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Liberal Arts < Back Kate Armstrong Kate is a final year student, she love the outdoors and anything sporty. She was inspired to write for Lingo following her year abroad in France. She was lucky enough to live in the Alps and the Normandy countryside where she realised her love for travel and nature! Latest Articles by this Author

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 Japanese: One Language, Three Writing Systems 12/04/24

French Connection: An Interview with a True Parisian Part 2/2 : The Long Five Years Jess Henrys Friday 26 August 2022 Welfare Secretary Jess continues her interview with born-and-bred Parisian, Stella, to gain an inside perspective on President Macron and what the next five years could look like for France. Read part one here. We had talked about some lighter things - Paris, places, people, pastries – but a cloud hung over the conversation. The elephant in the room was the President. Well, not the president himself, but Macron’s re-election to the French presidency just a month before was still present in people’s minds, especially in a room full of students. I broached the subject with Stella. J: Shall we talk a bit about politics? S: Yes, let’s talk about it from my very left-wing French perspective! [laughs] No no, I will try my best to be objective in my answers. J: Well, we’ve seen the election in the past month [24th April 2022]. Can you share some of the general thoughts and feelings in France before the election, that you saw or that you heard? S: There was a lot of tension, and sadly, a lot of anger. I think that most French people don’t find what they need or what they want in French politics. Macron has been elected at like, 58 percent… it’s very low against the far right. But actually, he was elected by, like 30 percent of the French people, the rest of them haven’t vote or have voted far right. There are a lot of people who are feeling abandoned or not listened to. It explains the rise in racism or homophobia or these things. Macron was re-elected with a majority of 58.55% of votes, versus Marine le Pen’s 41.45%. It is a narrower margin than his victory over her for his first term in 2017, and with a turnout of only 72% (the lowest in over 50 years), left-leaning individuals like Stella are naturally worried. S: I think the media aren’t being fair, which is a dangerous thing to say, but I think they are doing a bit of sensationalisme. There has been some analysis of which parties had access to tv interviews and magazines. The far-right had, like, 40 percent of it and the far-left was not listened to at all. It has been very discredited because the far-right has the shock factor and such a huge audience. I believe so many more people voted for them because it was all they saw. There is a sense of injustice in France from a lot of people, which I think is fair. It’s justified. J: How do you think those sentiments have changed after the election? S: I think a lot of people are resigned, like, let’s go for five more years of this. This is going to be a long five years. J: What do you think the next five years will look like for France? S: Like the last five years. A rising in disparities between French people who are just going to want to attack people more. A rise in violence towards women and homophobia and… Macron knows that he is a president for the rich and it’s just going to get worse. He does some things right, I’m sure, but he has to make things better. National hospitals are so poor, for example. There was recently a professorial concours – the exams taken to become a teacher – and they’re lacking almost 100 professors in each subject. A lot of schools will be lacking teachers and not be able to teach properly because the teachers are treated so poorly by l’État. They are not well paid, the conditions are awful, they don’t get to choose where they work or anything. This is going to be a long five years. night falls over Paris, photo taken of the lights of the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides dome, as seen from the Montparnasse Tower J: How does this differ in the Outre-Mer? (French overseas territories) You have family there, can you tell us a bit about those places? S: I think the main difference is that the people don’t really see themselves attached to France. Very often, legislation doesn’t apply in the same way there than here. For example, during Covid, we had a curfew, and theirs lasted a lot longer than ours did, but their restaurants reopened before ours. It’s different because it’s so far away. Back there, my aunt has lived [in La Réunion] for a while and adopted the Créole lifestyle. People call France La Métropole, as if it’s another country, it’s not really home. I would say that they have a lot of grievances. The Outre-Mer is marked by the remnants of colonisation, and they are discriminated against in a few things. Life there is very expensive. Groceries mostly come from France, and they don’t really access their own products there. People are poorer but the cost of life is higher. But I feel like, because it’s Créole, it’s like… they help each other out all the time. I think maybe it’s a trait of poorer populations, so I don’t want to fetishise it, but it’s a beautiful way of living. This is La Réunion - I don’t want to speak for other parts of the Outre-Mer because I know that some of them are very angry towards La Métropole. La Réunion… it’s okay… even though there’s obviously lots of problems. Where I come from, it’s annoyance but not anger. J: Thank you for talking about these things. If you were running for President, what politics would you make? S: [laughs] I don’t think I should ever be President. I think I’m rather a violent person and I would be so annoyed at all the hardships of politics and the negotiating and everything. I would go crazy. I would probably say some very rude things towards people I should never ever be rude to! J: And just to confirm for the record that all opinions expressed have been the opinions of one Stella Cabaret and not of the whole of France, or of this language magazine. S: Obviously! I do not mean to speak for all French people, everything I have said has been mine and mine only and not objective, of course. J: Well, thank you for sharing those thoughts with us! S: It was a pleasure. Stella sits in the window of my Paris apartment in her signature blue denim jacket and holds up a peace sign [end of interview] For more information on the French presidential elections, and how they work check out a comprehensive article by our editor-in-chief, Niamh, here . [all photos by Jessica Henrys unless stated otherwise] 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 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 France Politics Macron Elections Categories: Interview 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

Culture Spotlight: Hispanic Society Niamh Woodhouse Tuesday 25 October 2022 For our first installment of Culture Spotlights, we spoke to Emily Brown, Hispanic Society's Publicity Sec, to find out more about Hispanic culture, what it means and how UoN students can experience it on campus and around Nottingham. Can you describe your culture in three words? Vibrant, community and fun. Tell us about your culture for someone that has little to no knowledge of it Hispanic culture has community, family and friends at the heart of it. Hispanic traditions are super important, and they are a great excuse to celebrate with good food and music. In Hispanic Society, we place really high importance on bringing people together, Hispanic or not, and show them why everyone should get involved! It is a vibrant culture that is welcoming to all, with a strong focus on spending time together and enjoying life! What would you say is the best thing about your culture? There are so many reasons why Hispanic culture is the best, it's difficult to just pick one! I would say that the variety within the culture is one of the things that makes it so amazing. From one Spanish speaking country to the next, the customs, accents, food and music vary. I think this is what makes the culture so vibrant and diverse- it's pretty difficult to get bored! Is there a way to experience your culture in Nottingham? Yes! We have a great range of weekly activities that allow everyone to immerse themselves in the Hispanic community. A personal favourite event of mine is Latin Thursday (in collaboration with Colombian and Mexican Society) which takes place on the first Thursday of each month in Mooch. The aim is to get everyone speaking in Spanish (native speakers and learners) and it's a great way of meeting new people too! Our weekly cultural and social events are also all aimed at bringing the Hispanic culture closer to all of us. The other week, we had an event focussed on learning new Spanish slang- we all came away with lots of new vocab that will definitely come in handy for travelling to different Spanish speaking countries. As a committee, we love the Vida by Lorentes restaurant near Lace Market, as they serve a great range of tapas and paella dishes that we can't get enough of! Our President Cesar is there most weeks! Do you have any events/socials coming up where students can have a taster of your culture? Yes! We have a special event happening on Thursday 27th October as part of the Black History Month celebrations with 3 guests speakers presenting about a specific element of Afro-Latino culture. It will also include some salsa dancing too! Latin Thursday happens on the first Thursday of every month, so the next one will be 3rd November. It's also the Hispanic Music Takeover at Mooch that night, so it's going to be a good one! Keep an eye on Hispanic Society's instagram so that you can keep up to date with all of the great events they have got coming up! About the Author Related Articles 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse European Music Festivals to Attend This Summer Niamh Woodhouse I Went to a Naked Orchestra: A Review of Carta by Monica Calle Niamh Woodhouse Header image provided by Hispanic Society via 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: Niamh Woodhouse Hispanic Events Categories: Culture Cultural Spotlight 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

Recipe of the Week: Vegan Pasta Bake Emily Dawson Thursday 17 November 2022 Recipe of the week with @ems.homecooking will teach you a new dish from around the world. This week's dish is a vegan pasta bake – an easy and student friendly dish that can be enjoyed by all. Serves: 2 Difficulty 2/5 Time: 30 minutes Who doesn’t love a hearty pasta bake after a long winter’s day? With a crispy cheese top layer, the crunch from the broccoli and the meatiness of the “sausages”, this dish is a perfect mouth-watering meal. While this dish is simple, it is full of flavour and hearty goodness. The special part of this recipe is that the ingredients used don’t have to be the same each time, it is very easy to throw in a bit of everything out of the kitchen cupboard (within reason of course…!) Ingredients 1 medium onion 3/4 stems of broccoli 1 pepper 2 cloves of garlic Half a jar of tomato passata 1 tbsp of tomato puree 2 tsp of harissa paste (optional) 2 portions of pasta (I used penne, but any pasta shape will work) 3 vegetarian/vegan sausages Cheese to top (optional) Salt and pepper 2 tsp paprika Chilli flakes (optional) Olive oil Method Heat oven to the temperature the sausages require to cook. Place sausages in the oven. While the sausages are cooking, in a pan on a medium heat sweat off the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add in the paprika and cook off for a couple of minutes, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Chop the peppers into pieces and add them into the pan with the onions and garlic. Again, cook until they’re soft. Meanwhile, boil a pan of water with a sprinkle of salt ready to cook the pasta and broccoli. When the water is boiled, add in the pasta and cook for the required time (usually about 10 minutes if using dried pasta). A few minutes before the pasta is ready, add the broccoli to the pan of tomatoes and cook. In the pan with the onions, garlic and peppers, add in half a jar of passata, tomato paste and the harissa. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Then, add in the cooked broccoli, pasta and sausages, chopped into pieces. Place the mixture into an oven proof dish, cover the top with grated cheese and put it under the grill or in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and starts to crisp. Dig in! For more savoury and tasty treats 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 Cuisine Cooking Pasta Vegan Categories: Culture Recipe of the Week 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

Weekend Getaways: The Lake District Gabrielle Wroe Monday 17 March 2025 Why not take a quick weekend getaway with your friends? It’s the perfect escape for busy students in need of a break from constant studying. A weekend trip lets you unwind, recharge and discover new places- sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to shake off the uni stress! Even if it’s just for a day or two, there are some great places to visit on a low budget. As a student, I’ve found that small trips are incredibly worthwhile. University life can be stressful, and taking a break to recharge is essential for your mental well-being. A perfect staycation that I highly recommend is the Lake District, which remains one of the most idyllic and tranquil places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Last spring, I ventured there for the first time with my partner, spending a weekend in the charming village of Dent. The Lake District is easiest to reach by car, with a scenic drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours from Nottingham. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! There are also several train stations dotted around the region, making it accessible from various parts of the UK. Trains can be a cheaper alternative if you have a railcard along with student discount. During our trip we stayed in an affordable Airbnb for three days, which was ideal – it gave us the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. Airbnb is a great choice for budget friendly stays, but you could also look for B&B’s or hostels which could save you a bit more money. The Lake District is the perfect destination if you love hiking and the outdoors! Anywhere you stay in the Lakes has countless walks and hiking routes with picturesque views, so you’ll never run out of places to explore. Whether you’re intermediate or beginner, the Lake District offers trails for all levels of experience. If you prefer gentle strolls, I recommend taking a trip to Lake Windermere, which has beautiful views and offers a flat walk. There are also more challenging climbs such as Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak that promises breathtaking views. Also, in many villages there are local pubs and cafes that offer meals with a cozy atmosphere, which is perfect after a day of hiking. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities such as boat rides across the lakes, local markets and lots of charming little shops and cafes. The area is very rich in history too, so there are a handful of museums and historic sites that you can explore if you aren’t too bothered about the walks. Whether you're seeking adventure or just a short trip with friends, the Lake District offers a perfect weekend getaway. About the Author Related Articles Header image is copyright free and courtesy of Unsplash. Article images provided by Gabrielle Wroe. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Travel Travel Guide England Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

International Media and Communication Studies < Back Gabrielle Wroe My name is Gabrielle and I'm a third year studying International Media and Communications. I love travelling, photography and music, I really enjoy going to concerts with my friends. I was drawn to Lingo as I love writing and wanted to expand my skills. Lingo also covers many topics that I am interested in and allows me to learn about different cultures which I find super interesting. Latest Articles by this Author Weekend Getaways: The Lake District 17/03/25

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