Issue 6

US GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: WHEN THE RIGHT GOT IT WRONG

OKTOBERFEST

LES PERCEPTIONS

5 TIPS FOR LIVING IN GERMANY

JAPAN: THE LAND OF A THOUSAND ADJECTIVES

WINNER OF OUTSTANDING

SOCIETY

PICTURE: Nicky Mount

Issue 6

FEATURED ARTICLES

INTERVIEW WITH BLOGGER MISS ELEANOR DIARIES

The Linguist talks to voice behind the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards nominated Miss Eleanor Diaries

PAGE 6

EDITORS NOTE

Bonjour, Hallo, Hola, 汝好 everyone!

Welcome to our very first issue of the academic year,

I am so excited (maybe too excited!) for all of you to read the superb articles from all our writers and editors. We have a fantastic new team who have worked so hard to get all this together, from our amazing editors to our extremely hard working Secretary Jess and our great Head of Design Adele, who has re-designed the look of the magazinecompletely.

by Julie Ledesma

TIANANMEN CRASH: THE FACTS

A comprehensive guide to the history behind the Tiananmen Crash. PAGE 18

For those who don't know us, we are a society which aims to bring together all language and culture enthusiasts, our articles range from Current Affairs to Fashion, Travel and everything in between. Even if you don't know a language but are interested in writing then don't

doubt in joining us! We're always looking for more writers so make sure you check our Facebook page for more information. I introduce Issue numero 6 by announcing our two new sections which have just been added to the society, Polish & Dutch. I can't wait for these sections to grow and to get more individuals involved. If you're interested or want to find out more information then send us an email and we will send you more details. So, things to look out for in this edition: "Trouble in Paradise", tensions between two of the most famous summer destinations Turkey and Greece. Love Dancing? Check "Strictly Salsa" - our culture editor spent her summer in Colombia and clearly learned one or two new moves! Finally, "Zwartboek"great film review by our Dutch editor!

Enjoy!

Committee

Chair: Julie Ledesma

Secretary: Jessica Brand

Creative Design: Adele May

Treasurer: Sam Lowe

Proof Reader: Sam Lowe

Publicity Officer: Holly Kettlewell

Other Roles

Deputy Proof Reader: Rachel Bliss

Design Team: Fariha Nawaz and Joey Lee

Editors

Arabic: Farina Kokab

Chinese: Chloe Saunders

Culture: Stephanie White

Current Affairs: Saul Shimmin

Dutch: Ed Vos

French: Phillippa Gent and Emily Deacock

German: Naomi Betteley

Italian: Chanika Hikkaduwage

Japanese: Arisa Lee

Life & Style: Hannah Cluley

Polish: Pawel Pokorski & Agnieszka Rzésniowiecka

Russian: Naomi Betteley

Portuguese: Matthew Norley

Spanish: Rachel Bliss

Travel: Holly Kettlewell

CURRENT AFFAIRS

TROUBLE IN PARADISE by Kieran Patel

There has always been tension between Greece and Turkey. Now deep in the midst of an economic crisis, the Greeks have to re-consider what they think about Turkey in order to make progress in their own lives. Greece is a country of insurmountable beauty. It has the picture perfect beaches, sublime rocky landscapes, and unique buildings left from a complex past. Then there is Thessaloniki, also known as Salonika, in the north of the country, surrounded by mountains on one side, by sea on the other. Across the sea on a clear day the snowy white tops of Mount Olympus can be spotted in the skyline. In the city centre is the ‘Rotunda’, one of the oldest Churches in the world still functioning today. Walk only two minutes from here and you reach the Turkish Consulate- it is hidden behind large walls and climbing bushes, and is heavily guarded by armed policemen, who patrol the street outside. It’s not easy to find out exactly what these men think of Turkey. But it is widely known that they hold right-wing, conservative views advocating the protection of Greek culture and religion. This is quite understandable given the history- this city, so important to the Greeks, was in fact only made part of Modern Greece in 1912- after almost 5 centuries of rule by the Ottoman Turks. When the Turks took Thessaloniki, the ‘Rotunda’ was turned into a Mosque.

This effectively took away Christianity from the city, which was the life and breath of Greek identity. This is still important to people today. When I was in Thessaloniki, I talked to a teacher at the school of Modern Greek Language in Thessaloniki who said “of course we want to rebel against the government, and say no arms, no fighting, just peace. But to do this is to forget the suffering of our families in times past. This means we have to rebel against our own heritage if we want to make peace with Turkey”. So today, with Turkish relations still strained by a violent centuries-old past, it is quite a moderate and a ‘reasonable’ view that Greece should protect itself. It seems a ‘Revolution in Thought’, is required to change the sour political relationship between the two countries.

Right now however, this ‘Revolution’ is being forced- in the form of the economic crisis. Greece’s miserable economic downturn has forced people’s political views to the extreme.

There is now a small section of the army linked to an extreme right -wing political party, ‘Golden Dawn’. This was made a criminal organisation and its leader was arrested last September when a member murdered left wing activist Pavlos Fyssas in Athens. One year ago however, after the general elections, it emerged as the fifth most popular party in Greece with over 400,000 voters. The party offers a defiant approach to foreign policy by taking control of local economics and cutting ties with the EU, they would tap the Aegean Sea’s resources and ignore any previous agreements with Turkey. Golden Dawn says openly that it will "assume all the territory of the maritime borders from the mouth of the Evros River to Kastelorizo". This spans the whole area of the East Aegean. Inevitably this would result in conflict with Turkey. What has the economic crisis brought? The answer is war, that is, if Golden Dawn had a say.

But the question is if this violent view really is a ‘Revolution in Thought’ that could bring change to Greece? Certainly there would be change, but it wouldn’t be for the betterment of both countries. Maybe the answer can be found elsewhere in Greek society. Maybe by the nation’s youths. They have arguably been effected most of all by the deep crisis. Youth unemployment stands at 58%. Those without jobs are looking for work abroad. As a result more young people are thinking about where they stand politically and indeed what they want for both their country and themselves. In contrast to the ultra-Nationalistic views of Golden Dawn, the Crisis has led many youths to support Anarchism, and Communism.

“WE HAVE TO REBEL AGAINST OUR OWN HERITAGE“

Both have strong groups at ‘Aristotle University’ in Thessaloniki, for example on campus and in the city centre near the Old Roman Palace, youths in all black clothing can be seen representing their support for the Anarchist movement. They are not afraid to show visually to the public their support for a cause.

They want Greece to de-arm; they want a complete disappearance of anything military. In place of traditional state and religion, they want to be united with the Turkish people, meaning a complete reduction in Nationalist identity. In the current climate, an individual’s political view has never affected his way of life so much. It affects who your friends are, what you do with your time and even the football team you support. Most importantly, the Crisis has got people thinking about what they want the world to be like in the future. These youths are part of the ‘Revolution in Thought’, because they are looking for positive change both for Greece and Turkey, and to achieve that change through co-operation.

In Thessaloniki today, there is a predominantly older generation which hold traditional values, and lament over the Wars with the Ottoman Turks. The ‘free-thinking’ people, those who want a new peaceful relationship with Turkey and indeed all its neighbours, are predominantly students and young people, who feel no need to remember the Wars. The economic mess in Greece has had an effect on the mind-set of the average person. Now the average person is thinking about radical ideas and a completely different way of life.

Amidst such polarised views and wild notions: that Greece would invade Turkey, or that anarchism would prevail and the nations would lose their identities in favour of borderless lands- although clearly unlikely, there is one solid conclusion. People want change in some form. Furthermore the Greeks, when deciding what they want to do with Turkey, are deciding whether they want a better brighter future – not just for their country, but for themselves.

US GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: WHEN THE RIGHT GOT IT WRONG

October began this year with dramatic images of the Federal Government of the United States furloughing its employees, that is to say suspending all their services except the truly vital ones such as the Postal Service and Homeland Security. News cameras watched intently as barriers blocked the roads into Yosemite National Park, and the Statue of Liberty stood alone, isolated by its normally regular ferry service. Washington’s government complexes became ghost towns, even the Federal power plants were manned only by a skeleton staff. Despite most states operating as normal, not being reliant on central government, concern was still raised by the closure, and worry began to sink in as the possibility of a more permanent shutdown became real as the 17th of October approached.

The issue was that right wing Republican politicians in Congress appealed to have the Obamacare funds cancelled from the Federal Budget for 2014. Enough support was raised by the few radical right wingers to stop the budget from passing. Unless a budget is agreed upon, no Federal worker can be assured of their salary. This caused the shutdown, as agencies told their employees that they either could not work or could only work with no set date for their next payment. To increase the pressure on the stalemate, if no agreement was made by the 17th of Octo-

ber, then the US would be forced to default on their national debts, and would enter a more permanent shutdown.

by Sam Lowe

However, the Republicans had held the belief that they would gain the support of the American public opinion, united against what they viewed as the overbearing policy of Obamacare. But as the shutdown dragged on, the public image and media response to the developing problem was one of irritation towards those opposing Obamacare, who were seen as throwing a spanner in the works over an issue that was already decided upon. Because of their gross misunderstanding of how the US public would react, the right wing were forced to concede, on the final day of the default deadline, restoring American funding for another year, and including funds for Obamacare, though for those involved, this was a close call that could have spelled disaster for the superpower.

LIFE & STYLE

INTERVIEW WITH BLOGGER MISS ELEANOR DIARIES by

Hannah Cluley

I was lucky enough to sit down with Ellie Khoury, University of Reading student and voice behind the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards nominated Miss Eleanor Diaries, and ask her a few questions about the growing phenomenon of blogging.

You've had your blog, Miss Eleanor Diaries, for over a year now, what made you decide to start your blog?

It’s a bit of a funny story really, I’d always loved blogs and always wanted to start my own, but never really knew how to. Then came my year abroad (as I study French) and I was moving to Toulouse for a year so I started a blog about my life in Toulouse so that my friends and family back home could stay up to date with my daily antics. I ended up moving to Paris (hooray!) and I started blogging about my life in Paris, and I think it was Paris’ influences that lead me to take blogging further and write about fashion, food, travel and general shenanigans. Et voilà a year on, I’ve left Paris and I’m still-a-blogging.

You’ve said you enjoy blogging about fashion and your year abroad, being more specific what other topics do you like writing about?

As the blog was dedicated to my year abroad, at first I thought it would be difficult to carry it on when I returned to the UK. But so far so good, since being back I’ve blogged more about travel as I went on a few trips over the summer and I also love to blog about independent little hideouts that I’ve found, whether it be a restaurant, café, boutique or country picnic spot. I like to share these off the beaten track secrets so that others can appreciate them too.

How do you try to advertise your blog and increase its readership? Any advice to bloggers wanting to make their blog better known?

I use Facebook; my own page and a page dedicated to the blog . Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. I wish I had more time to gather readership and I’m still finding my feet on how to get more readers. I think the best thing to do is to blog about something interesting and something that other people want to read about and can relate to. When I can give you a better answer, I will!

Aside from your great and witty writing, my favourite part of your blog is the photography! Everything is so colourful and professional looking. Tell me your secret!

Thanks! It’s all about the camera (she says laughing). Well not entirely but I did get an SLR for my 21st and have really tried hard to learn how to use it to make the most of its talents! I love photography and taking good pictures, I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to stuff like that and I love experimenting. I also love editing photos and was lucky enough to get editing software from the Cosmo Blog Awards in my goody bag! It’s all about knowing what outcome you want.

THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO BLOG ABOUT SOMETHING INTERESTING

Given that your blog has already been pretty successful, what aspirations do you have for your blog and yourself as a writer? I know that you're very into fashion; can you picture yourself making a career out of blogging or fashion journalism?

I can’t really see it becoming my career, it’s my hobby and I love doing it for the fun of it. It’s a nice break away from uni work and the stresses of life. I love all aspects of blogging from research to travelling, to photographing places and writing the content itself. I want to keep it up as a hobby. But as for writing and being an editor, this is definitely something I’ve thought about! So many people have said to me that I’ve grown and my writing style has really improved over the last year, so I guess I’ll just have to see what opportunities are out there and seize the day as people say!

Find Miss Eleanor Diaries at http://misseleanordiaries.blogspot.co.uk/ as well as on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MissEleanorDiaries

FASHION SPECIAL

Think Cher Horowitz from Clueless or Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl and you’ll be well on your way to pastel perfection. This trend is all about pastels and being preppy.

The Punk trend started in the 80s but by the 90s it had hit its prime. This trend is a grungy mix of tartan, leather and velvet. It’s all about saying “I don’t care what anyone thinks” and putting together different fabrics to create new and interesting looks. P.S. don’t forget your bad attitude!

CULTURE

STRICTLY SALSA

by Stephanie White

As the Zumba fitness phenomenon continues to take the nation by storm and Strictly Come Dancing becomes prime television I decided to embrace the roots of Latino dance in Colombia. The well renowned reputation of Colombia’s tropical party vibe couldn’t prepare me for the buzz of South American culture. The importance of dance is fully ingrained in Colombian society and Salsa is an integral part of the vivacious civilisation. Watching my host family share in the joy of teaching and learning the intricacies of the native dance across the generations was truly one of the highlights of my trip.

My first experience of Salsa dancing came as I stepped off the bus after a thirty hour journey to Ibague, a small city in the heart of the country close to Cali, the home of Salsa. I was quickly whisked off to a party and thrown straight onto the dance floor where boys and girls alike were swaying their hips to the 8 beat rhythms. With no sense of embarrassment or selfconsciousness the Colombians spun from partner to partner in what seemed to the untrained eye as a choreographed, and perfected routine. Being dragged into the midst of an entirely synchronized dance floor was undeniably terrifying considering my typically British uncoordinated and inflexible moves. The one thing that struck me was how liberated the people seemed as they danced to the incredibly infectious music unlike in Britain where dancing with gusto is typically fuelled by inordinate amounts of alcohol.

My love of Colombian culture continued at the desfile the following week, which reinforced the importance of dance and celebration amongst both young and old. The carnival lasted all day and street performers donned regional costumes from all over the country and danced, sung and celebrated their heritage. The unification of all generations by means of dance was quite humbling and it was refreshing to see how entertained the children were without gadgets or the latest technologies. Men, women and youngsters all tapping their toes and swinging their hips to the frenetic beat of the music in an all euphoric atmosphere were unforgettable.

I found evidence of the generational love and devotion to Colombian music closer to home amongst the members of my host family. Waking up to the sound of Reggaeton or Merengue music blaring from the bedrooms of the youngest members of the family proved how embedded music is in society there. Their relentless attempts to help me learn the basic steps became somewhat embarrassing as even the seven year old could body roll to the beat with her Latino hips swaying to the music.

Taking it upon myself to evoke some sort of pride from the family and to tick it off the bucket list I enrolled in Salsa classes at the local university. Despite a few glances of despair as I slowly got the hang of the basic steps I was soon thrown into the arms of an unsuspecting Colombian to guide me through the more complicated moves. It soon became clear why the natives are so proud of their dance culture; it is a common skill amongst all and further enhances the Colombian identity. I can only marvel at the talent of these people whose passion for Salsa is a precious gift received by anyone lucky enough to be swirled around a dance floor, no matter how big or small, in the Salsa capital of the world.

THE ONE THING THAT STRUCK ME WAS HOW LIBERATED THE PEOPLE SEEMED

FILM REVIEW: ET DIEU…CREA LA FEMME (1956) by

Pierre Greenhalgh

Starring the 1950s beauty Brigitte Bardot, Et Dieu…crea la femme (…And God Created Woman) remains one of the most iconic films in French cinema. Not only did it catapult Bardot into international stardom, it pushed the boundaries of filmmaking not only in Europe, but also the conservative United States of America. Although America was currently under the spell of the sensational Marilyn Monroe, they were not prepared for the sensuality that came with Brigitte Bardot’s effortless sexuality and grace. Et Dieu…crea la femme tells the story of an 18 year old orphan called Juliette, played by Bardot, who terrorises her hometown with her sexual energy and her fickle attitude towards love. Surrounded by three suitors, Juliette takes great delight in teasing each one and more than once lands herself in trouble with her guardians.

The film, a devilish creation that embodies all of a traditional person’s fears, is at its best when we see Bardot manipulate those around her. The humour, an interesting mixture of light and dark, is not overwhelming; instead, it would be a stretch to categorise this film as a comedy. During the ‘50s, such behaviour within a young lady would be shocking, and such a provocation is exactly what the director, Roger Vadim, desired. It would be a lie, however, to call this motion picture flawless, because it is far from it. Without Brigitte Bardot’s menacing charm and the desperation sweating from her suitors, Et Dieu…crea la femme would be left with a vague, mostly petulant, plot line and screen writing. I believe that it is entirely Bardot’s presence that makes the film, as well as the scandals that came with it.

In conclusion, despite its clunky direction, Et Dieu…crea la femme remains one of the most important films in history. Although Bardot subsequently achieved fame that rivalled Marilyn’s, the furious backlash she received from the Catholic Church and conservative public makes it the most fascinating scandal within pop culture that shaped the future of sexualisation within the art of cinema.

All in all, I award this film 3.5 out 5 stars.

IT IS ENTIRELY BARDOT’S PRESENCE THAT MAKES THE FILM

TRAVEL

SLUMBERING ABOVE SLEEPERS

This summer past, with much glee, I travelled the breadth of Europe. The only real means to do this is by Inter-Rail. Many of the tales from your travels are from your time spent on trains, because that is what happens. You spend a lot of your time chasing trains, living life transiting between tracks. The trains would descend into a dull affair if not for the people you meet, from Danish anthropologists to Greek students. Ultimately, it is they who make all the effort of travelling worthwhile. Those sights and wonders you are supposed to marvel as you flit between states, the relics from dead empires and ancient metropolises bleed into each other with alarming alacrity. Without the characters you encounter, you would return home, with the bitter notion that one church does look so similar to another and to the next one too. On one sleeper train, Amsterdam to Berlin, my friends and I met one such character, which we remember for ill rather than any possible good.

We had all boarded the train after a hectic stay in Amsterdam, eager to move on to Berlin. Lewis, Liam and I believed we may have the luxury of a cabin to ourselves. This notion was soon shattered by the arrival of an older centralEuropean man. The demeanour which he sported, with a slight stoop, suggested that he had endured some hard travelling. He was bedraggled personified: matted hair, tattered jacket, the gentle lateral lines of his rugby shirt viciously interrupted by a few droplet of blood. Worry began to gnaw at my heels.

Conveying via the slight grasp of English he had, the man desired a top bunk. We acquiesced immediately, more out a slight inclination of fear than sympathy. Having stowed away his chattels, the man introduced himself to us. His name was George, and was from a small town that straddles the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He seemed friendly enough and we all conversed further, talking about why we were travelling, and where we were going. George let it slip that he served with the Red Army before the fall of Communism, and told us about the heat of the desert where he had been trained to fight. At this point, all three of our little gang noticed a strong smell within the cabin. Thinking it was us from the day roaming around Amster-

by Saul Shimmin

dam, we dunked ourselves in the vigorous fragrance of Lynx. Lewis and I left to buy water, both dehydrated from a long day beneath the Dutch sun.

We didn’t need to look for our cabin, our noses returned us home. The noxious miasma had spread its pungent paw across half the train. Liam stood irate outside the cabin, cussing the smell and George, who remained inside. Admittedly this is a far cleaner version of what was said, but Liam made it clear that the smell was issuing from George. That very moment, I peered through the Perspex of the cabin. The gaze was returned in kind with the sight of George’s feet. Imagine two steaks that had been left out in the sun, and you are almost there.

Fortunately, I was in the opposite aisle to George. Lewis however was directly underneath George and his grotesque dragons. Lewis dealt with the smell by covering his nose with the top of his t-shirt, bestowing upon him the appearance of a train robber from the old west. If those train companies had employed men like George, not even a sole gold bar or silver eagle would have ever been lost.

It got worse, he snored, with an intensity exceeding my imagination, it was hard to determine whether it was George or the train making the window rattle alarmingly. Lewis somehow slept, yet the sandman did not call for Liam or me. At one in the morning Liam thrust his head out of the darkness. I was just able to distinguish the smirk on his face in the dark as he leant over, and slapped George hard.

I thought this was the end of the line for us all. This crazy Czech would now smother us all with a pillow using some Red Army technique. I closed my eyes like a naughty child feigning sleep. George stirred sharply, Liam bellowed at him ‘You’re snoring! Roll over!’ George just rolled over like an obedient Labrador dog after a couple of biscuits, returning to slumber. I was glad when we finally got to Berlin.

GEORGE LET IT SLIP THAT HE SERVED WITH THE RED ARMY BEFORE THE FALL OF COMMUNISM

SHANGHAI ELECTRONIC MUSIC WEEK by Robyn Adam

Shanghai is a city more known for its electronic/dance music scene and is a city that is consistently seen as playing catch-up with Beijing in terms of live music, which boasts a (comparatively) thriving live rock music scene. One thing's for sure, live music offerings in Shanghai get better year on year, more expats choose Shanghai as a long-term residence and more promoters and agencies flock to Shanghai to strike it rich promoting music. One of these live music events is The Electronic Music Show which kicked off on 19th – 25th October and marked the opening of China’s International Electronic Music Week.

Now in its 4th year, Electronic Music Week is currently making itself heard across Shanghai, with a packed programme of lectures, concerts and intimate gigs across the city. It aims to deliver electronic music in all of its guises to both niche and mainstream audiences. The event welcomes artists, composers and experts from across the globe all producing weird, eccentric and at times baffling songs.

It may look like an ordinary concert but this one is like no other. Artists use computers and audio mixers to recreate sounds of traditional musical instruments, something which listeners will have never before heard. American composer Howard Kenty worked with a Chinese violinist to mix electronics with the sound of a violin. "My piece deals with people’s attempt at controlling time. We have called it ‘We Have Less Time Than You Think’ to highlight the ongoing and difficult relationship humans have with time. We often find we have less or more time than we think and those concepts are not always easy to accept” said Howard Kenty.

Like their co-exhibitors, contributions to Electronic Music Week are far from aural alone. Artists like to make music into an art form for example by blaring out music into a rainbow coloured cube or performance pieces that play on the acoustic architecture of churches via speakers, computers, live sopranos and video. Rob Van Rijswijk from Vox explains: "It's our ambition to take music out of four walls - gallery, concert venue or whatever - and into the public space. We continue composing right up until the moment the sound reaches the ear of the audience. For us, music doesn't end at the studio; it ends at the moment of the concert - how and where the music is played, the lights - everything influences music, and that's what we like to play with".

The concert has been a huge success with organisers already starting to plan the next event. From its success it seems while the rock music scene thrives in Beijing, the electronic and dance scene is well and truly alive in Shanghai.

IT MAY LOOK LIKE AN ORDINARY CONCERT BUT THIS ONE IS LIKE NO OTHER

FRANÇAIS

LES PERCEPTIONS

by Laura McDonald

On a tous une image de soi, soit celle de nationalité, soit celle de l’apparence. Il existe un virelangue en France : je suis ce que je suis et si je suis ce que je suis qu’est-ce que je suis, mais ce qui est intéressant est d’identifier les perceptions qu’ont les Français sur nous (les Anglais) et vice versa. Cette ‘investigation’, à laquelle on m’a fait allusion pendant un cours de Français, nous fait rire quand on comprit la façon dont on est vu par ceux vivant de l’autre côté de la Manche.

Alors, les premières victimes sont les Anglais. Tout d’abord, les Français insiste qu’on tient une malbouffe, ce qui me surprend : bien qu’on soit encore attiré par la graisse de MacDo, personne ne peut arriver à nier le fait qu’on sait bien comment faire cuisiner un steak, ou même un plat préparé issu de M&S. En plus, d’où vient le stéréotype qui dit que les Anglais sont les partisans de la beuverie ? Cela est une autre perception, plutôt gênant, que nos amis français ont de nous. Etant moi-même de l’âge à laquelle ce phénomène prétendument touche, je dois admettre qu’il est vrai, les Français (avec leur absinthe) ont raison que certains jeunes d’Angleterre se trouvent plus souvent avec une bouteille de l’alcool à la main plutôt qu’une canne (le stéréotype américain des Anglais, avec le chapeau haut-de-forme et l’accent élégant). Finalement, avant qu’on n’examine la revanche de la médaille, selon les Français le peuple anglais demande pardon tous les temps. (Désolée, de temps en temps. En fait je ne suis pas sûre, désolée.). Il faut dire que cela est une bonne chose, personne n’est jamais arrêté pour étant trop courtois, et donc on se targue d’incarner ce stéréotype !

PAS TOUT LE MONDE EN FRANCE NE MANGE NI DE CUISSES DE GRENOUILLE NI D’ESCARGOTS

Maintenant c’est au tour des Français. Qui sont-ils ? Qu’est-ce qu’ils font ? Avant tout, il faut commencer avec la mode française (oui, un peu prévisible, désolée). Dès que je remarque un t-shirt rayé, accompagné avec un béret, et peut-être une baguette dans la poche de pantalon, je pense tout de suite aux Français. Je suppose qu’elle est une image assez chic, mais de nos jours, ces t-shirts se trouvent notamment aux dos des gondoliers à Venise, qui sont vraiment des hommes italiens et pas français. En outre, les Français tiennent plus d’élégance pour ce qui est de boissons alcoolisées. Contrairement aux certains de nous, la consommation en trop ne leur plaît pas, et donc ils sont perçus comme les connaisseurs en vin – tchin-tchin. Aussi, il ne faut pas oublier de faire mention à la gastronomie française, mais non, pas tout le monde en France ne mange ni de cuisses de grenouille ni d’escargots, mais les choses beaucoup plus appétissant : des huîtres, du cheval et du lapin. Bon appétit. Enfin, il est nécessaire de dire que le stéréotype français dit que les autochtones de France sont toujours en grève, et se plaignent plus que les Anglais s’excuser. Peut-être maintenant descendent-ils déjà la rue pour manifester contre ce stéréotype injustifié.

Malgré ces perceptions, souvent exagérées, la France et l’Angleterre sont, en effet, des pays voisins, et leurs populations sont, au sens figuré, du même acabit. Donc, vive la France, et hats off to the English

MARSEILLE N'A PAS PEUR DE S'EXPRIMER

Marseille : Une ville des conflits et de pauvreté ou simplement une ville qui n’a pas la peur de montrer tes défauts ? Il a été dit par ‘New York Times’ que Marseille est la deuxième ville la plus belle pour rendre une visite cette année. Une raison derrière laquelle est que Marseille, avec une autre ville, a gagné le titre prestigieux de ‘la Capitale Européenne de la Culture’ pour 2013. Comme tout le monde sait, Marseille n’a pas une réputation impeccable. Un niveau haut de la pauvreté surtout dans les Quartiers nord, couplé avec le crime et la pollution ; cela nous fait penser que Marseille était loin d’un havre touristique. A cause de nos parents anxieux, et des internautes qui racontent leurs histoires effrayantes, notre rapport avec Marseille n’a pas commencé très bien ! On avait l’impression que nous entrerions dans une scène du film ‘La Haine’… On a passé une semaine au cœur de Marseille pour découvrir la vérité nous-mêmes…

by Jenny Tetlow and Emily Little

MARSEILLE NE MANQUE PAS LA BEAUTE NATURELLE

Notre première vue en quittant l’aéroport de Marseille Provence était les bâtiments couverts des graffitis- un thème qui continuerait tout au long de notre séjour. Toutefois, on peut faire une distinction entre le pur vandalisme aux périphéries de la ville et ceux qui peuvent être trouvés à la zone Cours Julien par exemple, où le talent artistique est évident. Après trente minutes à l’autoroute, on a atteint le centre où nous étions accueillies par le carillonnement des cloches des Réformés- notre premier goût de l’histoire riche offerte par Marseille.

La pauvreté est évidente à Marseille, d’autant plus que dans les autres villes. Bien que toutes les villes aient les mendiants, Marseille n’essaie pas de les cacher. Il a été constaté largement qu’à Paris, les minorités ethniques sont ségrégées de la société française ; ils résident dans leurs propres communautés dans les cités de banlieues. Pendant notre séjour, nous avons trouvés que comme les filles anglaises de 18 et 19 ans, nous avons provoqué l’attention des quelques hommes intimidants dans les rues. Il était choquant car en Angleterre, il se passe rarement. Cependant, après avoir

passé une semaine autour de la ville, on a décidé qu’ils agissaient sans malice. De plus, on pourrait dire qu’il était simplement la curiosité qui causait ce comportement, comme on ne doit pas oublier Marseille n’a pas été touché significativement par le tourisme. Cela dit, on attend que le nouveau titre attire les touristes qui viennent de plusieurs pays de l’Europe et au-delà ses frontières.

Contrairement aux idées reçues, il s’avère que la ville a beaucoup d’offre, mais nous avons aperçus que Marseille ne manque pas la beauté naturelle aussi. En prendront un bateau de vieux port, nous pourrions voir la tranquillité des calanques célèbres. Malgré leur popularité, nous avons remarqués que les calanques ne sont pas gâtées, et le paysage fournit un lieu parfait pour faire la randonnée, la natation ou pour prendre un bain de soleil.

On ne peut nier qu’à Marseille, comme les autres villes en Europe, il y a les problèmes urbains qui n’arrêtent pas de grandir. Néanmoins, on a l’impression que les Marseillais sont fiers de leur ville et de ce qu’elle a réalisé jusqu’ici. En ce qui concerne nos perceptions avant notre visite, elles ont beaucoup changées. Il serait juste de dire que Marseille est une ville pas comme une autre- l’une qui devient vraiment en dessous de votre peau. Comme les touristes anglaises, nous sommes ravies que cette ville vraie française ait finalement reçu l’attention qu’elle mérite. Un petit conseil pour finir ? Rendez-vous une visite à Marseille- la Capital Européenne de la Culture 2013- avant qu’il ne soit trop tard !

ESPAÑOL

EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

by Camilla Schmid

Cuando escuchaba la palabra ‘peregrinación’ siempre pensaba en aquellos cuentos latosos de Geoffry Chaucer The Canterbury Tales. No soy muy de leer, pero a lo mejor los habría disfrutado si me hubiera concentrado un poco más en clase, y de todos modos, asociaba la peregrinación con algo anticuado y doloroso. Pero después de descubrir que iba a pasar mi año de Erasmus en Santiago de Compostela, y que en esa ciudad acaba el famoso ‘Camino De Santiago’ tenía ganas de probarlo.

El Camino de Santiago es una peregrinación que ha llamado la atención de peregrinos durante siglos y que últimamente se está volviendo muy popular. La ruta original y más popular (el camino francés) comienza en la frontera con Francia, en un pueblito llamado ‘St Jean Pied De Port’ y se tarda más o menos 30 días en llegar a Santiago, dependiendo de tu ritmo al andar. Obviamente, es poco probable que tengas el tiempo y los recursos económicos para caminar esta ruta completa, pero hay un montón de caminos distintos con distancias variadas y que puedes empezar donde quieras.

No hace falta un mapa, sigues las flechas amarillas hasta que llegues al próximo Albergue de peregrinos, caminando un medio de 25 kilómetros por día. Los albergues suelen cobrar un tope de €5 por noche y casi siempre tiene una cocina, así que puedes ahorrar dinero comprando comida en vez de salir a cenar todos los días. Para quedarte en los albergues necesitarás una ‘credencial de peregrinos’, o sea, un pasaporte, para probar que eres peregrino auténtico y no estás buscando alojamiento barato. Pides sellos en la credencial durante el viaje. Suelen sellar en Iglesias, bares, restaurantes y albergues, y cuando terminas sirve como recuerdo especial de este viaje.

En lo que a mí respecta, la región del norte ofrece el paisaje más impresionante de España. Aunque llueve más, las montañas del País Vasco, la costa de Asturias y las Rías de Galicia te dejará encantado. Y lo bonito del camino es que cualquier persona puede hacerlo – sin entrenamiento ni buena forma - ¡y la comida es incomparable! Pese a los 25 kilómetros que caminarás todos los días, no esperes a adelgazar mucho, ya que la gastronomía gallega tiene fama por todo el país, sobre todo el marisco.

EL VÍNCULO DE

AMISTAD ENTRE PEREGRINOS SIEMPRE ES

Sin embargo, lo que se da su encanto al camino es la gente que conoces. Al principio, la mayoría de peregrinos eran católicos, y mucha gente sigue asociándolo así, pero hoy en día te puedes encontrar con cualquier tipo de persona: Mayores, adolescentes, familias, amantes, solteros buscando marido/esposa, amigos, músicos, estudiantes, vagabundos, españoles, alemanes, extrovertidos, introvertidos, fiesteros, deportistas, vagos, optimistas, quejicas, hippies, empresarios, turistas, ciclistas, hasta personas con silla de ruedas – todos con un mismo destino. Y eso para mí es el espíritu del camino, lo que lo hace único.

ALGO ESPECIAL

Yo lo hice por primera vez con mi hermana y mi prima en el verano de 2012, y no esperábamos pasarlo tan bien. Acabamos formando una familia de peregrinos con gente increíble, con la que sigo en contacto, y desde entonces, como muchos peregrinos, me he quedado enganchada. Ahora ha pasado un año y lo he hecho siete veces. El vínculo de amistad entre peregrinos siempre es algo especial; al empezar a andar no os conocéis, pero después de caminar, comer y dormir juntos por unos días te sientes como si los hubieras conocido toda la vida.

Puede ser que no suenen como las vacaciones ideales; hay que andar mucho, madrugar mientras otros jóvenes siguen de fiesta, tratar las numerosas ampollas, intentar a dormir en cuartos apestosos llenos de gente que ronca y lavar la ropa a mano cada noche, pero es una experiencia inigualable que recomendaría a todo el mundo.

DEUTSCH

OKTOBERFEST by Maddie Kilminster

Es war das letzte Wochenende des Oktoberfestes. Der Zug in dem ich mich befand, zog mich mit all seiner Macht nach München, als wäre die Erdanziehungskraft dort besonders stark. Die Hauptstadt des Südens, war voller Leute und voller Gelächter. Sie glänzte wie ein Leuchtfeuer voller Vergnügen.

Als wir tiefer in den Süden gingen, verdoppelte sich die Zahl von Lederhosen tragenden Leuten pro Minute. Jeder wollte augenscheinlich seinen deutschen Stolz und seine Begeisterung für das Feiern zur Schau stellen. Während ich mich unter all diesen gleichaussehenden Leuten befand, hatte ich das Gefühl, dass ich in einen Kult eingetreten war.

Das riesige Tor des Festivals umarmte uns sofort mit seinen dicken Armen. Ein Fest voller Rundungen: knollenförmige Bierkrüge, vollbusige Brüste und groβe Bäuche. Was wurde gefeiert? Die Reichhaltigkeit und die Fülle des Lebens. Rot im Gesicht stoβen wir alle an und vergessen die bisherigen Grenzen, die zwischen uns existiert hatten.

Paulaner, Augustiner und Löwenbrau: Jedes Zelt wollte sowohl Bayern gut vertreten als auch seine Gäste gut unterhalten. Es war nicht nur kühner Stolz der vermittelt wurde, sondern ich nahm auch eine Atmosphäre voller Freude wahr. Niemand wurde ausgegrenzt. Jeder sollte und wollte sich vollkommen engagieren. Selbst die Menschen die nicht aktiv am Oktoberfest teilnahmen, brachten mit kleinen Gesten ihre Solidarität zum Ausdruck: eine Feder auf einer Jacke oder einfach ein Karohemd. Ganz ehrlich, durch diese Erfahrungen wurde mein Glauben an die Menschheit und deren Gemeinschaftsinne erneut.

Besonders aufgefallen ist mir die bayrische Einstellung zum Alkohol. Nie wurde es als fragwürdig betrachtet, dass diese Feier das Ziel hat, am Ende des Tages betrunken zu sein. Die Gäste wussten, dass sie Ihre Getränke genießen konnten, solange sie sich nicht schlecht benahmen. Und das konnte man auch meistens erwarten, da die warme und freundliche Stimmung unter den Gästen meist kaum Platz ließ für Streitigkeiten oder gewalttätige Auseinandersetzungen.

Die Ansprüche der Besucher sind einfach gestrickt und die Bayern sorgen dafür, dass das Oktoberfest alles hält was es verspricht. Um 23 Uhr verlässt man dann das Festivalgelände zufrieden und glücklich!

POLSKI

TO

cześć /cheshch/ – hi

Jak się masz? /yah-k sheh mahsh/ - How are you?

miłego dnia /mee-uego dne-ea/ - have a nice day

przepraszam /psheh-prasham/ - I'm sorry/excuse me

dziękuję /jen KOO yeh/ - thank you

Naprawdę wystarczy mi już wódki, ale miło, że proponujesz. /na-praf-de vih-star-chee me yoosh voodkee, ah-le mee-uo, she-eh proh-po-noo-yesh/ – I’ve really had enough of vodka but it’s so nice of you to offer.

INTRO

POLISH by Pawel Pokorski & Agnieszka Rzésniowiecka

РУССКИЙ

Мне сказали, перед тем, как я приехала в Москву, что мне была бы невозможно хорошо есть в России, потому что я вегетарианка. Я слышала о том, что Россияне едят много мяса и капусты, но ничего мне не готовилось к тому, как это правильно.

Мой первый день в Москве и мы с друязьями из языковой школы пошли в ресторан. Стоящие в

очереди, я видела на тарёлках людей какую-нибудь неопределимую серую еду, а когда я стояла перед прилавком это даже не стало яснее! Было много видов мяса – колбаса, курица, свинина, и даже язык!! Я теряла всякую надежду на хороший обед, когда я мою спасительницу увидела – капусту. Она вкусна была, особенно с знанием, что есть ещё картошки, овощи на пару и овощи на гриле. На самом деле, быть вегетарианкой в России, не так трудно, как говорят. Я могла легко найти свежые фрукти и овощи в универсамах, и в ресторанах часто есть вегетарианский выбор. Для тех вегетарианцев, которые скучают по таким специализированным продуктам, как тофу, я вам скажу такой совет – существует в центре Москвы ресторан, называется Джаганнат. В этом вегетарианском ресторане можно есть такие вкусные блюда, например соевый гуляш, палак панир и баклажанчики

овощами. С этом рестораном, вегетарианцем невозможно голодать.

NEDERLANDS

ZWARTBOEK – EEN MODERNE KLASSIEKER? by Ed Vos

Eerlijk gezegd kunnen we niet zeggen, dat de Nederlandse film een goed voorbeeld is van Nederlandse producten, in de ogen van de wereld. Maar toen ik van de zomer op mijn kamer zat, met niets te doen ,zag ik op mijn laptop een advertentie voor "Zwartboek " en na vijf minuten op bol.com was het al op de post en op reis naar mijn huis. Zwartboek ( 2006 ) is een film over een Joodse vrouw (Rachel Stein) die tot het einde van de tweede wereld-oorlog moet zien te overleven en hoe ze dat doet. Tijdens een ontsnappingspoging uit haar stad wordt haar familie door de Nazi 's vermoord ... Maar ik ga jullie hier niet het plot vertellen , je moet het zelf maar zien of lezen! De film was onmiddellijk een succes verhaal en tijdens het Nederlands Filmfestival van 2008 werd de film verkozen tot de beste Nederlandse film ,die ooit was gemaakt. De film was genomineerd voor vier Gouden Kalveren en won de prijs voor beste speelfilm , beste regie en beste actrice. Op het Filmfestival van Venetie was Zwartboek genomineerd voor een Gouden Leeuw. Zwartboek is een film die alle Nederlanders zouden moeten zien en na vertaling in het Engels en andere talen, kan het verhaal nu door miljoenen mensen worden bekeken.

by RobynAdam

JAPANESE 日本語

JAPAN: THE LAND OF A THOUSAND ADJECTIVES

by Rosie Johnson

Upon arriving back in England after six months studying in Tokyo, the question asked by every friend, family member, casual acquaintance, Starbucks barista and passing stranger is always the same: “So, how was Japan?!” Harmlessly curious conversational fluff though it may be, this simple question never fails to open up a vast and dizzying array of possible adjectives, none of which go halfway towards explaining just how very weird and wonderful half a year in Japan can be.

Six months studying abroad in that faraway land of samurai and skyscrapers, kimonos and Hello Kitty, will make it clear that Japan is, above all else, a country of contrasts. Signs of Japan’s deep affinity and respect for tradition are everywhere, such as in the ritualistic tea ceremonies conducted by kimono-clad tea mistresses in paper-walled houses that have somehow stood up against the country’s smorgasbord of natural disasters for hundreds of years; side by side with these quaintly traditional places, however, are the monstrous skyscrapers, blinding neon panoramas and swarming train stations for which Tokyo is so famous. It can easily fulfil its stereotype as a futuristic technological wonderland – its vending machines are so advanced they could probably beat the average human in a game of chess – whilst at the same time baffling you with certain practices still stuck firmly in the past: Japan is the only place I’ve ever witnessed banks and post offices comprised of giant warehouses of filing cabinets, where absolutely every transaction is still carried out by way of several thousand paper forms Its people can be achingly hip and in tune with every single changing trend and fashionable whimsy, whilst at the same time adhering to the strict codes of social conduct instilled over centuries. The cities are sprawling rainbow-lit metropolises teeming with a hundred thousand types of person, and yet uninhabited mountaintops and silent forest temples still lie in wait a mere hour from their borders. The time spent as a student abroad in Japan can be divided between marvelling in reverent awe at ancient castles which have stood for many hundreds of years, and wildly leaping around Tokyo nightclubs hysterically trying to avoid the drunken grasp of Japanese businessmen (however, I’m sure most students who have been abroad can agree, between all the hilarious frolics and cultural exploits, the vast majority of time does always seem to be spent eating in one’s room and surfing the Internet. I hope. Please tell me it wasn’t just me).

CONTRASTS

Therefore, when presented with that single question“How was Japan?” – it never fails to bring a thousand contradictory adjectives bubbling to the surface. Studying abroad in Japan can be simultaneously fascinating, terrifying, inspirational, bewildering, overwhelming and completely unforgettable. This is why, when faced with this question, all you can do is sigh, smile and give the only answer that adequately sums up everything you’ve experienced in the last six months.

“Yeah, it was good thanks.”

JAPAN IS, ABOVE ALL ELSE, A COUNTRY OF

CHINESE 汉语

TIANANMEN CRASH: THE FACTS by Chloe Saunders

On 28th October 2013, a jeep ploughed through a crowd of tourists and caught fire in front of the Forbidden City killing three occupants and two tourists and injuring 38 visitors and security officers, according to official reports. The crash led to the square being evacuated and forced roads to close.

DESRIBED THE INCIDENT AS VIOLENT TERROR ATTACK AND ‘CAREFULLY PLANNED AND ORGANISED’

Police in China have detained five suspects in connection with Monday's deadly car crash at Beijing's Tiananmen Square, and they have described the incident as a violent terror attack and ‘carefully planned and organised’.

The jeep was driven by a man who was with his wife and mother, police said in a statement. All three had names from the Muslim Uighur minority in the Xinjiang region. The three ignited petrol inside the car, they added. Police said the vehicle they found on Monday had a container for petrol, two knives and what they describe as a flag with extremist religious slogans on it. They added that the car's number plates were registered in Xinjiang province.

They said they also found more knives and another flag at a location in Beijing. On Wednesday, a number of news agency reports said a police notice was being circulated among hotels in Beijing, asking information about eight suspects of which seven have names typical of the Uighur ethnic group and the other, although seemingly from China's majority Han ethnicity, has an address in Xinjiang.

A tourist from the Philippines and a tourist from Guangdong province were among those killed in the incident. Another 38 people were injured, including three tourists from the Philippines and one from Japan.

Xinjiang is home to the minority Muslim Uighur group, some of whom complain of cultural and religious repression under Beijing's rule. There have been sporadic outbreaks of violence in Xinjiang, including in both Pishan and Shanshan counties.

What are Uighurs?

Uighurs are ethnically Turkic Muslims. They make up about 45% of the region's population; 40% are Han Chinese. After China reestablished control in 1949 it crushed the state of East Turkestan. Since then, there was large influx of Han Chinese into China. Uighurs are fearful of the eradication of their traditional culture of which they are fiercely protective.

天安门崩溃： 事实

10 月 28 日，一辆吉普车，通过一群游客犁和着火了紫禁城杀害三名乘客和两名游客和受伤 38 个访客和 安全人员，根据官方的报告。车祸导致的广场被疏散和强迫的道路关闭。

中国警方已拘留了五名疑匪在周一的致命车祸在北京的天安门广场，国家媒体报告。警方已经描述了 事件作为"暴力恐怖攻击"，新华社报道说，第一次。所有三人在车里在躁动不安的新疆西部地区从穆斯 林维吾尔少数民族的名

两名旁观者死亡和 38 人受伤后车撞入人群，突然起火。警方说在天安门广场发生了什么是"暴力恐怖攻 击"这是"精心策划并组织"，新华社说。

吉普车撞到桥前紫禁城由一个男人与他的妻子和母亲，警方在一份声明中说。所有三个新疆地区已从 穆斯林维吾尔少数民族的名称。他们补充说，车内的三个被点燃的汽油。

警方说他们发现在星期一的车辆汽油、 两把刀和他们描述作为具有极端主义的宗教口号标志上它的容 器。他们补充说这辆汽车的车牌号在新疆省登记。他们说他们也发现更多刀和另一个标志位置在北

上周三，大量的新闻机构报告说警方通知正正在分发给各酒店在北京，问 约 8 名嫌疑人的信息。七个 具有典型的维吾尔民族组和其他的名称，虽然看似从中国的多数汉族种族，有一个地址在新疆，报告 说。来自菲律宾的旅游和来自广东省的旅游都是那些在事故中丧生。另有 38 人受伤，其中包括来自菲 律宾的三名游客和一名来自日本。维吾尔人投诉警察事件-紫禁城-入口处广场北端现场不久后关闭它发 生了，暂时关闭的地铁站和一条路。新疆是回家到少数穆斯林维吾尔组，其中一些人抱怨的文化和宗 教压迫下北京的规则。有零星暴力事件的爆发在新疆，包括在皮山和鄯善县。中国表示，它授予的维 吾尔人广泛自由。

回鹘人, 这是什么意思？

回鹘人种族是人口的突厥穆斯林他们弥补约 45%的该地区 ；有 40%是中国汉族中国重新建立的控制在

1949 年后破碎的东突厥斯坦因为短命状态然后那里是传统文化的中国汉族维吾尔人恐惧侵蚀的大规模 移民

STEP BY STEP CHARACTER STROKE GUIDE by Chloe Saunders

Ài 爱: LOVE, PASSION, AFFECTION

YEAR ABROAD SPECIAL

5 TIPS FOR LIVING IN GERMANY by Maddie Kilminster

Hi I’m Maddie, the former editor of The Linguist, now on my year abroad teaching in Thüringen then interning in Paris. I am so happy to see the magazine going from strength to strength. It is such a great opportunity for us third years to contribute our experiences abroad.

When I uprooted over a month ago and lugged my 30kg wheeled monstrosity across the breadth of Germany to the little Eastern shack which I now call a home, I wished I’d have known these little Hinweise beforehand!

1) SUNDAYS Surprisingly but unfortunately true, western power-house Germany clings onto the baffling mantra that Sunday is rest day. This threw me completely sideways the first weekend when I trundled expectantly into the town needing desperately to stock up with food only to find it a ghost town; supermarkets and all.

2) FASHION Yes, I’m afraid that your fears are well-informed girls; the German style is admittedly backwards. In my experience do not turn up to pre-drinks (Vorglühen) sporting a cropped top – however conservative you deem the rest of your look. “Are you in the Spice Girls?” was by far the most pleasant remark I received throughout the evening.

3) POST Avoid stray letters and care-packages from English loved-ones (of which I hope for your well-beings sake you receive plenty) by asking your landlord – or cunningly affixing a sign yourself – to put your name on the letterbox.

4) MANNER One must seriously prepare for the notorious directness of our German friends. They mean no harm or disservice, however, their eagerness to correct one’s attempts at their language in particular they are apt to articulate in the bluntest of comments. If you’re like me and battle with the insatiable desire to better one’s language then see this as an opportunity!

5) EVENING CLASSES If you are doing a language assistantship – but I imagine this is true for students also you will find your timetable gaping with blank spaces. A constructive and potentially useful networking tool is joining up to your local Volkshochschule which will organise evening classes for a huge range of hobbies and activities. I found this a great way to direct my free-time living in such a provincial town. I even found myself learning how to craft vegetables into artful shapes!

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