Conversation 1 – Badnjak and old trees Nikola: Did you know that the badnjak is not just a “piece of wood”, but an ancient symbol of life and light? Marko: Okay, but explain it to me logically: why oak in particular, and why do we burn it afterwards? Jelena: What I find interesting is that people still gather around the badnjak as if they’re renewing a covenant with each other. Nikola: Ever since the druids, they believed that a tree keeps the soul of a student, and the cuts

1. Where are we going this winter? Chiara: So, girls, where are we going for winter break this year? I'm tired of staying home. Sofia: I want to ski! Maybe in the Alps, in Italy? Giulia: And what if instead we go to the Balkans? I've heard there are beautiful mountains in Serbia. Chiara: Balkans? Interesting! But is it very different from Italy in winter? Sofia: Good question! Let's search online! 2. Italy vs. Balkans: What's the atmosphere like there? Giulia: So, I read that

1. Wow, It's the Future! You: Whoa, look at all these skyscrapers! It feels like I've landed in a sci-fi movie. Is everything this new? Friend/Parent: Pretty much! It's wild to think that 50 years ago, this was almost all just desert. You: For real? That's insane. Friend/Parent: Yep, the city grew super fast. Get ready to have your mind blown every single day. You: I'm so ready! This is awesome. 2. The Tallest of Them All: Burj Khalifa You: Is that... is that the Burj Khalifa

1. Getting used to Loznica A: How are you doing here in Loznica, are you getting used to it? B: Slowly, yes. We’re still trying to find the rhythm — everything is slower here than in Moscow. A: That’s normal. Here nobody’s in a hurry unless they have to be. B: I like that, there’s less stress. A: Just don’t get annoyed when someone says “sjutra,” it means the same as “tomorrow.” B: Haha, good, because we’ve already heard that three times today. 2. The heat A: Have you gotten

10 Short Conversations with Colleagues (B1 Level) Morning Coffee (Morning Ritual) Dmitrij: Good morning, Marko! Marko: Good morning! Want some coffee? We don’t start the day without it. Dmitrij: Sure, thanks! I see coffee is a very important ritual here. Marko: The most important! It’s the first 15 minutes for a relaxed chat before work. Dmitrij: I like this custom. (Context: In Serbia, sharing morning coffee at work is a very important social ritual. It’s an opportunity for

1) Tell us about yourself. A: “I’m a client-focused finance professional with 7+ years across brokerage and wealth management. I combine portfolio construction, markets research, and relationship management. My strengths are clear client communication, risk control, and turning analysis into action.” 2) What projects have you completed recently? A: “I led a LATAM HNWI onboarding project: migrated 40+ accounts to a unified advisory platform, standardized KYC/AML, and implement

1) Asking what’s on this week Traveler: Excuse me, what events are happening this week? Local: There are several—an art show, a food festival, and a river cruise concert. Traveler: Which one is closest to the Bund? Local: The river concert is right by the Bund promenade. Traveler: Nice! Do I need tickets in advance? Local: Yes, better to book online. 2) Lantern festival vibes Traveler: Are there any lantern festivals now? Local: Yes, in the old town they light lanterns every

1. — Are you looking at the sea again? — Yes, it’s like a mirror — it shows everything. — But to me it’s just blue. — Then your eyes are still resting. — And yours? — Mine are always working. 2. — Why are you photographing old houses? — They tell more than the new ones. — But they’re falling apart. — So are people. And they’re still important. — Do you think anyone will notice? — The one who needs to will notice. 3. — Why are you laughing at the doctors? — Because otherwise I

Client: Hi Alex, as you know, I live in Cyprus and I’m a Russian passport holder. Lately, it’s become much harder to move money around or invest internationally. What options do I have these days? Advisor: You’re right, the current situation is quite challenging, especially for Russian speakers in Cyprus. Many international banks have tightened their regulations, so transferring large sums can be complicated. However, there are still some strategies we can use. Client: What c

Scene: Three international students — Maria 🇮🇹, Hannah 🇩🇪, and Anya 🇷🇺 — are sitting in the university cafeteria after a joint seminar on intercultural communication. They’re sipping coffee and laughing about social norms in their home countries. Maria:So… tell me girls, how do people actually talk in youth groups in your countries? Because in Italy, we basically speak like we’re in an opera. Loud, dramatic, hands everywhere. You sneeze? Someone will write poetry about

Hello, my name is George, and I work in internet communications. I have moved to different countries and learned several new languages....