雅思大作文范文:G类 传统服饰

People in many countries do not wear their traditional costume. Some argue

that they would forget their history and tradition. Do you agree or disagree?

Traditional costume, both national and regional, is universally recognised as an

integral element of every single culture. Despite its importance to a culture and

ethnicity, it is now less frequently worn by people, at a time when Western

formal and informal clothes are rife（普遍的）. Below are a number of facts that

suggest the role of traditional costumes in protecting ethnicity and identity.

Wearing traditional costumes, first of all, reminds people of many distinct

characteristics of their culture. How people perceive their traditional costumes

shows the extent to which they are willing to respect and retain their cultural

heritage. In Vietnam, for instance, female office workers are generally required

to wear Ao Dai, a traditional dress ,as a custom being handed down from

generation to generation. It is a national symbol, giving millions of Vietnamese

a sense of ethnic identity, wherever they are. Besides, it represents cultural

values of Vietnam and shows the perceived position of females in a Vietnamese

society. Despite the success of Ao Dai（越南妇女穿的长袍）, it is a rare example

in today’s world, where most of the traditional costumes have been

marginalised（边缘化） by Western-style business suits. People see national

costume only in theatre, film and TV.

Another point to support the importance of traditional costume is their

presence in many social settings. Traditional costumes are required on many

occasions, either formal or informal. Generally, they come in two forms: one for

everyday occasions, the other for festivals and formal wear. Both have cultural

meanings. For example, in many societies, a considerable number of traditional

costumes evolved specifically for the wedding ceremony, and the wedding

couple, as well as guests, are expected to wear traditional clothes, a symbol of

eternity（永恒） and solemnity（庄严）. Traditional dresses in most cases differ

in styles and vary according to circumstances. For example, in China,

ceremonial clothing tends to be dark while lighter-coloured clothing is very

often reflected in the way of life of a society, the role of traditional costumes in

a culture is undisputed.

Traditional costumes are therefore, worthy of people’s concern and should be

preserved; however, it does not necessarily mean that one should wear

traditional costumes all the time. People wear clothing in general for functional

reasons. Traditional costumes are of cultural and social importance but might

not suit every circumstance. For example, exercise clothes are needed when

people participate in physical exercise and play sports. Western-style suits are

used more broadly on formal occasions where people of different cultural

backgrounds gather for serious issues, such as business. Dressing in a standard

manner is a demonstration of respect, the key to mutual trust.

As shown above, the costume, as a distinctive style of dress of a particular

people in a particular country, should be distinguished from the wardrobes

people are wearing every day in ordinary settings. Failing to maintain the

unique characteristics of traditional costume of a country will surely cause

destruction on the integrity of a culture.