©AFP
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- innovation /in-uh-VEY-shuhn /
- glow /gloh/
- initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/
- administration /ad-min-uh-STREY-shuhn/
- embrace /em-BREYS/
[noun] – a new idea or method
The company’s success was fueled by constant innovation in its product development and marketing strategies.
[noun] – continuous light and/or heat that is produced by something
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the warm glow of the campfire created a cozy atmosphere around the campsite.
[noun] – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem
The community’s initiative to improve local parks led to the creation of beautiful green spaces for residents to enjoy.
[noun] – the people in an organization who manage its business and operations
The school administration worked tirelessly to implement policies that fostered a positive learning environment for students.
[verb] – to willingly accept, support, or adopt something, such as an idea, change, or innovation.
The organization is actively embracing sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and adopting eco-friendly technologies.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand, on the evenings of November 27 and 28, 2023, the Loy Krathong festival unfolded with a fascinating fusion of tradition and innovation. This age-old celebration, known for illuminating the city’s canals and rivers with the warm glow of floating baskets, took a modern turn as children opted for virtual rafts instead of physical ‘krathongs.’ Approximately 3,000 digital versions were meticulously designed by participants, who created colorful drawings of ‘krathongs,’ scanned them into computers, and joyfully witnessed their creations projected onto the shimmering waters of the Ong Ang Canal.
The motivation behind this digital shift was clear: to tackle the environmental challenges posed by the traditional festival. The aftermath of Loy Krathong typically involved a messy cleanup, with canals laden with discarded physical ‘krathongs.’ Eleven-year-old Jirayada Surapant eloquently expressed the positive impact of the digital approach, emphasizing how it helps reduce both tree cutting and waste. Praised for its environmental consciousness, the initiative garnered attention, particularly among the younger generation. The following day, monks gracefully rowed boats across the city to collect physical krathongs, underscoring the collective responsibility needed to minimize waste and protect the environment. Simultaneously, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration introduced a forward-thinking strategy, encouraging the creation of digital krathongs to alleviate the growing environmental concerns surrounding the festival. However, despite the success of this digital initiative, the release of over 600,000 traditional floats into the waters highlighted the delicate balance between preserving cherished traditions and embracing innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
The motivation behind this digital shift was clear: to tackle the environmental challenges posed by the traditional festival. The aftermath of Loy Krathong typically involved a messy cleanup, with canals laden with discarded physical ‘krathongs.’ Eleven-year-old Jirayada Surapant eloquently expressed the positive impact of the digital approach, emphasizing how it helps reduce both tree cutting and waste. Praised for its environmental consciousness, the initiative garnered attention, particularly among the younger generation. The following day, monks gracefully rowed boats across the city to collect physical krathongs, underscoring the collective responsibility needed to minimize waste and protect the environment. Simultaneously, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration introduced a forward-thinking strategy, encouraging the creation of digital krathongs to alleviate the growing environmental concerns surrounding the festival. However, despite the success of this digital initiative, the release of over 600,000 traditional floats into the waters highlighted the delicate balance between preserving cherished traditions and embracing innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever participated in a traditional cultural festival, similar to the Loy Krathong festival described in the article? If yes, what aspects of the tradition do you find most meaningful or enjoyable? If not, would you be interested in experiencing such a festival based on the article’s description? Why or why not?
- In the context of environmental conservation, have you ever been involved in initiatives or activities aimed at reducing waste or promoting sustainability? If yes, what was your role, and what impact do you think those efforts had? If not, do the environmental considerations discussed in the Loy Krathong festival article inspire you to take part in similar initiatives?
- Did the article about the Loy Krathong festival in Bangkok, Thailand, inspire you to reconsider how traditional celebrations can evolve to address environmental concerns?
- How might the success of the digital initiative during the Loy Krathong festival influence the future of traditional celebrations worldwide, particularly in terms of balancing cultural preservation and environmental sustainability?
- Reflecting on the Loy Krathong festival’s digital approach, what potential challenges or criticisms might arise in adopting innovative solutions for traditional events? How can these challenges be addressed to ensure a harmonious blend of tradition and progress?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- minimize
- participant
- scan
- sustainable
- unfold