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University of Nottingham Alumnus < Back Hui Liu Hui Liu is an alumnus from the School of Education. She joined the Rambling and Hiking Society during her study at the University of Nottingham and developed her interest in hiking. She explored the Peaks, the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and some other outdoors. She believes the world is always worth exploring, just as human potential is limitless. She speaks Mandarin Chinese, English, Thai, and is currently learning French. 谢谢！Thank you! ขอบคุณค่ะ Merci beaucoup! Latest Articles by this Author

French Connection: An Interview with a True Parisian Part 2/2 : The Long Five Years Jess Henrys Friday, 26 August 2022 Welfare Secretary Jess continues her interview with born-and-bred Parisian, Stella, to gain an inside perspective on President Macron and what the next five years could look like for France. Read part one here. We had talked about some lighter things - Paris, places, people, pastries – but a cloud hung over the conversation. The elephant in the room was the President. Well, not the president himself, but Macron’s re-election to the French presidency just a month before was still present in people’s minds, especially in a room full of students. I broached the subject with Stella. J: Shall we talk a bit about politics? S: Yes, let’s talk about it from my very left-wing French perspective! [laughs] No no, I will try my best to be objective in my answers. J: Well, we’ve seen the election in the past month [24th April 2022]. Can you share some of the general thoughts and feelings in France before the election, that you saw or that you heard? S: There was a lot of tension, and sadly, a lot of anger. I think that most French people don’t find what they need or what they want in French politics. Macron has been elected at like, 58 percent… it’s very low against the far right. But actually, he was elected by, like 30 percent of the French people, the rest of them haven’t vote or have voted far right. There are a lot of people who are feeling abandoned or not listened to. It explains the rise in racism or homophobia or these things. Macron was re-elected with a majority of 58.55% of votes, versus Marine le Pen’s 41.45%. It is a narrower margin than his victory over her for his first term in 2017, and with a turnout of only 72% (the lowest in over 50 years), left-leaning individuals like Stella are naturally worried. S: I think the media aren’t being fair, which is a dangerous thing to say, but I think they are doing a bit of sensationalisme. There has been some analysis of which parties had access to tv interviews and magazines. The far-right had, like, 40 percent of it and the far-left was not listened to at all. It has been very discredited because the far-right has the shock factor and such a huge audience. I believe so many more people voted for them because it was all they saw. There is a sense of injustice in France from a lot of people, which I think is fair. It’s justified. J: How do you think those sentiments have changed after the election? S: I think a lot of people are resigned, like, let’s go for five more years of this. This is going to be a long five years. J: What do you think the next five years will look like for France? S: Like the last five years. A rising in disparities between French people who are just going to want to attack people more. A rise in violence towards women and homophobia and… Macron knows that he is a president for the rich and it’s just going to get worse. He does some things right, I’m sure, but he has to make things better. National hospitals are so poor, for example. There was recently a professorial concours – the exams taken to become a teacher – and they’re lacking almost 100 professors in each subject. A lot of schools will be lacking teachers and not be able to teach properly because the teachers are treated so poorly by l’État. They are not well paid, the conditions are awful, they don’t get to choose where they work or anything. This is going to be a long five years. night falls over Paris, photo taken of the lights of the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides dome, as seen from the Montparnasse Tower J: How does this differ in the Outre-Mer? (French overseas territories) You have family there, can you tell us a bit about those places? S: I think the main difference is that the people don’t really see themselves attached to France. Very often, legislation doesn’t apply in the same way there than here. For example, during Covid, we had a curfew, and theirs lasted a lot longer than ours did, but their restaurants reopened before ours. It’s different because it’s so far away. Back there, my aunt has lived [in La Réunion] for a while and adopted the Créole lifestyle. People call France La Métropole, as if it’s another country, it’s not really home. I would say that they have a lot of grievances. The Outre-Mer is marked by the remnants of colonisation, and they are discriminated against in a few things. Life there is very expensive. Groceries mostly come from France, and they don’t really access their own products there. People are poorer but the cost of life is higher. But I feel like, because it’s Créole, it’s like… they help each other out all the time. I think maybe it’s a trait of poorer populations, so I don’t want to fetishise it, but it’s a beautiful way of living. This is La Réunion - I don’t want to speak for other parts of the Outre-Mer because I know that some of them are very angry towards La Métropole. La Réunion… it’s okay… even though there’s obviously lots of problems. Where I come from, it’s annoyance but not anger. J: Thank you for talking about these things. If you were running for President, what politics would you make? S: [laughs] I don’t think I should ever be President. I think I’m rather a violent person and I would be so annoyed at all the hardships of politics and the negotiating and everything. I would go crazy. I would probably say some very rude things towards people I should never ever be rude to! J: And just to confirm for the record that all opinions expressed have been the opinions of one Stella Cabaret and not of the whole of France, or of this language magazine. S: Obviously! I do not mean to speak for all French people, everything I have said has been mine and mine only and not objective, of course. J: Well, thank you for sharing those thoughts with us! S: It was a pleasure. Stella sits in the window of my Paris apartment in her signature blue denim jacket and holds up a peace sign [end of interview] For more information on the French presidential elections, and how they work check out a comprehensive article by our editor-in-chief, Niamh, here . [all photos by Jessica Henrys unless stated otherwise] About the Author During her year abroad, Jess spent a semester in St Petersburg, Russia. According to Jess, when she first arrived, she barely knew a word in Russian and felt completely overwhelmed, but the city soon revealed its delights to her, and it became a home. She hopes that by sharing some of my Russian experiences, other travellers to the city can be comforted, and learn to love it as much as she did. Jess also jetted off to the French capital so she certainly had an incredible year abroad! Jess also has experience of being a Peer Mentor and is very knowledgeable about the university’s Support Services. She’s got a lot of enthusiasm to bring to this role! Jess was one third of our 2022/23 Welfare Team. A l’isoloir: what you need to know about the French Elections Niamh Woodhouse "El silencio de otros": 45 years of the Amnesty Law in Spain Aidan Cross French Connection: An Interview with a True Parisian Part 1/2 : The City of Lights Jess Henrys Images provided by Jess Henrys. 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: Jess Henrys France Politics Macron Elections Categories: Interview Global Affairs 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

Misinformation vs Disinformation – what’s the difference? Rosie Loyd Sunday, 27 March 2022 These two words have been cropping up in news stories over the past few weeks. In this article, Current Affairs Editor, Rosie Loyd, breaks them down to find out what the difference is, whilst considering potential causes and consequences. When Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022, it reached headlines all over the world. The coverage of this event has been constant, but not all of it has been reliable. It’s not just war, however, that has sparked an increase in the spread of incorrect information – Covid-19, Black Lives Matter Protests, Presidential Elections, The Royals, and Natural Disasters are all other examples of major events instigating a major dissemination of information which is not always accurate. The two words, ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ are increasingly becoming household terms. The colloquial phrase ‘fake news’ has been around for several years, and whilst not wholly different to the meaning of ‘dis-’ and ‘misinformation’, it more broadly signifies false and misleading news without indicating whether this was its original purpose. Do not be confused with former US President Donald Trump’s unique interpretation of the phrase - he frequently coined the term for news he simply did not like. In one conference, Trump, pointing to a reporter, responded “you are fake news”. The two words in question in this article, however, have a very subtle difference, primarily relating to the initial intention of the news spreader and the validity of the content. Misinformation is the spread of false information, regardless of intent to mislead. Social media sites such as Facebook are constantly spammed with misinformation, with users sharing fake news stories, simply because they think them to be real. Recently, whilst scrolling through TikTok, live video streams were supposedly depicting cities in Ukraine, when in fact, it was later found out that this was a video taken years before in a different country. By the time the videos were proven inaccurate, they had already gone viral. Disinformation, on the other hand, is the deliberate spread of false information. It is often employed by governments in the shape of propaganda to protect their legitimacy, or by certain organisations to generate profit from the number of visits on a website. A prime example of disinformation can be seen in the 2016 presidential election when Russia invoked bots on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, , to spread propaganda in favour of Donald Trump. The consequence of such omnipresent deceit online is that news is becoming decreasingly trustworthy. With the rapid development of technology at an all-time high, this is a problem that is only going to grow. The best way to make sure you continue to absorb accurate information is by relying on respected organisations and by checking their sources. If a story seems too good to be true, it most likely is. About the Author As a keen Spanish and Chinese linguist, I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to share contemporary and engaging stories with readers. I love discovering surprising news stories that don’t always reach the headlines and finding a way to present them in a digestible and relevant fashion. Rosie spent her year abroad in Barcelona and Taiwan. You can read about her incredible experiences here on Lingo Mag! Rosie was our 2022/23 Current Affairs Editor. A Reflection on Tensions in Ukraine Jessamy Guest Lunar New Year in a Covid-19 world Rosie Loyd Misinformation vs Disinformation – what’s the difference? 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 Fake News Trump Ukraine Russia Social Media Categories: Global Affairs 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

An evening of 'Santi' Emily Brown Monday, 7 November 2022 A review of the concept film 'Santi' and an insight into the Q&A session with the director and executive producer. A look into why everyone should see this film. On Tuesday 11 October, University of Nottingham students and associates were privileged to welcome Harry Richards, writer & director of the short film, Santi, and David Sierra-Márquez, executive producer, to the university for a Q&A and screening of the short film. The feature-length version of Santi is to be filmed between the UK and Colombia in 2023. Santi is a British-Colombian film that tells the story of Santi, Jon Gutierrez, a young Colombian trying to find his feet in a country that is not his own, battling with a new language and culture. The opening scene places our protagonist at a dinner party in London accompanied by his girlfriend, amongst others. Halfway through the scene, Santi receives a phone call, followed by a voice note, from his mother back in Colombia. Not only does the film highlight the difficulties of assimilating to a new way of living, but also the strength of the connections that migrants have with those they left behind. The transformation from complete discomfort at the dinner party, to the joy and unconditional love felt for his family, is cleverly depicted with sound – the noise of a party that he doesn’t understand in the background of a conversation with his mother and family back in Colombia. Santi speaks to all those who have left their home countries in search of something more, as it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics of language barriers, micro aggressions or immigration. “Santi speaks to all those who have left their home countries in search of something more…” The Q&A was a valuable 45 minutes that gave the listeners a chance to put both the film and the work of Harry and David under the microscope, allowing a peek into the process of filmmaking, funding and the magic that goes on behind the scenes. One of the key messages that Harry conveyed throughout the session was the importance of being passionate about the project and finding a motivated team who all wanted to see their ideas come to life. Despite the difficulties encountered in finding filming locations and deals falling through, their vision was executed with skill, care and sensitivity towards the subject matter. What I, along with many of my classmates were previously unaware of, was the intense process of storyboarding that took place every time a new filming location was found. Harry explained how the team learned from previous mistakes, and how they carried these lessons onto the next phase of the filmmaking process. Setbacks, in many senses, added more fuel to their fire to achieve the project. He explained how he integrated both his own experience from his time in Colombia during his year abroad and the expertise of his Colombian colleagues, alongside whom he was able to realise the vision for the film. Santi provides an insightful critique of our own culture that should be shown to audiences everywhere. It is a charming and authentic inspiration for all that challenges preconceptions about those who have taken the leap to live in a foreign country. The importance that it places on authenticity throughout means that, within ten minutes, it captures the mixture of emotions felt when moving to a new country. It provides a warm embrace around the Latin American community who have made a life for themselves in a country that isn’t their own. The film possesses a certain power in making people feel that they are seen and that their stories are being heard, with Santi as the figurehead of the community. It’s both challenging and heart-warming, as it emphasises the power that familial love has as a source of comfort. The highly anticipated full-length film will begin production soon across the UK and Colombia. About the Author Emily is a Spanish and International Media student, who loves anything to do with Spanish/ Hispanic culture. She feels that writing for LingoMag is a great way to combine her interests for writing articles and languages! 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 Images provided by and published with permission from Santi. 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 Brown Film Santi Screening Hispanic Cinema Categories: Culture Review 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

Exploring the hidden treasures of Wales Bethan Beddow Thursday, 15 December 2022 In this article, Bethan reveals underrated places around Wales. These are places that are magical, peaceful, aesthetic and contribute massively to Welsh culture and history. Wales is a magical country of just over three million people, and I am one of the fortunate few to be a part of this number. Unfortunately, such a small country may slip under the radar when people think of beautiful places to visit. There are so many whimsical locations in the land of the dragon that I believe should be shown to the world. Let us begin with my family’s hometown, Chepstow or Cas-gwent (its Welsh name). The bustling town of Chepstow fuses the ancient and modern cultures of Wales and possesses an ideal image for many visitors. Significant spots include the extensive Chepstow Port Walls: these are medieval remnants that stretch far and wide across the town and remind many of the striking Welsh past that fights to remain relevant today. Another incredible landmark is the Chepstow Castle, a grandiose and preserved fortress that boasts at least 900 years of history. As a child, I visited the castle countless times, pretending I was a stubborn princess or chivalrous knight as my family led us through stone rooms. However, if you’d rather explore the modern parts of Chepstow, don’t hesitate to hit the high street with its picturesque boutiques and handsome sculptures. The town truly succeeds in providing entertainment for its visitors and is steeped in so much history that it will make any historian happy! Another idyllic part of Wales is Tenby; by far one of the top hidden treasures in this country. Tenby is located further west than Chepstow, in Pembrokeshire. It encapsulates Welsh natural beauty, with glowing, sandy beaches and the fairy tale harbour brimming with rainbow-coloured houses. Despite being a tourist attraction, Tenby retains its individual identity: the Welsh name is Dinbych-y-Pysgod (Little Fortress of the Fish), and this poetic phrase makes sense when exploring the harbour. Watch out for all the fish! Furthermore, Castle Beach shows again the beautiful history of Wales as visitors can sightsee the ancient Tenby Castle whilst sunbathing. Tenby Castle was built in the 12th century, but sadly it has fallen into ruin over time. The old castle walls are still present, however, and they are an important attribute of Tenby. Wales is a vastly important land, known not just for its archaic history but for its natural beauty. It will always be a place to escape to when Nottingham city life gets too much and allows me to reunite with my culture on a profound and personal level. Wales symbolises ‘cwtch’ for me; the Welsh word for a special sort of hug which cannot even be translated properly into English. Ultimately, it is a word that comforts us and gifts so many people the sense that they’re home again. About the Author Bethan, an English with Creative Writing student, has a passion for writing, specifically writing about things close to her heart, such as underrated Welsh culture! 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Exploring the hidden treasures of Wales Bethan Beddow Images provided by Bethan Beddow. 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: Bethan Beddow Wales Castle History Beach Categories: Culture Cultural 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! 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

Students Protest the (Western) World Over Holly Cromwell Saturday, 25 May 2024 Student protests in the US in support of Palestine have grabbed international media attention, both from traditional new outlets and through the slow seep of videos in the TikTok ecosystem. The role of student journalists and social media in local and global politics has never been quite so clear. Holly explores this and examines the ongoing events. Student protests in the US have gained international attention. Whether it be through traditional news or the slow seep of videos within the TikTok ecosystem, I’m sure almost everyone is aware of the ongoing situation. The role of student journalists and social media in local and global politics has never been quite so clear. What may not have been so clear, however, is that the students in Universities of Atlanta, Yale, Havard, New York, North Carolina, Columbia and Mississippi, as well as so many others, were not alone for very long – as students from all over the world have come together to protest in support of Palestine against the Israel-Hamas war. Student protests have sprung up across the globe: the famous Science Po and La Sorbonne in Paris, as well as Lyon, in France; Leipzig in Germany; Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich in Switzerland; and Trinity College in Dublin. And, since the 11th of May, our very own Nottingham Students for Palestine have set up camp outside of the Advanced Manufacturing Building on Jubilee campus, asking, like many other protesters, for their university to cease affiliations with Israel. Not all student protests take the form of encampments like the ones we have seen in the UK and US: some are occupations, sit-ins, marches, or simple demonstrations. Despite this variety, the protests all seem to be on the same intensity across the continent. Police have been involved across Europe, with 86 people arrested at La Sorbonne, Paris, and 169 in Amsterdam, where students created barricades out of university furniture around their encampments to push back against police. Students were arrested at many of these protests, but some countries have had more measured reactions than others. Where in the US, the police were seen using teargas and pepper balls on unarmed students (making the University of Arizona now infamous on social media), those in Amsterdam used batons to charge students and smash their tents. As a breath of fresh air, however, in Belgium, the prime minister Alexander de Croo, has said that if he were their age, he would have joined them. In the UK, Rishi Sunak has called vice-chancellors of British universities to an emergency meeting at Downing Street, to discuss these university encampments and alleged “rising anti-semitism” on campuses. His message to those protesting was: “The right to free speech does not include the right to harass people or incite violence.” Some of those same vice-chancellors have since accused him of inflaming the situation, although one took the opposite stance. Hundreds of staff members from Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh have signed open letters claiming solidarity with these students, echoing the chains of faculty members protecting student encampments at New York University. Something not highlighted enough in articles on the subject is that although these protests erupted through April and May, they are set to continue towards the end of June in some places. Whilst student activists protest, student journalists cover the events at the risk of their own safety, particularly in those campuses facing institutional violence. Many of those campuses that have seen these encampments have also experienced certain levels of police violence used to disperse them, though most not on the level of Arizona. Most countries have their own term calendar, but, given the relative ubiquity of the summer holidays, this is a universally anxiety-inducing time for students. With exam seasons and graduation periods looming, the protests have already caused significant impacts. Whilst there’s a long history of student protests, (protests at Oxford and Paris date back to 1209 and 1229 respectively, from before English even resembled English), any society committee knows that it is difficult to motivate students to do anything at this time of year. The fact that these protests are not only global, but are continuing despite the efforts of the institutions and the police, as well as the slow grind of grades and expectations, is pretty remarkable. An incomplete list of campus protests for Palestine in Europe alone: Austria: Vienna Belgium: Gand, Brussels, Liège, Anvers (the free university of Brussels and the Catholic university of Leuven) Denmark: Copenhagen Finland: Helsinki Germany: Berlin, La Freie Universität de Berlin, (the other large campus of the German Capital) Dresden, Leipzig and Brêmen. Greece: Athens Ireland: Trinity College Dublin Italy: La Sapienza, Milan, Naples, Turin, Bologne, Padoue Netherlands: Amsterdam, Maastricht, Nimègue, Eindhoven, Utrecht, Groningue, Leiden Norway: Bergen Portugal: Lisbon Spain: Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, Pampelune, Bilbao, Séville. Sweden: Lund, Stockholm Switzerland: Geneva, Bâle, Berne, Fribourg, Zurich UK: Newcastle, Leeds, Lancaster, Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, Goldsmith, Kings College London, Nottingham, Bristol, Warwick, York, London School of Economics, Queen Mary School of London. About the Author Holly was our 2023/24 Culture Editor. An English and French student, Holly is interested in languages and cultures, with a particular interest in film. For her, writing for Lingo is a way to enjoy this further and be a bit more purposeful with her interests, find and share new things! 'A Victory for Feminism': How France Made the Right to Abortion Part of its Constitution Charlie Bodsworth Cannabis Legalisation in Germany Olivia Marshall Ladies Lounge: The Story of One Man’s Entitlement and Why That’s The Point Holly Cromwell 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: protest student international global affairs Holly Cromwell Categories: Global Affairs 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

On Mange du Local Eleanor Curtis Friday, 9 February 2024 French food culture benefits producers - how can we in Britain learn and start to back British farming once more. Having spent time in France as part of my degree, I was struck by one major difference between France and England. The French care about where their food comes from. I’m not talking about opinions I have heard on the echo-chamber that is my For You Page, or even about advertisements or opinion pieces in French news. The people around me cared about what they ate. Where I was living was in Limousin country , and anyone interested in commercial livestock knows what that means: beef. And the local people routinely bought beef from Limousin cattle raised within the old region that gave the breed its name. They even drank Limousin milk. Furthermore, the Saturday morning market was always bustling with locals wanting to buy fresh produce from local farmers that were known to the community. Every item was labelled with its town or commune of origin. Even in supermarkets eggs were labelled with the town in which they were laid – which was never more that 30km away. Growers and Éleveurs (livestock farmers) in France are afforded something very important – an engaged consumer. This leads to thriving rural communities where welfare and quality are prioritised. People are willing to pay what producers deserve – often aiming to buy directly from the farmer. This is in direct contrast with my general experience in the UK, where even in specialised greengrocers or ‘farm’ shops it is near impossible to work out where exactly your food comes from, or indeed if it’s even British. People here are trying; my social media feeds are full of producers aiming to sell locally and show people where their food comes from. But this is in face of a public conditioned to look for the cheapest produce possible – often at the detriment of quality, and always at the detriment of the rural economy. The market is flooded with cheaper imports – leaving British producers to fend for themselves, or take a price well below that which they deserve. But its not simply about locality or about money. The French eat with the seasons. They do not use summer veg all year round. Granted, France benefits from a warmer and drier climate than we have here, meaning food can have a longer season. However, recipes and food cultures are directly dictated by the time of year. This seasonality is missing from the way that we eat in the UK, which necessitates the import of ingredients that can’t be grown in the British winter, such as Peruvian mangetout or Spanish butternut squash. These are both items that can be grown here in the UK, but they are not year-round produce. One final aspect of the French Food Culture which requires examination is the importance of variety. The supermarkets even carried local delicacies which were different as I travelled around the country. Notably, local cheese varieties took pride of place on the shelves and were only available in the regions they were made. The diversity of food that existed across the country was fuelled by buyers looking for their local delicacy, allowing producers to sell for higher prices. My region was also famed for goat’s cheese – and producers of goat’s milk often sold direct to the consumer or cheesemaker at local markets. Contrastingly, here in the UK the market is dominated by cheddar types, which are mass produced and frankly not so good – leaving dairy producers no choice but to sell wholesale. We even import French cheese when we want something special, despite the UK being home to hundreds of delicious local varieties. Not only does the French food culture benefit health and reduce food miles, it also directly helps producers. The agriculteur (farmer) is an important figure in French society, whereas we have largely lost sight of the people who produce our food. Perhaps we should learn from the French and learn where our food comes from, back British farming, and start to love farmers again. About the Author Eleanor was Lingo's Treasurer for 2023-24. She is very interested in cultures across the world, and how languages and history influence these. She loved being a part of Lingo Magazine, a collaborative community showcasing all the elements of language and culture that our world has to offer! 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys A Taste of the Mediterranean in Nottingham: Review of Yamas Beth Walker 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: Agriculture Farming Food France French 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! 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

Spanish and Portuguese < Back Jessamy Guest Jessamy is a languages student learning Portuguese and Spanish. She was drawn to Lingo Magazine because it seemed like a great combination of appreciation of languages and cultures and an opportunity to write specifically about current events. She is particularly interested in the goings-on in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries but also global issues and international relations. The workings of the world endlessly fascinate and bemuse her. Latest Articles by this Author A Reflection on Tensions in Ukraine 15/02/22

A Story Told in Seasons: When Life Gives You Tangerines charts love, loss and family on Jeju Island Isabelle Monteiro Tuesday, 23 September 2025 A spoiler-free review of Netflix Korea's latest heart-warming and nostalgic romance When Netflix released When Life Gives You Tangerines in the spring of 2025, expectations were high. With actors IU and Park Bo-Gum headlining and Jeju Island as a cinematic backdrop, the series teased a light-hearted romance tinged with emotional weight and the tear-jerking moments, typical of a Korean drama. However, as the weeks in March passed, audiences were instead treated to something much richer — a tender, slow-burning story spanning five decades, bringing the quiet complexities of life and human connection to the screen. Written by Lim Sang Choon, who is also known for her work on Fight For My Way (2017) and When the Camellia Blooms (2019), When Life Gives You Tangerines quickly garnered both critical acclaim and audience affection. Predominantly set on Jeju Island, the series follows two romantic leads – Oh Ae-Sun (played by IU), and Yang Gwan-Sik (Bo Gum). Oh Ae-Sun, a fiercely independent “Literary Girl” who dreams of becoming a poet, falls in love with Yang Gwan-Sik - a stoic, yet deeply loyal and devoted young man. Told through a non-linear narrative, the drama frequently shifts between the characters’ youth and their later years. The older actors, portrayed by Moon So-Ri and Park Hae-Joon, ease viewers into their characters’ later lives with seamless, heartfelt performances, quietly affirming that while time may weather the body, love endures unchanged. IU also takes centre stage as she once again showcases her versatility and depth by playing both the young Ae-Sun, and her daughter, Park Geum-Yeong. Released in episodic quarters, the drama’s central storyline explores themes of community, love, family, and grief as Ae-Sun, Gwan-Sik and their children navigate the difficulties of life amid financial hardship and loss against Korea’s changing political and economic landscape. As the drama stretches across three generations, it is little wonder that it highlights the sacrifices that parents make and the hardships they endure to successfully raise their children. Its poignant reflection on parental devotion resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of familial relationships, and the series is filled with profoundly moving lines such as “Parents only remember what they couldn’t give, while children only remember what they couldn’t receive.” Audiences are also given a glimpse into the oppression and discrimination faced by women, as Korea’s social changes are mapped on the lives of the various female characters and the expectations placed upon them. Lim Sang Choon takes her time in letting her characters breathe, their relationships unfolding naturally. For some viewers, particularly those who prefer punchier and action-filled scenes, the pacing might seem glacial at times. However, those willing to invest their time are rewarded with immense emotional resonance. The drama makes the most out of every minute, and each scene delivers either a beautiful and thought-provoking message, or a contemplative life-lesson. And although Geum-Yeong’s story occasionally took centre stage, nothing could eclipse Ae-Sun and Gwan-sik’s resilience and romance as they perfectly embody the Korean title for the series, Thank You For All Your Hard Work (Jeju: 폭싹 속았수다), in their efforts to build a better life for their children, and for each other. At its core, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a charming and compelling narrative that captures the essence of the slice-of-life genre, depicting the highs and lows of everyday life in ways that are both distinctly Korean, yet universally relatable. As it reflects on finding sweetness in life amidst the bitterness, this unforgettable drama is sure to induce both laughter and tears in those craving something soulful, poetic and quietly devastating. About the Author Hailing from Malaysia, Isabelle is a final year English student with a passion for food and the arts. She views Lingo as an opportunity to explore her interests in culture and travel, as well as to develop her writing skills. Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World Vicki Mileson Violeta by Isabel Allende: One Hundred Years on the South American Continent Mhairi MacLeod The Rise of Foreign Language TV Holly Cromwell Images courtesy of Netflix, Pan Entertainment, Baram Pictures and K-Entertainment. 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: Culture review Korean Foreign TV Love Isabelle Monteiro Categories: Culture Review 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

Les règles de vie en France - Dos and Don'ts of Living in France Ellie Price Sunday, 20 March 2022 To celebrate French Language Day, our Social Sec, Ellie shares her tips for living in France in our first foreign language article Vivre à l'étranger est une expérience tellement génialissime ; vous explorez tellement de nouveaux endroits, essayez une variété de nouvelles choses et vous trouvez une partie de vous-même que vous ne saviez pas qui était là avant - cliché, je sais ! Mais c'est 100% vrai, comme je l'ai trouvé moi-même. Cependant, parmi l'excitation, il y a aussi des sentiments de doute, comme vous ne savez pas à quoi vous attendre. J'ai donc compilé une courte liste de choses que vous devriez et ne devriez pas faire pendant votre séjour en France pour vous aider. Les choses à faire -Essayez de parler le plus de français possible, même si ce n’est pas parfait, les françaises apprécient l’effort ! -Voyagez, embrassez la culture et visitez autant d'endroits que vous le pouvez, c'est le moyen optimal d'obtenir la meilleure expérience et vous n'aurez peut-être plus jamais l'occasion. Je suis allée à Marseille, Bordeaux et Toulouse en un mois, ce que je n'aurais pas fait si je n'avais pas vécu en France. -Essayez la nourriture différente - et le vin ! Même si vous n'aimez pas le vin habituellement, essayez-le, vous pourriez changer d’avis ! J'ai trouvé que le Saumur blanc est divin. -Sortez de votre zone de confort. Rejoignez un club ou une salle de sport, sortez seul pour un repas, peu importe, faites quelque chose que vous ne feriez pas d'habitude, c'est une façon de rencontrer des gens et aussi de prendre confiance en vous ! Les choses à ne pas faire - Attendez-vous à tout comprendre tout de suite. Je ne pense pas que votre niveau de français à l'université soit important, discuter d'un sujet défini chaque semaine et parler français en France sont très différents. Donc, au début, cela ressemble au français que vous pensiez connaître, vous ne le saviez pas. Ce n'est pas pour vous effrayer de vouloir partir à l'étranger mais cela vous dit que c'est normal d'avoir l'impression de ne rien comprendre du tout au début, car vous apprenez si vite et finalement votre niveau de français sera tellement meilleur revenir qu'il ne le fera quand vous arrivez. Ce qui, je suppose, est le but de notre année à l'étranger. - Manger seulement des baguettes, quelque chose dont je suis très coupable ! Oui, ils sont délicieux, et oui, ils sont très addictifs, mais essayons d'autres nouveaux aliments ! -Stress. Il est facile de se sentir anxieux et de laisser la peur d'être à l'étranger prendre le pas sur votre expérience, mais ne le laissez pas, car sinon vous ne profiterez pas au maximum de votre séjour à l'étranger. Tout le monde a de mauvais jours et il ne fait aucun doute que vous en aurez quelques-uns mais assurez-vous de profiter des bons jours et de penser aussi positivement que possible ! -Oubliez de dire en toute sécurité ! Il est important de s'amuser et d'essayer de nouvelles choses, mais toujours en sécurité, restez sur des routes bien éclairées, faites savoir à vos amis si vous rencontrez quelqu'un, vous connaissez l'exercice. -Et enfin, n'oubliez pas de vous amuser et de documenter votre expérience, qu'il s'agisse de prendre une photo rien que pour vous ou de créer une page/blog/vlog Instagram pour partager votre expérience avec tout le monde ! Ce sera une expérience que vous ne voudrez pas oublier ! J'espère que cela vous a prodigué des conseils utiles et a aidé à réduire les soucis de votre année à l'étranger ! Bonne Chance ! About the Author Ellie speaks both French and Spanish, so will feel right at home as part of our committee full of talented linguists. During her year abroad, Ellie spent two months on placement in Saumur, France and then travelled to Paris for a further two months! Ellie is extremely outgoing and sociable, and was our 2022/23 Social Secretary. Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Ellie Price. 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: French Language France Tips Living Abroad Ellie Price Categories: Travel 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

Why you should visit Strasbourg Chloe Brewster Monday, 23 May 2022 Chloe, who is studying abroad in Strasbourg, wants convince Lingo readers why this Alsatian city is the perfect study and work destination, as well as why la capitale européenne is a must-see in your travels of la belle France! For my year abroad, I decided to spend both semesters at the Université de Strasbourg. At first, I wondered if I had made the right decision because most French students have worked or studied in two different cities. But living in Strasbourg has been the best decision and I couldn’t be happier to have become an adopted Strasbourgeoise since beginning my study abroad adventure last September! The best of both worlds – France and Germany (and Switzerland etc…) Strasbourg is a distinctively unique French city by being situated a mere two miles away from the German border, specifically the German town of Kehl. Throughout the year, I have frequently travelled on the tram to Kehl, mostly because grocery shopping is significantly cheaper across the border and the food selection there is amazing, especially haferbrot , a seeded and oat-based bread which is literally soul food for me (one cannot only live off baguettes!). Crossing the bridge between Strasbourg and Kehl Strasbourg is also located close to other German cities and towns, such as Stuttgart, Baden-Baden (a gorgeous spa town with some fantastic museums) and even Munich. Back in February, I hopped on a coach from Strasbourg to spend a magical weekend in Munich which I didn’t even think would be possible until I arrived in Strasbourg and realised that it is truly la capitale européenne – you can even take coaches going all the way to Prague or Vienna from Strasbourg! Schloss Nymphenburg in Munich – a golden and sparkling feast for the eyes! Aside from Germany, you can also travel on the regional Grand Est TER train to Basel, the third biggest city in Switzerland. I have gone there twice, once to visit its Christmas market and a second time in March which truly showcased its beauty against the breath-taking backdrop of the Rhine. The river also runs through Strasbourg and perhaps explains why I can never resist taking pictures of the stunning rivers and lakes in Strasbourg itself! River Rhine, Basel, Switzerland And if you thought that Switzerland and Germany were enough, you can also reach Luxembourg (via Metz) and even Belgium (via Luxembourg) from Strasbourg without resorting to air travel. Strasbourg is therefore an eco-friendly but culturally diverse and rich city to live and study in! An important European city Strasbourg is home to one of the two European parliaments and is therefore politically important in international and indeed European-related affairs. Visiting the parliament is free and is easily accessible on the E tram. Although the creation of the parliament is relatively new, nonetheless the building itself feels steeped in so much history, particularly in relation to Simone Veil, the first president of the Parliament and indeed a much treasured and remembered female figure in la construction européenne . Petite France – an Alsatian delight If there is one part of Strasbourg that you visit, it must be Petite France – this UNESCO-listed region of the city truly showcases the magic of Alsace, whose people strongly celebrate their regional identities, identifying more as Alsatian following a turbulent socio-political history (Strasbourg has been repeatedly francisé et germanisé over the years, most recently being under Nazi-rule during WW2). The area is surrounded by gorgeous rivers and quaint, colourful houses and buildings that are unique to the Alsace region; even when the sun is not shining, Petite France is still stunning and is a joy to explore, and is conveniently located in the heart of the city and, dare we say it, the heart of Alsace, too. Modern art, Alsatian life, a palace – museums galore! As one of France’s biggest cities, Strasbourg has numerous museums to offer its tourists and local people, which are free with your student card (and who can resist that?). Le Musée d’art contemporain is located next to Petite France and displays a mixture of sculptures, paintings and modern art displays which are bound to appeal to anybody’s tastes. My favourite art piece was a giant balloon-like cat (featured below) which definitely displays the diversity and playfulness of the art scene in Strasbourg. Additionally, the Palais Rohan (located next to the cathedral) boasts three museums: Beaux-Arts, archaeology, and the palace itself in which Napoleon (whom you might have heard Dr Smith talk about in first and second year!) slept. And if you thought that was enough, there is a museum devoted to Alsatian life, the statues of the cathedral, even a Voodoo museum… The cathedral – need I say more? An unmissable sight which is visible throughout most of the city, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg dates from the 12th century and demonstrates the very best of patrimoine strasbourgeois . There are no words to describe its splendour and the awe of standing in front of it! As I’m nearing the end of my study abroad, I can now proudly say that studying in Strasbourg was the best decision because there has always been something new and magical to discover here, and you won’t regret becoming a Strasbourgeoise too! About the Author 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...). 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams 24 Hours as an English Student in Paris: A Survival Guide Kit Sinclair Saving your centimes: How to do Paris on a Budget Francesca Wren Images provided by Chloe Brewster. 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: Chloe Brewster France Culture Strasbourg Year Abroad Categories: City Guide Travel 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

Recipe of the week: Valentine's Focaccia Niamh Woodhouse Thursday, 9 February 2023 For this week's recipe, our editor-in-chief, Niamh puts a romantic twist on a classic Italian bread. Difficulty : 2/5 Time : 2 hours 30 minutes (including proving) Origin : Italy Delicious, simple to make and requiring a few basic ingredients, Focaccia is a popular bread across Italy and beyond. You can easily bake this in your student kitchen for all your loved ones this Valentine’s. Ingredients 500g strong bread flour , plus extra for dusting (plain flour works just fine if you don’t have any) 7g dried fast action yeast 2 tsp fine sea salt 5 tbsp olive oil , plus extra for the tin and to serve 1 pack of plum tomatoes 1 mozzarella ball or pearls Additional garnish to your taste Method Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl, with the yeast on one side and the fine salt on the other. Mix the yeast and salt into its side then mix everything together. This separation prevents the salt from killing the yeast, to begin with. Next make a well in the middle of the flour and add 2 tbsp oil. Gradually add about 350ml lukewarm water until you have a slightly sticky dough. You may find you need a little less or a little more water. Sprinkle the work surface with flour and tip the dough onto it. Knead for 5-10 mins until your dough is soft and less sticky. Place the dough into a clean bowl, cover with a towel and leave to prove for around an hour until doubled in size. Oil a rectangle, shallow tin (the one I used was 25 x 35cm). Then tip the dough out of the bowl and stretch it to fill the tin. Once again cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for another 35-45 mins. In the meantime, you can prepare your valentines decorations. To make the tomato hearts, I cut diagonally across my plum tomatoes (as shown in the photo below) then cut the larger piece in half and flipped them over to create a heart shape. I then cut the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces to place onto the dough. Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples. Drizzle 1-2tbsp of olive oil over the dough and garnish to your taste, I used sea salt and thyme. Then decorate with your tomato hearts and mozzarella pieces. Bake for 20 mins until golden. Whilst the bread is still hot, drizzle over 1-2 tbsp olive oil. And then you’re ready to serve! Focaccia goes perfectly with a pasta dish, an Italian traybake or simply as a sandwich. Let us know if you recreate this recipe! About the Author Niamh was the founder of Lingo Magazine, was Editor-in-Chief for 2022/23, and is now a Lingo alumni. Speaking French and Spanish, she has a particular interest in articles about history, culture and travel! Whilst studying in Cadiz, Niamh met other language students from universities across the UK and soon discovered that many of them write for language magazines at their universities. Seeing this gap in the market for a language magazine, she set up the magazine alongside an amazing committee for her fellow and future language students at the University of Nottingham! 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World Vicki Mileson European Music Festivals to Attend This Summer Niamh Woodhouse Images provided by Niamh Woodhouse. 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: Niamh Woodhouse Bread Italian Valentine's Day Categories: Recipe of the Week 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! 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