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What to Take On Your Year Abroad Holly Cromwell Monday, 12 December 2022 A list of essential items to take with you on your year abroad informed by the advice and experiences of a student on their year abroad. Feel free to learn from my mistakes! I’ve been in France for nearly three months and it’s starting to feel like I’ve sorted myself out, so I might finally be able to write this list! To start – everything depends on where you’re going. The important part is to understand the vibe of your location: for example, I need to take a train to get anywhere with bars or clubs, so jumpers and craft supplies are more useful than a party dress (but a university town may be different). Don’t focus completely on your work/study placement, think about how you are in Nottingham, and who you’re likely to be in your new location. The Essential Essentials Passport and Visa – You cannot go anywhere without a valid travel ID, so check your passport is in date and apply for your visa in plenty of time. Phone charger and phone – If anything goes wrong, WordReference, Trainline, and other apps can be lifesavers. And even when nothing goes wrong, having that lifeline brings you peace of mind. Coat and weather appropriate accessories – Travel will always mess with outfit planning, but be comfortable and make sure you have layers (I know I sound like your mum here, but honestly she has a point). Medicines – Ironically, I was too anxious to talk to my GP about my emergency anxiety medicine, so I had to leave it at home. Don’t do a me: talk to your doctor if you are on anything so that they can write you a note for border control. Also, bring your basic painkillers, it’s a pain to go get them when you actually need them. Adapters – All of them. I brought three. One of my friends has an extension cord adapter and I’m so jealous. Local currency – all the train stations in France have paid toilets, if you don’t have a centime or a euro you will be holding it until lunch or the train. Card is not king everywhere even after the pandemic; bring some notes and break one to get coins early on. Also vending machines snacks are lovely for a long journey. The Basics Basic Toiletries – A lot of big UK brands don’t sell overseas and delivery can be difficult. So if you have a favourite cleanser, deodorant, or prescription contact lenses – make sure to stock up. Clothes – Duh. However, do think carefully. I have no official dress code but still felt a little uncomfortable at first as the only one in the staff room in jeans until some of the others relaxed mid-term. Bring work clothes if you’re working, warm clothes, cool clothes, pyjamas, cute outfits for Instagram… but remember you will have to carry it yourself in a suitcase. Laptop and charger – for all the same reasons as for uni. Notebooks, folders, pens – for students these will be necessary at some point especially if you’ve arrived and quickly realised that grammar is actually necessary for day to day conversation! Home Nostalgia – I really wasn’t sure what to call this but these are things that remind you of home for when the homesickness and culture shock starts to kick in. I brought photos of friends and family, society merch hoodie and a blanket I made during my first exam season as well as a hot water bottle that’s been with me forever. (Sidenote – if you’re going anywhere with remotely similar or colder temperature to the UK, I recommend a hot water bottle, you don’t know how good the heating will be) Your hobbies – it will take you a while to discover what’s around you so bring something you can do for yourself before you find your life abroad. I brought my camera and my sewing kit – haven’t touched my sewing but I have so many photos now and it genuinely helped change my mood when I could spend a day outside with my camera. If you’re a journal person bring that, or a crochet kit or your video games. These things don’t disappear because you’re in a different location. Good Ideas Grammar books – I know. This sucks. But it does help to have a guide when you realise that tenses are difficult or that people actually use indirect pronouns casual conversation Comfy Shoes – and ones that aren’t about to break, ask me how I know. Extra bags – can’t go wrong with a couple of totes! Seriously you’ll bring your big bags to carry everything but spare a thought for the day to day, what will you take to work/class? What about for the weekend? Do you plan on travelling around your country? A Plan – surprising that it’s this far down huh? No plan survives first contact but do have an idea of what you’re doing. You’ll always forget something important but remember that you are moving to a country, if it’s that important you will be able to find it somewhere. I have been very lucky, the people here are very welcoming and helpful, so I didn’t need to think about plates, cutlery, bedsheets, and a duvet. You might need to think about everything. That said, there is always a solution so even in the worst of times, hotels exist to bridge the interval before you can get essential items sorted and McDonalds is normally open even when all other restaurants are closed. So don’t stress yourself out, prepare yourself as best you can, and take the plunge. It is worth it. Promise. 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! YEAR ABROAD TALES: Does Distance Make the Heart Grow Fonder? Francesca Wren YEAR ABROAD TALES: When the student becomes the teacher Emily Cormack Taiwan Diaries: Quarantine Rosie Loyd Images provided by Holly Cromwell. 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: Holly Cromwell Advice Packing Year Abroad Working Abroad Categories: Travel Travel Tips 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

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

An Archive of Our PRINT ISSUES Two print issues are curated and released per academic year. These are pieces are written based on a recurring theme. Want to be featured in one of our prints? Keep an eye on our socials for announcements! Issue #6 - Voices "The theme […] is brought to life through the wide-ranging scope of articles produced by our sensationally talented writers. From storytelling traditions to displaced creatives, this issue illuminates the worldly power of the voice." Emma Burnett, Editor-in-Chief (24/25) Issue #5 - Connections "The theme for this print edition is ‘connections’, a rather encompassing focus for our first issue of the [24/25] academic year. From digital to historical to spiritual connections, Print Edition #5 is densely packed with rich explorations of connection within Culture, Global Affairs, Language and Travel, and our new Poetry Feature!" Emma Burnett, Editor-in-Chief (24/25) Issue #4 - Celebrations "...Issue #4 is all about celebration; celebrating culture, celebrating language, celebrating people, and most importantly, celebrating us! With many of our committee and members graduating this year, it was only right that we pay homage to the hard work and passion we have all invested into our magazine." Harriet Rothwell-Inch, Editor-in-Chief (23/24) Issue #3 - Rejuvenation "The theme for Issue #3 is rejuvenation and fostering community and the inspiration for the design of Issue #3 stems from this idea of rejuvenation. The various green accents not only complement our statement orange colour palette, but also signify our growth as a society. (It also looks really pretty)." Harriet Rothwell-Inch, Editor-in-Chief (23/24) Issue #1 "Our team have been working hard over the past couple of months to bring you a fantastic line up of articles. We've avoided choosing a theme for this issue so that each article takes you to somewhere different around the world. Thank you to all our readers and contributors for making this print edition of Lingo possible. I hope you enjoy your read!" Niamh Woodhouse, Editor-in-Chief (22/23)

Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Southern Spain is home to some of the world’s most enchanting architecture so we offered up some places to add to your travel bucket list. Andalucía is home to some of the most beautiful examples of Moorish architecture across the Iberian Peninsula... Between the 8th and 15th centuries, the Moors controlled most of Spain and their Islamic heritage is evident today across the southern regions of Spain. The Moorish buildings in Spain are some of the last few examples of Islamic architecture in Europe and although Moorish rule didn’t last forever, the monuments now attract tourists to Spain from across the globe. Here are just a few of southern Spain’s architectural gems to add to your travel bucket list. Granada Home to one of the most visited sites in Spain, La Alhambra in Granada has preserved its Moorish heritage. Meaning “the red” in Arabic , La Alhambra was used as a palace and fortress during the 14th century and its beautiful architecture has inspired other buildings all around the world. When Granada was later conquered in 1492, it was converted into the Royal Court of the Catholic Monarchs , Ferdinand and Isabella. The city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and La Alhambra is one of the best-preserved Moorish structures in the world. Its walls are covered in Islamic carvings and mosaics and it overlooks the Albaicín quarter of Granada’s Moorish old city , with a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Albaicín, the origin city of Granada, boasts a rich heritage of Moorish town planning and architecture . With narrow streets and small plazas, the area is marked by its unique and well-preserved Andalusian heritage. Sevilla La Real Alcázar de Sevilla is a massive walled fortress with mosaic domes, beautiful green gardens, ancient baths, and complex stonework. Some of the same artists who worked on La Alhambra contributed to the ornate interiors of the Alcázar. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is used by the Spanish royal family as their official residence, making it the oldest European palace still in use. Sevilla is also home to La Giralda – a Moorish bell tower that is part of the Sevilla Cathedral. You can climb up to the top for beautiful views of the city by walking up a series of ramps – installed instead of stairs so that animals could walk up to the top with food and water too. The Cathedral is the largest in Spain and uses a Gothic style, brought to Spain from France . The Gothic style cemented itself in Andalusian architecture thanks to the Reconquista. Córdoba Córdoba was once the capital of Islamic Spain. In fact, the Cathedral of Córdoba was so influenced by Moorish culture that it is better known as Mezquita (mosque). Complete with red and white horseshoe arches, it was originally a Mosque and the centre of Islamic life for the city’s citizens. It has been used as a Christian place of worship since 1236, when Christian rule took over the city. Like many other examples of Moorish architecture, the architecture carries a spiritual meaning. For example, there are 365 arches which are said to mimic the expansive world around us . Also in Córdoba is the Medina Azahara, the ruins of a medieval Muslim fortress . Originally named ‘The Shining City’, the ruins feature classic Moorish geometric architecture, terraced gardens and evidence of a Roman aqueduct. Spain’s rich history has gifted it some of the world’s most beautiful and complex pieces of architecture and Andalucía is home to some of our favourites. About the Author Vicki recently graduated her degree studying French and Spanish. She spent her year abroad in Grenoble and Bilbao, meeting people from across the world and sparking a desire to learn an unrealistic amount of languages. Vicki loves all things culture, but especially literature and film. Vicki was our 2022/23 Culture 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 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: Architecture Spain Andalucia History Vicki Mileson 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

What’s On in Nottingham: February Vicki Mileson Wednesday, 1 February 2023 Lingo Magazine’s go-to guide for the top cultural events going on in Nottingham this month. Exam season is officially over and Lingo Magazine’s guide to what’s on in Nottingham is back. Exam season is officially over and Lingo Magazine’s guide to what’s on in Nottingham is back. This month, we’ve got ice hockey, Chinese New Year celebrations and Refresher Week lined up for you. Ice Hockey at the Motorpoint Arena Throughout the month you’ll be able to watch the Nottingham Panthers play other ice hockey champions at the Motorpoint Arena. The Notts Varsity Series 2023 is also about to kick off so make sure to get your tickets soon. Refresher Week – from 30 January The Student Union’s Refresher Week this year will provide poster sales, society socials and tasters, and day trips – perfect to see your society friends again or discover a new hobby. Check out the full list of events here . Chinese New Year: Brush Painting Workshop – 1 February While Chinese New Year may have been back in January, Lakeside Arts is putting on another one of their brush painting workshops for you to learn the art of brush painting with Feng-Ru Lee. You’ll focus on painting animals and all abilities are welcome. Tickets are £7.50 and available here . Chinese New Year: Tea Ceremony and Guzheng – 5 February Lakeside Arts is also putting on a tea ceremony to celebrate Chinese New Year so you can discover this beautiful tradition. Canalhouse Comedy Night – 8 February and 22 February Head down to the Canalhouse at 7pm on either of these Wednesdays for a night of comedy. These nights tend to sell out so book your tickets in advance here. Nottingham Vintage Kilo Sale – 18 February Following the success of their last kilo sale, Worth The Weight is returning to St Mary’s Church with tonnes for stock for you to wade through. Register for tickets here . Bisexual Men Exist, Veneet Mehta on being a bisexual man – 19 February Five Leaves Bookshop is hosting a talk on what it means to be a bisexual man. Vaneet Mehta will talk through his personal experience of coming out and how this inspired him to create the viral #BisexualMenExist campaign. Tickets are £3 for students and expected to sell out. Gig at Percy Picklebackers - 21 February Catch Lingo's very own Abigail Hannah performing in the city centre! With headliner Paris Paloma , it's sure to be a night filled with acoustic indie and pop tunes. So if you're a fan of this and supporting upcoming artists, get your tickets here . Let us know if you attend any of these events – maybe even write a review for us! About the Author Vicki recently graduated her degree studying French and Spanish. She spent her year abroad in Grenoble and Bilbao, meeting people from across the world and sparking a desire to learn an unrealistic amount of languages. Vicki loves all things culture, but especially literature and film. Vicki was our 2022/23 Culture Editor. Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World Vicki Mileson Holi on the Downs 2022 Beth Walker Copyright free images via Instagram. 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: Vicki Mileson Nottingham Events Categories: Culture What's On 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

7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Millie shares with us some amazing reasons to visit the Dominican capital, a jewel of a city in the heart of the Caribbean! Santo Domingo is a Latin American metropolis brimming with historical sights, natural beauty, and a vibrant music scene. Located on the island of Hispaniola, east of Haiti, the Dominican Republic was the first settlement of the New World, and its capital city, Santo Domingo, was founded by the Spanish in 1496. It’s a beautiful blend of Latin and Caribbean culture and a fantastic city to explore. Wander colonial-era cobbled streets The best place to stay in Santo Domingo is the Zona Colonial (the Colonial Zone), which is a historical district of cobbled streets, colourful houses, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. Most tourists never leave the Zona Colonial! Here you can find the first cathedral of the Americas (Catedral Primada de América) and the first paved street of the Americas (Calle Las Damas). A stroll down Calle Las Damas will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage site Alcazar de Colon, a colonial palace with beautifully preserved interiors, Renaissance artwork, and quaint courtyards. Calle Hostos in the Zona Colonial [image description: the top of a street, with colourful houses and parked cars on either side of the cobbled road. The pavement descends steep steps and at the end of the street a white church is visible, photo credit: Millie Adams] Learn about indigenous culture Whilst exploring the charming streets of the Zona Colonial, it can be easy to forget about the indigenous people of the island and the significant conflict caused by colonialism. Before 1492, Hispaniola was populated by the Taíno people and many Dominicans today have indigenous ancestry. To learn more about pre-Colombian history, visit the Museo del Hombre Dominicano and Museo Prehispánico. Both museums offer insights into indigenous history and African heritage to better understand Dominican roots. Dance to bachata, salsa, and reggaeton Most Dominicans love to dance and every night, in the capital, bars are full of people enjoying Latin dance and music. In fact, at any time of the day, the streets are filled with music and you are never too far from a colmado (local corner shop) blasting Marc Anthony or Dominican-born El Alfa. The Zona Colonial is the safest area for bar-hopping and nightlife, I can recommend Bar Parada 77, Rox, Safe Zone Lounge, and Merengue Club. Drinks are cheap at 300 pesos for a cocktail (around £4) or try one of the local beers, Presidente and Bohemia. There is also a free music outdoor concert at the San Francisco ruins courtesy of Grupo Bonyé who perform merengue and jazz every Sunday from 6pm till late. The Sunday night concert at the San Francisco ruins [photo description: a large crowd is gathered to watch a music band performing in front of the ruins of an ancient monastery which has been illuminated by colourful lights, photo credit: Millie Adams] Relax on Caribbean sands In the Caribbean, you’re never too far from palm trees, white sand or crystal-clear water. Santo Domingo is no exception and it’s easy to escape the energetic city and relax at a nearby beach. Boca Chica is 15 miles east of the capital and is a crowded stretch of sand that has a reputation for becoming a party spot after dark. However, during the day, you can visit the bird-inhabited mangrove or give scuba diving a go. If you venture past Boca Chica, you’ll find a picturesque section of coast known as Juan Dolio, including beautiful beaches such as Playa Dorada and Guayacanes. Explore tropical caves On the east side of Parque Mirador del Este, you can find a series of large caves in the Los Tres Ojos (“The Three Eyes”) National Park. A winding staircase takes you to three iridescent blue lagoons that are fed by an underground river and surrounded by impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The caves had been used by indigenous people for religious ceremonies and have more recently been used as a set for films such as Tarzan, Jurassic Park III, and Oro Y Polvo, to name a few. Today, you can feel like an explorer by visiting the furthest lagoon, which can only be accessed by a small raft pulled across via rope for a small fee of 30 pesos. Ride the Caribbean’s 1st urban cable car For the best views of Santo Domingo, take a ride on the city’s recent addition to its transport network – the teleférico , Dominicans use it to avoid the heavy traffic at rush hour, but it has also become a unique attraction for tourists. Return tickets are available for as little as 50 pesos and you can visit all four stations that connect more than 23 districts. The gondolas pass directly over Los Tres Brazos, where the city’s two spectacular rivers converge into one estuary. View from the Santo Domingo’s cable car [photo description: bird’s-eye view of a residential area of the city with cable car line above, photo credit: Millie Adams] Taste local cuisine If you’re looking for a good local meal, there are plenty of options on Calle El Conde in the Zona Colonial, ranging from fine dining around Parque Colón to cheap family-run comedores and pica pollos. I can recommend Mix Empanadas for a cheap bite (must try their chocolate and ricotta empanada and fresh juices) and Restaurante Lucía which is a little more expensive (but worth it for the live music and cocktails). More nice restaurants can be found on the Plaza de España overlooking the Alcazar de Colon. If you’re looking for vegan food, Time Plant-Based Journey does amazing Latin-inspired dishes including nachos and quesadillas. Dominicans also have a sweet tooth, and the Zona Colonial is full of ice cream stalls and dessert shops, where you can try chinola (passion fruit) flan or dulce de tres leches. For a unique dining experience, El Meson de la Cava is a distinguished restaurant that is tucked underground in the natural limestone caves under the city. Historically, the cave was used for storage by US soldiers but was converted into a restaurant in 1967. Tables are surrounded by stalagmites and El Meson de la Cava is known for its excellent local cuisine with Spanish and French influences. Overall, Santo Domingo is a unique mix of Caribbean and Latin cultures. It’s an exciting city that is rich in historical architecture and delicious food and drink, as well as its tropical wonders of caves and beaches. You won’t want to leave until you’ve mastered bachata dancing! About the Author Millie is immersed in the world of travel. As part of her year abroad she spent spent a semester in Martinique and a study semester in Cuba. Whilst on that side of the world, Millie took the opportunity to travel around the Caribbean. Millie was our 2022/23 Travel Editor. 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Millie Adams. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Caribbean Island Santo Domingo Food Culture Millie Adams Categories: Travel City Guide Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! 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: Quarantine Rosie Loyd Wednesday, 27 April 2022 As part of her degree, Current Affairs Editor, Rosie Loyd, is spending several months in Taiwan attending National Cheng Kung University, Tainan. Having now arrived, she must complete her 10-day hotel quarantine followed by 7 days of ‘self-health management’ as part of Taiwan’s efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19. In this article, she updates her readers on her experience so far. After my 24 hour journey from Gatwick to Taipei, exhausted was an understatement. Taiwan is 7 hours ahead of the UK, so it took me several days to get back on track with my sleep cycle. On my journey out here, I was subject to several full-body disinfectant sprays (even on the soles of my shoes!), as well as a very aggressive PCR on arrival at Taipei airport. At long last, I had made it! Today is day 9 of my hotel quarantine in New Taipei. I’m staying in a hot spring hotel in Jinshan District, renowned for, yes you guessed it, hot springs! As I write this, I’m currently listening to the hum of my fridge - a relentless background noise - together with the dodgy air conditioning. I keep telling myself it is good practice to get accustomed to the heat for when I get out! I am very much looking forward to some different noises after finishing here. By the time this article is out, I will have finished quarantine and be in Tainan. Hot spring bath in my hotel room When you’re stuck in the same room for 10 days (11 nights), time turns into a strange companion. At times, it whizzes by, and before you know it it’s the evening. On other occasions, it’s as if it doesn’t move at all. The worst feeling is when you’re lying awake at 2 am knowing your doorbell will be rung at 7 to let you know your breakfast is waiting outside. Together with my fellow Chinese language coursemates, I was supposed to arrive in Taiwan in February. Well, originally, I was meant to go to Fudan University in Shanghai. That got cancelled at the end of 2021. Reading the headlines now, however, I can’t help but feel relieved I’m not in Shanghai. Then February came around and we were told by Nottingham University and National Cheng Kung University that they were waiting on some final documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan (MOFA). Ok, we thought. I’m sure we can wait a couple more weeks. But little did we know it would be months, not weeks. We’re here now, at least. But the lack of communication and the delay in issuing the necessary documents so that we could then apply for a visa was incredibly frustrating. I’ll leave this ranting for another day – it’s quite an entertaining story involving direct emails with the British Representative to Taiwan and warrants some more attention, so stay tuned! Back to quarantine. I’m coping. At first, I was rather overwhelmed at the idea that I had to stay inside for 10 days. We are all so fortunate to be able to do what we want when we want. And if what we want to do isn’t an option, then we’ll find the next best thing. It’s quite tricky when you’re limited to a square room with harsh yellow lights and limited natural light - there is a window, but it’s in the bathroom. The best part without a doubt is the nightly hot spring bath. We each have a huge bath and the hot water tap apparently comes directly from the hot spring. I could think of worse ways to kill a few hours! During the daytime, I’m reading, watching Netflix, and doing our Chinese classes online until we can attend in person. Yoga and Joe Wicks have made a comeback – on some levels this feels like lockdown 3.0! I’m also so grateful for all the facetimes with my friends and family. Another highlight of the day is facetiming fellow Lingo member, Mhairi, who is in the room above me, to eat our bento boxes together. What would we do without technology! In the mornings and afternoons, we have to take our temperature and submit this to several bodies: the hotel we are staying in, National Cheng Kung University (the university in Tainan that we will be attending), and finally to the anti-epidemic contact on LINE, the Taiwanese version of Whatsapp. On specific days we also must submit rapid lateral flow results online as well. At first, there were a lot of things to remember, but I’m getting into the swing of things now. The food is something we just have to get used to. Breakfasts consist of either a sandwich with unidentifiable fillings or some sweet little fluffy buns. Lunch and supper are bento boxes with rice, vegetables, some mystery meat, and tofu or something similar. The best comment a coursemate has made so far was ‘I wish I could Shazam my food, then at least I’d know what I was eating’. I agree – it would be very useful. Hey ho. It’s all part of the fun of it, guessing what we’re eating tonight. Quarantine dinner! Nevertheless, time is seemingly moving. On Tuesday 26th I will be taking a high-speed train down south to Tainan, where I will be completing the final 7 days known as ‘self-health management’. After that, I will be free! I’ll be staying in an Airbnb for the 7 days during which I can’t mix with other people or go onto campus to have in-person classes, but I am allowed to go outside and finally go for a walk. I can’t wait for the feeling to be tired from ‘doing things’ and for my head to hit the pillow and instantly fall asleep. That day will come soon! Stay tuned for Rosie’s Taiwan Diaries… 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 Taiwan Quarantine 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! LOAD MORE

Theology < Back Arabella Moore-Smith Arabella is a Theology student and the 25/26 Culture Editor. Latest Articles by this Author The Perfect Blend: Coffee, Church and Community 02/05/25

Physics < Back Scott Froggatt Scott is a Physics student and the 25/26 Language Editor. Latest Articles by this Author

A Rose By Any Other Name: ‘Cobs’ and ‘Jitties’, ‘Barms’ and ‘Ginnels’ Eleanor Curtis Tuesday, 5 December 2023 Why do we have so many words for so many things? Local words and accents are important for identity, and the strange little aspects of our language are all evidence of the development of language in a local area. Anyone who isn’t native to the East Midlands may receive a culture shock when arriving in Nottingham, due to the plethora of local terms in use here. You may be greeted as ‘ duck’ , offered a bacon ‘ cob’ , or directed down a ‘ jitty’ to your destination. As a lifelong resident of the Midlands, and someone influenced by language patterns from the Black Country (from my father), North Staffordshire and the Potteries (from my childhood), and the Derbyshire Dales (from my mother), I don’t find these words so strange. But, to someone coming from outside of the region, they may be somewhat unintelligible. Calling a person ‘ duck’ is a phenomenon seen across the Midlands, in counties that were a part of the ancient kingdom of Mercia. This is potentially a linguistic overhang from a term of respect used in the Anglo-Norse language of this area (‘ ducas’ ). Having moved further and further east over the course of my life, I’ve noticed that the word does not change across the region, only the inflection and accent accompanying it. It is genderless and forms a part of the cultural identity of the places in which it is used. However, having a specific word for a bread roll or an alleyway is not a localised phenomenon. Here, in the East Midlands, a bread roll is commonly called a cob. This is sometimes confusing for non-locals, as in other parts of the UK, this word refers to a large round loaf. Though, as you venture further north toward Manchester it will become a ‘ barm’ . In fact, there are at least seven different words for this around the UK. In a sense, these are mainstream usages of various dialects from days gone by that would have been in common use and would differ from town to town. Indeed, the small market town of Wirksworth in Derbyshire has an accent and set of words that are completely distinct; to residents of the Derbyshire dales, a Wirksworth resident would be easy to identify. While these words are similar to those used in the surrounding area, when used in combination with each other and with specific vowel sounds, they form a marker of an origin that belongs to a cultural identity or settlement. Equally, the six towns that were united to form the city of Stoke-on-Trent each have a specific set of words, vowel sounds, and accent markers that indicate a resident as coming from that specific part of the city. These types of linguistic intricacies exist across all forms of language. They are evidence of the development of local language, as well as showing that, populations settling and remaining in an area gives rise to dialects and accents attached to its location. Every time the population of the area shifts, language and dialects shift with it. Despite this, the enduring nature of these dialects indicate the presence of a permanent and unmoving population. Due to the transient nature of modern life and the way in which we move to and from these small communes, many of these small accents, dialects, and overhangs of the past are disappearing slowly. Therefore, using words such as ‘ cob ’ and ‘ jitty ’ becomes a badge of local identity and belonging. They become a commonality and a shared history that is maintained through speech; and they are culturally important in order to maintain societal links that are quickly becoming disparate. 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 A Rose By Any Other Name: ‘Cobs’ and ‘Jitties’, ‘Barms’ and ‘Ginnels’ Eleanor Curtis 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: cob dialect identity local England Eleanor Curtis Categories: Language and Linguistics Thought Piece 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

Culture Spotlight: Hispanic Society Niamh Woodhouse Tuesday, 25 October 2022 For our first installment of Culture Spotlights, we spoke to Emily Brown, Hispanic Society's Publicity Sec, to find out more about Hispanic culture, what it means and how UoN students can experience it on campus and around Nottingham. Can you describe your culture in three words? Vibrant, community and fun. Tell us about your culture for someone that has little to no knowledge of it Hispanic culture has community, family and friends at the heart of it. Hispanic traditions are super important, and they are a great excuse to celebrate with good food and music. In Hispanic Society, we place really high importance on bringing people together, Hispanic or not, and show them why everyone should get involved! It is a vibrant culture that is welcoming to all, with a strong focus on spending time together and enjoying life! What would you say is the best thing about your culture? There are so many reasons why Hispanic culture is the best, it's difficult to just pick one! I would say that the variety within the culture is one of the things that makes it so amazing. From one Spanish speaking country to the next, the customs, accents, food and music vary. I think this is what makes the culture so vibrant and diverse- it's pretty difficult to get bored! Is there a way to experience your culture in Nottingham? Yes! We have a great range of weekly activities that allow everyone to immerse themselves in the Hispanic community. A personal favourite event of mine is Latin Thursday (in collaboration with Colombian and Mexican Society) which takes place on the first Thursday of each month in Mooch. The aim is to get everyone speaking in Spanish (native speakers and learners) and it's a great way of meeting new people too! Our weekly cultural and social events are also all aimed at bringing the Hispanic culture closer to all of us. The other week, we had an event focussed on learning new Spanish slang- we all came away with lots of new vocab that will definitely come in handy for travelling to different Spanish speaking countries. As a committee, we love the Vida by Lorentes restaurant near Lace Market, as they serve a great range of tapas and paella dishes that we can't get enough of! Our President Cesar is there most weeks! Do you have any events/socials coming up where students can have a taster of your culture? Yes! We have a special event happening on Thursday 27th October as part of the Black History Month celebrations with 3 guests speakers presenting about a specific element of Afro-Latino culture. It will also include some salsa dancing too! Latin Thursday happens on the first Thursday of every month, so the next one will be 3rd November. It's also the Hispanic Music Takeover at Mooch that night, so it's going to be a good one! Keep an eye on Hispanic Society's instagram so that you can keep up to date with all of the great events they have got coming up! 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 European Music Festivals to Attend This Summer Niamh Woodhouse I Went to a Naked Orchestra: A Review of Carta by Monica Calle Niamh Woodhouse Header image provided by Hispanic Society via Instagram. 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 Hispanic Events Categories: Culture Cultural Spotlight 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

Here's to you, spontaneity Isabelle Clark Wednesday, 5 October 2022 How a poster in Verona helped me ditch the planner and embrace the unknown. For me, travel planning is almost as fun as the trip itself and I love mapping out my journey. Just imagine comfy clothes, a cup of tea, some great tunes in the background and making your travel dreams become a reality. Bliss… Having a well-planned itinerary is likely to save you money, time and stress - all important things when you’re travelling. A detailed plan is perfect for when you only have a short time to explore or want a little extra sense of security when you’re away from home. But sometimes, and I mean just sometimes , it’s good to break the bounds of your itinerary in the name of being more free and spontaneous; it’s fun to be a bit more adventurous… If you’re confined by the need to have your movements mapped out to the minute, you’re likely to miss out on some wonderful moments - big and small. Like walking past a cool neighbourhood bar and stopping for a drink and a bite to eat, or the unexpected offer of a different activity or side trip - even if it means missing out on something else you’d planned. Going where the wind takes you, that’s the phrase. My favourite spontaneous moment of the summer, one that will live with me forever, is my visit to the opera at the Verona Arena. Smaller only than the Colosseum and the Amphitheatre of Capua, the arena was constructed in 30 AD and has played host to spectacles down the ages such as gladiator fights, duels, arts, and sport. As I was wending my way through the ancient, beautiful arches that surround the arena, I noticed a poster for the Arena di Verona Festival. For nearly 100 years this annual summer event, known for its world-class performances, has drawn opera fans from across the world. I’m not a die-hard opera fan, and wouldn’t usually have paid much attention, but I searched the calendar of shows and could see what looked like a truly awe-inspiring set under construction. And Turandot was on that evening. Aside: If, like me, you weren’t sure what Turandot is about, let me tell you. The opera is set in Beijing’s Forbidden City where a princess is trying to find a suitor. Let’s just say that her unique approach to dating might not work out so well these days: she asks all her suitors to solve a riddle, if correct she’s all theirs, but if wrong, they are brutally murdered. Tinder just seems so tame, doesn’t it? Back to my story… I was so drawn in by the history of the arena, the awesome-looking set, the story behind the opera and the fact that I had never been to anything like this before that I immediately booked a ticket and dragged one of my friends along with me. And I don’t say this lightly… it was the most stunning experience of the year. The opera itself was fantastic. The costumes, set design, and venue were out of this world and were (although clearly I wasn’t around in Roman times to compare) I understand, quite traditional. Despite a few rows of plush red chairs at the front, most of us were seated on the stone steps. I was sitting on the same stone that others had sat on in the first century AD. And not one of the performers used a microphone, their voices naturally reverberating through the arena reaching even me in my cheap seat at the back. I can’t see how this magical experience can be topped this year but here’s hoping… So, you know what? Go buy that ticket, go pop into that neighbourhood bar, take up the suggestion of a side trip. Isabelle and itineraries will forever go hand-in-hand but here’s to you, spontaneity, and all of the fun you bring. About the Author Isabelle is in her second year here at Nottingham and enjoys writing about her travel adventures, sustainability in travel and the outdoors over on her travel blog and Instagram account, Isabelle's Itinerary (under isabellesitinerary.com and @isabellesitinerary , respectively). We can't wait to hear more of her tales! 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams 24 hours in... Barcelona Grace Whitaker Why you should visit Strasbourg Chloe Brewster Images provided by Isabelle Clark. 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: Isabelle Clark Spontaneity Verona Italy Culture Categories: Travel Travel Stories 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