La Quinceañera (Mexico)

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Exercise 1

Vocabulary

herald

Verb

ˈher.əld

to signal that something good is about to start

This discovery heralds a new era in the field of experimental physics.

conservative

Adjective

kənˈsərvətɪv

not approving of change; motivated by traditional values

I work for a very conservative company that has strict rules.

People in this small farming town are very conservative.

liberal

Adjective

ˈlɪbərəl

having a broad worldview; accepting of change and progress

San Francisco is known as a very liberal city.

Liberal thinkers have a more open mind than conservatives.

His views on the economy are quite liberal.

Our country's government is controlled by a liberal party.

digress

Verb

daɪˈɡres

to steer away from the main topic or subject of conversation or writing

I'd like to digress from this topic to give you some more historical background.

pastel

Adjective

pæsˈtel

pale or soft; of colors mixed with a lot of white

Pastel colors were very fashionable last year.

keepsake

Noun

ˈkiːp.seɪk

a small sentimental gift, usually an inexpensive one, given to someone as a token of remembrance

This coin from Norway is my keepsake.

Exercise 2

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your tutor.

Alejandro invites his colleague Jessica to help him choose a present for his sister's 15th birthday. They start discussing their countries' customs and traditions related to this event.
	Alejandro Would you like to come with me to the mall? I have to buy some gifts for my sister. Her 15th birthday is next week and it’s a huge event for us.
	Jessica Really? It’s similar in our culture, too. People usually place a lot of importance on 16th birthdays.
	Alejandro Ah yes, I think I know about that. It’s the same with our celebration, La Quinceañera. It heralds a girl’s transition to adulthood. Traditionally, it used to mark the first time that the girl would get to wear make-up and jewelry.
	Jessica Well, I guess it's quite different nowadays. I doubt that girls don’t wear any make-up or jewelry before they turn fifteen.
	Alejandro True. And, parents are not as conservative nowadays either. They’re more liberal and give their children more freedom. But I digress. Can you help me with the gifts?
	Jessica Of course. What did you have in mind?
	Alejandro Well, she likes pastel colors, so I was thinking of buying her some light-colored clothes. And, I need to get her a small doll as well. Dad is supposed to give it to her as part of the ceremony. This is actually an old Mayan tradition. The girl needs to give up her last doll, which signifies giving up her childhood and reaching maturity.
	Jessica It must be so disappointing to give the doll away; it would make a great keepsake!
	Alejandro You’re right. I never thought of it that way before!
	Jessica Well, I hope your sister has the time of her life and I'm sure that the memory of this celebration will be an enduring one. Anyway, let's get going!

Exercise 3

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences.

I don’t like his speech at all – he keeps from the main topic!

That politician had very views at a time when society was not open to reform.

The development of computers a new era in the movie industry.

I love the colors of this room!

This is one of my most beloved !

Richard Nixon was a very politician.

Answer Pool (Questions 1-6)

liberal
keepsakes
conservative
heralded
pastel
digressing

Exercise 4

Discussion

What do you think about this type of celebration?

Do you have any similar celebrations in your country? Can you describe some customs?

Do you remember your 15th or 16th birthday celebration? What was it like?

Why do you think it is important to celebrate the transition to adulthood?