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Arranged
Marriage
Enam talks about
marriage in
1
Bangladesh.
Katia: Hey, Enam, I've
heard that in Bangladesh
there are still arranged
marriages. Is that true?
Enam: Yes, it is true. We
still have arranged
marriages but the number of
arranged marriages is
declining these days
because students, or even
you can say (the) young
generation don't like this
custom anymore. They want
to choose their own bride or
groom by themselves, but
yeah, we still have this
arranged marriage in our
villages where the bride
doesn't know the groom and
the groom doesn't even
know the bride. Their
parents just arrange the
marriage and introduce
them for two days or a few
weeks, they just get to know
each other, maybe just little
talks ... then they just get
2 married. Everything starts
after the marriage.
Katia: Wow! That is so
interesting, but what about
you? How do you feel about
it?
Enam: Actually, I have
decided not to go for an
arranged marriage, and I
3 have already talked with my 5 against the parents and
mom and she said, " OK,
you can choose your own
Go online for the slide show, interactive quiz, and free downloadable MP3 of this interview: www.elllo.org : Interview #953
bride" ... but tell me Katia, marriages in Mexico. But
what would you do if you Enam, I'm very curious, how
were in Bangladesh and you do arranged marriages
had to do arranged happen? How do they
marriage? Suppose you are work?
in Bangladesh. You are a
Bangladeshi girl and your Enam: Well, it's kind of
parents are asking you to interesting I think because
marry a guy they choose for the match makers often
you. study about the family
backgrounds, their values
Katia: Well, I would really and they perceptions,
trust my parents that they everything, and when they
would choose the best thing see that this two peoples
for me, however if I would have the same, kind of,
meet somebody else before values, and they share the
they did, I would probably same level of
want to choose my own understanding, then they
husband, but then it would talk with the parents and
also be interesting to always both the man and
understand my parents and woman has a chance to talk
because I know they would about the values and how to
want the best thing for me, think about the lives and
4 but it's a little bit difficult that then they decide
question. whether to get married or
not.
Enam: So, Katia, do you
have arranged marriages in Katia: That is so interesting.
Mexico? Or you don't have?
Katia: Actually, not really.
Mexican boys, Mexican
girls ... they fall in love and
many times actually they go
actually that's common in
the movies. So, no arranged
 elllo.org
Summarize
Take notes as you listen or read the interview on the left side of the paper. Then write
complete sentences to summarize the story in your own words. The first one is done.

Part 1: It is true that in Bangladesh there are still

Bangladesh, arranged marriage arranged marriages. They donʼt happen as

true but declining, young people much as they used to because young people
donʼt like this custom anymore. However, when
meet for a few days it does happen, the parents choose the bride
and groom and they have a few days or weeks
to get to know each other before the wedding.

Part 2: ______________________________________
Enamʼs thinks that... ______________________________________

talked with mom ______________________________________

______________________________________
choose his own bride ______________________________________
______________________________________

Part 3: ______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

Part 4: ______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

Part 5: ______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Go online for the slide show, interactive quiz, and free downloadable MP3 of this interview: www.elllo.org : Interview #953
 elllo.org
Start a Conversation: ANSWERS

Match the following questions with the responses.

1. Have you ever tried online dating? _____ Actually, I think my mom would
pick someone good, but all my dad cares
about is money.

2. Donʼt be sad about her, there are _____ Of course people can be very
many fish in the sea. attracted to each other, but how can they
know enough to really love instantly?

3. If your parents wanted to choose your _____ My parents are very religious so
marriage partner, would you trust them? they would definitely say no, but I think it
is a good way to get to know someone.

4. How many times have you been in _____ No way! Itʼs crazy to spend all that
love? money just for a big party.

5. Do you believe in love at first sight? _____ A lot of girls like to hang out at the
outdoor mall.

6. Do you think itʼs ok for couples to live _____ I know that there are many other
together before they are married? girls, but she was perfect!

7. How long should a couple be _____ No, I have to meet someone face
“togetherʼ before they decide to marry? to face, not on a computer.

8. Are you going to have a big, traditional _____ Iʼve was in love once, but I donʼt
wedding? think she loved me so much.

9. Where is the best place to meet girls _____ Itʼs ok only if you have a really
around here? good hiding spot.

10. Do you think itʼs ok to keep pictures _____ If both people know what they
of old girlfriends even when you are want in life, then a few months is
married? enough, but if they are immature, then a
few years.
Go online for the slide show, interactive quiz, and free downloadable MP3 of this interview: www.elllo.org : Interview #953
 elllo.org
Keep the Conversation Going
Keep the conversations going and then ask a follow up questions.

A: I donʼt think I could be happy in an arranged marriage.

B: You might be surprised. A lot of them are happier than in

marriages where you can choose your partner.

A: Well, I would hope that my parents would choose someone who _______________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(Write a question here) __________________________________________________?

_______________________________________________

A: Do you think people who are single are happier than people who are married?

B: Personally, I think people who are single are happier.

A: Really? I think ________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(Write a question here) __________________________________________________?

Go online for the slide show, interactive quiz, and free downloadable MP3 of this interview: www.elllo.org : Interview #953
 elllo.org
Start a Conversation: ANSWERS

Match the following questions with the responses.

1. Have you ever tried online dating? 3 Actually, I think my mom would pick
someone good, but all my dad cares
about is money.

2. Donʼt be sad about her, there are 5 Of course people can be very
many fish in the sea. attracted to each other, but how can they
know enough to really love instantly?

3. If your parents wanted to choose your 6 My parents are very religious so they
marriage partner, would you trust them? would definitely say no, but I think it is a
good way to get to know someone.

4. How many times have you been in 8 No way! Itʼs crazy to spend all that
love? money just for a big party.

5. Do you believe in love at first sight? 9 A lot of girls like to hang out at the
outdoor mall.

6. Do you think itʼs ok for couples to live 2 I know that there are many other
together before they are married? girls, but she was perfect!

7. How long should a couple be 1 No, I have to meet someone face to

“togetherʼ before they decide to marry? face, not on a computer.

8. Are you going to have a big, traditional 4 Iʼve was in love once, but I donʼt
wedding? think she loved me so much.

9. Where is the best place to meet girls 10 Itʼs ok only if you have a really good
around here? hiding spot.

10. Do you think itʼs ok to keep pictures 7 If both people know what they want
of old girlfriends even when you are in life, then a few months is enough, but
married? if they are immature, then a few years.

Go online for the slide show, interactive quiz, and free downloadable MP3 of this interview: www.elllo.org : Interview #953