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English with Creative Writing < Back Bethan Beddow Bethan, an English with Creative Writing student, has a passion for writing, specifically writing about things close to her heart, such as underrated Welsh culture! Latest Articles by this Author Exploring the hidden treasures of Wales 15/12/22

What makes a language “easy” to learn? Aidan Cross Sunday, 26 February 2023 Does the thought of learning a new language sound too difficult? Here’s what to look for to make it “easier” when deciding what language to learn! Today, over 7000 languages are spoken across the world, and it is estimated that more than half of the world’s population speaks more than one . As English has become a global language, it is unsurprising that it is the most common second language to learn. However, for native English speakers, what makes a different language “easy” to learn? It is generally agreed that exposure, immersion, and practice are the most important factors in successfully learning a new language. Because of this, the availability of resources in that language is something to consider when deciding what language to learn. Are there films, TV shows, or YouTube videos that you can watch in that language; books that you can read; or music that you can listen to? For example, the “ Korean wave ” and how this growing interest in South Korean culture has made a variety of Korean content accessible to English speakers with the popularity of K-dramas such as “Squid Game” and K-pop groups such as BTS. Your motivation and dedication to learning a new language is also a critical factor in determining how “easy” it is to learn. Your cultural ties to a language, through your family, community, or religion, e.g. Arabic in Islam and Hebrew in Judaism, can therefore make a language “easier” to learn. This is because it has a real, practical use and place in your life as well as that you will already have an understanding of the culture behind the language. After all, learning a language is so much more than just learning the vocabulary and grammar, the cultural context is just as important. Furthermore, you will have the advantage of knowing native speakers to practice with and learn from within your family or community. However, you shouldn’t be disheartened if this isn’t the case, and you are choosing to learn a language for study or work, for travel, or just for fun; ultimately, it is your motivation and dedication to consistent practice that will determine how “easy” it is to learn. Nevertheless, it cannot be avoided that, linguistically, some languages will just be “easier” than others for native English speakers to learn, for example, languages that use the Latin alphabet, e.g. Indonesian, and not the Cyrillic alphabet, e.g. Mongolian, or their own script, e.g. Thai. Languages with similar origins and shared histories, predominately Indo-European languages, e.g. Hindi, as well as those from the branches of this language family, particularly the Romance languages, e.g. Spanish, and Germanic languages, e.g. German will also be “easier” to learn due to their similarity to English. A language’s similarity, or dissimilarity, to English can affect how “easy” it is to learn in a number of ways: Vocabulary, e.g. 29% of English vocabulary comes from French Grammar, e.g. there is no verb conjugation in Mandarin and no articles in Russian Pronunciation, e.g. tonal languages such as Yoruba or click consonants, like in Xhosa, as well as sounds that don’t exist in English, like the Portuguese “ão” So, what languages are generally considered the “easiest” for native English speakers to learn? Unsurprisingly, it’s the Romance and Germanic languages spoken by our European neighbours: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, and Norwegian. 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! Translation and the Untranslatable Aidan Cross 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 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 Language Learning Korean Media English Categories: Language and Linguistics Analysis Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! 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

Translation Studies < Back Charlie Bodsworth A nerd in every sense, Charlie was our 2023-24 Language and Linguistics editor. She completed a BA in Modern Languages with Translation Studies, including a year spent in Paris, and is soon to complete her MA in Translation Studies. She speaks French and has just started learning Japanese! In her spare time, she plays video games, watches movies, and spends plenty of time with her two gerbils. Latest Articles by this Author Interview with a Polyglot 10/06/24 Words of the Year 2023 31/12/23 Japanese: One Language, Three Writing Systems 12/04/24 'A Victory for Feminism': How France Made the Right to Abortion Part of its Constitution 05/04/24 The Wonderful World of Studio Ghibli 05/04/24

4AM Kru: The crew taking the underground jungle scene to a new level Byron Taylor Sunday, 15 September 2024 4AM Kru have burst onto the music scene with energy, providing 90s rooted new jungle, and before the release of their new album 'Incognito Rhythm' Byron takes a look into their inspirations, style of production and ambitions in such a competitive industry. 4AM KRU burst onto the scene in 2020 with an energy rarely seen in mainstream music. They are masters of disguise in their music, packing clever samples into fast beats, along with graceful breaks and electronic elements that warp and expand. Their creativity in production is a standout in the nu-jungle genre, each track bringing unpredictable elements and a unique ID. They were born in London, the birthplace of Jungle in the early 1990’s, a scene that reflected a rebel spirit. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act attempted to shut down young peoples’ energy and creativity as rave culture had always faced strong opposition due to the fear of violence and drugs, when people were just trying to have fun. Pirate radios and jungle music went hand in hand. 4AM KRU brings us a fresh, mind-bending version of jungle music reminiscent of this era. Their first track ‘King Konger’ has a rapid beat, warped sample vocals and expansive electronic breaks, heralding great things to come. ‘It’s Alright Baby’ is like a wicked jungle Christmas tune, with disconcerting samples and bells, not to mention the heavy bass and breakbeat. ‘London Girls’ is addictive, with a majestic sample, piano chords and beat that floats with ease, fading out at one point with a euphoric effect. Every beat glides beautifully, strange yet danceable. The KRU’s aesthetic is London inspired, cartoon like, and genuinely creative, with an astonishing level of detail on the cover of each single. The 4AM KRU rat is atop the shard in the cover art of their debut track , and perhaps Dalston Junction via The Moon gives us a clue of their high ambitions and potential. The ‘Good Time’ cover is a trippy take on Dali’s ‘The Persistence of Memory’ . It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into these illustrations. ‘High Time’ is their hit track, for a good reason. How they found ‘Gangsta Pat’, I don’t know; one of the finest gems of a sample I’ve seen in a while, reminiscent of MJ’s ‘The Lady in My Life’. ‘Stay Puffed’ is another great sample, injected with energy, synths and an infectious beat breathing new life into it with relentless breakbeats. They’re developing too. ‘Pianos Raining Down’ and ‘Ooh Boy’ are proof of further potential. The duo somehow bring a four-dimensional element to jungle music, playing with our expectations to twist samples, change up beats and provide luscious instrumentals throughout. 4AM Kru have already made waves: reinventing the jungle scene, and securing huge sets at the likes of Reading festival and Boardmasters recently. Their recent single ‘Ribena’, incidentally released the weekend before Notting Hill carnival. It has an 80s reggae sample of Papa Levi, bringing a party spirit and epitomising the celebration of summer. 4AM Kru's debut album 'Incognito Rhythm' was released on the 12th of September; it's even more fast-paced, sample heavy jungle to cap off summer of 2024. About the Author Writing has always been a way to express my creative interests to other people and share knowledge of lesser known culture, whether it be film or music. Lingo is a community that nurtures this aspect of life, helping students to enrich their understanding of the world and different perspectives on life, promoting creativity and celebrating culture. Throughout my articles I try to explore the cultural impact of media and richness of life, whether it be new cinema releases, 70s music or climbing. 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: Music Dance Underground Culture 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

Medicine < Back Samah Irshad Samah is a first year medic, who studied Spanish at A-level and absolutely loved it!! She decided to join Lingo because she wanted to continue with her language journey and learn more about other cultural interests! :)) Latest Articles by this Author Salamanca – home of the world's purest Spanish 04/04/23

How to travel cheaply during your year abroad Chloe Brewster Monday, 15 August 2022 In this article, Chloe, who has just finished her year abroad in France, offers advice on how to travel both within and outside your host country without spending a fortune or even relying on air travel. Living in your host city for a semester or a year always presents numerous opportunities for immersing yourself in local customs and activities, but sometimes you may fancy a change of setting and want to explore the country (or perhaps some others). Contrary to common perception, travelling during your year abroad needn’t be expensive provided that you plan accordingly and learn some tips which enable you to live and think like a local in your host country! Sign up for a rail card If you are working or studying in a country for a semester, it is easy to assume that investing in a rail card is not worthwhile, but rail cards tend to be cheap and barely make a dent into your pocket. For example, I only paid 15 euros for a regional ‘Grand Est Primo’ card during my year abroad in Strasbourg, France which reduced rail fares by 50% during the week and a mind-blowing 70% at weekends – needless to say, I used the card as often as I could because French regional rail travel is significantly cheaper than in the UK! The card even included trips to Switzerland which was a novelty since it wasn’t even in the same country , let alone the same region. A cheap visit to Basel, Switzerland thanks to a regional rail card (same cannot be said of the extortionately priced McDonald’s though!) Owning a rail card definitely incites you to explore your local region and sometimes appreciate a change of scenery. However, if bigger cities or further-away areas are more appealing to you, a general youth discount card (valid on long-distance trains) might be better suited which offers generous discounts for trains booked in advance (although last-minute deals can also be found). In France, the Carte Avantage Jeune (49 euros for a year) offers significant savings on TGV or fast-speed trains, which broadens the spectrum of cities that you can visit relatively inexpensively (see the below image). Even though it is a bigger investment compared to the cheaper regional cards, the Carte Avantage Jeune pays for itself within one or two trips! Cathédrale de Besançon, France – eligible for the Carte Avantage Jeune Travel by coach or bus In an era of increased environmental awareness, travelling by coach is advantageous both for your budget and for the environment. Flixbus and Blablabus are two of the most well-known coach companies in mainland Europe, making long-distance travel more accessible (and somewhat comfortable with free Wifi and charging points on board). Alternating between coach and rail travel can be a good compromise if travelling completely by coach doesn’t appeal to you, especially for day trips; during a recent visit to Luxembourg, I travelled there on regional trains then returned home via a Flixbus in the late evening. Exploring the Grund in Luxembourg City Watch out for special deals In between your work placement or studies, you probably don’t have an abundance of time to constantly check rail discounts in the hope that a special offer might come up in time for your travels! But it is definitely worth keeping an eye on rail apps for your host country (DB, SNCF, etc.) to see if there are any sales for particular routes which may usually be quite expensive. I finally managed to get discounted tickets to Paris not long before I finished my year abroad after months of waiting for special deals, so perseverance is certainly essential as difficult as it might be! Finally made it to the Eiffel Tower! Bring your student card/passport Now that you have hopefully arrived at your travel destination, you are going to plan what you are going to do there. If you are studying abroad, your student card should entitle you to discounts or free admission into cultural places such as museums. If you are travelling to another country (i.e. Germany from France), you can still use your (French) student card and be eligible for discounts, which is always much-welcomed. Porta Nigra, Trier (Germany) – a discounted visit thanks to my student card However, certain cities offer discounts or free admission based on your passport status. In Paris, free admission is usually determined by possessing an EU passport and being under the age of 25. While this may prove disappointing for British passport holders (another unfortunate legacy of Brexit!), all hope is not necessarily lost. For example, I visited the Arc de Triomphe for free by showing my long-stay student visa, although this should also apply to holders of a working visa. You never know when a passport/visa or student card may come in handy for entitling you to discounts, so it is always wise to bring relevant documentation with you for your travels because why not ? These are just a few tips (but not an exhaustive list!) for travelling as economically as possible during your year abroad and gaining an insight (via culture, history or food) into other regions in your host country. Whether it is for a day trip or a weekend break, travelling is definitely one of the most exhilarating elements of a year abroad and is not to be missed! About the Author Chloe is a final year French student who has studied abroad in Strasbourg and wants to share her experiences of travelling - including as a solo female - in Europe. She is particularly interested in French culture (if there is a fine arts museum around, she will find it!), but living in Strasbourg has exposed her to other cultures (German, Swiss, Luxembourgish, you get the gist...). Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Chloe Brewster For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Chloe Brewster Budget Tips Year Abroad France 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! LOAD MORE

Tone in Indo-European Languages: Let’s take a look at Punjabi Aaron Gil Monday, 31 October 2022 Indo-European languages are not typically associated with tone but there are a few Indo-European languages that incorporate tone in one way or another. Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) is one of them so let’s take a look into how tone is incorporated in the Punjabi language. Indo-European languages are not typically associated with tone but there are a few of them that incorporate tone in one way or another. Punjabi ( ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) is one of them, so let’s take a look into how tone is incorporated in the Punjabi language. Punjabi is spoken in both India and Pakistan and has over 100 million native speakers . In India, it is written in the Gurmukhi script, whereas in Pakistan it is written in the Shahmukhi script. In this article, I’ll be referring to the Gurmukhi script, as that is what I’m familiar with. Gurmukhi is an abugida (a specific type of writing system) and consists of 35 primary letters. It is arranged in such a way that each row – excluding the first and last row - represents a certain manner of articulation, and each column is a variation on that articulation. For those curious about Gurmukhi, this video pronounces the names of the letters and gives some example words. Gurmukhi Alphabet The letters in the red box along with ਹ (sometimes) serve as tone markers and the placement of these letters within a syllable – at the beginning or the end – determines the nature of the tone In Punjabi there are three types of tone: low, high, and level. The low tone is characterized by lowering the voice below the normal pitch and then rising back in the following syllable. In the high tone the pitch of the voice rises above its normal level falling back at the following symbol. The level tone is carried by the remaining words. The sounds of ਘ,ਝ,ਢ,ਧ,ਭ , when appearing at the beginning of a syllable, carry the low tone3. The letter is pronounced in the same way as the first column equivalent. ਘ = ਕ + low tone High tone is typically seen when ਹ is in the middle or end of the word. In these instances, the sound of ਹ is not pronounced and the only indication of its existence in the word is the high tone. High tone also occurs when the letters the sounds of ਘ,ਝ,ਢ,ਧ,ਭ occur in the final position within a word. More detail about tone in Punjabi can be found in this lecture . One thing that you can infer from this is that tone in Punjabi is much simpler than Chinese for example. As to why tone has arisen in the Punjabi language, it is hard to say. According to the book ‘An Introduction to Punjabi - Grammar, Conversation and Literature,’ the tonal feature of Punjabi is something that awaits serious research. Many native speakers of Punjabi probably don’t even recognize the fact that they use tone as for them it is something acquired naturally. Nevertheless, tone is an important factor in the language and is something that makes it unique. About the Author Aaron is a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student, who likes learning about languages and would love to share some knowledge about his mother tongue of Punjabi which he is currently trying to learn. Tone in Indo-European Languages: Let’s take a look at Punjabi Aaron Gil Images provided by Aaron Gil. 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: Aaron Gill Punjabi Tone Indo-European Categories: Language Study 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! LOAD MORE

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Brownies with Dulce de Leche Emily Dawson Friday, 2 December 2022 Recipe of the Week with @ems.homecooking will teach you a new dish from around the world. This weeks recipe is one of my own and will teach you the secret to getting that perfect crispy brownie top. Serves: 12-18 Difficulty: 3/5 Time: 1hr (20 minutes prep, 40-45 minutes cooking time) A twist on everyone’s favourite baked treat that gives even Beeston Brownies a run for their money, this recipe is one of my own. The depth and thickness of the mixture means you can bake this one for 40 minutes and you’ll still have a deliciously gooey brownie. The dulce de leche also transforms the crust into a chewy outer shell making this recipe my go-to sweet treat, which is always requested by friends and family. Ingredients 200g butter 200g dark chocolate 4 large eggs 350g caster sugar 100g plain flour 50g cocoa powder 100g milk chocolate, roughly chopped 2 tbsp dulce de leche Method Melt the dark chocolate and butter in a pan over a medium heat, making sure to stir constantly as to not burn the bottom. Once melted, set aside to cool. Whisk the sugar and eggs together in a separate bowl until the mixture is pale and has doubled in size. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture. Sift and fold the flour and cocoa powder into the mixture. Add the milk chocolate making sure it is distributed evenly. Pour the mixture into a 20cm x 24cm tin and spread it evenly across the tin Using a spoon, swirl the dulce de leche through the top layer in a spiral pattern. For more savoury and tasty treat recipes, follow @ems.homecooking on Instagram. 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 Brownies Chocolate Dessert Cooking 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

French and Francophone Studies < Back Francesca Wren Fran is a final year French student, returning to campus after completing her year abroad in France. She spent her time working as an English language assistant in the suburbs of the Paris. She can't wait to share her tips of living in Paris and her anecdotes of a year abroad with the readers of Lingo! Latest Articles by this Author Saving your centimes: How to do Paris on a Budget 16/03/22 YEAR ABROAD TALES: Does Distance Make the Heart Grow Fonder? 04/03/22

Exploring Spain through Erasmus Trips Grace Whitaker Tuesday, 14 June 2022 Grace, a Modern Languages with Translation third year, tells us about the various Erasmus trips she went on whilst completing a semester abroad in Valencia, Spain. Read on to find out why Grace can fully recommend Erasmus trips for other students, studying or working abroad. Before arriving in Valencia for my study abroad, I had little knowledge of the city, except that it is on the eastern coast of Spain. However, upon arriving, I soon learnt that it is one of the most popular destinations for Erasmus students with thousands attending just my university. Thanks to this huge Erasmus population, several different companies offer weekly club nights and trips at the weekend. One of the benefits of these trips is that there is transport included meaning you can visit places that otherwise would have been too difficult to visit independently. In this article, I will list some of the places I visited during my time in Spain. 05.02.2022 – Alicante The first trip I went on was during my second week of living in Spain. About an hour and a half further down the coast from Valencia, Alicante is a coastal city, very popular with British holidaymakers. We visited the castle, had lunch and walked around some of the Old Town. I feel that doing trips like these really encourage you to make and find new friends; the girls I went to Alicante with nearly 4 months ago are some of my closest friends now! 20.02.2022 – Montanejos Montanejos is one of those places that would have been near-impossible to visit without an organised trip. It is a hot spring located deep in the Spanish countryside, around an hour from Valencia. We first completed a fairly challenging hike which included several moments of me thinking that this was the end. Luckily, I survived and then my friends and I were able to swim in the hot spring - very refreshing! 13.03.2022 – Xativa During the Fallas (a famous Valencian festival), we visited Xativa, a town further into the Comunidad de Valencia. We spent the majority of the day exploring the castle where we were able to watch the daily ‘mascleta’ – a type of firework display that occurs during Fallas. We then wandered around the town centre and ate some patatas bravas before returning home. 09.04.2022 – Zaragoza Zaragoza was the furthest place I had travelled just for a day trip, taking over 4 hours to travel there from Valencia. However, it was a beautiful city to visit, especially the basilica where we had a guided tour. The basilica looks over the river that winds through the city and offers amazing views. The famous Romantic painter Goya called the city home and so there is a museum dedicated to his work. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to visit. Despite the long journey from the east coast, this is certainly a city worth visiting! 30.04.2022 – Isla de Tabarca Last but certainly not least was our trip to the Isla de Tabarca, the smallest inhabited island in Europe, just off the coast of Alicante. We arrived by catamaran to the island, I felt like I was living my Mamma Mia dream! After some lunch, we found a little cove where we were able to sunbathe and go swimming - I had never seen such clear water before. The weather was perfect, it is definitely my favourite trip. Whether you are studying or completing an internship, I would certainly recommend researching Erasmus companies in your area, almost all major European cities have them. They are an excellent way to make friends and visit places to make the most of your year abroad. 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 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams 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: Spain Erasmus Day Trips Year Abroad Culture Grace Whitaker 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

Weekend Getaways: The Lake District Gabrielle Wroe Monday, 17 March 2025 Why not take a quick weekend getaway with your friends? It’s the perfect escape for busy students in need of a break from constant studying. A weekend trip lets you unwind, recharge and discover new places- sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to shake off the uni stress! Even if it’s just for a day or two, there are some great places to visit on a low budget. As a student, I’ve found that small trips are incredibly worthwhile. University life can be stressful, and taking a break to recharge is essential for your mental well-being. A perfect staycation that I highly recommend is the Lake District, which remains one of the most idyllic and tranquil places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Last spring, I ventured there for the first time with my partner, spending a weekend in the charming village of Dent. The Lake District is easiest to reach by car, with a scenic drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours from Nottingham. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! There are also several train stations dotted around the region, making it accessible from various parts of the UK. Trains can be a cheaper alternative if you have a railcard along with student discount. During our trip we stayed in an affordable Airbnb for three days, which was ideal – it gave us the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. Airbnb is a great choice for budget friendly stays, but you could also look for B&B’s or hostels which could save you a bit more money. The Lake District is the perfect destination if you love hiking and the outdoors! Anywhere you stay in the Lakes has countless walks and hiking routes with picturesque views, so you’ll never run out of places to explore. Whether you’re intermediate or beginner, the Lake District offers trails for all levels of experience. If you prefer gentle strolls, I recommend taking a trip to Lake Windermere, which has beautiful views and offers a flat walk. There are also more challenging climbs such as Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak that promises breathtaking views. Also, in many villages there are local pubs and cafes that offer meals with a cozy atmosphere, which is perfect after a day of hiking. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities such as boat rides across the lakes, local markets and lots of charming little shops and cafes. The area is very rich in history too, so there are a handful of museums and historic sites that you can explore if you aren’t too bothered about the walks. Whether you're seeking adventure or just a short trip with friends, the Lake District offers a perfect weekend getaway. About the Author 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. Header image is copyright free and courtesy of Unsplash. Article images provided by Gabrielle Wroe. 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: Travel Travel Guide England 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

Working with History: What It's Like to Work at Nottingham Castle Kaitlen Elaine Wood Sunday, 1 June 2025 Imagine stepping into a world where every artefact tells a story and every archive in a museum’s collections holds secrets waiting to be retold and newly uncovered. Working in the museum sector truly feels like an adventure through time, whether conducting research on specific collections or engaging with diverse visitors who offer their own perspectives and input on the historical narratives told throughout the museum. Each day that I work at Nottingham Castle reminds me that my role is pivotal in preserving Nottingham’s collective memory. My name is Kaitlen Elaine, and I am an international master’s student at the University of Nottingham. I am studying International Media and Communications, which involves extensive coursework on the United Kingdom’s cultural and creative industries. While I’ve always been interested in England’s heritage sector, I am grateful that I’ve received the opportunity to gain practical experience at the site of one of England’s most important medieval castles. Working at Nottingham Castle My role in the museum and art galleries encompasses various responsibilities, including serving as a heritage visitor experience assistant, assisting with cave tours, researching the castle’s alabaster collection, and working in the Brewhouse Yard Museum, which is a small museum below Castle Rock. Each aspect of this position has contributed to my personal and professional growth within this sector and my overall understanding and appreciation for Nottingham’s extensive history. Cave Tours Nottingham is known as the ‘City of Caves’ and is recognised for its extensive network of man-made caves that date back centuries. These caves hold significant historical importance, especially the cave beneath Nottingham Castle, called Mortimer’s Hole. These caves, which are carved into what is known as the ‘goldilocks’ of sandstone–not too soft and not too hard–beneath the city, have served various purposes throughout time, from storage and living spaces to dungeons and air raid shelters during World War II. During the cave tours, I assist the main tour guide with audience engagement and aid in the retelling of stories about the castle’s past, such as its role in the English Civil War and its connection to notable figures like Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest. Helping with cave tours requires a foundational understanding of the caves' physical layout and their historical context. I have learned to engage visitors by tailoring my communication styles to different age groups and interests. For instance, younger children might enjoy the tale of ‘Mortimer the Fox,’ which is a local fox that lives in the cave, while adults often appreciate more detailed accounts of historical significance, such as guessing the dates of certain events. This adaptability has improved my public speaking and boosted my confidence in interacting with diverse audiences. Working in Heritage Visitor Experience In addition to cave tours, I work as a heritage visitor experience assistant in the exhibitions and art galleries throughout the museum. This involves ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable and informative experience while exploring Nottingham Castle. My responsibilities include greeting guests, providing information about exhibits and events, and assisting with any inquiries they may have. This role has taught me how to handle challenging situations gracefully, such as addressing visitor complaints or managing large groups of people, while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Moreover, collaborating with other staff members has fostered a sense of teamwork that helps us provide exceptional service. However, one of the most challenging things about this position is that I must have a base-level understanding of each exhibition and gallery so that when someone asks a specific question, I should be able to answer it. For example, I need to know where works by Joseph Mallord William Turner are, as his work is commonly sought after by visitors. This gets easier over time, but it was initially quite overwhelming! Researching the Alabaster Collection A part of my work with Nottingham Castle involves researching Nottingham Castle’s alabaster collection, specifically the ‘Three Flawford’s Figures.’ Alabaster is a type of stone that has been used in art and architecture due to its translucence and softness. The castle is home to several unique alabaster artefacts that reflect local craftsmanship and broader artistic trends during different periods. My research focused on identifying the origins of these pieces, their historical significance, and artistic styles, as well as taking that information and simplifying it for a younger audience. For this research, I utilised various resources such as academic journals and museum archives, and I found an interesting book that explores Nottingham alabaster and its value in Europe. Creating a Scavenger Hunt As a part of my research, I developed a young person’s scavenger hunt designed to engage younger audiences with the history of the Three Flawford’s Figures on display at Nottingham Castle. The scavenger hunt encourages participants to explore the historical and artistic elements of the Flawford Figures and critically analyse the choices that the artist made when crafting them. I aimed to make the activity fun and informative by incorporating interesting facts about each artefact alongside interactive challenges that would keep young visitors engaged throughout their examination. The scavenger hunt not only keeps younger visitors entertained but also fosters a deeper sense of curiosity about art history. Working in Brewhouse Yard Museum Alongside working in the Castle, I also have experience working at the Brewhouse Yard Museum, where I have learned much more about the local heritage. The museum showcases life in Nottingham during different historical periods through engaging exhibits that highlight everyday experiences. The Brewhouse Yard Museum is located in 17th-century cottages that experienced a lot of economic ups and downs, urban expansion, and rapid industrial change. The most interesting thing that I’ve learned about the Brewhouse Yard area, which is located below the Castle, is that it was conveniently located outside the jurisdiction of the city’s parishes. This meant that the cottages provided tax-free living and safety for religious non-conformists for some time; however, this also meant that there was a lot of crime as well. My role here consists of greeting museum visitors, specifically those who have just finished a cave tour, as the tour ends at the bottom of Castle Rock, where Brewhouse Yard sits, and assisting with short guided overviews of the cottages. It’s interesting to witness firsthand how important storytelling is in museum work, which is a rewarding aspect of this position. Working with History Working at Nottingham Castle has provided me with experiences that extend far beyond my original expectations. From assisting with medieval cave tours to researching the Castle’s alabaster collection, I have gained practical skills applicable across the heritage sector whilst immersing myself in British culture and Nottingham’s unique heritage. This opportunity has nonetheless deepened my passion for continuous learning and my appreciation for history’s complexities, which is an invaluable lesson I will carry forward into future endeavours in the heritage sector. About the Author Header image provided copyright free 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: Culture Castle History 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