One of the authors of an article you will read writes, "To sit down to the ordinary fare eaten by rich and poor alike in a small [Asian] village is to touch many continents and historical moments." In some ways, the history of a nation can be told at the dinner table. Indian bread made from African millet might be served with red chilies from Central America; Chinese soy sauce flavors a stir-fry and might be followed by a French style pastry in Vietnam. Both India and Vietnam represent areas where Asia's and the world’s foods, utensils, spices, and modes of preparation and consumption blended. Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist traditions have left their mark on eating customs. Regional differences often reflect the cultural and geographic diversity of the society.

You and your partner will be assigned topics about food in either India or Vietnam that reflect the diversity of these societies, their secular and religious traditions, and their connection with other parts of the world. Use what you have learned to create and present a poster depicting three of the assigned topics for your country.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Fishmongers at a periodic urban market, Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam

• What does this photograph reveal about the eating habits of Vietnamese?
• What can you assume about the freshness of these fish?
• What can this picture tell us about the geography of Vietnam?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research factors influencing the types of food eaten in your assigned society and the manners of preparation, serving, and consuming those foods. Focus on the influences of other cultures, the geography of the society, and the role of religious beliefs. Remember that your presentation will need to include specific facts from your readings.

Use the 3-Column Table to organize your notes as you read. Put one of the three assigned topics in each of the column headings. Write specific details and facts that connect to those topics in the appropriate column. Decide on the content, style, and design of your poster.

Create your poster. You should include written explanations and visual elements depicting distinct features or examples relating to your topics; you may choose to illustrate these scenes or fashion a collage out of magazine cutouts. Remember to focus your poster on factual details about your culture's food. When prompted by your teacher, present your poster to the class.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your writing:

• Did you produce an eye-catching and creative poster?
• Did your poster include specific facts and details about your topics?
• Was your presentation engaging and informative?
• Did you demonstrate appropriate tone and conduct during your presentation?