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YEAR ABROAD TALES: A Reflection on Being LGBTQIA Abroad Grace Whitaker Friday, 18 March 2022 This time in the Year Abroad Tales we hear from Grace as she tells us her experiences as a LGBTQIA student on a year abroad and her advice for others like her. Firstly, I’d like to preface this article by saying that I identify somewhere between bisexual and lesbian, but I’ll usually just say I’m gay. Although I am openly gay, I haven’t personally ‘come out’ to the majority of readers of this magazine, so this acts as an easy and convenient way for me to come out. My experience of being LGBTQIA abroad has differed vastly. Before starting my year abroad, there was not one part of me that considered that living in France and Spain as an openly gay woman would be at all different to that of England. Other countries like Russia or those in South America? Of course. But Western Europe? Surely not, right? I spent the first 3 months of my year abroad working in a medium-sized town called Annecy, approximately 40 minutes from Geneva and the Swiss Border, very close to the Alps and their ski resorts. It is a stunning place to live: surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and lake, it often felt like a fairy tale. It was also an incredibly rich and conservative area that inevitably incurred equally conservative attitudes and opinions. Although France legislatively maintains secularism, I knew that the Catholic church is prominent and has a firm homophobic standpoint. But since gay marriage was legalised over 8 years ago, I (maybe naively) did not believe that my sexuality would be problematic. View of Lake Annecy That was until I arrived and began working in Annecy. After a fairly seamless first couple of weeks, I was chatting with my boss and we ended up discussing the topic of marriage. Now, I had not really suspected my boss of having homophobic views, but I decided to take the plunge and ask him how he felt about the legalisation of gay marriage in France. His response was this « Je crois pas que les homosexuels devraient se marier ou avoir les enfants. » (I don’t think that homosexuals should marry or have children). An intense wave of panic hit me. He then continued by saying that for him, it was better for a child to be raised by a single parent than two parents of the same sex. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This man had no qualms in sitting in his office delivering a hate speech. From that point onwards, I proceeded to act as ‘straight’ as possible when it came to work, primarily dressing more feminine. The eyebrow slit had to grow out, my cargo pants and chain were left at home. I even had a call with the Year Abroad team later to explain the situation I found myself in. I have to say they were incredibly supportive and understanding, they most definitely reassured me. Unfortunately, views like this were not confined to the older generation. There were people of my age who held a similar level of homophobia. For instance, I met a girl who, in all seriousness, asked me whether I thought it was the ‘natural’ instinct for a woman to sleep with a man. Or there was a guy who told me I simply couldn’t be gay since I didn’t look like the lesbians he had seen in the past. Even to this day, I can’t believe I encountered such conversations. Having paused and realised that this article has become rather depressing, I will say that a) I did in fact meet some wonderful people in France who without a doubt helped me forget about all of this and b) it does get better. On the topic of getting better, let’s move on to Spain. At the time of writing, I have been living and studying in Valencia for a little over a month and it has been incredible. I had always assumed that my experience in France and Spain would be similar but the difference in attitudes here is startling. I walk around and see pride flags hanging from balconies. There is an amphitheatre and benches painted in the colours of all the different pride flags. There is a rainbow heart stuck on the door of my faculty. There’s a popular gay club that hosts drag shows. I happily hold hands with the girl I’m dating without receiving stares or comments. I feel comfortable, safe, and accepted here. It’s liberating. Amphitheatre in Valencia, with the steps painted in rainbow colours. I will say that whilst my experience in France has been tainted, I certainly did not let it ruin it. If anything, it gives me something to joke about. But for any LGBTQIA members reading this article who are on their year abroad or about to embark upon it, I know it can very mentally exhausting to not always be living your true, authentic self. Do not hesitate to reach out for support. My DMs are always open. If you'd like to share your unique experience of a year abroad, get in touch with us on Insta (@lingomag_) or send a submission into lingo.magazinesubmit@gmail.com ! About the Author Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Barcelona’s must-visit Cocktail Bars Rosie Loyd Images provided by Grace Whitaker. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Living Abroad France Spain Grace Whitaker LGBTQIA Categories: Travel Year Abroad Tales Feature Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Foreign Film in the Face of Western Commercialism Francesca Beaumont Tuesday, 6 December 2022 Francesca gives a short exploration into the logistics of English-speaking Filmmaking in comparison to Foreign films In a society that prioritises constant media consumption above all else, the cultural significance of foreign cinema is more important than ever. A certain commercial element plagues the English-speaking films we consume so offhandedly. This is because for a film to be popular enough to be hosted by cinemas it must follow what is known as the four-quadrant system of film production. That is, for a film to be deemed ‘worthy’ of having companies' money funnelled into it, it must appeal to at least two of the four quadrants: Males under 25’s, Females under 25’s, Males over 25, Females over 25. This fiscal phenomenon is at the epicentre of contemporary western films and acts as a major block in creating something with real artist autonomy and integrity. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the leading example of this loveless disregard of the creative. Clark for Business Insider noted that “In total the MCU has earned more than 25 billion dollars worldwide, making it the biggest movie franchise.” Films amassing this level of wealth are never curated by the creative with experimental liberty, but rather via large corporations churning out the same formulaic, hero beats bad guy narrative that appeals to all four major quadrants. This specifically western need to constantly align the narrative to the most stable path of revenue is also apparent within the western casting process. From nepotism babies to influencers, our film industry commonly casts actors, not on merit or talent, but rather on which celebrities can generate the highest revenue. A topical example of this is Harry Styles, who monopolised on his musical fame to push himself into the film industry. In Geoffrey Macnab’s review for The Independent of Don’t Worry Darling (2022. dir. Olivia Wilde) he claims that “Styles gives a surprisingly dull and low-wattage performance.” That is “Nowhere near as captivating as the tabloid frenzy surrounding it.” The fiscal incentive is not completely alien to foreign film franchises, but it is a recognised truth that other film industries operate on a less capitalist ethic. It can be argued that foreign films have the space for more profound plots to be explored. Take, for example, Drive My Car (dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi. 2021) and Decision to Leave (dir. Park Chan-Wook. 2022), both contemporary foreign films that rail against our formulaic plot and thus treat their audiences as people capable of dissecting intricacies that many of our films do not allow us to explore. Time and time again foreign films are overshadowed by the release of something less authentic, but English. In Bong Joon-Ho’s (Dir. ‘Parasite’ 2019) Oscar Speech he claimed that “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” By actively engaging with films outside the scope of western cinema you expose yourself to a wider range of perspectives, plots, and personalities. This is not to say that there is no enjoyability factor within our films, but more to suggest that a wider scope of artistic expression is stifled and not achieved under our current commercial system of filmmaking, and we should consider foreign films as something just as worthy of consumption. About the Author Encanto: The Deeper Meaning Behind Disney's Award-winning Latino Film Mhairi MacLeod An evening of 'Santi' Emily Brown Foreign Film in the Face of Western Commercialism Francesca Beaumont Copyright free images via Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Francesca Beaumont Film Hollywood Foreign Film Cinema Categories: Culture Analysis Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

English BA < Back Saskia Johnson I have always enjoyed reading and creative writing! Upon coming to uni, I developed a particular interest in the study of linguistics which I find helps me to analyse texts and even write my own. Lingo gives me the opportunity to become a better writer and discover what it's like to be a journalist, writing about the things I am passionate about. Latest Articles by this Author The Language of Lies: Exposing the Unreliable Narrator 18/03/25

Our top 5 tips for keeping on top of your Chinese Rosie Loyd Tuesday, 22 March 2022 Whilst learning a language can often be rewarding and exciting, you will most likely find yourself struggling from time to time. They are a commitment, but the more you put in, the greater progress you’ll make. Our Current Affairs Editor, Rosie Loyd, a 3rd year Spanish and Mandarin Student, takes you through her top 5 tips for keeping on top of your Chinese knowledge – both the language and cultural-awareness. The Chairman’s Bao Launched in 2015 by three friends who all studied Chinese at UK universities, The Chairman’s Bao (TCB) is the perfect resource for students on the hunt for material to complement their Chinese language degree. Depending on your HSK level, you can adjust the difficulty to see what latest news stories have been hitting the headlines. Once on an article, you can listen, read, instantly learn new words with their in-article dictionary, and afterwards complete grammar and comprehension exercises. TCB also has an app, so it is great for studying on the go! They have also just begun a series called ‘Frank Talks’ in which articles are discussed in Mandarin and students can listen in to different opinions on certain topics. Most UK Universities should have a subscription, so check with them before you sign up. Coursera: Peking University Courses Looking for an online course to help you prepare for an upcoming HSK exam? Look no further than Coursera, a platform providing many courses covering a variety of topics. Peking University offers several brilliantly detailed and organised courses for a variety of different HSK levels. Split into several 10 minute videos targeting listening and reading skills, each week has a manageable work load for you to fit into your daily life. HSK 3: https://www.coursera.org/learn/hsk-3 HSK 4: https://www.coursera.org/learn/hsk-4 HSK 5: https://www.coursera.org/learn/chinese-for-hsk5 Chinese Ear Gym Whilst HSK exams can be tricky, they do not need to be! A huge part of passing these exams comes down to whether you know your vocab or not. A great way to get your ear in tune for the HSK 4 exam is with the podcast Chinese Ear Gym. Available on Spotify, host Zhini Zeng talks through 10 characters at a time and gives examples of sentences in which they might appear. Tandem Having discovered this during lockdown, it was useful to have some native Mandarin speakers with whom I could practise. Tandem is a language exchange platform, available in app and web app format. Begin chatting with language learners from all over the world, depending on where you search for, and soon enough you will find yourself deep in conversation with a new pen pal! Given there is a lot of freedom on this app to chat with whoever you want, it is a great way to make friends if you ever plan to travel and practice your language. Be warned, however, as you might find yourself bombarded with messages within minutes of opening an account – I certainly did! Chinese Whispers Hosted by The Spectator’s Broadcast Editor, Cindy Yu, Chinese Whispers is a brilliantly accessible podcast for anyone interested in the China of today. Focussing on a different topic each week that has recently reached the news, Cindy interviews specialists and professors, gaining different perspectives on current and interesting Chinese Affairs. I absolutely love how much she breaks down the issues into digestible and simple terms. From reviewing the history of China, to discussing why the Chinese like to drink so much, it is a brilliant and informative podcast that all students working towards a Chinese-related degree should access. Chinese Whispers is available on the Spectator website as well as on all the usual podcast providers. About the Author 5 podcasts to help you improve your French Niamh Woodhouse The economic value to the UK of speaking other languages: realistic or idealistic? Rosie Loyd Our top 5 tips for keeping on top of your Chinese Rosie Loyd Copyright free images via Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Rosie Loyd Chinese Tips Language Learning Podcasts Culture Categories: Language Tips Language and Linguistics Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

Physics < Back Scott Froggatt Scott is a Physics student and the 25/26 Language Editor. Latest Articles by this Author An Interview with Kate MccGwire: Quiver 05/12/25

7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Millie shares with us some amazing reasons to visit the Dominican capital, a jewel of a city in the heart of the Caribbean! Santo Domingo is a Latin American metropolis brimming with historical sights, natural beauty, and a vibrant music scene. Located on the island of Hispaniola, east of Haiti, the Dominican Republic was the first settlement of the New World, and its capital city, Santo Domingo, was founded by the Spanish in 1496. It’s a beautiful blend of Latin and Caribbean culture and a fantastic city to explore. Wander colonial-era cobbled streets The best place to stay in Santo Domingo is the Zona Colonial (the Colonial Zone), which is a historical district of cobbled streets, colourful houses, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. Most tourists never leave the Zona Colonial! Here you can find the first cathedral of the Americas (Catedral Primada de América) and the first paved street of the Americas (Calle Las Damas). A stroll down Calle Las Damas will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage site Alcazar de Colon, a colonial palace with beautifully preserved interiors, Renaissance artwork, and quaint courtyards. Calle Hostos in the Zona Colonial [image description: the top of a street, with colourful houses and parked cars on either side of the cobbled road. The pavement descends steep steps and at the end of the street a white church is visible, photo credit: Millie Adams] Learn about indigenous culture Whilst exploring the charming streets of the Zona Colonial, it can be easy to forget about the indigenous people of the island and the significant conflict caused by colonialism. Before 1492, Hispaniola was populated by the Taíno people and many Dominicans today have indigenous ancestry. To learn more about pre-Colombian history, visit the Museo del Hombre Dominicano and Museo Prehispánico. Both museums offer insights into indigenous history and African heritage to better understand Dominican roots. Dance to bachata, salsa, and reggaeton Most Dominicans love to dance and every night, in the capital, bars are full of people enjoying Latin dance and music. In fact, at any time of the day, the streets are filled with music and you are never too far from a colmado (local corner shop) blasting Marc Anthony or Dominican-born El Alfa. The Zona Colonial is the safest area for bar-hopping and nightlife, I can recommend Bar Parada 77, Rox, Safe Zone Lounge, and Merengue Club. Drinks are cheap at 300 pesos for a cocktail (around £4) or try one of the local beers, Presidente and Bohemia. There is also a free music outdoor concert at the San Francisco ruins courtesy of Grupo Bonyé who perform merengue and jazz every Sunday from 6pm till late. The Sunday night concert at the San Francisco ruins [photo description: a large crowd is gathered to watch a music band performing in front of the ruins of an ancient monastery which has been illuminated by colourful lights, photo credit: Millie Adams] Relax on Caribbean sands In the Caribbean, you’re never too far from palm trees, white sand or crystal-clear water. Santo Domingo is no exception and it’s easy to escape the energetic city and relax at a nearby beach. Boca Chica is 15 miles east of the capital and is a crowded stretch of sand that has a reputation for becoming a party spot after dark. However, during the day, you can visit the bird-inhabited mangrove or give scuba diving a go. If you venture past Boca Chica, you’ll find a picturesque section of coast known as Juan Dolio, including beautiful beaches such as Playa Dorada and Guayacanes. Explore tropical caves On the east side of Parque Mirador del Este, you can find a series of large caves in the Los Tres Ojos (“The Three Eyes”) National Park. A winding staircase takes you to three iridescent blue lagoons that are fed by an underground river and surrounded by impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The caves had been used by indigenous people for religious ceremonies and have more recently been used as a set for films such as Tarzan, Jurassic Park III, and Oro Y Polvo, to name a few. Today, you can feel like an explorer by visiting the furthest lagoon, which can only be accessed by a small raft pulled across via rope for a small fee of 30 pesos. Ride the Caribbean’s 1st urban cable car For the best views of Santo Domingo, take a ride on the city’s recent addition to its transport network – the teleférico , Dominicans use it to avoid the heavy traffic at rush hour, but it has also become a unique attraction for tourists. Return tickets are available for as little as 50 pesos and you can visit all four stations that connect more than 23 districts. The gondolas pass directly over Los Tres Brazos, where the city’s two spectacular rivers converge into one estuary. View from the Santo Domingo’s cable car [photo description: bird’s-eye view of a residential area of the city with cable car line above, photo credit: Millie Adams] Taste local cuisine If you’re looking for a good local meal, there are plenty of options on Calle El Conde in the Zona Colonial, ranging from fine dining around Parque Colón to cheap family-run comedores and pica pollos. I can recommend Mix Empanadas for a cheap bite (must try their chocolate and ricotta empanada and fresh juices) and Restaurante Lucía which is a little more expensive (but worth it for the live music and cocktails). More nice restaurants can be found on the Plaza de España overlooking the Alcazar de Colon. If you’re looking for vegan food, Time Plant-Based Journey does amazing Latin-inspired dishes including nachos and quesadillas. Dominicans also have a sweet tooth, and the Zona Colonial is full of ice cream stalls and dessert shops, where you can try chinola (passion fruit) flan or dulce de tres leches. For a unique dining experience, El Meson de la Cava is a distinguished restaurant that is tucked underground in the natural limestone caves under the city. Historically, the cave was used for storage by US soldiers but was converted into a restaurant in 1967. Tables are surrounded by stalagmites and El Meson de la Cava is known for its excellent local cuisine with Spanish and French influences. Overall, Santo Domingo is a unique mix of Caribbean and Latin cultures. It’s an exciting city that is rich in historical architecture and delicious food and drink, as well as its tropical wonders of caves and beaches. You won’t want to leave until you’ve mastered bachata dancing! About the Author 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Millie Adams. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Caribbean Island Santo Domingo Food Culture Millie Adams Categories: Travel City Guide Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Spanish and International Media and Communication < Back Karen Ucha Lima Karen is a travel fanatic, they always have some crazy adventure in mind. They love to take pictures and explore different places. They currently speak 3 languages, Lingo Magazine is the perfect place to combine their love for travel, learning languages and share all her cultural background. The best way to learn is from each other. Latest Articles by this Author

International Media and Communications < Back Emma Burnett Emma is our Editor in Chief for 2024-25. She is a third year International Media and Communications student and aspiring journalist. She loves being a part of Lingo as it allows her to combine her passion for arts, cultures and languages with writing articles. Latest Articles by this Author New Nosh: Six Fresh Food Spots Landing in Nottingham 26/09/24 Banksy Cut and Run Exhibition: Review 07/11/23 The Beeston Film Festival: Highlighting the Truths of Womanhood in Film 08/05/24 Staycations: What Does the UK Have to Offer? 26/03/24 The Language Taking Over the World: English as a Lingua Franca 26/01/24

Spanish and Contemporary Chinese Studies < Back Chris Stankley Chris is a fourth-year Spanish and Chinese student. In his free time, Chris likes to listen to foreign language music and cook vegan food. Latest Articles by this Author An Intro to Taiwanese Music 29/11/22

French < Back Bella Fatherley Bella was one third of our 2022/23 Welfare Team. Bella is an experienced Peer Mentor, and understands the importance of reaching out and talking to people if ever you feel yourself struggling. Bella is currently on her year abroad in France, we can't wait to hear what she gets up to! Latest Articles by this Author

French Studies < Back Chloe Brewster Chloe is a final year French student who has studied abroad in Strasbourg and wants to share her experiences of travelling - including as a solo female - in Europe. She is particularly interested in French culture (if there is a fine arts museum around, she will find it!), but living in Strasbourg has exposed her to other cultures (German, Swiss, Luxembourgish, you get the gist...). Latest Articles by this Author Is sustainable travel possible during your year abroad? 16/11/22 How to ace being a solo female traveller 27/10/22 How to travel cheaply during your year abroad 15/08/22 Why you should visit Strasbourg 23/05/22

Hygge: Danish cosiness, happiness and comfort Emily Dawson Thursday, 23 February 2023 The Danish word hygge has taken over the world, transforming into a lifestyle that people strive to incorporate in their lives. But what does it actually mean? What is this lifestyle all about? The Danish noun hygge , pronounced hoo-guh, and adjective hyggelig , pronounced hoo-guh-lik, have spread across the world. But what do they actually mean? And how have people outside of Denmark integrated this word into their lives? A difficult word to define, hygge encapsulates the "quality of being warm and comfortable that gives a feeling of happiness" . However, the word connotes so much more than that. Imagine yourself in your favourite cosy pyjamas, hot chocolate in hand, sat in front of the fire in a room lit only with candles listening to the rain bouncing off the windowpanes. The feeling you get in this setting is the typical way to describe hygge . Originally used to describe a specific setting or atmosphere, hygge is now used in common every-day language. The term is related to all things positive, creating a misunderstanding about when to use the word. Typical Danish uses of the word includes “it was so hyggelig to see you” “what a hyggelig home you have!”. Explained to me by a Danish friend, the hygge lifestyle that has spread across the rest of the world, has not been reciprocated in Denmark. It remains just an extremely common word to describe positive aspects of life which are not sought out to be created in Denmark. It seems Danes simply often find themselves within hyggelig atmospheres. Interestingly though, the word seems to have been adopted by different cultures, creating a lifestyle that has taken the world by storm. Beyond Denmark, hygge has taken on its original meaning to describe a certain setting or atmosphere, which people now strive to achieve within their homes and their everyday life. Along with the spread of the lifestyle came books, games and even candles; all with the intention of informing you how to create that perfect hygge atmosphere. One of the most popular is The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way To Live Well , written by Meik Wiking, the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. The book includes photographs, recipes and ideas to help you develop a more hygge lifestyle. Some of the top tips to create a hyggelig home include surrounding yourself with friends and family, using a neutral colour scheme, having a comfortable and warm fire-lit atmosphere and lighting up your house with candles and fairy lights. Reports have shown that hygge reduces stress , improves emotional well-being and is beneficial for physical and emotional health. This explains why people are so drawn to the hygge way of life, the calming and relaxing nature of the atmospheres surrounding hygge mean that people can’t get enough. Perhaps this is the reason why the Danes are considered some of the happiest people in the world. Imagine a cosy night in with your friends, cooking dinner and watching films under blankets. Having a dinner out with family and friends, the room full of laughter and positive vibes. Or spending the day with family at the park with a BBQ sizzling and kids playing on the grass. All these things are hyggelig and are so much more common than we realise. With the knowledge of what it is, you will start to notice when you’ve had that hyggelig experience. Maybe you will even start to adopt this Danish-inspired way of life yourself. About the Author Recipe of the Week: Shakshuka with Merguez Emily Dawson Recipe of the Week: Chicken Curry Emily Dawson Recipe of the Week: Vegan Pasta Bake Emily Dawson Copyright free images via Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Emily Dawson Denmark Cosiness Lifestyle Hygge Categories: Cultural Guide Culture Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE