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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

The International Booker Prize 2022 Revealed: The Award that Celebrates Authors and their Equally Gifted Translators Mhairi MacLeod Sunday, 10 April 2022 It’s book awards season and if there was ever a time to add some incredible works of translated fiction to your reading list, it’s now. Our Deputy Editor, Mhairi, tells us about the underestimated art of translation and gives us a rundown on the longlist of the International Booker Prize 2022. The highly anticipated International Booker Prize 2022 longlist has been revealed and this year the list includes a plethora of incredible books from all over the world. The thirteen selected books have been translated from 11 languages and 12 countries and the list includes a piece translated from Hindi for the first time. The International Booker Prize is renowned for its celebration of translated fiction and the prize gives equal recognition to the authors and the translators, with the £50,000 prize being split equally. The award celebrates perspectives, narratives, cultures, and characters from all over the globe. Whilst the translation of English books has been popular throughout time, the reverse has never been as sought after for various reasons. In recent times however, the demand for translated and foreign fiction has risen and has been gaining popularity. One only has to look briefly at the Instagram book community, or ‘bookstagram’, before noticing that foreign writers such as Murakami, Ishiguro and Fernanda Melchor come up as recommended reads time and time again. The task of translating a literary piece of work should not be underestimated. How does one effectively translate nuances specific to the initial language in which it was originally written? What about colloquial or slang terms? As for the flow of writing, do translators stick to the original and literal translation or do they slightly alter it to produce a mesmerising, more agreeable read? So much has to be considered when translating a book into another language and it can only be considered an art form. This year’s five judges certainly had a serious task on their hands however, after months of consideration and deliberation, they have whittled down the selection to just 13 books for the longlist. Frank Wynne, the chair of the 2022 judges, referred to the experience “as a kind of heaven”. Borges famously believed that paradise would be “a kind of library”, and spending the past year in the company of some of the world’s great writers and their equally gifted translators has been a kind of heaven. From the intimate to the epic, the numinous to the profane, the books make up a passionately debated longlist that trace a ring around the world. These 13 titles from 12 countries and 11 languages explore the breadth and depth of human experience, and are a testament to the power of language and literature. Here is the thrilling International Booker Prize longlist, all of which should be added to your reading list immediately. The shortlist of just six books will be announced on April 7th and the final winner will be revealed on the 26th May – a date for your diary. About the Author Mhairi is currently in her final year studying Spanish and Chinese. On her year abroad, Mhairi spent her time in Barcelona, Taiwan and Peru. She joined Lingo Mag as Deputy Editor 2022/23 to share her enthusiasm for languages, culture, and travel. "Learning a language is so much more than memorising verb patterns and grammar. Immersing yourself in films, books and music is where the magic happens." Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod Encanto: The Deeper Meaning Behind Disney's Award-winning Latino Film Mhairi MacLeod The International Booker Prize 2022 Revealed: The Award that Celebrates Authors and their Equally Gifted Translators Mhairi MacLeod 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: Mhairi Macleod Booker Prize Awards Literature Translation Books Categories: Culture Cultural News 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

The Rise of Foreign Language TV Holly Cromwell Monday, 21 November 2022 The last few years have seen several standout films and TV shows that just so happen to not be in English. Money Heist, Squid Games and more - but why now and how come? Holly shares her thoughts on what has changed and why we only noticed just how good these films are. There’s been a longstanding belief in film and television that foreign language films were a bit niche – something for us language students and maybe the odd hipster. That was before Money Heist and Squid Games bust onto the scene and proved them all wrong. Since then, there’ve been others in different genres: Lupin , showing up for French crime dramas, the first French series to break the top ten of US Netflix; the rise of K Dramas mirroring that of K-pop; Young Royals , a Swedish teen drama that put Netflix Nordic on the map and, of course, Parasite brought film up to par as well. This media is not only more popular than ever, but some are also smashing records full stop. The final season of Money Heist was not only Netflix’s most viewed international series that wasn’t streamed in solely in English, but in the week the final episodes dropped it became the show with the highest total viewing hours on the platform, with almost four times that of the nearest (English-speaking) competitor. That’s 47 million hours against 190 million. Insane! But why now? Is it just that people realised that subtitles really aren’t as bad as they thought? I know a lot of people, including me, have left them on for English shows because they make life so much easier. One article states that over 80% of Netflix users now use subtitles at least once a month, and the streaming giant, which may be losing popularity but still dominates its field, now streams in more than 60 languages. This is possible of course, but we’ve not moved to a world of universal consumption – my Netflix feed is still 75% English even as I try to watch as much French media as I can for my degree. It’s one or two productions at a time that make it big out of nowhere, and from a variety of places, genres and budgets. Potentially, it’s the sheer choice. The rise of streaming has allowed not only a wider appreciation of subtitles but wider access to films – a Netflix or Hulu subscription is often cheaper than a cinema ticket and you have access to a massive amount of content at any time you want. Similarly, TV is no longer a matter of what happens to be on when you’re free, it’s there on demand. With wider access comes a wider range of choices and that means that things that would otherwise be overlooked or excluded, now have a chance, if not a big one, of being noticed. Then we have algorithms, if enough of us scream about Squid Games, then all of us will scream about Squid Games . It pleases the digital overlords. From there we find one of the complaints you hear about TV and film nowadays: that there’s so much choice and it’s all in different places (often behind paywalls on different streaming sites). With that much content available, things can start to feel a little bit stale. Even without intention, you start to spot patterns in media and the search for something new is easier when you stumble upon a highly acclaimed foreign film in the recommended section. Here is something that maybe is a little bit different! Whilst cinematographers and film critics like to claim film is a universal language; Korean, French, Spanish, or Swedish filmmakers may be working from a different set of references and cultural expectations and as such that stale taste dissipates. We speak the same language; we get the stories, and the emotions and we connect to the art, but we speak a different dialect and that makes these films refreshing. Not to say that any of my examples are only good because they’re foreign – they’re all stunning works and push forward the standards of the industry. However, it is notable that none of these examples of massively popular films were necessarily created with an English-speaking audience in mind. This is not Disney minimising LGBTQ+ representation so they can easily push sales through Russian and Chinese censorship. This is not a collection of calculated decisions from executives looking for the next big thing. They seem to be organically popular shows. Just good entertainment that happened to spark something amongst audiences across cultures, without a set intention to make it big – even as both film and TV are, in the end, both markets as well as art. 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! The Rise of Foreign Language TV Holly Cromwell What is Culture? Holly Cromwell Why Do We All Need Subtitles Now? Holly Cromwell Copyright free images via Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Holly Cromwell Foreign TV Money Heist Squid Game Netflix Categories: Culture 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

French and Russian < Back Juliet Kennedy Juliet is our Culture Editor for 2024-25. She is a student of French and Russian. She is interested in art and literature, and loves writing and travelling. Latest Articles by this Author Interview with Daria Morozova 10/12/24 Year Abroad Tales: Working in an art gallery on the Estonian-Russian border 11/06/24

Growing Up Bilingual Anika Jennifer Mariel Monday, 16 December 2024 There is something truly exceptional about the way languages shape our lives, especially when you grow up knowing more than one. Welcome, not just to my world, but to the world of billions across the globe. Multilingualism is far beyond the simple greetings or numbers in different languages. It manifests itself in the way I perceive myself and the world around me, becoming an indispensable part of me and my identity. But how does one become bilingual, or even multilingual? Well, when you grow up in a country as diverse as India—like I did—you’re practically born into bilingualism. In a place with no national language, and instead, 22 officially recognised languages, 121 major languages, and over 19,000 dialects, fluency in multiple languages is the norm. The Indian educational system also mandates learning several languages from a very young age, but the medium of instruction in Indian schools and universities (except for a handful of institutions in each state that exclusively teach in regional languages) is English, as it has long been recognised as an official language in the country. This meant that while I was learning my mother tongue, Tamil, I was simultaneously learning English at the very same pace! I grew up speaking both Tamil and English fluently, but I also understand other Indian regional languages such as Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu. Being raised in a multilingual environment ignited my passion for language learning, which is why I’ve been learning German and Korean, and have recently taken up Japanese at the University. I’ve discovered that growing up speaking multiple languages has given me a significant advantage, making it much easier and quicker for me to learn new ones. Inspiration began with my mom, who like me, has a penchant for languages. As a child, I remember being in awe of her, doing my best to emulate her as she effortlessly switched between various languages. Looking back now, she was probably the reason I became so enamoured by language and linguistics in the first place. Growing up, the language my family, friends, and I predominantly spoke was English. It was the language I was, and still am most comfortable with and proficient in. No matter how many silly challenges my family organised at home to ensure that I didn’t lose my connection with Tamil, my brain at some point during my childhood automatically picked English as the dominant language. I realise now that no matter how many languages you grow up learning, your mind is naturally going to have a preference for one. Because of this inclination, I’ve often struggled to fit in with certain family groups and have even faced bullying from elderly relatives with more traditional, conservative mindsets for being more comfortable with English. A part of me definitely feels like my preference for English undermined my Tamil identity. As surprising as it was to everyone, including me, scoring well in my Tamil O-levels was probably the first time I felt a sense of validation in my cultural identity, but I now know that something as superficial as an exam grade does not define the depth of your cultural connection. My desire to have more languages under my belt has encouraged me to be more aware of and open to cultures, embracing them wholeheartedly and striving to learn as much as I can about each one. My multilingual background plays a massive role in how I perceive myself as well as how I portray myself to the world. It has been vital in shaping my identity and is a salient part of my strengths, curiosity and versatility. As someone who speaks more than one language on the daily, code-switching has become an innate part of my personality. Each language that I wield seems to unveil a different side of me, as if my mind were partitioned into various personas that embody the nuances of each language and its culture. The brain is a marvellous organ, and for the most part, it enables a seamless transition from one language to the next, but it’s not uncommon for me to become tongue-tied while speaking. My mind is constantly translating my thoughts into various languages (why? Because the brain enjoys a completely unnecessary yet relentless challenge - who needs simplicity, right?), and it can get a little crowded up there sometimes, leading me to spit out an utterly incoherent sentence that somehow captures the essence of all the languages I know. Nevertheless, I take immense pride in being a polyglot, not only because it has played a significant role in moulding me into the person I am today, but also because it pushes me to become a better individual by encouraging me to learn new languages and connect with and learn from people from diverse cultures. Learning languages helps build bridges between cultures, and I believe that it’s incredibly beneficial in today’s increasingly divisive society. If you’re interested in becoming multilingual, there is a plethora of online resources to get you started, but I would recommend apps like Duolingo , or simply enrolling at a language institution near you for a more comprehensive learning experience. About the Author I'm a passionate writer with a Journalism degree and a desire to spark discussions and explore perspectives on both light-hearted and significant topics. I'm set to start my Master's degree at the University of Nottingham soon. I've always been drawn to languages, and I'm a polyglot myself! I speak English, Tamil, Hindi, German, and Korean. If I'm not writing, I'm definitely playing video games, or watching my favorite show. As someone who loves the idea of languages and culture, Lingo is perfect because it helps you explore things that you wouldn't have even known to explore! It encompasses everything that I look for in a magazine, and I'm looking forward to contributing to it! Copyright free images courtesy of Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Language Language Learning bilingualism 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

Modern Languages with Translation < Back Leah Davies Leah Davies is a Modern Languages with Translation student and the 25/26 Global Affairs Editor. Latest Articles by this Author

New Nosh: Six Fresh Food Spots Landing in Nottingham Emma Burnett Thursday, 26 September 2024 Nottingham has no shortage of fantastic places to eat out. And, as if we weren’t already spoilt for choice, the high street has been blessed with five new spots to try out. From quick bites to upscale dining, cozy cafés and charming bakeries, let’s explore all Nottingham has to offer! Nottingham has no shortage of fantastic places to eat out. And, as if we weren’t already spoilt for choice, the high street has been blessed with five new spots to try out. From quick bites to upscale dining, cozy ca fés and c harming bakeries, let’s explore all Nottingham has to offer! Peter Pizzeria Firstly, we have the highly anticipated Peter Pizzeria . After finding success in Leicester and Loughborough, Peter Pizzeria is coming to Nottingham’s Bridlesmith Gate. It joins the city’s extensive repertoire of pizza joints but brings a unique vibe through its location within a Grade II listed building and ex-bank. The site spans 2,500 square feet, maintaining many of its original period features whilst injecting some contemporary charm. Public and Plants In another cross-border venture, Loughborough’s Public and Plants has launched its second outlet in Nottingham! The Japanese-inspired independent café marries greenery and goods – offering fresh sourdough, pastries and coffee, as well as houseplants. Taking over the former TSB bank on Low Pavement Street, Public and Plants intends to hold onto the original features of the building’s unique interior, taking inspiration from an aesthetic dubbed ‘Japan meets Copenhagen’. It is set to be a hit with students; a space for both socialising and studying. Boojum Fans of Olivia Neill will be excited for this one! The YouTuber has long been hyping up the Mexican fast-food restaurant Boojum , which first opened its doors in Belfast, 2007. Boojum finally opened its first English branch in Leeds earlier this year and is now making its way to Nottingham. Serving up burritos, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, salads and burrito bowls, Boojum promises a highly customisable menu – the crazier the combo, the better. Cornish Bakery Bringing a taste of Cornwall to Bridlesmith Gate is the ever-growing Cornish Bakery . The bakery doesn’t stop at traditional Cornish pasties and scones. Offering a whole range of delights including pistachio croissants, ham hock toasties and cheese straws , Cornish Bakery has won awards for its food excellence. Promising ‘a taste of Cornwall in every bite’, you certainly won’t be disappointed. Raymond’s Landing in Nottingham’s Lace Market, Raymond’s comes as the solo-project of Marcus Lewsly, the creative talent behind the fusion Hockley’s Mesa . A wine bar and restaurant, Raymond’s is centred mainly on fine wine and small plates. With dishes such as fish crudo and garum caramel fried chicken, accompanied by a wine list of over 50 wines, Raymond’s certainly promises a fine-dining experience. A superb city for eating out, Nottingham truly is a foodie heaven. If you find yourself in one of Nottingham’s newest food venues, why not write a review for Lingo Magazine? We would love to hear your thoughts! About the Author Emma is our Editor in Chief for 2024-25. She is a third year International Media and Communications student and aspiring journalist. She loves being a part of Lingo as it allows her to combine her passion for arts, cultures and languages with writing articles. Copyright free images via Pexels. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

American and Canadian Studies < Back Elodie McMinn Elodie is from a small village in Franche-Comté, France, where you have to journey down the mountain just to get to a bakery. She spent her childhood lurking around the foothills of the Vosges, painting, and reading. Elodie is on an endless quest to find traces of the weird, old America that can only be found in roadside attractions, the empty plains, and rock and roll records. Latest Articles by this Author In the middle of nowhere, but on the way to somewhere! 08/02/24

Spanish and International Media Studies < Back Emily Brown Emily is a Spanish and International Media student, who loves anything to do with Spanish/ Hispanic culture. She feels that writing for LingoMag is a great way to combine her interests for writing articles and languages! Latest Articles by this Author An evening of 'Santi' 07/11/22

Russian Studies < Back Millie Stere Millie is our Global Affairs Editor for 2024-25. She has just returned from her year abroad studying Russian Language in Latvia. She loves to read, and is interested in current affairs and linguistics. Latest Articles by this Author Russian: The Language of a Coloniser 11/03/24