Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What foods remind you of your family or your culture?
- What habits do you think make food preparation more sustainable or respectful to the environment?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- nomination /nom-uh-NEY-shuhn/
[noun] – the act of officially suggesting someone or something for a position, award, or recognition
The nomination for the city’s art award included several young painters who showed strong talent. - accredited /uh-KRED-i-tid/
[adjective] – officially recognized or approved as meeting a certain standard
The accredited language center offered programs that were accepted by many international schools. - migration /mahy-GREY-shuhn/
[noun] – the movement of people or animals from one place to another
The migration of workers to the city changed the local economy and created new job opportunities. - aspect /AS-pekt/
[noun] – one part or feature of something
The teacher explained each aspect of the project so students could understand their tasks clearly. - preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/
[noun] – the act of keeping something in good condition or protecting it from harm
The preservation of old photographs helped the family remember its history.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Italian cuisine received global attention on December 10, 2025, after UNESCO added the traditions of preparing and sharing Italian food to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The announcement was made during a committee meeting in New Delhi, where UNESCO examined cultural practices from different regions. The decision highlighted the cultural rituals linked to Italian cooking, including family meals, intergenerational learning, and strong regional food customs. Italian representatives stated that the listing reflected the importance of cuisine in national identity. The nomination also noted Italy’s focus on sustainability, seasonal ingredients, and reducing food waste, which supported the committee’s approval. Experts said these elements demonstrated that Italian food traditions represented a deep form of cultural heritage.
The recognition also showed how culinary practices can influence economic activity and social life. After the 2017 listing of Neapolitan pizza-making, accredited training schools expanded quickly, showing how international recognition can support education and tourism. Officials explained that Italian cuisine has significant regional variety shaped by migration and history, making it distinctive in global food culture. Analysts added that shared dining routines help strengthen relationships, identifying this as an important cultural aspect. UNESCO also reviewed how Italy documents and protects its food practices and noted a comprehensive approach to preservation. Italian cuisine now appears with other recognized food traditions, including the French gastronomic meal and culinary customs from Senegal, Brazil, and Spain, reinforcing the global importance of safeguarding cultural knowledge linked to food.
The recognition also showed how culinary practices can influence economic activity and social life. After the 2017 listing of Neapolitan pizza-making, accredited training schools expanded quickly, showing how international recognition can support education and tourism. Officials explained that Italian cuisine has significant regional variety shaped by migration and history, making it distinctive in global food culture. Analysts added that shared dining routines help strengthen relationships, identifying this as an important cultural aspect. UNESCO also reviewed how Italy documents and protects its food practices and noted a comprehensive approach to preservation. Italian cuisine now appears with other recognized food traditions, including the French gastronomic meal and culinary customs from Senegal, Brazil, and Spain, reinforcing the global importance of safeguarding cultural knowledge linked to food.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What cultural rituals linked to Italian cooking were highlighted in the decision?
- What did Italian representatives say the listing showed about cuisine?
- What practices did the nomination note to show sustainability in Italian food traditions?
- What did experts say Italian food traditions represented?
- Why did officials say Italian cuisine has strong regional variety?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever learned a cooking skill from someone older, like the intergenerational learning in the article? If so, what did you learn, and how did it help you? If not, what cooking skill would you like someone to teach you?
- Have you ever eaten food that reminded you of your childhood or family? If so, what memory did it bring back? If not, what kind of food do you think could give you a special memory?
- Do you agree that food traditions should be protected so future generations can learn them?
- Why do you think UNESCO wants to protect cultural practices like cooking and family meals?
- How can reducing food waste, as mentioned in the article, help both culture and the environment?