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Russian: The Language of a Coloniser Millie Stere Monday 11 March 2024 Should the use of Russian language be legislated against in the Baltic states? Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a series of legislations restricting the use of Russian language in the Baltic states have been created to limit its use and to establish strict cultural autonomy from their eastern neighbour. For example, Russian schools in Estonia have been closed and it has been made mandatory for all teachers to speak Estonian. In Latvia, use of Russian has been restricted in public places, and employers can no longer advertise if they ask for Russian speakers, with the aim of strengthening Latvians position as the national language. Why these countries should want to protect their national languages makes a lot of sense. However, when you consider that in a 2020 census, 24.7% of Estonians were recorded as being ethnic Russians, 24.9% in Latvia and 4.5% in Lithuania, you can see how the clamping down on the use of the Russian language may negatively affect many that use it as a first language. Should such a substantial proportion of society be prevented from accessing self-expression in their mother-tongue? To understand why these legislations have come into play, first we should look at the history. The Baltic states have been in and out of Russian occupation for hundreds of years, firstly as part of its imperial empire, and then the Soviet Union. After the second world war, the USSR colonised these territories, deporting much of the original population and replacing them with ethnic Russians. When the Soviet Union was disbanded in the 1990s, Russians continued to live in these now independent states that have become part of Europe. But how well-assimilated did the Russian population become in the Baltics? Plenty of ethnic Russians know the national language of the state in which they live. However, It is a common phenomenon that one cannot fully express oneself as well in a second language as they can in their own, even if they are fluent. During my year abroad, I visited Narva, the third largest city in Estonia, on the border with Russia, where 95% of the population speak Russian as a first language. I was shocked when I found out that, after Estonia became independent, they did not provide the Russian diaspora with Estonian passports but instead the ‘Alien’ passport - meaning they are considered stateless and would need a visa to travel in Europe. After Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, the Estonian government funded many cultural projects in Narva, encouraging a sense of inclusion with the rest of Estonia in the Russian-dominated city. Yet after 2022, investment in this sphere was cut and re-directed to the military. Considering Russia’s colonial history, it is no surprise that since the war began in 2014, there has been a rush to protect the cultural individuality of the Baltic states as separate from Russia. However, is language a sphere that should be politicised? Should individuals be punished by the actions of an aggressor state? In the case of Narva, many find it difficult to find work since they speak very little Estonian. There is a similar case in Latvia’s Daugavpils, where, although there is an 80% Russian-speaking population. Additionally, m any Russian speakers in the Baltic states consider themselves not ‘Russian’ but Russian-speaking Estonians, Latvians, or Lithuanians, yet are set apart from society by government legislation. The cultural individuality of the Baltic states must be protected and celebrated, but in a way that is inclusive to many individuals that are now struggling because of their heritage. About the Author Related Articles Russian: The Language of a Coloniser Millie Stere 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: Russian The Baltics Millie Stere language legislation Categories: 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! 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 Related Articles 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! LOAD MORE

Foreign Film in the Face of Western Commercialism Francesca Beaumont Tuesday 6 December 2022 Francesca gives a short exploration into the logistics of English-speaking Filmmaking in comparison to Foreign films In a society that prioritises constant media consumption above all else, the cultural significance of foreign cinema is more important than ever. A certain commercial element plagues the English-speaking films we consume so offhandedly. This is because for a film to be popular enough to be hosted by cinemas it must follow what is known as the four-quadrant system of film production. That is, for a film to be deemed ‘worthy’ of having companies' money funnelled into it, it must appeal to at least two of the four quadrants: Males under 25’s, Females under 25’s, Males over 25, Females over 25. This fiscal phenomenon is at the epicentre of contemporary western films and acts as a major block in creating something with real artist autonomy and integrity. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the leading example of this loveless disregard of the creative. Clark for Business Insider noted that “In total the MCU has earned more than 25 billion dollars worldwide, making it the biggest movie franchise.” Films amassing this level of wealth are never curated by the creative with experimental liberty, but rather via large corporations churning out the same formulaic, hero beats bad guy narrative that appeals to all four major quadrants. This specifically western need to constantly align the narrative to the most stable path of revenue is also apparent within the western casting process. From nepotism babies to influencers, our film industry commonly casts actors, not on merit or talent, but rather on which celebrities can generate the highest revenue. A topical example of this is Harry Styles, who monopolised on his musical fame to push himself into the film industry. In Geoffrey Macnab’s review for The Independent of Don’t Worry Darling (2022. dir. Olivia Wilde) he claims that “Styles gives a surprisingly dull and low-wattage performance.” That is “Nowhere near as captivating as the tabloid frenzy surrounding it.” The fiscal incentive is not completely alien to foreign film franchises, but it is a recognised truth that other film industries operate on a less capitalist ethic. It can be argued that foreign films have the space for more profound plots to be explored. Take, for example, Drive My Car (dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi. 2021) and Decision to Leave (dir. Park Chan-Wook. 2022), both contemporary foreign films that rail against our formulaic plot and thus treat their audiences as people capable of dissecting intricacies that many of our films do not allow us to explore. Time and time again foreign films are overshadowed by the release of something less authentic, but English. In Bong Joon-Ho’s (Dir. ‘Parasite’ 2019) Oscar Speech he claimed that “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” By actively engaging with films outside the scope of western cinema you expose yourself to a wider range of perspectives, plots, and personalities. This is not to say that there is no enjoyability factor within our films, but more to suggest that a wider scope of artistic expression is stifled and not achieved under our current commercial system of filmmaking, and we should consider foreign films as something just as worthy of consumption. About the Author Related Articles Encanto: The Deeper Meaning Behind Disney's Award-winning Latino Film Mhairi MacLeod An evening of 'Santi' Emily Brown Foreign Film in the Face of Western Commercialism Francesca Beaumont 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: Francesca Beaumont Film Hollywood Foreign Film Cinema 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! LOAD MORE

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

French and Contemporary Chinese Studies < Back Isabelle Clark Isabelle is in her second year here at Nottingham and enjoys writing about her travel adventures, sustainability in travel and the outdoors over on her travel blog and Instagram account, Isabelle's Itinerary (under isabellesitinerary.com and @isabellesitinerary , respectively). We can't wait to hear more of her tales! Latest Articles by this Author I spy a basketball player 03/11/22 Here's to you, spontaneity 05/10/22

Portuguese loanwords in Japanese Aidan Cross Wednesday 8 June 2022 One of our Welfare Secs, Aidan, explores the influence of Portuguese on the Japanese language and the relationship between the two languages. Read on to discover the true origin of a very popular Japanese dish! The Portuguese arrived to Japan as merchants and missionaries in 1543, during the Muromachi period (室町時代) which lasted from 14th to 16th Century. As the first Europeans to reach Japan, bringing with them new goods and Christianity, many Portuguese words found their way into Japanese and their influence on the language can still be seen today in the form of loanwords. However, this was not a one-sided exchange - as the Japanese learned from the Portuguese, the Portuguese also learned from the Japanese. For example, in 1603, Portuguese missionaries compiled the “Nippo Jisho” (日葡辞書) or “Vocabulario da Lingoa de Iapam” (Vocabulário da Língua do Japão), translating 32,000 Japanese words into Portuguese and becoming the first dictionary between Japanese and a European language. In Japanese, loanwords (or gairaigo, 外来語) from foreign languages are typically written in katakana (片仮名), a phonetic script. However, older loanwords, such as many of those originating from Portuguese, are written in kanji (漢字), logographic Chinese characters, and are known as ateji (当て字) in which the characters can both represent the sound and meaning of the word. For example, the Japanese word “tabako” from the Portuguese “tabaco” can be written in kanji as 煙草: 煙 meaning “smoke” and 草 meaning “grass”. Most of the words introduced into Japanese from Portuguese refer to goods that were brought to Japan for the first time by Portuguese traders such as “kappa” (合羽) from “capa”(cape) and “botan” (ボタン) from “botão”(button), as well as “pan” (パン) from “pão”(bread). Whilst these words are still used in Japanese, many other Portuguese loanwords, especially Christian religious terms, are archaic and aren’t generally heard in modern-day Japan. Another food that was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese is tempura , known in Japanese as “tenpura” (天ぷら) from the Portuguese “tempora”. Now typical of Japanese cuisine, tempura was a traditional Portuguese dish of deep-fried battered seafood or vegetables, eaten during periods of religious fasting and abstinence from meat. Portugal’s version of this dish survives as the deep-fried battered green beans called Peixinhos de Horta (literally “little fishes from the garden”) – and they’re delicious! About the Author Related Articles Translation and the Untranslatable Aidan Cross Portuguese loanwords in Japanese Aidan Cross What makes a language “easy” to learn? Aidan Cross 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: Portuguese Japanese Loanwords Influence Food Aidan Cross 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

Film Review: Lee (2024) Sarah Taylor Tuesday 1 October 2024 ‘Lee’ details the life of Lee Miller, a successful model and muse to May Ray who became a war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. The film opens with a care-free existence for Lee and her friends on the brink of war. Lee’s strong, defiant personality is quick to rise to the surface with her meeting her future husband, Roland, and you get a real feel for her character. ‘Lee’ starts off by photographing the devastation caused by the Blitz and is already showing her immense creative talent. The film details the challenges faced by women at the time, as Lee has a lengthy battle to get to be a war correspondent and only succeeds because of her American citizenship. Women were not allowed in combat, which makes Lee’s achievement even more remarkable. The film dramatically changes direction with Lee firmly planted right in the action, photographing the first battle of the film, where her shock and disbelief is evident as she tries to navigate various trenches and hide outs. Lee’s mental health is the undercurrent of the film, with only a small reference to the traumatic event she suffered early in childhood in the last 10 minutes of the film which clearly had a devastating effect on her. She identifies with a small child who has suffered the same experience in what is a very moving scene when Lee and her companion, American photographer, David E. Scherman, see the devastating effects of concentration camps, Buchenwald, and Dachau. Lee’s heavy drinking is also evident throughout, but Lee is no casualty. What you see instead is a strong, courageous woman who puts herself in the centre of the action capturing remarkable photos. The compassion her companion shows her is heartwarming in moments of her vulnerability, but for the rest of the film she is more than capable of looking after herself and the film depicts a deep friendship based on mutual respect for each other’s character and talent. Almost immediately David collaborates with her and is clearly in awe of her strength, both supporting each other through their individual difficulties. The film’s use of location takes you through her journey as a war correspondence and the various sights associated with that, a real contrast to the beautiful, sunny days in France, and an indication of just how bleak war is. The lighting is used to do just this with later scenes taking on a grey appearance with barely any light showing, further reinforcing a menacing darkness that has all too much encapsulated everything. The film is excellently cast, with Kate Winslet the ideal choice for Lee, surpassing all expectations. I do not think I am aware of any film Kate has not delivered an outstanding performance but in this she is spectacular, you really cannot imagine any other actor playing this role. The character of Audrey, played by Andrea Riseborough really compliments Lee and does her best to support Lee in all areas of her work and their friendship proves amusing to see as well as very moving. Lee is a reminder to us all the remarkable strength women have, and the film shines a light on the incredible contribution women gave for the war effort. About the Author Related Articles 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 Images via Sky 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 review 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

What is Lingo Magazine? Let's ask ChatGPT... Rachel Lara Hoddes Wednesday 10 July 2024 I asked Chat GPT to read every online Lingo article and then write about Lingo Magazine in our style. Here's what it came up with … Lingo Magazine: Bridging Cultures and Languages Since its inception in 2022, Lingo Magazine has become a vibrant platform dedicated to exploring the intricate tapestry of languages and cultures from around the globe. Published by the University of Nottingham, this student-led initiative reflects the diverse interests and perspectives of its contributors. A Mosaic of Perspectives Lingo Magazine excels in its eclectic mix of content, curated to engage readers with varied interests. Whether you're a language enthusiast, a cultural aficionado, or someone keen on global affairs, Lingo offers something for everyone. In the Global Affairs section, readers can dive into compelling narratives and analyses of current events. From student protests around the world to groundbreaking conservation efforts, the articles provide insightful commentary on pressing issues. For instance, a recent piece highlighted the reintroduction of the Eastern Black Rhino in Kenya, showcasing collaborative wildlife conservation efforts. Celebrating Cultural Diversity The Culture section celebrates the richness of global traditions. It features reviews of film festivals, explorations of traditional holidays, and deep dives into the world of art and music. Notable contributions include reflections on the Beeston Film Festival, which underscores the festival's role in bringing diverse voices to the fore, and a piece on the significance of Pesach (Passover), offering both personal and historical insights Linguistic Journeys Language lovers will find a haven in the Language and Linguistics section. This segment offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of polyglots, linguistic trends, and language preservation. Articles range from interviews with multilingual individuals to discussions on the latest linguistic research, making it an essential read for anyone passionate about languages. Stories from Abroad For those bitten by the travel bug, the Travel section offers enthralling tales from around the world. Contributors share their unique experiences of living and working in different countries, painting vivid pictures of cultural immersion. One standout article recounts a student's experience working at an art gallery on the Estonian-Russian border, providing readers with a rare glimpse into this culturally rich yet often overlooked region Join the Lingo Community. Lingo Magazine is more than just a publication; it's a community. The magazine encourages students to get involved by contributing articles, joining the editorial team, or engaging with the content. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among its readers and writers. Final Thoughts In an increasingly interconnected yet often divided world, Lingo Magazine plays a crucial role in promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. By providing a platform for diverse voices and stories, it helps bridge gaps and build connections across cultures and languages. Whether you're a student at the University of Nottingham or a global reader, Lingo Magazine invites you to join this journey of discovery and dialogue. Well, I must say we're rather flattered! About the Author Related Articles What is Lingo Magazine? Let's ask ChatGPT... Rachel Lara Hoddes 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: Culture Artificial Intelligence Rachel Lara Hoddes Categories: Feature 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

48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Tuesday 15 February 2022 Join Niamh, a French and Spanish third year, for 48 hours in this beautiful, Andalusian city, full of life, culture and history! Seville has been an important city throughout Spanish history, from its Moorish routes to the country's Golden Age, when the city benefited from the hordes of riches brought from the New World. The result of this is that is has become a city rich with a beautiful culture and an extraordinary history. As well as being a cultural hotspot, the Andalusian capital has a bustling nightlife, making it the perfect destination for a city break. Full of hotels, Airbnbs and hostels, the city has plenty of places to stay – even on a student budget! Day 1 The best way to start your day in Andalusia is with an authentic breakfast! Pan con tomate, toasted bread served with salmorejo (tomatoes blended with bread), olive oil and occasionally cured Serrano ham, is something you have to try when visiting Seville. In the majority of cafes, you can order this alongside a coffee and fresh orange juice, amazingly for under €5. Walking through the cobbled streets of the city, you'll be able to find many places offering this deal. But I recommend Café Mamá Inés, with it serving a range of coffees and alterations on the classic pan con tomate. The second reason Mamá Inés is the ideal place to start you trip to Seville is the location. Situated on Plaza Zurbarán, it is just a 30 second walk from one of the city's most iconic (and controversial) landmarks - Las Setas. Las Setas de Sevilla Las Setas, or ‘The Mushrooms’ as it's known in English, is a relatively new addition to Seville’s landscape, with construction being completed in 2011. Although contrasting to the rest of the quarter’s architecture, it is still an impressive structure and with a short escalator ride up, you have access to viewpoint across the city – completely free! Top Tip! Remember to bring your student card for discounts and deals across the city! After a look over the city from the top of the Setas , wander along to one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites that Seville has to offer, el Catedral de Sevilla . Said to be the third biggest Church in the world, this colossal building has been a central part of Seville for nearly a thousand years. Having watched over the city for all this time, you get an immense sense of the history held within the building, especially around the tomb of the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus. With beautiful architecture and decoration throughout, you can easily spend an afternoon walking through the Cathedral, its side chapels and gardens. Don't forget La Giralda Tower included in your ticket for another breath-taking view across the city! La Giralda Tower Moving into the evening, the city gets even busier. An integral part of Spanish culture is the nightlife and Sevilla is a great place to experience this! Begin your evening with a meal in one of the city's many restaurants - from a traditional tapas bar to cuisines from afar! We went for Asian tapas at Sibuya Sushi Bar and very much recommend! After dinner, visit a bar or chupitería. These won't be hard to find - squares across the city will be jampacked with enthusiastic locals and visitors alike enjoying a cerveza or glass of tinto. For more of an exclusive feel, there are also plenty of rooftop bars on offer to sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down! Day 2 Undoubtedly, one of the most popular breakfast spots in Seville is La Mala Brunch. Offering a range of dishes, such as traditional tostadas, classic eggs benedict and waffles & pancakes to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, there is something for everyone at La Mala Brunch. Although remember to book or arrive early as it can have around an hour waiting time! Pancakes at La Mala Brunch After desayuno , it's time to explore the Real Alcázar, a remnant of Arab rule over the city. This enchanting palace has been a royal residence since the eighth century and you can tell why the royals love it so much! With its Moorish facades, tiles and domes, it really transports you to another era and world. As well as, a walk around the extensive and tranquil gardens will certainly help you recover from the night before! Top Tip! As you may have heard, Seville is famous for its oranges - their trees line the streets and fill the gardens of its palace. However, don't be fooled by their vibrant colour! They are extremely sour and bitter and VERY unpleasant to eat. We learnt the hard way! Following the beautiful Alcázar, make your way to the Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa. It is a little bit of a walk (20 minutes) from the city centre but definitely worth the trip! Or if the walk is a little too long, there electric scooters to rent dotted around the city. The plaza is bordered by colourful tiled alcoves, each representing the different provinces of Spain, and features a moat. Rowing boats are available to hire for €6, making it a very budget friendly sunset activity. For the final night in Sevilla, I recommend doing something quintessentially Spanish! So cross the River Guadalquivir in La Tirana, the old gitano neighbourhood of the city. La Tirana is rumoured to be the birthplace of flamenco, so there's no better place to watch a show! Small, intimate venues are scattered throughout this barrio, offering authentic and thrilling flamenco performances nightly. So grab some tapas and cerveza and enjoy the show! About the Author Related 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 Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Images Provided by Niamh Woodhouse 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: Tips Spain Seville Food History Niamh Woodhouse Categories: Travel City Guide 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! LOAD MORE

"El silencio de otros": 45 years of the Amnesty Law in Spain Aidan Cross Thursday 26 May 2022 After 45 years, amendments to the Amnesty Law may finally allow victims of the Spanish Civil War and Francoist dictatorship to get justice. Aidan, a Hispanic Studies and History third year, delves into this complicated story. Content warning: death, kidnapping In 1977, two years after the death of Francisco Franco ended the dictatorship in Spain, a law was passed to officially codify the “Pact of Forgetting” (el Pacto del Olvido). This was a political decision made by both the left and right to avoid the legacy of the Spanish Civil War (la Guerra Civil Española, 1936-1939) and Francoist dictatorship (la dictadura franquista, 1939-1975) in order to ease the transition to democracy. However, people have not “forgotten”, and the wounds of this dark period in Spain’s history have not healed, as is highlighted in Pedro Almodóvar’s 2018 documentary “El silencio de otros”. As a result of the Amnesty Law, those responsible for the horrors committed during the Spanish Civil War and the Francoist dictatorship have escaped justice. It is the fight for this justice that the documentary follows, giving a voice to victims of the dictatorship. The most heart-wrenching story is of an old woman who wants to know where her father, executed by the Franco regime when she was a child, is buried before she dies. Many of the 100,000-200,000 people estimated to be executed by the Franco regime were buried in mass graves, meaning that people do not know where their loved ones’ bodies are. Despite the Historical Memory Law in 2007 (la Ley de Memoria Histórica), only 19,000 bodies have been recovered , mostly by volunteer associations. The documentary also follows the legal case brought against Spain in 2010 by Argentinian judge, Maria Romilda Servini de Cubría, under the principle of universal jurisdiction for crimes against humanity. Despite at least 2000 cases being filed relating to the kidnapping of more than 50,000 newborn babies sold for adoption to political supporters during the Francoist dictatorship, it wasn’t until 2018 that the first case went to trial. Dr. Eduardo Vela was found guilty of stealing Inés Madrigal from her birth mother in 1969 and falsifying official records. He was acquitted due to the expired statute of limitations. This is just one example of the damage that the Amnesty Law has done. Fortunately, amendments to the Historical Memory Law and Amnesty Law have been proposed in recent years, aiming to make the central government responsible for the exhumation and identification of victims. Its purpose is also to remove the impunity of the Amnesty Law to allow crimes committed during the Spanish Civil War and under the Francoist dictatorship to be tried by the Spanish justice system. This year marks 45 years since the Amnesty Law was passed, and many who committed these crimes against humanity are now dead. Hopefully, as a result of the proposed amendments to the law, victims and their families will get justice and those wounds can start to heal. About the Author Related Articles A l’isoloir: what you need to know about the French Elections Niamh Woodhouse "El silencio de otros": 45 years of the Amnesty Law in Spain Aidan Cross French Connection: An Interview with a True Parisian Part 2/2 : The Long Five Years Jess Henrys 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 Spain Politics History Categories: Global Affairs 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 Language Taking Over the World: English as a Lingua Franca Emma Burnett Friday 26 January 2024 As the English language clings onto its lingua franca status, what does this mean for the rest of the world? Is English a threat to other languages? Or is its growth an inevitable effect of globalisation? Emma Burnett discusses. Imagine a world where everybody speaks English — a world where there would be no linguistic variety, any language other than English would be extinct, and where our linguistic identities would cease to exist. As English continues to be more and more widely used across planet Earth, this could potentially become our reality. The English Language has been considered a lingua franca since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to its use within British colonies. Since then, it has held onto its lingua franca status, and is continuing to rapidly grow in popularity. Nowadays, English is the official language of 86 countries globally, making it the most widely spoken language in the world. So, what makes a language a lingua franca? It is simply a shared foreign language used by two parties that speak other different languages. Primarily, this is about international communication. English being so widely spoken facilitates transnational correspondence and relations – it is the unofficial language of science, technology and business. Having an international common language can eliminate any language barriers between people involved in international relations, which allows for more effective communication. The downside of this, however, is the exclusion of non-English speakers. The expansion of the English language could isolate those who don’t speak it. A strong command of English is now essential for accessing the more prestigious higher education institutions, such as the University of Oxford, Stanford University and Harvard University. What’s more, is that as English grows, other languages go extinct in its wake. A language dies every two weeks. At this rate, it is no wonder that English’s rapid growth is a cause for concern. As languages die, so do identities. Language is intrinsically linked with a person’s heritage and culture; these risk being erased when the English language supersedes the native language of another country. However, there are certain situations in which cultural identities can pre-exist with the global adoption of the English language. ‘Singlish’, or Singaporean English, is a variety of English spoken in Singapore which allows its speakers to hold onto their cultural identity and heritage by adapting features of English. Some features of Singlish include repeating an adjective to indicate intensity (e.g., ‘hot hot’) or simplifying a verb phrase: ‘I have already eaten’ becomes ‘eat already’. English varieties like Singlish prove that global identities can still flourish even whilst speaking a lingua franca. Singlish is unique to Singapore and continues to reflect Singaporean culture. Of course, there are other significant aspects of cultural identity aside from language, such as tradition, cuisine and values. In this case, Singapore is still rich in culture and heritage, regardless of its adoption of the English language. Nonetheless, it is important to hold on to our cultural identities and prevent all our world’s beautiful and unique languages from being engulfed by English. There is so much value in living in a world so rich and diverse in languages, cultures, and identities, and this is something which should be treasured. About the Author Related Articles What makes a language “easy” to learn? Aidan Cross Words of the Year 2023 Charlie Bodsworth The Language Taking Over the World: English as a Lingua Franca Emma Burnett Reference links: https://www.wordspath.com/countries-with-english-as-the-official-language/ https://lingua.edu/the-most-spoken-languages-in-the-world/Vanishing Voices ( nationalgeographic.com ) https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33809914 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 English globalisation linguistics Emma Burnett 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! 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