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English BA < Back Isabelle Monteiro 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. Latest Articles by this Author A Beginner’s Guide to K-Dramas 16/10/25 A Story Told in Seasons: When Life Gives You Tangerines charts love, loss and family on Jeju Island 23/09/25 The Culinary Heart of Malaysia 28/05/25

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 Grace is a final year languages student studying French and Spanish. She is openly a member of the LGBTQIA community - an area she would love to focus on in her articles! 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

"El silencio de otros": 45 years of the Amnesty Law in Spain Aidan Cross Thursday, 26 May 2022 After 45 years, amendments to the Amnesty Law may finally allow victims of the Spanish Civil War and Francoist dictatorship to get justice. Aidan, a Hispanic Studies and History third year, delves into this complicated story. Content warning: death, kidnapping In 1977, two years after the death of Francisco Franco ended the dictatorship in Spain, a law was passed to officially codify the “Pact of Forgetting” (el Pacto del Olvido). This was a political decision made by both the left and right to avoid the legacy of the Spanish Civil War (la Guerra Civil Española, 1936-1939) and Francoist dictatorship (la dictadura franquista, 1939-1975) in order to ease the transition to democracy. However, people have not “forgotten”, and the wounds of this dark period in Spain’s history have not healed, as is highlighted in Pedro Almodóvar’s 2018 documentary “El silencio de otros”. As a result of the Amnesty Law, those responsible for the horrors committed during the Spanish Civil War and the Francoist dictatorship have escaped justice. It is the fight for this justice that the documentary follows, giving a voice to victims of the dictatorship. The most heart-wrenching story is of an old woman who wants to know where her father, executed by the Franco regime when she was a child, is buried before she dies. Many of the 100,000-200,000 people estimated to be executed by the Franco regime were buried in mass graves, meaning that people do not know where their loved ones’ bodies are. Despite the Historical Memory Law in 2007 (la Ley de Memoria Histórica), only 19,000 bodies have been recovered , mostly by volunteer associations. The documentary also follows the legal case brought against Spain in 2010 by Argentinian judge, Maria Romilda Servini de Cubría, under the principle of universal jurisdiction for crimes against humanity. Despite at least 2000 cases being filed relating to the kidnapping of more than 50,000 newborn babies sold for adoption to political supporters during the Francoist dictatorship, it wasn’t until 2018 that the first case went to trial. Dr. Eduardo Vela was found guilty of stealing Inés Madrigal from her birth mother in 1969 and falsifying official records. He was acquitted due to the expired statute of limitations. This is just one example of the damage that the Amnesty Law has done. Fortunately, amendments to the Historical Memory Law and Amnesty Law have been proposed in recent years, aiming to make the central government responsible for the exhumation and identification of victims. Its purpose is also to remove the impunity of the Amnesty Law to allow crimes committed during the Spanish Civil War and under the Francoist dictatorship to be tried by the Spanish justice system. This year marks 45 years since the Amnesty Law was passed, and many who committed these crimes against humanity are now dead. Hopefully, as a result of the proposed amendments to the law, victims and their families will get justice and those wounds can start to heal. About the Author Aidan is one of the founding members of Lingo Magazine and has a passion for languages – never studying less than three at once, hoping to become a polyglot! – as well as the histories and cultures of the peoples and places that use them. They are especially interested in translation and the connections between different languages and cultures across the world. They are looking forward to being Lingo's Treasurer this year and making the magazine and society as inclusive, informative, and interesting as possible. As for languages, Aidan is in their final year of Hispanic Studies & History at the University of Nottingham, studying Spanish and Portuguese, and in their free time also studies Korean - and has recently started learning Italian! 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 2/2 : The Long Five Years Jess Henrys 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: Aidan Cross Spain Politics History 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! LOAD MORE

Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Are you looking for some alternative things to do in Barcelona so that you can truly feel like a local? Mhairi takes you on a tour of the city's secret spots. There is no doubt that Barcelona is packed full of incredible settings from the breath-taking Sagrada Familia to the bustling street scenes of La Rambla. However, these places can be heaving with tourists who are more than likely speaking English. If you fancy immersing yourself in local scenes, language, and culture then visit the following locations (and try to keep them a secret please)... Watch the sunset at The Bunkers, El Carmel The Bunkers are a hilltop hideaway that offers the most incredible, panoramic views of Barcelona and beyond. They are just a short bus/metro ride away from the city centre and it’s completely free! Although gaining popularity recently, the Bunkers are still a hidden gem and most popular with young locals who can be found chilling with their friends and watching the world go by. Best enjoyed at sunset or night-time to watch the city lights turn on and spot the twinkling star on top of the Sagrada Familia. For the ultimate local experience: sit with friends, play music, and take in the beautiful views of one of the best cities in the world whilst enjoying a glass of cava or ‘ una cerveza ’. Hang out with the locals at Placa del Sol, Gracía Visit the trendy, local neighbourhood of Gracía and spend the evening sitting on the floor of Placa del Sol and chilling with locals. If this sounds a bit odd to you, I am not surprised! When I first stumbled across this square on a summers evening, I too was surprised by the number of people sitting on the floor until I realised why… Named ‘Placa del Sol’ for a reason, the marble floor of this square heats up in the sun during the daytime creating the perfect hangout to sit during the evening and enjoy a drink. Take in the magical atmosphere and maybe even get chatting with some locals and practise your Spanish! Take a scenic hike along the Carretera de Las Aigues If you fancy doing something active away from the touristy beach scene, then head into the hills for a stunning walk/hike/run along the Carretera de Las Aigues where you can exercise amongst locals. This route is a great escape from the bustling city and a chance to get some well-deserved fresh air (and see some very cute dogs). It is very well known amongst locals and can get busy at the weekend however it is rarely ever explored by tourists and there is certainly no chance of hearing anyone speaking English here! The track is 9km long and it is completely flat the whole way which provides a very easy walk with shady spots and water fountains dotted along the way. The road traverses the hillside and therefore offers stunning views of the city at every twist and turn - there is a surprise around every corner. It is very accessible and there are many transport options including a funicular up the hill, or if you’re feeling brave, you can hike up to the road from the neighbourhood of Sarría. About the Author Mhairi is currently in her final year studying Spanish and Chinese. On her year abroad, Mhairi spent her time in Barcelona, Taiwan and Peru. She joined Lingo Mag as Deputy Editor 2022/23 to share her enthusiasm for languages, culture, and travel. "Learning a language is so much more than memorising verb patterns and grammar. Immersing yourself in films, books and music is where the magic happens." Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Images provided by Mhairi Macleod. 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: Tips Living Abroad Spain Barcelona Hidden Gems Mhairi Macleod Categories: Travel City 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

Liberal Arts < Back Kate Armstrong Kate is a final year student, she love the outdoors and anything sporty. She was inspired to write for Lingo following her year abroad in France. She was lucky enough to live in the Alps and the Normandy countryside where she realised her love for travel and nature! Latest Articles by this Author

From Tibet to Malaysia: Exploring Lunar New Year Celebrations Across Asia Michelle Yap Wednesday, 19 February 2025 Beginning on the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, the Lunar New Year is a major celebration for many Asian cultures, often focusing on food, festivities, and family. Although some Lunar New Year traditions are ubiquitous throughout Asia, many cultures also have distinct customs to usher in the new year. Whether it’s performing Sebae or tossing Yu Sheng, here are five special Lunar New Year traditions from across Asia. China: Watching a Chinese Lion Dance Nothing says Lunar New Year in China quite like the spectacle of watching a traditional Lion Dance. Believed to invite prosperity and good luck while warding away malicious spirits, the Lion Dance combines Chinese Kung Fu with acrobatics and live music. Hidden beneath an intricate and colourful lion costume, two performers move in perfect harmony. One manipulates the lion’s front limbs and head, with expressive blinks and jaw snaps, while the other controls its hindquarters. The mythical lion then comes to life as it prances and leaps to the lively beat of gongs, drums and cymbals. The audience is encouraged to participate by feeding the lion with oranges and red envelopes of money, which the beast happily “gobbles”. During the Lunar New Year, Lion Dances can be found anywhere and everywhere—from temple courtyards to bustling city streets and even in private houses. All are welcome to gather and marvel at the lion’s festive performance. Malaysia and Singapore: Tossing Yusheng during Reunion Dinners Planning to visit Malaysia or Singapore for the Lunar New Year? You might notice families coming together to toss a unique salad, known as Yu Sheng, before their reunion dinners. During the 1960s, the practice grew in popularity amongst Chinese diasporas in Singapore and Malaysia and continues to be a staple at reunion dinners today. Inspired by the Cantonese tradition of having raw fish during the Lunar New Year, Yu Sheng is prepared with salmon slices, pickled ginger, pomelo, golden pillow crackers, as well as thinly sliced carrots and radishes, drizzled with flavourful sauces and topped with various condiments. Each ingredient symbolises a specific New Year’s wish, such as carrot slices for luck, and is individually added to the plate in a specific order. With all the ingredients in place, families begin the ritual of Lo Hei, enthusiastically tossing the Yu Sheng with their chopsticks while shouting wishes for abundance and good fortune in the New Year. It is believed that the person who tosses the Yu Sheng the highest will gain the most fortune. Hence, family members often try to outdo each other, leading to a messy but lively celebration. Following the Lo Hei, families distribute individual portions of Yusheng to represent the sharing of prosperity and blessings for the entire family in the New Year. South Korea: Performing Sebae for Your Elders The Korean Lunar New Year, or Seollal, is a special time for South Koreans to visit friends and family. One central custom of the celebration is performing Sebae for one’s elders. Clad in traditional Korean attire, known as Hanbok, individuals perform a deep bow to their elders, kneeling with their hands on the ground and their heads lowered as a sign of reverence and respect. While bowing, it is customary for youth to share well wishes and blessings with their elders, such as “S aehae bok mani badeuseyo” which expresses hope for a prosperous New Year. Elders typically show their gratitude by rewarding youths with envelopes of money, rice cakes and fresh fruit. Heavily influenced by Confucian values, performing Sebae is regarded as the utmost display of respect for one’s elders. The gesture embodies deeply rooted South Korean values of filial piety, family unity and reverence for one’s elders. Tibet: Eating Guthuk before New Year’s Eve If you're enjoying Thukpa Bhatuk before Losar, the Tibetan Lunar New Year, don’t be surprised if you find a dumpling filled with coal in your bowl! A staple in Tibetan cuisine, Thukpa Bhatuk is a hearty noodle soup that typically includes vegetables, beans, dumplings and meat. Unlike Yu Sheng, it is not limited to Lunar New Year celebrations and can be enjoyed all year long. However, on the night before Losar’s Eve, known as Nyi-Shu-Gu, Tibetan families gather to share a special version of the soup called Guthuk. This variation features nine main ingredients, including meat, radish, and dried cheese, along with a surprising twist: an extra-large dumpling. This special dumpling can contain anything from rice or spicy chillies to unexpected items like coal or wool. Served randomly inside a bowl of Guthuk, its large size makes it easy to recognise, signalling family members not to eat it. The item found inside one’s dumpling is thought to reflect upon their personality— coal might mean a bad temper, chillies suggest a talkative nature, rice symbolizes prosperity and wool represents kindness. The meanings of these objects can vary by region but are always meant to be taken in good humour. For many Tibetans, Guthuk is more than just a meal; it’s a fun and light-hearted way to usher in the New Year with family. Vietnam: Playing bầu cua cá cọp with Friends and Family No Lunar New Year is complete without a few festive games. Bầu cua cá cọp, which translates to “gourd, crab, shrimp, fish,” is a traditional Vietnamese gambling game closely linked to Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Like many Asian cultures, Vietnamese youths receive envelopes of money from their elders during the Lunar New Year, which they often use to try their luck in games like Bầu cua cá cọp. The game consists of a board displaying various items and three dice marked with the same symbols. Players place wagers on specific pictures on the board before a banker, or dealer rolls the three dice. If the dice reveal their chosen symbols, then the players win. However, the amount won is determined by how many dice correspond with the animals they bet on. If a single die matches the player's bet, they win an amount equal to their wager. If two dice show the chosen symbol, the payout is doubled. A match on all three dice results in a triple payout. According to legend, Bầu cua cá cọp was created by Northern Vietnamese rice farmers as they waited for the harvest season to begin. Today, it remains a beloved Lunar New Year tradition in many Vietnamese households. Across Asia, the Lunar New Year is marked by diverse traditions that showcase each culture’s rich heritage, history and values. Whether through unique performances, symbolic meals or sincere gestures of respect, these customs foster a shared sense of community and cultural identity. Hence, they continue to bring millions of people together every Lunar New Year. About the Author Coming from Singapore, Michelle is a first-year International Media and Communications student with a keen interest in post-colonial cultures and internet phenomena. She sees Lingo Magazine as an opportunity to explore her passion for culture while honing her writing skills. Beyond her studies and involvement with Lingo Magazine, Michelle enjoys travelling, reading, and listening to shoegaze music. Copyright free images courtesy of Pexels 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: Chinese Lunar New Year Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. 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

Sustainable Travel on a Budget Jacob Edwards Monday, 10 February 2025 With flights cheaper than ever, often costing less than a return train to London, it‘s no wonder that modern globe-trotters are opting for this method of travel. However, the world is increasingly witnessing the drastic effects of climate change; thus we must take it into our own hands to begin to diffuse that which is (fossil) fueled by our own human activity. One very impactful manner of travelling more sustainability is through transport, with the Eurostar cutting CO2 emissions by at least 94% versus going by plane to the same destination. Of course, there are positives and negatives to all options, but the greener alternatives can at least ease a guilty conscience. With that in mind, let‘s discuss the cheapest methods to aid you in your green getaway… Eurostar The aforementioned Eurostar trains are by far the chicest and swiftest method of travel, taking one from St Pancras International to an array of European destinations . The beauty of this is, that you not only arrive in the heart of capital cities, but once you‘re on the continent, there are cheap sleeper trains left, right and centre to take you further into the powerhouse that is the EU. Of course, this can be rather expensive, but it needn’t be if you’re smart in buying tickets. Eurostar now offers a service called ‘ Eurostar Snap ’, which is great for the more spontaneous travellers, granting up to 50% off standard ticket rates and telling you the precise time of departure 48 hours in advance of your chosen date. However, for those who are more keen on savings and happy to book in advance, you can save hugely in doing so. Tickets for certain lines are released about 6 months in advance, and if you keep an eye out or sign up for the newsletter to find out the release dates, initial tickets can cost as little as £39 each way (sometimes even less when they do sales around early January and Black Friday). Ferry Another option, which still amounts to a whopping 80% less CO2 emissions than a plane, is overnight ferrying. For the eastern counties, a good port to check is Harwich International , as they offer return trips to Hoek van Holland for as little as £100, with a ‘ Rail & Sail ’ deal which gets you from your London or eastern terminal to Harwich from £58 each way. For those looking to travel to France and beyond, Dover is your best bet, as the infamous port is home to the equally infamous ‘P&O Ferries’, which offer foot passengers a £62 return to Calais. It is also a good option for families looking to get around Europe in their vehicle and can turn out to be a cheaper option than flying. Ferries can also take you between mainland Britain and Ireland via multiple routes on the cheap. Coach It's not my favourite of the lot, but this form of public transport can get you there for a reasonable price: your sanity. FlixBus allows customers to choose routes that will get them from most UK cities to most Central European ones . London to Paris can cost as little as £18 each way (even less if you apply your student discount via StudentBeans or UniDays) but takes a good chunk of time and youth from you. That journey takes only a measly nine hours, but the further you go, the harrowingly longer it can take. Of course, there are pockets of resting and stretching in between for changeovers, but it can take a physical toll on one. Anything for the environment, right? The beauty of Europe Unlike our shockingly expensive rails, a lot of cities on the continent offer a much lower price for trains, which span a much wider and more intricate network. They are also rather impressive, with some trains racing averaging a respectable 300 km/h , covering more distance in far less time than we could possibly conceive upon our isles. Once you reach countries like Germany, they offer schemes such as the ‘Deutschland Ticket’, allowing passengers to traverse any local bus, tram or regional train (not the fast ones) for a measly €49 a month. This type of ticket can even take you into some of the country’s bordering countries - do be careful, though, as it runs as a subscription for each calendar month, not each month from the date of purchase (remember to cancel before the 11th of the month) ! To conclude, will any greener alternative ever be as cheap and fast as a Ryanair flight? Yes, actually. If you want to be there in a jiff, your best bet is the Eurostar - it can save time (you only need to be there an hour before boarding) and at least equal the money side. If you are happy to be as budget as possible, albeit sacrificing your time as a consequence, then bussing across Europe is the most student-budget-friendly option. Whatever your means, reducing your carbon footprint one step at a time and encouraging others to do so can go a long way. About the Author Copyright free images courtesy of 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: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. 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

Taiwan Diaries: Until next time Rosie Loyd Friday, 5 August 2022 From the unspoilt scenery on Green Island and Sun Moon Lake to the bright lights of Taipei, Rosie recalls her jam-packed last few weeks in Taiwan before it was time to head home. Our Mandarin course at National Cheng Kung University was extremely useful; the teaching, the lecturers, and most of all, the content itself. Within the textbook we were studying, there was a huge emphasis on things to do and places to visit within Taiwan. Each chapter contained specific vocabulary which prepared us extremely well for future visits to these places. Walking the streets of Jiufen After Kaohsiung, Green Island was another destination that kept on popping up in lessons. We decided we would give it a whirl and see what the fuss was all about. Having now visited, the closest equivalent to the UK would probably be somewhere like Cornwall. It’s a touristy destination, but equally stunning. The only difference is that you don’t need a ferry to get to Cornwall! Mhairi and I hopped on the Mountain Line train (Puyuma Express) to Taitung one afternoon, before going for a cycle ride the following day around the area. The next morning, we embarked on a ferry, unbeknown to what lay ahead. We had been given a fair few warnings about the choppy ride, but we weren’t quite prepared for the sound of fellow passengers being ill and the subsequent rustle of plastic bags…. Nevertheless, we made it through the journey unharmed! Setting foot on Green Island was a relief – it wasn’t the smoothest of journeys, I must admit! We were greeted by the hotel’s staff at the harbour and swept away to rent some bikes. Given our lack of experience, we decided on hiring some e-scooters, and what a great choice that was. Despite only whizzing about at 25 mph, that was plenty, and it reminded me of the Hai Van Pass in Vietnam, with stunning views to our side. The whole island took roughly 40 minutes to circle, and on the way, we stopped at some natural hot springs as well as some fantastic viewpoints. Our Lonely Planet guidebook was a real success too – we visited Crazy Fried several times which served up some fresh tuna sashimi, as well as tangy Kung Pao fish. Scootering around Green Island Another must-visit destination that we managed to tick off was Kenting, in southern Taiwan. Think white sandy beaches and laid-back beach bars – extremely relaxing indeed. Us bookworms had a lovely time reading in the sun. If you ever get the chance to go, I’d recommend staying near South Bay Beach. We were at Coral Reef B&B. That beach is the cleanest and safest to swim at with not too many big waves, though there were still a few surfers about. We also ate at Bossa Nova Beach Café one night which was scrummy stuff, reminding me of my time in Thailand with the citrussy flavours. Sun Moon Lake was next which we reached by taking a bus from Taichung. We had a brilliant few days there, exploring on bicycle and ferry and enjoying the all-surrounding greenery before heading to our next destination, Hualien. The Taroko Gorge National Park was quite simply mesmerising. We made the decision to book a local tour guide, and what a fabulous choice that was. Iris, a lovely lady from Hualien who during the week is a school teacher, enjoys guiding for the company Island Adventures at the weekend. Due to the pandemic, the number of guides working for the company has decreased significantly from 9 originally to just 2 now. We felt very fortunate to have someone so knowledgeable of the whole Park, and it really was one of the best days of our whole time in Taiwan. From incredible scenery and breath-taking waterfalls to a rewarding, short hike up to a small belltower after which we rang the bell and made a wish, there was a lot to see, all in one day! Several monstrous spiders were also spotted that gave us a jump – not quite your average UK house spider. And so, it was finally time to head up to Taipei for the last few days. I feel we barely scratched the surface of all the touristy places in northern-Taiwan, but in the short time we were there, we went up Taipei 101, visited the impressive Chiang Kai-Shek Museum, had tea in a traditional tea house in Jiu Fen, and experienced Hai Di Lao, a famous hot pot chain that I believe even has a restaurant in London! The famous Hai Di Lao hotpot Taiwan is a beautiful place. Since being back, I’ve recommended to everybody who asks that they explore if they get the chance in the near future. I was left with the feeling that it would be a brilliant family holiday destination what with the wonderfully diverse areas it hosts - bustling Taipei, old Tainan, relaxed Kenting or adventures in Hualien. Until next time, Taiwan. As they say in Mandarin, 再見 (Zàijiàn)。再literally translates to ‘again’ and 見 ‘to see’. Group meal out in Taipei 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. Barcelona’s must-visit Cocktail Bars Rosie Loyd Taiwan Diaries: Quarantine Rosie Loyd Why you should visit Strasbourg Chloe Brewster Images provided by Rosie Loyd. 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 Year Abroad Chinese Taiwan Studying Abroad Categories: Travel Year Abroad Tales 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

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

Barcelona’s must-visit Cocktail Bars Rosie Loyd Friday, 18 February 2022 Spending a weekend in Barcelona? Make sure you plan to fit in some of the world-class Cocktail Bars (quite literally)! From funky, vibrant and hidden hangouts to the quieter and more sophisticated spots to take refuge in, Barcelona really has it all! Read on to find out more… Paradiso What better way to introduce this absolute delight of a cocktail bar than by revealing that it was voted number three on ‘World’s 50 Best Bars of 2021’. It has, in fact, earned a place on that list every year since 2017. Perhaps the best thing about this cocktail emporium is that unless you are in the know, you probably won’t stumble across it! Well, that is, of course, unless you find yourself walking past at 8pm on a Friday, in which case the astonishingly long queue might just give it away. Bookings aren’t taken, so people really do queue for an hour or so for this exciting, funky, and one-of-a-kind experience. Located in the hip neighbourhood of El Born, you’ll find yourself looking at a pastrami shop. Hidden behind this façade however (although take note - they do sell pastrami sandwiches!), you’ll soon discover a funky, buzzing, and colourful bar brimming with life. As you enter, you’ll hear the cheers and welcomes of the busy barmen, meticulously creating tasty concoctions bubbling and smoking away. Then there’s the menu, perhaps the most exciting menu you’ll have ever seen. It’s A3 size, so not your average chic small cocktail menu, and once open, it lights up with wonderful drawings of all the cocktails on offer! This bar really is full of surprises. From foaming drinks to ones that you make yourself with the help of the waiter, it really is an experience! From there, Paradiso is in a perfect position for you to walk out into the streets of El Born and continue the evening in one of the numerous other bars. Visit this area late on a Friday or Saturday evening and you will be astonished at how busy the streets are! Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Tandem Cocktail Bar Picture a dimly lit, long bar with shiny wooden tables and a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. Welcome to Tandem Cocktail Bar. Make yourself comfortable on their classic leather tub chairs or red velvet stools and cleanse your palate on the glass of water brought to you by an attentive waiter. Tandem really is quite the opposite of Paradiso’s wild and wonderful approach, but it is by no means less enjoyable. If you fancy escaping from the bustle of Barcelona for a few hours, then this is the place to visit. Perhaps the most liberating and unique element of this bar is that there is no menu: the power is entirely in your hands! Tell the bartender your likes and dislikes, whether you like sweet or spicy, gin or vodka, tall or short, and you’ll see him scribbling down ideas on his notepad. Nibble on some complimentary bites whilst you watch, in anticipation, your cocktail being made, and then, when your drink arrives, enjoy! They have an extensive bar display with bottles of every spirit and flavour under the sun: lychee and gin cocktails, margaritas with a twist, or just a classic whiskey to name but a few. Whatever you fancy, they will be sure to have it and will also be happy to make suggestions if you feel like a variation on your go-to tipple. This bar really nails the ‘USP’ objective on the head allowing customers to be involved in the recipe of their cocktails. It’s a great challenge, too, for those who think they can guess all the ingredients blind in a drink! It’s chic and classic. What more could you want? Carrer d'Aribau, 86, 08036 Barcelona, Spain 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. Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Images provided by Rosie Loyd. 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: Tips Bars Cocktails Barcelona Spain Rosie Loyd Categories: Travel City 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

Falling for Autumn: why are autumn traditions in the US so at odds with the weather? Eleanor Curtis Tuesday, 7 November 2023 Across social media, Americans living in the southern states are giving a taste of their fall décor. However, this is completely at odds with the weather in the places they live, consisting of orange leaves and pumpkins. Is there a reason for this cultural difference, or is it just something we must accept about the American experience? For us in the United Kingdom, autumn means a cooling down, a marked change in the seasons. It is usually rung in by wind and rain, and as the leaves change from verdant to burnished gold, temperatures drop and layered knitwear makes an appearance. However, in the southern states of the US, the season of autumn is simply marked by the appearance of pumpkins, and burnt orange porch décor. Why is the culture of ‘fall’ so reminiscent of English weather in a place where the temperatures rarely drop below twenty degrees centigrade? Perhaps the most iconic representation of fall in the US is Caitlin Covington, the face of so called ‘Christian girl autumn’. She rose to notoriety by documenting her obsession with pumpkin spice, sweater dresses, and knee-high boots on Instagram, becoming the archetypal representation of the American fascination with Fall. Covington, 33, makes an annual ‘pilgrimage’ from her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the wooded countryside of Vermont, timing her trip to experience the optimum orange leaves. While iconic, she is not the only thing that comes to mind when thinking about the cooler months in the American south. Think pumpkin patches and orange toned door wreaths, sleeveless cable knits, and fake leaves on front lawns. Why is this such a widely seen cultural practice? Why are the American south so obsessed with the out of season? Generally, fall in the states is the beginning of many cultural landmarks, like the football season, back to school, and preparations for winter. But this is the same across all 50 states, as well as here across the pond. This idea of a culturally important season of ‘fall’ does not explain the obsession with fake unseasonal décor in the south. Perhaps it has something to do with the origins of the United States, and the colonial progression from the north – where the weather and seasons are much the same as they are here – across the west and southern areas of the continent. Perhaps this cultural iconography conveys a sense of nostalgia, think the quintessential americana moment. These decorations and obsessions conjure images of small towns, community, harvest, and abundance. Perhaps here there is evidence of the desire to return to the ‘good old days’. However, it could all simply be the work of consumerism, that very American ideology, where the buying power of the dollar drives cultural consumption. Fall ends with the important cultural festival of Thanksgiving, which in its inception, incorporates real autumnal ideas of harvest, warming foods, and a convivial ‘northern’ feast. Perhaps this is also where these cultural elements find their derivation. However, after Thanksgiving, the plastic pumpkins and fake leaves get replaced by frosted Christmas trees and fake snow, so perhaps the Southern States’ obsession with decorating according to the seasons of the north is simply ingrained in their lifestyle. For a place where it hardly ever snows to be decked out in white across the Christmas period, there must be something integral to the society going on. 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! Falling for Autumn: why are autumn traditions in the US so at odds with the weather? Eleanor Curtis Rugby: A culture of respect? Eleanor Curtis A Rose By Any Other Name: ‘Cobs’ and ‘Jitties’, ‘Barms’ and ‘Ginnels’ Eleanor Curtis Copyright free p hoto by Erica Marsland Huynh on 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: Autumn Decorations USA Fall Weather Eleanor Curtis Categories: Culture Thought Piece Global 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

Recipe of the Week: North African Chicken and Chips Emily Dawson Saturday, 10 December 2022 Recipe of the week with @ems.homecooking will teach you a new dish from around the world. This week we're back in North Africa with a twist on the typical dish of chicken and chips. Serves : 2 Difficulty : 3/5 Time : 1hr to 1hr 20 minutes Origin : North Africa This dish is a North African twist on your mum’s typical Friday night chicken and chips dinner. While it sounds complicated, this meal is super simple, and it basically cooks itself – something a bit different to the typical, potentially boring meal. You can add any vegetables that take your fancy (or even eggs, which is traditional) to further enhance the flavours and the heartiness of the dish. While the presentation of this dish looks a little funny, the flavours are incredible. Ingredients 3 chicken drumsticks 1 medium onion 2 cloves of garlic 1 stock cube 2 tsp ras el hanout (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger and turmeric) 1.5 tsp cumin 1 tsp parsley Half a jar of chickpeas 1 or 2 potatoes Salt and pepper Method Preheat the oven to 180/200ºC. On a medium heat, cook off the chicken drumsticks until the skin has browned and the outside of the chicken looks cooked. Add in the chopped onions and garlic and cook off until they are soft. Stir in the spices ( ras el hanout and cumin). Once these spices are mixed in, add in one stock cube with enough boiling water to just cover the chicken. Season with salt and pepper and the parsley. Then, leave the pan on a medium-low heat covered with a lid for about one hour. In the meantime, peel the potatoes and chop them into chips. Place them onto a baking tray with a drizzle of oil and season with salt and pepper. Once the chicken has been cooking for 15 mins, put the chips in the oven to cook for 45 minutes. With 10 minutes left before the chicken is ready, add in half a jar of chickpeas. At this point you can add in any other vegetables that you might want; green beans, peas and broccoli are some of my favourites. After 45 mins, the chips should be crispy, and the chicken should be falling off the bone. This is the sign that everything is ready to serve. I take the chicken off the bone beforehand so it’s easier to serve between two. Enjoy! For more savoury and tasty treat recipes, follow @ems.homecooking on Instagram. Let us know if you recreate Emily's recipe at home! About the Author Emily is a fourth-year student, studying Spanish, Chinese and Business. She is an avid baker turned chef who can often be found in the kitchen making content for her Instagram (@ems.homecooking). Emily was our 2022/23 Treasurer. 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 Images provided by Emily Dawson. 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 North Africa Cuisine Chicken Cooking Dinner 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