living.
Maya: Let’s check out the music corner next. I see old instruments.
Imran: This visit is turning into a fun learning day!
Talking About Traditional Food
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Context: Two roommates are cooking dinner together and talking about food from their cultures.
Lina: What are you making today? It smells really good.
Tariq: I’m making “kichuri,” a dish we eat during rainy days in Bangladesh.
Lina: What’s in it?
Tariq: Rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices. It’s comfort food for us.
Lina: In Brazil, we have something similar called “feijoada.” It’s made with beans and meat.
Tariq: Sounds delicious! I love trying dishes from other countries.
Lina: Same here. Food is the easiest way to learn about culture.
Tariq: My mom taught me this recipe. It reminds me of home.
Lina: Me too. Cooking helps me feel connected to my roots.
Tariq: Do you have any food traditions for holidays?
Lina: Yes, we always eat certain dishes during Carnival and family gatherings.
Tariq: For us, Eid has the best food. So many sweets!
Lina: I wish we had a cultural food night in our building.
Tariq: That’s a great idea. We can suggest it!
Lina: Yes! Everyone can bring something traditional.
Tariq: Let’s plan it. It’ll be fun and delicious.
Planning a Cultural Awareness Day at School
Level: B2 (Intermediate)
Context: Two teachers at an international school are discussing ideas for a Cultural Awareness Day.
Monica: We had great feedback on last year’s event. Let’s make this one even better.
Rahman: I agree. We should involve the students more this time.
Monica: Yes, maybe ask them to present something about their own culture.
Rahman: That could be songs, dances, traditional clothing, or food.
Monica: And maybe a photo wall showing celebrations from their home countries.
Rahman: I like that. We could also do a short video with interviews.
Monica: Great idea. It’ll show how diverse our school is.
Rahman: What about parents? Should we invite them too?
Monica: Yes, they can bring food or help decorate the booths.
Rahman: That creates a real community feeling.
Monica: We could even include a cultural quiz at the end.
Rahman: That’s fun and educational. I’ll start making the questions.
Monica: I’ll draft a schedule and talk to the principal.
Rahman: Perfect. Let’s make this a celebration to remember.
Monica: Our students will learn so much from each other.
Reflecting on Losing and Preserving Traditions
Level: B2 (Intermediate)
Context: Two adults in a city café talk about how modern life is affecting traditional values.
Farzana: I feel like younger people don’t care much about traditions anymore.
James: Maybe it’s because they weren’t raised the same way we were.
Farzana: I understand that, but it’s still sad. Many beautiful customs are being lost.
James: True. Like how fewer people celebrate local festivals or speak their native language.
Farzana: Exactly. I used to wear traditional clothes on special days. Now even that feels rare.
James: I try to teach my kids small things—like cooking traditional meals or using family greetings.
Farzana: That’s great. Even small efforts keep traditions alive.
James: But city life is different. Everyone is busy, and space for culture shrinks.
Farzana: Yes, and social media pushes trends, not traditions.
James: I think the key is making traditions relevant again.
Farzana: Like combining old customs with modern life?
James: Yes, maybe celebrating culture through art, music, or events people enjoy.
Farzana: That makes sense. We can’t force culture—but we can inspire it.
James: Right. It starts with conversations like this one.
Farzana: I’m glad we talked. It gave me hope.
Giving a City Tour with Cultural Insights
Level: B2 (Intermediate)
Context: A local student is giving their foreign friend a tour of the city with cultural highlights.
Alina: Over there is the national museum. It shows our cultural history.
Tom: I’d love to visit. I really want to understand local life better.
Alina: This city mixes old and new. We have temples and skyscrapers side by side.
Tom: I noticed! Even the markets have both modern clothes and traditional fabrics.
Alina: Yes, many people still wear traditional clothes during festivals.
Tom: When is your next big celebration?
Alina: Next month. We celebrate the harvest festival. It’s called Nabanna.
Tom: What do people do during that?
Alina: We cook special food, decorate homes with flowers, and sing folk songs.
Tom: That sounds beautiful. Can tourists join?
Alina: Of course! Many areas have public events. I’ll take you!
Tom: I’d love that. It’s the best way to learn.
Alina: Culture is everywhere—in food, music, even how we greet each other.
Tom: I want to respect that. I’m still learning.
Alina: You’re doing great. Asking questions shows respect.
Tom: Thanks! This tour is the highlight of my trip.
Conclusion
Teaching conversations about culture and tradition in the ESL classroom opens the door to meaningful communication. These topics are rich, personal, and relatable. They give students the chance to practice real English that connects to their lives.
Whether you’re focusing on speaking, listening, or cultural awareness, these conversations help students grow in both language and understanding. They bring people together and make learning more engaging, fun, and practical.
Use these conversations to spark ideas, create discussions, and build confidence. Your students will not only learn English—they’ll use it to connect with the world.
FAQs about using conversations about culture and tradition in ESL class
1. Why should I use culture and tradition as a topic in class?
It helps students talk about real-life experiences, share personal stories, and learn about others in the process.
2. Are these conversations suitable for both beginner and intermediate levels?
Yes, we’ve included both A1 and B1 level conversations so you can choose what fits your class best.
3. How can I make these conversations more interactive?
You can turn them into role-plays, group readings, or use them to create short skits in class.
4. Can I use these as reading practice too?
Absolutely! They help students improve pronunciation, rhythm, and understanding of spoken English.
5. What skills can students develop through these dialogues?
They improve speaking, listening, vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and social language use.
6. How do I help students understand cultural references?
Pause the conversation and explain key ideas or ask students to share similar things from their own culture.
7. Can I use these conversations for writing practice?
Yes! Ask students to write their own similar conversations or reflect on their own traditions.
8. Do these help with confidence in speaking?
Yes, because the conversations are easy, real, and familiar. Students feel more comfortable participating.
9. How can I adapt these conversations for younger learners?
You can shorten the dialogues, use simpler vocabulary, and add visuals or actions.
10. What if my class is from the same culture?
Even then, students enjoy sharing different family traditions or views. You can also introduce global traditions for comparison.
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