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How to ace being a solo female traveller Chloe Brewster Thursday, 27 October 2022 Chloe, a French finalist, describes the advantages of travelling solo during the year abroad and how to do so successfully! Usually when we think of holidays abroad, we visualise being surrounded by friends, family, or partners, which corresponds to the social norms of travel. But what about travelling solo , particularly for women ? The world is sometimes seen as a ‘dangerous’ place for a woman, more so if she is alone, but there is something empowering and exciting about embracing yourself and evolving into a self-assured solo female traveller. And why not discover this side of yourself during your year abroad? The background Prior to my study placement in France last year, I had only embarked on a handful of solo day trips (who hasn’t treated themselves to a cosy afternoon in a chilled coffee shop?), so I threw myself somewhat blindly in the phenomenon of solo travel. My first big ‘trip’ took place during a freezing February weekend to Munich, which was just over five hours away by coach. I braved a rather long coach journey to the Bavarian capital which was perhaps not the most comfortable mode of transport, yet it only cost £15 per way from my departure point (Strasbourg). A win-win and proves that you can be both a brave and a savvy solo traveller! Since those exhilarating and magical forty-eight hours in Munich earlier this year, I have embraced my inner traveller and travelled solo several times for the sheer enjoyment of it. Is it always easy? Not at all, and it wouldn’t be fair to gloss over the difficult moments that you may experience once in a while (top tip – always bring a phone charger so that you never risk being cut off from Google Maps!). But it is those challenges and hurdles which strengthen and make you into the dynamic person that you are destined to be. Marienplatz, Munich (Germany). With some hard-fought wisdom and perspective, here are some top tips for successfully acing solo female travel: Be organised You have probably gritted your teeth many times when your head of year has implored everyone to be ‘organised’ and keep track of things, but I really can’t stress this point enough. Your future travelling self will be grateful if you make some plans in advance. For example, download maps of the key places that you will be visiting during your trip, such as the train/bus station or airport in case you lose internet access. Don’t panic if you can’t find the bus station twenty minutes before the final one leaves like I once did in Munich – being prepared will hopefully keep you cool (albeit not in a scorching Parisian heatwave!) come what may. The same also applies for accommodation (Airbnb, hotel, hostel) – prepare all documentation and check-in beforehand if necessary. Unlike in the UK, proof of ID is generally mandatory in European countries, so keep your passport/visa with you to check-in with ease (and in case you are stopped for proof of identity which can happen). Of course, the trip should be about having fun but sorting out the basics makes a difference so you can enjoy yourself without worry. Stay safe An obvious, yet undeniably important element of solo travel is ensuring your safety. Perhaps this factor is the most influential in discouraging more young women from travelling independently, but it needn’t be a barrier. Websites such as the Solo Female Travellers Club and numerous social media groups aimed at female travellers are really helpful for advice and support in planning and going about your travels. Certain countries are regarded as ‘safer’ for female travellers so it may boost your confidence if you visit those places first before adventuring further afield. So do your research but aware stereotypes and don’t automatically dismiss places which are deemed ‘dangerous.’ During my solo travels, I made sure to message a friend or family member every so often (usually to send some of the many pictures I had taken during my museum or cultural visits!) and carried an alarm just in case anything happened. These small measures can be very reassuring and are often part and parcel of women’s daily lives, whether we are going out with friends or travelling abroad. Musée des Beaux-Arts (Dijon) Meet other people! When you are travelling solo, there is no right or wrong way to do it. You should simply pursue the activities that interest you the most - otherwise, why go travelling?. But of course, the experience is even more enriching when you can meet and speak to other people which truly transforms you into a global citizen. For example, the below picture of myself in the Musée d’Orsay was taken by a fellow solo female traveller who I then pictured because, despite our linguistic and cultural differences, we shared a common aspiration: travelling and immersing ourselves in foreign cultures (and fabulous art!). It is those unexpected encounters which are usually the most poignant during a solo trip abroad because you probably wouldn’t meet these people – especially those who are alone – if you were travelling in a group, and so being a solo traveller broadens your perspective of the people surrounding you. If you are really keen to make friends during your trip, go on guided walking tours of cities or stay in a hostel (many have female-only dorms). After meeting a fellow Erasmus student in a tour of Munich, I subsequently visited a majestic palace with her and treasure those memories. Hostels can be hit-or-miss but you definitely have more opportunities to socialise and encounter fellow solo travellers than if you stay in accommodation alone. In my artistic element at the Musée d’Orsay (and gratefully escaping the 35c heatwave!) You do you! What often holds back young women from travelling alone is the fear of being stigmatised or judged for being ‘lonely’ and ‘friendless.’ Indeed, there have been awkward moments when I have asked for a ‘table for one’ in certain eateries, and yes the world really does need to evolve into being a more hospitable place for solo people, especially women. But don’t wait until that happens – go out there, do what you want, explore for as many hours as your feet can tolerate, eat your heart out in a restaurant even when surrounded by couples or groups. It takes a certain strength and audacity to be your authentic self , and you will discover more about yourself by taking the plunge and travelling. And who knows, your friends may want to follow suit, too! 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...). 24 Hours as an English Student in Paris: A Survival Guide Kit Sinclair Saving your centimes: How to do Paris on a Budget Francesca Wren YEAR ABROAD TALES: A Reflection on Being LGBTQIA Abroad Grace Whitaker 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 Solo Travel Abroad Germany France Categories: Travel Tips Travel 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

Words of the Year 2023 Charlie Bodsworth Sunday, 31 December 2023 Love a bit of lexical fun? Let's take a look at the major dictionaries' choices for Word of the Year 2023. In December, the most well-known English dictionaries published what they consider to be their ‘Word of the Year’ (WOTY). These words are typically those which have either come into existence or gained new meaning within the given year. We’re going to take a whistle-stop tour of this year’s chosen words and what this might say about the year 2023! Oxford WOTY: Rizz ( https://languages.oup.com/word-of-the-year/ ) First up is the Word of the Year that is most talked about: Oxford’s. A shortening of the word “charisma”, this word rose to popularity thanks to a Tom Holland interview in June where he said he had “no rizz whatsoever” when asked about his dating life. What’s unique about the word “rizz” is that it comes from the middle of “charisma”, whereas almost all other shortenings derive from the start or end of a word, such as “carb” from “carbohydrate” or “toon” from “cartoon”. Oxford discussed how this year has seen a rise in people’s concern with their social and professional rapport, possibly connected to the re-entry into regular life post-lockdown. All of this makes “rizz” an interesting reflection and exploration of our desire for self-confidence and human connection. Cambridge WOTY: Hallucinate ( https://dictionary.cambridge.org/editorial/woty ) With the rise in AI usage, especially generative AI like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, “hallucinate” has taken on a new meaning this year. For AI, to “hallucinate” is for it to produce false information and present it as factual. While other words have also gained new AI-related meanings, “hallucinate” has a particularly strong resonance as a reminder to take caution when using AI tools, as an AI tool will present both true and false information in the same confident manner. There has been a lot of talk online about AI usage in the year 2023. As such, “hallucinate” is a good choice for Word of the Year. It constitutes a marker of the current state of AI, where it is powerful yet not fully realised, and will therefore still produce some inaccurate or irrelevant information. Merriam-Webster WOTY: Authentic ( https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year ) While Cambridge’s choice has focused on misinformation, Merriam-Webster’s focuses on the search for realness. “Authentic” has gained relevance in 2023 both for its meaning as “real and actual” against the false information often produced by social media and AI, as well as in relation to meaning “true to one’s own personality”, with this year seeing an increase in popularity of celebrities whose branding and influence revolves around being “authentic”, such as Taylor Swift or Sam Smith. Collins WOTY: AI ( https://www.collinsdictionary.com/woty ) Collins has also decided to turn their attention this year towards the rise of AI and its significance in many areas of our lives. Their explanations of this choice highlight some of the hot topics and questions raised by the new role that AI has taken on in digital culture and daily life. Dictionary.com WOTY: Hallucinate ( https://content.dictionary.com/word-of-the-year-2023/ ) The last of the major dictionaries to publish their choice for Word of the Year, Dictionary.com appears to be in the same boat as Cambridge by focusing not on “an aspect of how AI functions but to one of the ways it can malfunction”. Again, as AI is increasingly talked about and commonly used, it’s important to be reminded that this technology is still in its earlier stages. Lingo What's our WOTY? While we’re not a dictionary ourselves, we thought it would be fun to see what our readers thought was the real winner and 2023 WOTY. We took to Instagram and asked our followers to choose from the above winners their favourite Word of the Year. With 63% of the poll votes, our winner was “rizz”! Clearly you’re all a pretty charismatic bunch! So, there you have it! This year has given way to lots of discussion around the place of technology in society, as well as our own social identities. Now keep your eyes peeled over the next year for new words, how they’re used, and the power they carry. About the Author 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. Words of the Year 2023 Charlie Bodsworth The Language Taking Over the World: English as a Lingua Franca Emma Burnett My Journey with Language Learning 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: language words dictionaries Charlie Bodsworth Categories: 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! 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French Studies < Back Chloe Brewster Chloe is a final year French student who has studied abroad in Strasbourg and wants to share her experiences of travelling - including as a solo female - in Europe. She is particularly interested in French culture (if there is a fine arts museum around, she will find it!), but living in Strasbourg has exposed her to other cultures (German, Swiss, Luxembourgish, you get the gist...). Latest Articles by this Author Is sustainable travel possible during your year abroad? 16/11/22 How to ace being a solo female traveller 27/10/22 How to travel cheaply during your year abroad 15/08/22 Why you should visit Strasbourg 23/05/22

Film Review: The Order (2024) Sarah Taylor Monday, 20 January 2025 The Order (2024) is a Netflix action thriller film directed by Justin Kurzel. Sarah gives her thoughts on the new release. Based on a true story and inspired by the book The Silent Brotherhood, the film centres around an FBI agent, Terry Husk, played by Jude Law, and his efforts at trying to stop a terrorist white supremacist group in the 1980s known as ‘The Order’ or ‘The Silent Brotherhood’. The group’s leader, Bob Matthews, played by Nicholas Holt, wants to break away from the group, intending to join an even more extreme group. A book that describes all the steps of terrorism is at the core of the film, as both groups use and follow it - it is this book that becomes invaluable to Terry in stopping them. The location is uniquely beautiful and a complete contrast to the hate and awful atrocities that unfold. Its vastness indicates space and poses the question: why so much hate when your life is backdropped by beauty ? Bob is surprisingly expressionless throughout the movie, adding to his already dark character, proving himself almost impossible to read. He wears a grin for most of the film as though he knows something the rest of us do not, and displays a certain superiority, never wavering or becoming fazed by external actions or opinions. Whilst Bob comes across as non-threatening, it is in fact Terry who is much more of a frightening character, driving across the vast terrain to interrogate the inhabitants. What you see is what you get with Terry, but not so much with Bob. We know from his actions that he is a danger to the public but in all his personal dealings he is friendly, softly spoken, and caring, the kind of facade that most dangerous people hide behind. Nicholas Holt is extremely good at portraying this character. He is very understated in his demeanour and only through the group’s actions does he come alive displaying a callous, determined, and hateful side. Disenfranchisement is given as one of the reasons for Bob being able to recruit. Bob is supportive and encouraging, which can easily be a hook for young people. The viewer questions whose side he is really on, and his warped views on race and ethnicity as well as his possession of two mistresses certainly gives rise to mistrust. The murders in the film are particularly harrowing, especially with the knowledge of the victims’ complete innocence. In what looks like an incredibly realistic scene, Jamie, a young police officer played by Tye Sheridan is shot and dies in Terry’s arms. The scene is very moving, as we see Terry’s despair that this young and promising man has lost his life. The film is successful in getting the audience to identify with these characters and this scene is a real shock. It was impossible for the audience not to feel anything, especially learning that his family now must live without his presence. The killing of Alan Berg, an American talk show host played by Marc Maron, is equally as shocking, he himself was only fifty when he was cruelly shot down. There is no regard for human life, only the cause. The music, composed by Jed Kurzel, is interesting and reinforces the various dangerous activities of the group. Seldom is the music of a soft nature or of a romantic nature, its focus is on the violent activities and what the group means to normal people trying to get by in their day to day lives. It represents the daily threat to an everyday existence, always present and bubbling underneath the surface. The women’s role is an important one and one that finally leads to Bob’s downfall. One cannot help but feel there was a certain poetic justice after one of the women learning about his infidelity informs on his whereabouts. The other is a strong FBI agent determined to destroy the group at any cost. If the film was a lead up to the final scene, then it does not disappoint. The ending is dramatic with Bob firmly staying true to his beliefs and refusing to leave the house which by now is full of fire. The relationship between Bob and Terry is again demonstrated here, when Terry offers him the possibility of surrender and being taken alive. There seems to be a mutual respect between the two characters although one is left unsure what it is based on - they connect on some level, but what that is, the audience is left to ponder. About the Author Sarah is a staff member here at the University working as a Senior Research Administrator for the Faculty of Engineering. She loves writing and culture, and thought that Lingo Mag would be a fantastic opportunity to combine both passions. She also loves photography, books, history and walking. Encanto: The Deeper Meaning Behind Disney's Award-winning Latino Film Mhairi MacLeod An evening of 'Santi' Emily Brown Athena: A French Film Review Holly Cromwell Copyright free images courtesy of Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Film International Film Categories: Review Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

“Mother of God, banish Putin”: A Reflection on Pussy Riot’s performance in Nottingham Jess Henrys Friday, 10 February 2023 Welfare Sec Jess reflects on last month's powerful performance by Russian pop-punk protest group Pussy Riot. Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, 10/11/22. The screen shows a young boy with a sign in his hands: “Let Moms Go”. For many, 2012 seems a lifetime ago, but the last ten years are as vivid as ever for Maria “Masha” Alyokhina, a founding member of Russian pop-punk protest group, Pussy Riot . At Nottingham Rescue Rooms on Thursday 10 November, the group forwent the traditional “concert” in favour of a performance-poetry experience, titled Riot Days . Over the course of an hour, Masha, along with her compatriots Taso Pletner, Olga Borisova and Diana Burkot, deliver bruising political commentary set to a cacophony of techno-punk in a harrowing memoir of the events surrounding her arrest for her part in the band’s “Punk Prayer” in Moscow’s Christ the Saviour Cathedral in 2012. A short but spitting criticism of then-Prime Minister (now President) Vladimir Putin and troubling support for him from the Russian Orthodox Church was instead condemned as "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred". Alyokhina and two of her fellow bandmates were disproportionately sentenced to two-years imprisonment in a penal colony; a move described by the now-imprisoned opposition leader, Aleksei Navalny, as “Putin's personal revenge”. The girls were released shortly before the end of their sentence in what is believed to have been an act of propaganda to paint Putin in a generous light prior to the Sochi Winter Olympics. However, in the nine years since, Masha has been less than free. Fiercely engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with the Russian authorities and refusing to dim her rebellious spark in favour of liberty, Alyokhina has been detained, assaulted, detained again, placed under house arrest, sentenced multiple times to 15 days in jail, placed on parole, arrested, re-arrested, and finally sentenced yet again to time in a penal colony for protesting “Putin’s Russia”. Finally, in April 2022, with the help of friends at home and abroad, she crossed the border out of the country and fled. This November, she was in Nottingham. (Maria “Masha” Alyokhina recalls the “Punk Prayer” in Moscow Cathedral. Subtitles on the screen read: Virgin Mary, Mother of God, banish Putin! Banish Putin, banish Putin!). The famous words of the “Punk Prayer” – “ Virgin Mary, Mother of God, banish Putin!” – appear on the screen. The girls scream their Russian equivalent into the microphone, their faces stony and haunted. Other refrains, some serious, some sarcastic – “Putin will teach you to love the Motherland” , “We’re Not Doing Things Right” and “Anyone can be Pussy Riot” – are repeated viciously with mesmerising effect. Far from giving up on her motherland, Alyokhina’s flight from Russia has given her an outside opportunity to save it. She criticises not her country, her home, but Putin’s poisonous politics, and dreams of the day that Russia will be freed from his clutches. Kate Hutchinson for The Observer called it “engaging” and “experimental”. More than that, the performance is unexpected, unafraid, and utterly unignorable. Even when the performers begin to throw bottle after bottle of water on the front rows, the crowd is transfixed. Alyokhina’s vulnerability is not only confession and criticism, but a call to arms. Her impassioned condemnation of the invasion (or so-called “special military operation”) in Ukraine is followed by a call for the end of indifference, and an opportunity to financially support a Ukrainian children’s hospital. No matter what happens next – whether Masha remains abroad or risks a return to Russia – this performance leaves no doubt that, whether in chains or on stage, this is a woman who, by her own fierce independence and her refusal to resign her moral code, is free. Her last words, “ Are you?” , pose a challenge to us all. For Alyokhina and her band mates, these are the Riot Days . In the face of instability, injustice and invasion, ignorance is inexcusable. About the Author During her year abroad, Jess spent a semester in St Petersburg, Russia. According to Jess, when she first arrived, she barely knew a word in Russian and felt completely overwhelmed, but the city soon revealed its delights to her, and it became a home. She hopes that by sharing some of my Russian experiences, other travellers to the city can be comforted, and learn to love it as much as she did. Jess also jetted off to the French capital so she certainly had an incredible year abroad! Jess also has experience of being a Peer Mentor and is very knowledgeable about the university’s Support Services. She’s got a lot of enthusiasm to bring to this role! Jess was one third of our 2022/23 Welfare Team. Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys European Music Festivals to Attend This Summer Niamh Woodhouse French Connection: An Interview with a True Parisian Part 1/2 : The City of Lights Jess Henrys Images provided by Jess Henrys. 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: Jess Henrys Russia Music Politics Ukraine Protest Categories: Culture Review Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

5 podcasts to help you improve your French Niamh Woodhouse Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Looking for easy ways to improve your French and expand your vocab? Niamh, a French third year, shares with us her favourite podcasts that help her improve her French language skills. Podcasts are an easy, accessible way to learn, even when you're hands aren't free. They cover a wide range of topics from fashion and food to comedy and news, and lucky for us language learners, there are also plenty of podcasts created with the aim of helping listeners improve their French. Below are some of my top picks to pick up vocab, listen to new voices and learn to speak like a local. News in slow French This podcast is exactly what it says on the tin – news stories read slowly for language learners. As the headlines are read slower than you would hear on TV or radio, listeners can hear every word distinctly and therefore easily pick up new vocabulary and understand the context of the podcast. With each episode being split into several sections, featuring different news stories, conversations between the hosts and some grammar points, it is perfect for French learners, both beginner and intermediate. One thing in a French day I love this podcast as it is similar to a vlog and lets you into the daily life of a French person. Laetitia, the host, posts short entries three times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and as they are never more than five minutes, you don’t need to dedicate a lot of time to listen to them. It is perfect for a quick but helpful dose of French! The podcast gives insight into French culture, history, and society so you also learn about the context of the language you are learning. As well as this it is deliberately spoken softly and clearly with the intention of being for language learners. I definitely recommend listening in to this ‘small slice of a Frenchwoman’s day’. Français authentique This podcast is great for advanced learners and is a realistic, authentic representation of how real native French people speak. The host, Johan, is honest in his teaching, telling listeners that although they’ll be able to speak like a local, this doesn’t really matter! Even though the topics and vocabulary may be too much for beginners, it is excellent for learning pronunciation and cadence from real French speakers. They even provide transcripts of episodes on their website! Horoscope - Tendance Ouest Of course, as well as podcasts targeted towards learners of the language, there are also podcasts made for the native French speaker! This option is for a more advanced speaker of French rather than a beginner as the conversations will be faster and vocabulary more complicated - but take this as a challenge and opportunity to pick up new words and phrases! A popular genre of podcast across all languages are horoscopes and this is no exception for French. My horoscope of choice is Horoscope by Tendance Ouest, hosted by Camille and posted every day. Typically around a minute and a half, I find it the perfect way to start my day with a quick dose of French! L'heure du crime Another widely listened-to type of podcast is true crime and mystery. L’heure du Crime (Crime Hour) is a top-rated French podcast that discusses a different criminal case each episode. Although it is not as tailored as other podcasts as it is made up of excerpts from a radio show, it is still interesting to hear the tales of crimes and unsolved cases. Again, L’heure du Crime is more for the advanced French speaker, as it is more intensive and not aimed at language learners. However, it is great if you have a good level of French and an interest in true crime. As there are often interviews on the podcast, you can get exposure to a range of different accents from across the French-speaking world. 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! The Problem with Pronouns Niamh Woodhouse 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: Niamh Woodhouse French Podcasts Language Learning Beginners 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

English BA (Hons) < Back Rachel Lara Hoddes Rachel is a Second Year English student who outside of her degree, lives everything theatre. She is Technical Manager for the Nottingham New Theatre so when she's not doing coursework, she's probably at the theatre rewiring a light or telling off a speaker for not listening to her. She also love climbing, swing dancing, baking and singing, as well as writing for lingo! She likes to write about topics that really grab her attention or mean a lot to her. Latest Articles by this Author Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Interrailing 14/07/24 What is Lingo Magazine? Let's ask ChatGPT... 10/07/24

What is Culture? Holly Cromwell Friday, 17 February 2023 A look at what culture actually means. Thinking a little more deeply about everything we include in the word, what we use it for and ultimately why it matters. Culture is an almost undefinable wreck; an amorphous frustration that nonetheless has a tangible effect on the world around you. I know that might seem rich coming from a girl who insists you can tell when the rolling hills of northern England become the Scottish Lowlands but, I promise, you can really feel the effects. We even have a word for that: culture shock. Finding yourself in an alien culture has a profound impact on a person, even if you’re expecting it and studied up. Most newspapers have a section for culture. If we trust them then all there is to culture are art galleries, exhibitions, books, theatre and film. As much as I love the arts, we know there’s more to it than that and it wasn’t Moli è re that left me feeling out of step. Then we have the university itself. I study history, politics and aspects of sociology under the banner of a degree that promises immersion in the “rich culture of French and Francophone countries”. But there’s a lot more to it than that; especially with the Year Abroad team taking the time to warn us about cultural differences in various countries. For France: first names for family and close friends until told otherwise, businesses and institutions with very strict opening and closing times, and fashion tending to be more conservative just to start. Then there’s the fact that even this is not consistent: in my lyc é e the teachers refer to each other by first name to the point that I don’t know a lot of their surnames. We watch our favourite shows and say, “ this is culture”. We look at bad situations and describe a “culture of harassment”. We describe people who are worldly and well-read as “cultured”. “Culture shock” leaves us not knowing where to go to pay in a restaurant, how to react to strangers or when to go to lunch. Culture is in the food we eat; the way we build our houses; the way we spend our free time and when we have it; the way we dance and what we dance to; what we watch and how we react to it; what we wear and when and why; the way we talk and what we do or don’t talk about. Where does this leave us? Culture is one of those disgustingly vague definitions: a collection of the behaviours, histories, media, actions and habits of a group of people at a particular time – even when, inevitably, some of those people are not behaving, remembering, acting, thinking, consuming or producing media in the same way. Describing a culture is like trying to pin down the exact flocking behaviours of all birds into a single, flat, permanent map. A good guess might be that culture is anything you could make an inside joke about because the only way to define culture seems to be by those borders that we stumble into when we leave our own culture in some way. So, do we care? Yes. Because culture is important. Our cultures define the way different people react to national or global problems; help us cope through isolation and crisis; and write the narratives we wish for in the future. It describes everything we choose to conform to or resist, and everything we do without thinking. An understanding of culture, however you define it, helps us to empathise with others and eases communication. Just try not to think about it too hard. 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 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 Definition Opinion Categories: Thought Piece 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

Karneval: Germany's obsession with Native Americans Olivia Marshall Monday, 19 February 2024 In Germany, it's common for people to dress up as Native Americans at annual Karneval parades. Is it time to put a stop to this tradition? With the passing of Ash Wednesday, Germany’s “fifth season” has come to an end, marked by Karneval , also known as Fasching in Austria and southern Germany. Karneval is celebrated by dressing up and dancing through the streets. With parades, floats, and of course drinking, traditionally allowing Christians to enjoy themselves before the start of lent. One of the Germans’ favourite costumes has turned out to be Native American dress. Thousands can be seen wearing tunics and dresses, feather headdresses and face paint. Certain costumes are legally prohibited at Karneval : notably those with overly realistic weapons, such as pirate swords; police costumes which too closely resemble the uniform of the real German Polizei ; as well as anything related to the Nazis; but dressing as other cultures is deemed to be acceptable. Due to a long tradition of wearing Native American costumes, it seems a lot of Germans don’t consider this to be problematic: but it repeatedly catches the attention of the foreign public, who are often outraged at its acceptance in Germany. So where does the tradition come from? Germans’ fascination for Native American culture is based in the widespread popularity of German author Karl May’s late 19th century adventure books featuring Winnetou, an Apache chief, and subsequent films in the 20th century. The books were so popular that the Nazis didn’t ban them, despite non-white main characters. This interest lives on in Germany, resulting in this trend that is seemingly unaffected by any criticism that it receives. Whether or not these costumes are acceptable is widely discussed in German media and routinely causes backlash from non-Germans, yet they still seem to be a firm favourite for those of all ages. This year’s Karneval caused some contention on X (formally Twitter). User @sagdocheinfach shared a photo of her Native American costume, causing heated debate in the replies and quote tweets, with some claiming it to be cultural appropriation and racist, others considering it a way to promote and share Indigenous culture. Dressing up as other cultures can often be a tricky subject nowadays and is probably best avoided, so why are Germans sticking with this tradition? Many Germans are genuinely fascinated by Native American culture and think that dressing in this way is acceptable as they are celebrating the culture. It is not their intent to make a caricature out of or mock Native Americans and so, in their eyes, they are not causing any harm. There’re no significant Indigenous presence in Germany, so they lack contact with cultures like this and there is a lack of awareness and education meaning even well-educated people genuinely see no wrong in their costumes. A big problem with these costumes is that, it can feel as though they are treating this group of people as a plaything, as if they are mythical or only existed in the past. In addition, Native Americans don’t look one specific way or have one specific culture; there are hundreds of Indigenous tribes and the costumes worn can be seen to play to stereotypes. If Germans really are so interested in Native American culture, shouldn’t they perhaps invest their time in speaking up about issues these groups face rather than simply dressing up as them, or at the very least, buy authentic Native American-made clothing and jewellery rather than wearing stereotypical costumes? About the Author Olivia was our Welfare Officer for 2023-24. After graduating with a BA in French and German with Translation in 2022, Liv is now completing an MA Translation Studies. Apart from being passionate about translation, she loves to travel, explore new places, and experience different cultures. She is looking forward to meeting others with the same interests through Lingo. Karneval: Germany's obsession with Native Americans Olivia Marshall Link to tweet: https://twitter.com/sagdocheinfach/status/1756258406732603787 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: Karneval Carnival Native Americans Germany Olivia Marshall Categories: Cultural Guide 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

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