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Mechanical Engineering < Back Aaron Gil Aaron is a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student, who likes learning about languages and would love to share some knowledge about his mother tongue of Punjabi which he is currently trying to learn. Latest Articles by this Author Tone in Indo-European Languages: Let’s take a look at Punjabi 31/10/22

Modern Languages with Business < Back Emily Dawson Emily is a fourth-year student, studying Spanish, Chinese and Business. She is an avid baker turned chef who can often be found in the kitchen making content for her Instagram (@ems.homecooking). Emily was our 2022/23 Treasurer. Latest Articles by this Author Recipe of the Week: Lamb Curry 24/02/23 Hygge: Danish cosiness, happiness and comfort 23/02/23

Taiwan Diaries: Quarantine Rosie Loyd Wednesday 27 April 2022 As part of her degree, Current Affairs Editor, Rosie Loyd, is spending several months in Taiwan attending National Cheng Kung University, Tainan. Having now arrived, she must complete her 10-day hotel quarantine followed by 7 days of ‘self-health management’ as part of Taiwan’s efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19. In this article, she updates her readers on her experience so far. After my 24 hour journey from Gatwick to Taipei, exhausted was an understatement. Taiwan is 7 hours ahead of the UK, so it took me several days to get back on track with my sleep cycle. On my journey out here, I was subject to several full-body disinfectant sprays (even on the soles of my shoes!), as well as a very aggressive PCR on arrival at Taipei airport. At long last, I had made it! Today is day 9 of my hotel quarantine in New Taipei. I’m staying in a hot spring hotel in Jinshan District, renowned for, yes you guessed it, hot springs! As I write this, I’m currently listening to the hum of my fridge - a relentless background noise - together with the dodgy air conditioning. I keep telling myself it is good practice to get accustomed to the heat for when I get out! I am very much looking forward to some different noises after finishing here. By the time this article is out, I will have finished quarantine and be in Tainan. Hot spring bath in my hotel room When you’re stuck in the same room for 10 days (11 nights), time turns into a strange companion. At times, it whizzes by, and before you know it it’s the evening. On other occasions, it’s as if it doesn’t move at all. The worst feeling is when you’re lying awake at 2 am knowing your doorbell will be rung at 7 to let you know your breakfast is waiting outside. Together with my fellow Chinese language coursemates, I was supposed to arrive in Taiwan in February. Well, originally, I was meant to go to Fudan University in Shanghai. That got cancelled at the end of 2021. Reading the headlines now, however, I can’t help but feel relieved I’m not in Shanghai. Then February came around and we were told by Nottingham University and National Cheng Kung University that they were waiting on some final documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan (MOFA). Ok, we thought. I’m sure we can wait a couple more weeks. But little did we know it would be months, not weeks. We’re here now, at least. But the lack of communication and the delay in issuing the necessary documents so that we could then apply for a visa was incredibly frustrating. I’ll leave this ranting for another day – it’s quite an entertaining story involving direct emails with the British Representative to Taiwan and warrants some more attention, so stay tuned! Back to quarantine. I’m coping. At first, I was rather overwhelmed at the idea that I had to stay inside for 10 days. We are all so fortunate to be able to do what we want when we want. And if what we want to do isn’t an option, then we’ll find the next best thing. It’s quite tricky when you’re limited to a square room with harsh yellow lights and limited natural light - there is a window, but it’s in the bathroom. The best part without a doubt is the nightly hot spring bath. We each have a huge bath and the hot water tap apparently comes directly from the hot spring. I could think of worse ways to kill a few hours! During the daytime, I’m reading, watching Netflix, and doing our Chinese classes online until we can attend in person. Yoga and Joe Wicks have made a comeback – on some levels this feels like lockdown 3.0! I’m also so grateful for all the facetimes with my friends and family. Another highlight of the day is facetiming fellow Lingo member, Mhairi, who is in the room above me, to eat our bento boxes together. What would we do without technology! In the mornings and afternoons, we have to take our temperature and submit this to several bodies: the hotel we are staying in, National Cheng Kung University (the university in Tainan that we will be attending), and finally to the anti-epidemic contact on LINE, the Taiwanese version of Whatsapp. On specific days we also must submit rapid lateral flow results online as well. At first, there were a lot of things to remember, but I’m getting into the swing of things now. The food is something we just have to get used to. Breakfasts consist of either a sandwich with unidentifiable fillings or some sweet little fluffy buns. Lunch and supper are bento boxes with rice, vegetables, some mystery meat, and tofu or something similar. The best comment a coursemate has made so far was ‘I wish I could Shazam my food, then at least I’d know what I was eating’. I agree – it would be very useful. Hey ho. It’s all part of the fun of it, guessing what we’re eating tonight. Quarantine dinner! Nevertheless, time is seemingly moving. On Tuesday 26th I will be taking a high-speed train down south to Tainan, where I will be completing the final 7 days known as ‘self-health management’. After that, I will be free! I’ll be staying in an Airbnb for the 7 days during which I can’t mix with other people or go onto campus to have in-person classes, but I am allowed to go outside and finally go for a walk. I can’t wait for the feeling to be tired from ‘doing things’ and for my head to hit the pillow and instantly fall asleep. That day will come soon! Stay tuned for Rosie’s Taiwan Diaries… About the Author Related Articles Barcelona’s must-visit Cocktail Bars Rosie Loyd Taiwan Diaries: Quarantine Rosie Loyd Why you should visit Strasbourg Chloe Brewster Images provided by Rosie Loyd. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Rosie Loyd Year Abroad Taiwan Quarantine Studying Abroad Categories: Travel Year Abroad Tales Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Here's to you, spontaneity Isabelle Clark Wednesday 5 October 2022 How a poster in Verona helped me ditch the planner and embrace the unknown. For me, travel planning is almost as fun as the trip itself and I love mapping out my journey. Just imagine comfy clothes, a cup of tea, some great tunes in the background and making your travel dreams become a reality. Bliss… Having a well-planned itinerary is likely to save you money, time and stress - all important things when you’re travelling. A detailed plan is perfect for when you only have a short time to explore or want a little extra sense of security when you’re away from home. But sometimes, and I mean just sometimes , it’s good to break the bounds of your itinerary in the name of being more free and spontaneous; it’s fun to be a bit more adventurous… If you’re confined by the need to have your movements mapped out to the minute, you’re likely to miss out on some wonderful moments - big and small. Like walking past a cool neighbourhood bar and stopping for a drink and a bite to eat, or the unexpected offer of a different activity or side trip - even if it means missing out on something else you’d planned. Going where the wind takes you, that’s the phrase. My favourite spontaneous moment of the summer, one that will live with me forever, is my visit to the opera at the Verona Arena. Smaller only than the Colosseum and the Amphitheatre of Capua, the arena was constructed in 30 AD and has played host to spectacles down the ages such as gladiator fights, duels, arts, and sport. As I was wending my way through the ancient, beautiful arches that surround the arena, I noticed a poster for the Arena di Verona Festival. For nearly 100 years this annual summer event, known for its world-class performances, has drawn opera fans from across the world. I’m not a die-hard opera fan, and wouldn’t usually have paid much attention, but I searched the calendar of shows and could see what looked like a truly awe-inspiring set under construction. And Turandot was on that evening. Aside: If, like me, you weren’t sure what Turandot is about, let me tell you. The opera is set in Beijing’s Forbidden City where a princess is trying to find a suitor. Let’s just say that her unique approach to dating might not work out so well these days: she asks all her suitors to solve a riddle, if correct she’s all theirs, but if wrong, they are brutally murdered. Tinder just seems so tame, doesn’t it? Back to my story… I was so drawn in by the history of the arena, the awesome-looking set, the story behind the opera and the fact that I had never been to anything like this before that I immediately booked a ticket and dragged one of my friends along with me. And I don’t say this lightly… it was the most stunning experience of the year. The opera itself was fantastic. The costumes, set design, and venue were out of this world and were (although clearly I wasn’t around in Roman times to compare) I understand, quite traditional. Despite a few rows of plush red chairs at the front, most of us were seated on the stone steps. I was sitting on the same stone that others had sat on in the first century AD. And not one of the performers used a microphone, their voices naturally reverberating through the arena reaching even me in my cheap seat at the back. I can’t see how this magical experience can be topped this year but here’s hoping… So, you know what? Go buy that ticket, go pop into that neighbourhood bar, take up the suggestion of a side trip. Isabelle and itineraries will forever go hand-in-hand but here’s to you, spontaneity, and all of the fun you bring. About the Author Related Articles 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams 24 hours in... Barcelona Grace Whitaker Why you should visit Strasbourg Chloe Brewster Images provided by Isabelle Clark. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Isabelle Clark Spontaneity Verona Italy Culture Categories: Travel Travel Stories Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

YEAR ABROAD TALES: Does Distance Make the Heart Grow Fonder? Francesca Wren Friday 4 March 2022 In the next edition of our 'Year Abroad Tales' feature, Francesca gives advice from her experience being in a long distance relationship on her year and answers the question, does distance make the heart grow fonder? In the months leading up to my move to France for my year abroad, I was asked by almost everybody I know: ‘What are you going to do about Charlie?’ One person even asked me multiple times whether I was planning to split up with my boyfriend before I left and that she could never be in a long-distance relationship again, after having split with her ex when they both left for uni. My boyfriend was asked the same questions and more. Our friends asked us if we had discussed it, if we had considered what it was going to be like living so far apart, and most prominently, if we were worried about the other cheating. Charlie and I were solid in our resolve and answered all that we trusted each other and that we were positive we would make it through. And jusqu’ici, tout va bien (so far so good). We communicate clearly and regularly and make enough time for each other without crossing the channel every weekend. But the same cannot be said for others. Long distance relationships can be tough – your faith in your partner and your relationship is put to the test – and deciding what you want out of a year away is no easy task. Most of us feel pressured to make a choice before we have even left British shores, to cut the anchor and sail away or to start writing wedding invitations. I have encountered people on both sides of the spectrum while on my year abroad and, as frustrating as this advice is, it really does depend on the individual. My counsel to anybody questioning their relationship and the year abroad is to avoid too much introspection. In my experience, pros and cons lists serve only to confuse everything further. If you feel burdened by your partner and ache to be single, a conversation needs to be had, because growing bitter towards each other is not fair on anyone. If missing your other half is unbearable all of the time, surround yourself with new friends and new experiences. Longing for home and the person you are with is natural, but when you become consumed by that sadness, you start to miss out on all of the amazing things a year abroad can offer you. Ultimately, there are no easy answers to whether you and your partner can or will be able to exercise a long-distance relationship. Like many other things in love, the best advice is to be patient and listen to your gut instinct. The year abroad doesn’t have to be a 9-month shag-fest (unless you want it to be) and being in a relationship doesn’t have to feel like being ‘tied-down’. Take each day as it comes and put your enjoyment and your happiness over rigid expectations of what a year abroad, or indeed a relationship, ‘should’ be. Jusqu’ici, tout va bien. If you'd like to share your experience of the year abroad, get in touch with us on Insta @lingomag_ ! 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 Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Francesca Wren 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 Living Abroad Relationships Francesca Wren Advice Categories: Travel Year Abroad Tales 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! LOAD MORE

What’s On in Nottingham: November Vicki Mileson Tuesday 1 November 2022 Lingo Magazine’s go-to guide for the top cultural events going on in Nottingham this month. November is promising to be the month of comedy, quizzes, the famed Nottingham Christmas market, and lots more cultural fun to get involved in. Hispanic Music Night – 3 November Join Hispanic Soc in on-campus bar Mooch for their music takeover! They promise a night of acts celebrating the variety of tunes from across the Spanish speaking world. Make the most of food and drink deals in Mooch and head down at 8pm. Nottingham Comedy Festival – from 4 November The 14th annual Nottingham Comedy Festival will return from 4 November to 12 November with comedy acts from the UK and beyond attending events across the city. There will be over 80 shows over the nine days. Check out the full line up for times, locations and prices. Canalhouse Comedy Nights – every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month More comedy will be available at the Canalhouse Comedy Nights where up-and-coming acts will be practicing their material. Doors open at 7pm! The Big Quiz at Malt Cross – every Monday Put your housemates’ general knowledge to the test at The Big Quiz at Malt Cross. It will cost £5 per team with proceeds going towards the YMCA. The quiz starts at 7:30pm but doors open at 5pm—organisers are expecting this one to be a hit so get in earlier rather than later. Progressions: More to me than sex work – 5 November Talks: 11am-1pm, 5 November General exhibition: 11am-4pm, 3-5 November This free interactive art installation by sex workers highlights contemporary experiences in Nottingham. The exhibition is right on campus and will be accompanied by a series of short talks about the history, rights, and research on sex work. Although this is a free event, you will need to book to attend the talks. Blk This & Blk That … A State of Urgency – until 6 November At the Djanogly Art Gallery at Lakeside Arts Centre, this exhibition will address racial politics, migration, religion, history, blackness/whiteness with sculpture, installations and photography. Nottingham Cocktail Week – 7 November to 17 November Conveniently coinciding with “Directed Studies Week” is Nottingham Cocktail Week . For £10 you’ll be able to buy a wristband giving you special access to discounts including 2-4-1 cocktails, 2 for £10 deals and exclusive menus at bars across the city. Participating bars include student favourites such as Penny Lane, Revolution Hockley, Revolucion de Cuba, The Beeston Social and The Walrus, among others. Middleway Words Festival – 10 November Attend this evening with local authors at Waterstones Nottingham right in the city centre. This literary festival began online during the pandemic and now connects writers and readers across the Midlands. Authors including Elizabeth Chadwick, Clare Harvey, T.M. Logan, Ian Charles Douglas and Wilf Morgan will be joined by BBC Radio Nottingham presenter John Holmes to discuss all things books. The talks will run from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and tickets will cost £5 for general admission or £4 for Waterstones Plus card members. They are available here . Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not to Come – 11 November Poppy and Rubina, from the critically acclaimed podcast Brown Girls Do It Too (Best Podcast of the Year – British Podcast Awards 2020, Asian Media 2021), will be taking Nottingham Playhouse by storm to celebrate brown British women, sex and everything in between. Tickets range from £18-24. Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2022 – from 15 November It’s what we’ve all been waiting for – the return of Nottingham Winter Wonderland. You’ll have until New Year’s Eve to make the most of the market, festive food stalls and the Ferris wheel in the heart of Old Market Square. Snatched: Drag & Queer Performance Scratch Night – 24 November Hosted at Nonsuch Studios, this open-stage-night promises to showcase some of the best drag and queer talent Nottingham has to offer in a safe and inclusive environment. The night will welcome six drag artists and queer performance makers to share their work, all hosted by a special to-be-announced guest. Event tickets are sold on a pay-what-you-can basis and the suggested donation is £5 – available here . Tarot of Freedom: A Printmaking Workshop – 25 November As part of the ‘Make It Yours’ Creative Workshops at the National Justice Museum, join Paul Henegan to design your own tarot card with the art of printmaking. You’ll learn about tarot imagery, colour, symbols, numbers and energy as you experiment with different artistic techniques. The workshop is from 10am to 12pm and free tickets are available here . Let us know if attend any of these events – maybe even write us a review. We hope you enjoy! About the Author Related Articles Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World Vicki Mileson Holi on the Downs 2022 Beth Walker Copyright free images via Unsplash and Instagram. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Vicki Mileson Nottingham Events Categories: Culture What's On Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Year Abroad Tales: Working in an art gallery on the Estonian-Russian border Juliet Kennedy Tuesday 11 June 2024 Juliet shares her experience working at an eclectic art residence in Narva, Estonia, during her year abroad. A month into my time in the frozen, still, city of Narva, nestled a little too cosily on the border between Russia and Estonia, I began to sense that overwhelming feeling of things being a little too slow, and a little too quiet. With winter looming, days drawing shorter and classes finishing at 12:30 I was left with the bewildering question of what next? In this quiet and sleepy city, how could I possibly fill three months? I had tentatively googled ‘art galleries, Narva’, keeping my hopes low because so far all I had seen were endless apartment blocks and abandoned playgrounds. But then, I stumbled across NART. It was an art residency, where artists from all over the world would come to complete a period of time working on a project inspired by Narva and its surroundings. After emailing in the morning, by that afternoon I was chatting with the director and assistant about their visions, goals for the space, what they do, what I do, being young in Narva, their staff, their artists… I felt inspired by the city, a feeling which I had been searching for amongst long Russian language classes and bowls of hot cabbage soup. The residency was huge. It spanned an entire manor house which was divided into studio flats for artists, museum spaces for the public, an exhibition room, kitchens, and messy studios with concrete walls. It was striking, with its English-style red brick. It stood, proud and alone, like something from an Emily Brontë novel on the street Joala 18. It stood out as one of the few buildings that survived the devastation of Narva during World War II, a city where 98% of its infrastructure was destroyed by bombs. Having spent my recent weeks living in one of the many Khrushchevki , apartment buildings built during the Soviet Union, it was a welcome change to work and exist in a space that was old and grand and full of a much deeper sense of history. The ‘living area’ of the residence The residence was, at its construction, the house for the director of Kreenholm Manufacture (another interesting building in Narva, a huge abandoned factory that straddles the river between Estonia and Russia), and since then has been a schoolhouse, a cinema, and now an art residence. One Friday night I helped to set up a party that was being organized by some of the residents, as one of them had made a light projection that he wanted to show off, along with a DJ set. I remember running up and down the stairs of the sprawling house, searching for mismatched glasses hidden deep in kitchen cupboards to put at the homemade bar. It was like a maze of spiral staircases, adorned with photographs and paintings. Artists were making Moroccan egg sandwiches to sell at the party, along with ginger cocktails; another was offering a flash of tattoos in the living room; and I remember texting my friend to say, hey, come tonight, there will be eggs, ginger vodka, and tattoos. She was, naturally, quite confused. But it's in that kind of madness that I remember and love NART. I ended up working on the reception desk, sitting in the airy gallery and knitting whilst I waited for the odd visitor. And when they came, I would express, in convoluted Russian, that there was indeed an interesting exhibition just through those doors but, I can’t really explain it to you because the whole thing is about oddly specific and personal Estonian words which I can’t actually read. I got a lot of strange looks from locals, but I was just happy to be surrounded by beautiful architecture and artists who slipped in and out of the grand front doors to smoke a cigarette, to do their grocery shopping, to just walk around in the large gardens and snowy air. I won’t forget the two Japanese artists, Reico Motohara and Kaori Sato. They were photographers who came to Narva with the task of completing ‘’kitchen stories’’, a photography exhibition and a cookbook. They reached out to locals, extending invitations for dinner to delve deeper into the local culture and cuisine, aiming to share heartfelt moments around a dinner table in a typical Soviet apartment. The culminating exhibition showcased a curated collection of photographs featuring classic dishes such as borscht and fish, capturing convivial moments in kitchens, accompanied by stories shared by locals about their families and histories. They returned to Japan with a collection of recipes to print and publish in a cookbook. Their exhibition and talk ended with a kind-of dinner party, where all guests were invited to bring a dish, exotic to Narva, and reminiscent of their home. Reico and Kaori made a delicious spread of sushi, and my friend and I decided to make and bring banana bread. We will never forget the moment that we saw a curious local from Narva pick up a slice of the sweet, chocolatey banana bread, only to embellish it with soy sauce, salmon, seaweed, and cucumber. Perhaps it was our oversight to place the bread next to the sushi. Sushi and other homemade dishes at the exhibition opening The residence, upstairs, boasted a large, old fashioned cinema room. There was one night where I was at the reception desk welcoming visitors and guiding them to where the film would screen. As it started rolling in came a few locals, who I had already seen around a lot. We got chatting and, after having them poke fun at my Russian and answering the usual slurry of questions that aim to understand why I would choose Russian, and did I realize how hard it was, they pulled out a bottle of some kind of home brewed vodka, from under their jacket. It was now December and my time in Narva was coming to an end. So, in a poignant and only natural farewell to the city that had taught me so much, we sat, taking shots of the bitter, burning liquid, whilst I was taught a vital, albeit unconventional crash course in Russian profanities, that I would ‘absolutely need’ to navigate life’s challenges. Amidst Narva’s frozen tranquillity and political tensions, NART emerges as a flurry of art, culture and vibrant personalities. The feeling of a cold day, four months on and long departed from Estonia, sometimes takes me back to the reception desk of the residence, the lofty ceilings and dimly lit rooms, the chattering of artists, and the sound of echoing footsteps on tiled floors. About the Author Related Articles Taiwan Diaries: Quarantine Rosie Loyd YEAR ABROAD TALES: the highs and lows of au pairing Mhairi MacLeod Taiwan Diaries: Freedom Rosie Loyd Images provided by Juliet Kennedy. 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: Art Russian travel Juliet Kennedy Year Abroad Culture Categories: Year Abroad Tales Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

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 Related Articles 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

Why are all programming languages in English? Jordan Walton Monday 6 February 2023 Have you ever seen any computer code and wondered why all programming languages are in English? Explore the history of the why, as well as some exciting exceptions. Quick disclaimer: I am somewhat experienced in coding but in no way an expert. This article is factual to my knowledge, but here’s a pre-emptive sorry to the computer science people who will eventually find inaccuracies within: Sorry. Computers. We all use them every day but rarely do many consider how the websites we visit and apps we use were made. Obviously, someone made them, but how? Well, it isn’t as simple as saying “please computer make me an app”, computers aren’t that smart (yet). You’ve got to get down on their level and speak to them on their own terms. Computers pretty much only understand binary 1s and 0s and that just seems too complicated. That’s where programming languages come in. Programming languages allow people to essentially tell the computer what to do; whether that be to perform complex calculations or where to put a picture on a website. Essentially, they translate the way we think to how computers think, allowing them to understand a set of specific instructions a human can write down. Without these languages, programmers would pretty much have to input every instruction as an incomprehensible binary string of 1s and 0s. So, in short, they are very cool. I have to say at this point that coding is an incredibly versatile skill to have, and one that is very easily self-taught, so I would highly encourage everyone to have a go. The thing is though if you were to look at some programming languages to try out, or to just check out someone’s code, you would probably notice something: they are all in English. From the JavaScript that drives a lot of web development, to the C and C++ that run operating systems, and the Python that lies behind modern AI and machine learning, they are all written in English. This is confusing, right? There are programmers in every country in the world, and most of these people won’t speak English as a primary language, but all the main programming languages are in English. What’s with the discrepancy, and how did it come about? The answer lies in who wrote/invented the languages. Java was written by the English-speaking Canadian James Gosling, C was designed by the American Dennis Ritchie, and FORTRAN was designed by John Backus who again, was American. This is just a tiny fraction of the early computer programming languages, but you get the picture. A lot of other programming languages such as C++, Python, and Ruby were designed by people who didn’t have English as a first language (two Danes and a Japanese person respectively) but were written in English to build on and work with previous English programming languages. The key reason is that for people to work collaboratively on coding projects across the globe there had to be standardized languages. It just so happened that the core languages most modern software are built on happened to be written in English. That’s not the end of the story though, there are always exceptions. There has been an effort has been to create coding languages in many different, or even multiple, spoken languages around the world. Take ZhPy as an example. ZhPy is a translation of everything that the programming language Python can do into Chinese. It isn’t the only language used in China, they also do a lot of English coding, but is an equivalent. Examples of direct translating English programming languages into another language are plentiful. There’s Rouille, a French version of Rust, BAIK, an Indonesian version of C, and Teuton, a German Python. There are many more localised versions of established languages, as well as some less used non-English designed languages. The really impressive programming languages are those that are built with the intent to be used by those who speak different languages. Citrine is one such language. The developers’ goal is to “allow people to code in their mother tongue”. They aim to lower the barrier to coding, and to “democratise software”. A very admirable, and to all extents very successful project. Citrine works with over 70 languages, from Afrikaans to Zulu. So that’s that then. Most of the common programming languages are designed in English because they are built on fundamental languages that were written by English-speaking computer scientists, but there are efforts to translate and create more foreign-language programming languages. Nice and neat... But wait, are the ‘English’ programming languages actually English? We established before that computers can’t understand human language and only speak in binary, so if that’s true how are we talking to them in an English language and getting them to do what we want? Well, to be honest, none of these programming languages are actually equivalent to speaking a human language. To compare to two would be like saying British sign language is in English. It’s just not true. Language can be defined as consisting of a string of words in a structured, conventional way used to communicate with another user of that language. Have you ever seen a computer program? They use the right words yes, but not in a grammatically correct structured way that any sensical person would say is true English. Look at this Python code: You can pick out English words, sure, but that is in no way written in the English language as we know it. And Python is regarded as the simplest and easiest to read programming language! The problem is that every language is just a cheat code that gets translated down to the simple binary that computers understand. The closer to true English prose a programming language gets the slower the computer is to understand it as it has to strip it all back to binary every time. So, where does that leave this article’s title? All programming languages are written in English, except that actually none of them are? We use the spoken language’s words as a way to allow programmers to translate what they want to do into executable commands for a computer. No actual spoken language can be input directly into a computer. But to get away from the rabbit hole of computer science theory, the majority of programming languages you interact with use ‘English’, and this could present barriers to many aspiring programmers, so it is a truly great thing that there are those out there designing and developing programming languages open to all to allow for a shared, creative, and collaborative future. About the Author Related Articles Why are all programming languages in English? Jordan Walton Localisation and Transcreation in video games Aidan Cross Copyright free images via Unsplash. Other images provided by Jordan Walton. 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: Jordan Walton Programming Computer Science Coding Localisation Categories: Language and Linguistics Language Study 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

Protecting your mental health abroad Aidan Cross Wednesday 23 March 2022 To celebrate our very first Welfare Wednesday, one third of our fantastic Welfare Team, Aidan, shares their advice for staying on top of your mental health whilst being away from home. Whether you’re studying, working, or volunteering abroad, traveling and living in another country is an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, and even lonely at times, but there are some things that you can do to protect your mental health and make sure that your year abroad is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Perhaps the best advice for your year abroad is to say “yes” to new experiences. The friends and memories that you’ll make during your travels will last a lifetime and will help you to settle in and really feel at home. Exploring your city and country, the food and culture will help you to learn, grow, and feel more comfortable, and it can also be a great way to de-stress. However, remember that it’s okay to say “no”; you don’t have to be doing something new and exciting every day to enjoy your year abroad! As well as making new friends and having new experiences, it’s important to take time for yourself. You’re doing something incredible, but challenging, so be kind to yourself! Some days are going to be harder than others. Some days you’ll miss home and your loved ones. Some days you’ll feel as though you don’t understand anything of the language and culture. Having a support system is key to surviving those days. Chat with your friends and family back home, meditate, listen to music, read, play games, watch Netflix, go for a walk, exercise, or whatever makes you happy. And finally, know where you can access support! Reach out to the Year Abroad team at Nottingham or our Welfare Team here at Lingo Magazine, and we can direct you to the right services. About the Author Related Articles Protecting your mental health abroad Aidan Cross Surviving Language Student Life: Scheduling Jess Henrys You Are Not Alone 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: Tips Living Abroad Working Abroad Mental Health Welfare Aidan Cross Categories: Welfare Advice 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

'A Victory for Feminism': How France Made the Right to Abortion Part of its Constitution Charlie Bodsworth Friday 5 April 2024 In near direst response to the shift some countries have made towards restricting the right and access to safe abortions, France has become the first ever country to explicitly include abortion as a "guaranteed freedom" in its constitution, but this hasn't been without its struggles. CW: abortion At a crucial time in history, France has officially become the first country to enshrine the right to abortion into its constitution, following a ceremony symbolically taking place on the 8th of March (International Women’s Day). Despite the overwhelming majority for this decision, the move has been a long time coming. The amendment bill was first proposed by MP Mathilde Panot in late 2022, which was met with an overall positive response from both of France’s parliamentary houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. The main division between the houses was with the wording, with the National Assembly agreeing with abortion being a “right”, and the Senate considering it to be more of a “freedom”. The bill was revisited in January of this year, which proposed having abortion be a “guaranteed freedom”. The houses then voted on the amendment bill, both experiencing an overwhelming majority voting in favour. To consolidate the vote, President Emmanuel Macron called for a special parliamentary session in Versailles as a repeat vote on the matter, in which a majority vote of three-fifths would negate the need for a public referendum. And this is exactly what happened. On 4th March, the vote was 780-72, proceeded by a standing ovation from those in attendance, and ascertaining the bill as the 25th amendment to France’s constitution since its establishment in 1958. The right to choose an abortion has been a legal right in France since 1975, thanks to former Minister of Health Simone Veil, although various adjustments have been made to the law over the years to widen access to this vital medical procedure. The most recent of these was in 2022, where the legal deadline for an abortion increased from 12 weeks to 14. So, why is making it constitutional so important? The primary reason is that, in France, there is extremely widespread support for access to abortions, even among the right wing, with polls stating around 85% of the French population were in favour of the amendment bill. This acts as a beacon of hope, in contrast to countries such as the US and Poland, where vital access to abortions has recently become more and more restricted. Of course, the bill has received some backlash from various groups. The overall enshrinement act was contested by anti-abortion groups and the Vatican. However, some have also considered the bill unnecessary, with the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man - a text highly intertwined with the French constitution - non-explicitly protecting abortion rights in the constitution. There have also been speculations that President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently at risk of losing a government majority, used the amendment bill to pander to the left wing. What is certain, however, is the hope and joy that has been brought to women both in France and further abroad, with many calling the amendment a victory for feminism. While there are still some changes to be made regarding the accessibility of abortions in France, enshrining this guaranteed freedom into its constitution has added an indefinite level of protection for the rights of many women in difficult and painful situations, and has acted as a point of resistance with the current global trend to remove these valuable rights to keep abortions legally and medically safe. About the Author Related Articles 'A Victory for Feminism': How France Made the Right to Abortion Part of its Constitution Charlie Bodsworth Cannabis Legalisation in Germany Olivia Marshall The Reintroduction of the Eastern Black Rhino in Kenya Harriet Rothwell-Inch 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: france politics rights global affairs Categories: Global Affairs News 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! LOAD MORE

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