March 17 • Cultural Insight

Saint Patrick's Day

The global greening. What started as a religious feast for a British-born saint has become the world's most successful example of soft power. This lesson explores how a tiny island (Ireland) managed to export its identity to every corner of the globe and whether the plastic paddy (fake Irish) phenomenon is cultural appreciation or offensive stereotype.

Speaking Discussion

How can a small nation use a single day to become a global superpower of culture?
Is getting drunk on St Patrick's Day an insult to Irish heritage or its most famous tradition?
Why are people so desperate to claim '1% Irish' heritage in the USA and elsewhere?
Does globalising a holiday make it stronger or weaker in its home country?
Should fake cultural celebrations be banned, or is any interest in a culture a good thing?

Activity 1: The Brand Manager

The Task: You are hired by a small, unknown country to export its identity. Choose one holiday and one colour. How do you make the whole world celebrate it in 3 sentences?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is identity something we are born with, or something we can choose to adopt?

Key Vocabulary

Superpower (N) A very powerful and influential nation.
Stereotype (N) A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
Phenomenon (N) A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.
Appreciation (N) Recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.
Export (V) Send (goods or services) to another country for sale; also, to spread ideas or culture.

Fluency Catalyst

Native Phrase: When discussing impact, use: "To have the luck of the irish."

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