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My Journey with Language Learning Holly Cromwell Tuesday, 13 February 2024 An exploration of my journey through language learning and my changing relationship with language through the school system. Languages have always been something I find interesting; my dad is an interpreter, so I learned fingerspelling and basic signs from him while in primary school. But when it came to actually learning a language, I didn’t know anything. I couldn’t communicate, and no one would ask me to, but I could show off a few words and signs to impress if needed. To me, that seemed to be all that language was. It was then that I started to be asked to make choices about my studies and what I might like to do with my future. (Because we definitely all have future plans at that age.) I started simple by taking GCSE Latin entirely on the back of the Percy Jackson series, followed by GCSE and A-Level French, since I’d been learning it for years and should therefore be vaguely good at it. It was then that I started to feel some resistance. Language skills suddenly went from being a cute trick to a concern. I was intelligent, sure, but I had many doubts about my degree options. Could I get a good enough French grade to study it at university? Was English Language academic enough? Could studying English Literature ruin leisurely reading for me? I eventually settled on a university degree here at Nottingham that effectively let me continue all three of my A-levels. Starting university was a struggle, especially telling people you study languages. I wasn’t the polyglot people expected, and I was uncomfortable being asked to ‘perform’ French on a whim. I also found it difficult to maintain regular French work. This had an inevitable effect on my self-confidence. Was I even good enough to be here? During second year, I spent more time on language but I failed to be the model language student. I learnt vocab variably and didn’t revise it. I crammed grammar into my head and motionlessly watched as last week’s attempt fell out the other ear. My grades also varied a lot regardless of how much work was put in. What did this mean? Language was both a strength and insecurity to me. I crashed into my exam with barely any revision, engine running on empty and papering over the cracks of the most maliciously organised exam season of my life. And I passed. The biggest thing I learnt that year is the bar is so much lower than you think. The problem with studying languages is that you already speak one. With any other subject you learn, you think you’re doing great, then you learn what you don’t know and repeat. With a second language you always know what you could have said if only… It’s brutal, especially when it’s the same things your teacher pulled you up on at GCSE. Sorry Miss, I’m swear I am trying, but agreements and genders are just the worst. It's on this note that I went into my year abroad. I have never been so exhausted in my life. The sheer fatigue of having to think about every word you say, every sign you see, anything anyone says, cannot be understated. But you learn. I didn’t feel like I got any better at French, but I got less tired. Before I went to France, the year abroad looked like this miracle that would magically make me fluent, but it became very clear to me that that wasn’t what was happening. People kept telling me how good my French was. It seemed like a very hollow compliment. Then my parents came to visit, and I was forced to see what the average English person’s level of French was. It turns out I’m actually pretty good! And that’s no longer subjective! I am at least B2 standard. Speaking a second language almost always feels awkward, and unwieldy, unless you are constantly required to use it with native speakers for years on end. I saw the extent of this at the end of my year abroad, when my supervising teacher asked me to proofread my glowing evaluation and shyly asked whether her English accent was any good. I was stunned. She’s a professional, and her English was perfect.. And yet, she felt the need to ask. So I know I can speak French, but it’s now my final year, and I’m faced with the idea that I will soon be asked to walk into a room and say “I speak French” with the full knowledge of every error I’ve ever made playing in front of my eyes. My journey with language learning will never really end. Related Articles About the Author International Film at the Oscars Holly Cromwell Words of the Year 2023 Charlie Bodsworth The Language Taking Over the World: English as a Lingua Franca Emma Burnett 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: language learning opinion education university Holly Cromwell Categories: Language Tips Language and Linguistics Opinion 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

French and Russian < Back Jess Henrys 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. Latest Articles by this Author “Mother of God, banish Putin”: A Reflection on Pussy Riot’s performance in Nottingham 10/02/23 Surviving Language Student Life: Scheduling 29/03/22 French Connection: An Interview with a True Parisian Part 2/2 : The Long Five Years 26/08/22 French Connection: An Interview with a True Parisian Part 1/2 : The City of Lights 19/08/22 You Are Not Alone 15/06/22

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

International Media and Communication Studies < Back Gabrielle Wroe My name is Gabrielle and I'm a third year studying International Media and Communications. I love travelling, photography and music, I really enjoy going to concerts with my friends. I was drawn to Lingo as I love writing and wanted to expand my skills. Lingo also covers many topics that I am interested in and allows me to learn about different cultures which I find super interesting. Latest Articles by this Author Weekend Getaways: The Lake District 17/03/25

Modern Languages < Back Keeley Carr Keeley is a Modern Languages student and the 25/26 EDI Officer. Latest Articles by this Author

Film Review: The Order (2024) Sarah Taylor Monday, 20 January 2025 The Order (2024) is a Netflix action thriller film directed by Justin Kurzel. Sarah gives her thoughts on the new release. Based on a true story and inspired by the book The Silent Brotherhood, the film centres around an FBI agent, Terry Husk, played by Jude Law, and his efforts at trying to stop a terrorist white supremacist group in the 1980s known as ‘The Order’ or ‘The Silent Brotherhood’. The group’s leader, Bob Matthews, played by Nicholas Holt, wants to break away from the group, intending to join an even more extreme group. A book that describes all the steps of terrorism is at the core of the film, as both groups use and follow it - it is this book that becomes invaluable to Terry in stopping them. The location is uniquely beautiful and a complete contrast to the hate and awful atrocities that unfold. Its vastness indicates space and poses the question: why so much hate when your life is backdropped by beauty ? Bob is surprisingly expressionless throughout the movie, adding to his already dark character, proving himself almost impossible to read. He wears a grin for most of the film as though he knows something the rest of us do not, and displays a certain superiority, never wavering or becoming fazed by external actions or opinions. Whilst Bob comes across as non-threatening, it is in fact Terry who is much more of a frightening character, driving across the vast terrain to interrogate the inhabitants. What you see is what you get with Terry, but not so much with Bob. We know from his actions that he is a danger to the public but in all his personal dealings he is friendly, softly spoken, and caring, the kind of facade that most dangerous people hide behind. Nicholas Holt is extremely good at portraying this character. He is very understated in his demeanour and only through the group’s actions does he come alive displaying a callous, determined, and hateful side. Disenfranchisement is given as one of the reasons for Bob being able to recruit. Bob is supportive and encouraging, which can easily be a hook for young people. The viewer questions whose side he is really on, and his warped views on race and ethnicity as well as his possession of two mistresses certainly gives rise to mistrust. The murders in the film are particularly harrowing, especially with the knowledge of the victims’ complete innocence. In what looks like an incredibly realistic scene, Jamie, a young police officer played by Tye Sheridan is shot and dies in Terry’s arms. The scene is very moving, as we see Terry’s despair that this young and promising man has lost his life. The film is successful in getting the audience to identify with these characters and this scene is a real shock. It was impossible for the audience not to feel anything, especially learning that his family now must live without his presence. The killing of Alan Berg, an American talk show host played by Marc Maron, is equally as shocking, he himself was only fifty when he was cruelly shot down. There is no regard for human life, only the cause. The music, composed by Jed Kurzel, is interesting and reinforces the various dangerous activities of the group. Seldom is the music of a soft nature or of a romantic nature, its focus is on the violent activities and what the group means to normal people trying to get by in their day to day lives. It represents the daily threat to an everyday existence, always present and bubbling underneath the surface. The women’s role is an important one and one that finally leads to Bob’s downfall. One cannot help but feel there was a certain poetic justice after one of the women learning about his infidelity informs on his whereabouts. The other is a strong FBI agent determined to destroy the group at any cost. If the film was a lead up to the final scene, then it does not disappoint. The ending is dramatic with Bob firmly staying true to his beliefs and refusing to leave the house which by now is full of fire. The relationship between Bob and Terry is again demonstrated here, when Terry offers him the possibility of surrender and being taken alive. There seems to be a mutual respect between the two characters although one is left unsure what it is based on - they connect on some level, but what that is, the audience is left to ponder. Related Articles About the Author Encanto: The Deeper Meaning Behind Disney's Award-winning Latino Film Mhairi MacLeod An evening of 'Santi' Emily Brown Athena: A French Film Review Holly Cromwell 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: Film International Film Categories: 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! 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. Related Articles About the Author 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! LOAD MORE

Interview with a Polyglot Charlie Bodsworth Monday, 10 June 2024 Ever wondered how someone can manage learning and speaking multiple languages at once? Our Language & Linguistics editor, Charlie, got talking to UoN alum, Emily, to figure out just that. Whether you’re monolingual or bilingual, I’m sure you’ve wondered, like I have, how polyglots can fit so many languages into just one brain! To get some insight into the world of the most avid language learners, I chatted with Emily Ridyard, a UoN Modern Languages alum who speaks three languages and has been learning two more on top of that! Charlie: Can you introduce yourself, please? Emily: Yeah! I'm Emily. I speak English as my first language, but I've also learnt French, Spanish, and Russian. During my degree, I did a bit of Serbian. And I'm currently learning Ukrainian. C: How does that tie in with your current work? E: I work with refugees. I work a day and a half per week at St Nic's Church, leading English classes for refugees who are looking to learn English as a way to get involved in British society. Two and a half days a week, I'm at a charity called Refugee Roots, where I support refugees and asylum seekers with their practical needs. C: How did you learn each of your languages? E: My family moved to Belgium when I was three. We ended up staying for five years. I went to an international school, so my schooling was done in English, but we had French classes almost every day so I had a decent grasp of French by the time I left Belgium. At secondary school, I continued French and also picked up Spanish. It happened that my French teacher had a degree in French and Russian, so she asked the school whether she could teach GCSE Russian classes after school and the school agreed! I already knew that I loved languages, so I was like: “yes please!” C: Was there anything in particular that gave you that spark to learn languages? E: In Belgium, going to an international school, all my peers spoke multiple languages. I remember being like “I want to speak all these really cool languages!” So, I would take a little notebook out at play time, and make my friends tell me words in their languages, and write them down. I was committed! Having that appreciation of other cultures and languages really young is what made me want to stick with it. C: I feel like a lot of people in the UK don't lean into that. Why do you think there are so many people that never learn a second language or have a lot of difficulty with it? E: In other countries across the world, being good at language learning is the only way to access the wider world. And because so many other people speak English, it can lead to either intentional or unintentional laziness. I also think that the school system in the UK isn't set up for language learning. It's not presented as very appealing. When I was on my year abroad as an English teaching assistant, one of their topics was superheroes, and they were watching clips from Marvel films! That contrasts so sharply with the topics I did in school, such as health. C: How would you say your languages interact in your head? Do you think or talk to yourself in any of your languages? Do you get them muddled up? E: When I was in France, I was speaking French at work and at home. That was when I was probably the most absorbed in it. I could find myself thinking and dreaming and living life in French. When I left university, I would’ve said that French was my strongest language, but in my work, I speak with a lot of Latin American asylum seekers, so I now have much better Spanish. I definitely get Spanish and French mixed up because they're just very similar. When I try to speak French, sometimes just random words come out in Spanish! C: What do you think is one of the biggest language mix ups you've ever had, between languages or just in one? E: Well, both Russian and Spanish use the sound “ ee ” for “and”, but it's written very differently. So, “ ee ” is written in Russian a bit like a capital N backwards. And in Spanish, it's written with a “y”, which is also a letter in the Russian alphabet, but a different sound. I once wrote an entire essay in Russian but accidentally wrote “and” in Spanish every time! C: What would you say are some of the difficulties with some of your weaker languages, Serbian and Ukrainian? Do you struggle to keep them up? E: I've always said, and I think it's true: if you don't use it, you lose it. That's what I’ve found with my Serbian. While I was by no means fluent, I could hold a decent conversation. Now I think I'd really struggle because I haven't used it. Also, I think it's easier when there's lots of media readily available in the target language. Even though I don't speak very much French, I still watch quite a bit of French TV. Whereas for things like Russian or Ukrainian, it's perhaps a little bit harder to access media. C: That makes a lot of sense. Do you have any advice for others who want to learn multiple second languages? E: Just go for it! There is sometimes this natural hesitation about it, but once you've learnt one language, it only gets easier. Even if you’re learning something completely different to a language you already know, you've got that discipline and those rhythms in place. It's not as scary as sometimes people paint it to be. I also just encourage people to do things in a way that is fun and engaging! Related Articles About the Author Interview with a Polyglot Charlie Bodsworth 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: language interview language learning polyglot Charlie Bodsworth Categories: Interview 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

International Media and Communication < Back Katrina Luu Katrina is a 21-year-old British Born Chinese student from Leeds, currently studying International Media and Communications. 'With a love for all things creative, I am always looking for new ways to express myself, so my hobbies consists of art and fashion. What drew me to Lingo Magazine was the unlimited opportunity to express ideas and creativity, collaborate with like-minded people, and contribute to a platform that values diverse perspectives and voices.' Latest Articles by this Author Discover Nottingham: A Journey Through Its Historical and Cultural Landmarks 27/09/24

American Studies and English < Back Amaia Robertson Nogues Amaia is an American Studies and English student and spent her year abroad in Vermont, USA. In her free time she likes to read, draw and drink copious amounts of tea. Latest Articles by this Author Year Abroad Tales: Anonymous Stories 08/12/22

Modern Languages BA (Spanish and German) < Back Rhianna Wynne I was initially drawn to Lingo as I found it was a great opportunity to harness my writing abilities in a professional yet supportive environment. I love the idea of combining these skills with my passion for learning about anything from culture and history to current affairs! My hobbies include climbing, reading, playing the piano, and I am currently learning how to crochet! Latest Articles by this Author Trips from Nottingham: A local’s insight 10/02/25

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