【Nic先生の英語ブログを読もう！】Reflecting on a summer in the Old World

Hey there everyone!

I’m back from the Old World!

It’s November, and I want to take a moment to explore a fascinating phrase: “old world.” I spent my summer in the ‘Old World’, so I thought it would be fun.

What does “old world” mean?

What does “old world” mean? Have you ever heard the term “old world”?

It’s a classic phrase that evokes images of a time long past, often associated with Europe before the modern era. The “old world” typically refers to the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, especially in contrast to the “new world” of the Americas. In my case, I was in Europe, which is definitely what Canadians think of when they hear this phrase.

Old World Charm

The phrase “old world” is often used to describe something with a sense of nostalgia and charm.

For example, you might hear someone say, “This town has an old-world charm,” meaning it has a quaint, timeless quality that reminds them of a bygone era. This could be due to the architecture, traditions, or even the slower pace of life.

Old World vs. New World

In historical contexts, “old world” and “new world” are used to distinguish between the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and the Western Hemisphere (the Americas).

This distinction became particularly significant during the Age of Exploration when European explorers discovered the Americas, leading to a new era of global interaction. That means me, as a Canadian!

Old World Traditions

Many traditions and customs that we consider “old world” have been passed down through generations.

These might include culinary practices, festivals, and even ways of thinking.

For instance, the Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on olive oil, fresh vegetables, and seafood, is often described as having old-world roots.

Why the fascination with the Old World?

There’s something inherently appealing about the idea of the “old world.” It conjures up images of cobblestone streets, ancient castles, and a slower, more deliberate way of life. In our fast-paced modern world, the “old world” represents a connection to history and a simpler time.

In particular, Canada is a really young country, so we don’t have the same architecture or feeling of history in our cities. Whenever we visit Europe, we really get a sense that we can ‘feel the history’, unlike the brand new cities back home.

For me, there’s something so quaint about walking through the narrow back alleys of a European city, and tripping over their cobblestone streets.

That being said, have you ever tried riding a bike on cobblestone? It’s a nightmare!

How about you?

Do you have any favorite “old world” traditions or places?

Maybe there’s a family recipe that’s been passed down through the generations, or a historic site that you love to visit. I’d love to hear about your connections to the “old world.”

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this exploration of the phrase “old world”!

Take care and enjoy the rest of your November!

※大人気Nic先生の英語ブログ、過去の記事をもっと読みたい方は、こちらからどうぞ！

フルーツフルイングリッシュで英語表現の楽しさ感じてください 。初めての方には英作文添削チケット2回分をプレゼント。
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Nic

日本の小中学校で英語を教えるALT講師Nic先生は非常にユーモラスな先生です。台湾でも英語を教えていました。どこでも適応できるのがNic先生が自慢ができること。「肉先生」と読んで欲しいとたまに呼びかけられるかもしれません。こんなコミカルで愉快なNic先生から楽しく英語指導を受けませんか？
座右の名”The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.”