Steve's sandbox

Author: Steve Evans

  • Case Study – Richard Freeman Germany 1961

    In January 1961 (age 20) I boarded the train from Harwich via London followed by a short ferry journey to Holland.  Another train journey took me to Breman Germany where I would stay for six months.

    Statue of Roland in Altmarkt in Bremen, Germany

    On arrival in Bremen I was very homesick having never been away from home before.  I arrived in January and it was extremely cold, minus 12-15C walking to work to start at 8.00am. The wool broker and merchant where I worked (Schmacht & Co) in the wool sample room, had several apprentices my age who made me very welcome and I soon had a social life. The older staff members were very formal with me and among themselves, which was the German way.

    The initial problem was the speed of the spoken word (almost incomprehensible) and understanding conversations in the local accent and what was said to me. My grammar school German lessons never prepared me for this. I worked very hard as a volunteer and was rewarded with a salary and as I ran out of bursary (£50) at each month end this was useful. I wrote down all new words and phrases and learned them by heart.  I had to provide a written report in German back to Bradford Chamber of Commerce every month.  The elderly German couple I lodged with spoke no English and took me off with them on weekend excursions from time to time providing a wonderful opportunity to experience Germany.

    Once my knowledge of German improved I was allowed to use the company phone to talk to customers and to arrange wool processing at the local Bremer Woll Kaemmerei woolcombing plant.

    As I contributed a little to the running of the wool broker business, my confidence in spoken German grew dramatically, including a few words not socially acceptable fed to me with glee by my younger work colleagues!

    I was invited to spend time out of work with some of the families of my fellow employees on a regular basis and I really appreciated this kindness.

    Unfortunately while out running in woodland one day, I fell and sustained a bad knee injury and spent exactly one month in hospital following a knee operation.

    The 1961 the DM/£ exchange rate was around DM12/£1 and the DM was revalued while I was in Germany giving me 5% less bursary.  Contrast this with about DM3.2/£1 when the Euro was established.

    Later in life, my time in Germany provided an invaluable asset when establishing business contacts in Germany and Austria after setting up my own wool waste export firm.  I then moved to processing and exporting synthetic fibres.

    I would not hesitate in recommending the John Speak Trust to language students.

    Learning another language was not only beneficial to my career but also educational and character building.  The opportunity of living and working in Germany whilst studying, allowed me to experience the local culture first hand, a vital lesson for business.

    The City Municipality of Bremen is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Germany. A commercial and industrial city with a major port on the River Weser, Bremen is part of the Bremen/Oldenburg Metropolitan Region

  • Christmas in Berlin – Gregory Palmer, December 2015

    Weihnachten in Berlin

    Als ich nach Berlin kam, ist mir sofort aufgefallen, dass Berlin eine Stadt der Gegensätze ist. Das ist mehr als die typischen Ost/West-Gegensätze, die durch die Mauer verursacht wurden. Schon allein, wenn man mit der S / U-Bahn fährt. Man fährt entlang Stationen, die ländlich erscheinen, durch Industriezonen und durch Wohngebiete. Das ist mir auch bei meinen Vorlesungen an der “HU” (Humboldt) und “FU” (Freie Universität) verstärkt aufgefallen. HU ist in den großen Gebäuden rund um das Zentrum, die einst den Brüdern Humboldt gehörten und der FU ist eine moderne Campusuniversität.

    Wenn Du in dieser Jahreszeit Berlin kennen willst, besucht du am Bestne die Weihnachtsmärkte. So ziemlich jedes Viertel in Berlin verfügt über einen eigenen Weihnachtsmarkt, jeder Markt hat seinen eigenen Charakter. Der Weihnachtsmarkt am Gendarmenmarkt ist sehr vornehm und von teuren Boutiquen und Restaurants umgeben. Dort muss man sogar Eintritt bezahlen. Ebenfalls elegant ist der Markt am Schloss Charlottenburg. Ganz anders ist der Rixdorfer Weihnachtsmarkt in Neukölln. Es war eine tolle Erfahrung mit einheimischen Freunden zu den Märkten zu gehen, da du so oft auch einiges an Geschichtlichen mitnehmen kannst.

    Ich wohne in einem Studentenwohnheim im Westend. Die Studenten im Wohnheim kommen aus vielen verschiedenen Ländern und haben die unterschiedlichsten Herkünfte. Sie sind alle sehr daran interessiert, mir mit meinem Deutsch zu helfen und daher musste ich bisher auch noch kein Wort Englisch sprechen. Ich habe mich schnell mit einigen der deutschen Bewohner angefreundet, die mir bereits viele besondere Veranstaltungen – weg vom normalen Touristenprogramm – gezeigt haben. Eines davon war die Märchenhütte im Monbijoupark, in der Nähe der Museumsinsel. An einem Abend konnten wir zwei Märchen sehen, die sehr lustig waren und für Erwachsene hergerichtet wurden. Das erste war “König Trojan”, ein Balkanmärchen über einen König, der Eselsohren hatte und versuchte, sie geheim zu halten. Nach jeder Rasur, wurde der Barbier “entsorgt”, damit sein Geheimnis bewahrt bleiben konnte bzw. weil der Barbier sich über seine Ohren lustig gemacht hatte. Das zweite Märchen war Hänsel und Gretel, das sicher jeder kennt. Alles in allem war es sehr gelungen, um –mit Glühwein- in Weihnachtsstimmung zu kommen und um eine Testfahrt meiner Deutschkenntnisse zu machen.

    Diese Art von Erfahrungen verstärken meine ersten Gefühle über Berlin: eine Stadt mit vielen Gesichtern, in dem die Jung und Alt treffen, wo einen jede Ecke zu etwas Interessantem führt. Ich lebe in Berlin jetzt seit zwei Monaten. Die Zeit verfliegt regelrecht zwischen akademischer Arbeit (die gefürchteten Fristen!) und den traditionellen touristischen Aktivitäten. Nun, da habe ich ein wenig mehr Stabilität und mehr deutsche Freunde habe, fange ich an Berlin weniger al seine fremde Stadt und mehr als ein Zuhause zu sehen.

     

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

    When I first arrived in Berlin I was struck by how much it is a city of contrasts. This is more than the typical east and west divide caused by the Wall. Just travelling along the S/U-Bahn you can pass through stations that seem almost rural, then through industrial zones, and then onto stretches that weave through residential neighbourhoods. This was reinforced with my first classes at the “HU” (Humboldt) and “FU” (Freie Universität). HU is set in the grand buildings dotted around the centre that were once owned by the Humboldt brothers, and the FU is a modern campus university.

    If you want to get to know Berlin at this time of year one of the best way to do it is through the Christmas markets. Pretty much each neighbourhood in Berlin has its own Christmas market, each with its own character. There is an up-market, paid entry affair in Gendarmenmarkt, surrounded by expensive boutiques and fancy restaurants. The more subtle but equally elegant Charlottenburg market sitting in the grounds of the Charlottenberg Palace (pictured). And the more rough and ready Rixdorf Market in Neukoln. Going to these markets with friends that live locally was a great experience as you get to hear a bit about the history as you go.

    I’m living in student union accommodation in Westend. The students living with me are an amazing bunch from many places and diverse backgrounds. They have all been very keen to help me with my German and I haven’t had to speak a word of English in the residence since I got here. I’ve made fast friends with some of the German residents who have introduced me to some of the more “off the beaten track” cultural events in the city. One such event was a Christmas Show held in a rustic hut on the Spree, near the Museum Island. The show was in two parts, each based on a different fairytale, sort of like our pantomimes and replete with all the crazy antics and adult in-jokes you’d expect. The first was “King Trojan”, a Balkan fairy tale about a king who had donkey’s ears and tried to keep it secret. After each shave, the barber was “disposed of”, so his secret could be preserved or because the barber had made fun of his ears. The second act was Hansel and Gretel, which needs no synopsis, I’m sure. All in all it was a nice way to get into the festive spirit plenty of mulled wine and a great way to test-drive all the German I have learnt since moving here.

    These kinds of experiences reinforce my first feelings about Berlin as a city with many faces, where the old meets the new and where every corner leads to somewhere interesting. I have been in Berlin for about two months now. Between university work (the dreaded deadlines!) and the traditional tourist activities the time has really flown. Now that I have a little more stability and more German friends I feel like I am beginning to see Berlin less as a foreign city and more like home.

  • My time in Berlin: Eleanor Winstanley, December 2015

    Vierter Bericht – zum Schluss.

    Meine Zeit in Berlin kommt schnell zum Ende, deshalb reflektiere ich natürlich über meine Erfahrungen. Gerade jetzt fühle ich mich zufrieden mit meinem Deutsch, und wie es sich entwickelt hat. Aber es ist nicht einfach gewesen. Manchmal war es mir so frustrierend, nicht bestimmte Wörter oder Sprichwörter zu kennen. Eine Fremdsprache zu lernen ist echt eine Herausforderung. Aber als ich mich eines Tages unsicher fühlte, ist es mir eingefallen, wie schwer es den Flüchtlingen in Deutschland sein muss, die kein Kenntniss der deutschen Sprache oder Kultur haben.  Deswegen schreibe ich über die Erfarhungen und Meinung, die ich zu der Flüchtlingskrise in Berlin gesammelt habe, wo es besonders relevant ist.

    Dieses Jahr wurde ungefähr 410,000 Flüchtlinger in Deutschland angenommen, viele von denen sind aus Syrien. Deshalb hat Deutschland den Größten Anteil an Flüchtlinger Europas erlaubt. Man kann überall die Anwesenheit der Situation erfahren. Es gibt jeden Tag bei den Nachrichten etwas damit zu tun, und auch mit „Flüchtlinge Willkommen“, ein Programm, das Flüchtlingen mit Unterkunft versorgt (ohne dass sie bezahlen). Es gibt auch mehrere Lagen wo sie wohnen können. Abgesehen davon, dass Deutschland so bereit ist, zu helfen, sind die Meinungen der Menschen geteilt. Natürlich haben manche Leute Angst, dass es kein Platz gibt, oder dass so viele neue Leute kommen würden, ohne die Sprache zu lernen, und die Kultur Deutschlands wegnehmen würden.

    In Berlin habe ich einige Meinungen gebildet. Wie ich schon in einem Blog geschrieben habe, habe ich mich mit einem Flüchtling aus Syrien befreundet. Ich habe einen ehrlichen, netten Mann kennengelernt, der ein sicheres Leben in Deutschland führen will, bis er nach Syrien zurückkehren kann. Nach den Ereignissen in Paris habe ich ihn nach seiner Meinung gefragt, dazu hat er nicht geantwortet, es war ihm zu traurig. Es ist mir nicht nur eingefallen, dass die gleichen Ereignisse jeden Tag in seinem Land passieren, sondern auch ist er nach Europa geflohen, aber ist er nicht aus solchen Ereignissen entgekommen.

    Bevor ich in Berlin angekommen bin, war ich ehrlich gesagt ziemlich ignorant gegenüber der Flüchtlingskrise, aber jetzt bin ich stark dafür, die Flüchtlinge Eintritt zu erlauben.

    In Berlin habe ein Paar wichtige Sachen gelernt, und drei der wichtigsten sind; 1. Wenn man zum Ersten mal Berlinerisch hört, wird man auf keinen Fall es verstehen, 2. Unsere Muttersprache ist ein echt schönes Ding, und wenn die Muttersprache Englisch ist, ist es jeden anderen ein schönes Ding (jede will mit einem üben) und 3. Der Ampelmann wird bestimmt einen verspäten (Es ist wahr, dass auch wenn es gar keine Autos gibt, werden die Deutschen trotzdem warten, bis der Ampel grün ist). Ich gehe nach England mit verbessertem Deutsch, aber auch das Kenntnis, dass man muss sich echt die Mühe geben, eine Fremdsprache richtig zu lernen.

    Wir stehen zusammen

    Fourth Report – To conclude

    My time in Berlin is coming quickly to an end, which of course has made me reflect back on my experiences. Right now I feel satisfied with my German and how it has developed, although it has not been easy. Sometimes it was so frustrating for me to not know certain words or phrases. Learning a foreign language really is a challenge. However, one day when I was feeling insecure, it occurred to me how difficult it must be for the refugees in Germany, who don’t have any knowledge of the German language or culture. Therefore I am writing about the experiences and my opinions towards the refugee crisis which I have gathered whilst being in Berlin, a place where it is all very relevant.

    This year around 410,000 refugees were accepted into Germany, many of them being from Syria. Thus has Germany the highest number of refugees in Europe. You can sense the presence of the situation everywhere. Everyday there is something to do with it in the news, and with the programme “Refugees welcome”, which provides Refugees with Accommodation free of charge. There are also a number of camps where they can live. Apart from the fact that Germany is so prepared to help the refugees, there are a lot of contrasting views. Naturally people are scared that there’s no room for the refugees, and that people would come without being able to speak the language, and take away Germany’s culture.

    In Berlin I have formed my own opinions. As I already wrote in a blog, I made friends with a refugee from Syria. I’ve met an honest, nice man, who wants to leave a life in Germany in safety, until he can return to Syria. Following the events in Paris I asked him his opinion, but he didn’t answer me, it was too sad for him. It occurred to me that, not only are the same events happening every day in his country, but also that he’s fled to Europe for safety, and has not escaped from these sorts of events.

    Before I came to Berlin, I was, to be honest, pretty ignorant about the refugee situation, but now I believe strongly in allowing their entry.

    In Berlin I have learnt a few things, the three most important being; 1. When you first hear “Berlinerish”, you will not understand it, 2. Our mother tongue is a beautiful thing, and when your mother tongue is English, it’s a great thing for everyone else (everyone wants to practice with you), and 2; The traffic lights will definitely make you late (it is true that German people wait to cross the road if the man is not on green, even when there are no cars). I’m going back to England with improved German, but also the knowledge that you must make the effort to learn a foreign language.

     

     

  • Samantha Fernandes – Japan, December 2015

    「外語祭」の食べ物に見とれてる！

    日本に来てはじめて、色々な食べ物をよく食べてみる計画を立った。新しい友だちは、よく私ぐらい食べ物が好きな人はいないという。ラッキーなことは、１１月１９日から５日間にわたって「外語祭」という大学で行われている祭りがあった。毎年行われている「外語祭」という伝統的な世界中の料理の祭りは東京外大の一年生は参加しがちである。そのため、外語祭の時、よく一年生の日本人の友だちと遊べなかって残念だった。私の日本人の友だちは休まずずっと外語祭の露店で働かなければならなかった。一方で、私は外語祭に働いている友達が作って売った食べ物を食べられた。

    タイ料理や韓国料理やドイツ料理やスペイ料理などの色々な露店は塩素のステージの周りに丸の形で並ばれた、だから塩素のステージはこの丸の真ん中である。「外語祭」で、東京外大も演奏があるし、酒もあるし、それに東京外大で勉強していいない人でもいっぱいである。その上、外語祭の間に,授業はなかった。

    外語祭の演奏

    外語祭の終わりの日に、日本人の友だちは日本料理の露店で働いていて、できたて無料な饅頭という日本のお菓子を作ってくれた。「饅頭」というのはソフトなパンみたいな食べ物の中で甘いあんこが入れてある食べ物である。その饅頭は友だちが作ってくれたのだから、それは私の好きな外語祭で食べた物である。

    この頃はとても忙しくて、時間はあまりなくて、私の部屋はゴミだらけだけではなく、私もまだサークルに入っていないが、歌うのが好きだからアカペラークラブのグループに入りたいと思う。今月、新しく作った日本人の友達と一緒に東京スカイツリーをはじめ、観光の計画を立てて、その他のは猫カフェにも行きたい。とっても楽しみにしている！

     

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

    When I arrived in Japan, I started to think about new foods I want to try and bearing this in mind, I started making plans for trying all kinds of foods. My new friends here often say that there is nobody who loves eating as much as I do. Luckily for me, from 19th November a festival called ‘Gaigosai’ was held at my University. ‘Gaigosai’ is a traditional foreign food festival which is run every year at TUFS. As first year students tend to take part in running the festival, I was unable to see my Japanese first year friends during the festival; they were working non-stop. On the other hand, I enjoyed visiting my Japanese friends at the stalls and trying the foreign food they cooked and sold themselves.

    The variety of food stalls, including Tai, Korean, German, and Spanish food, surrounded the performance stage, making a circle shape with the stage at its centre. At Gaigosai, there were many performances, lots of alcohol and many people came to the festival, including people who do not study at TUFS. Additionally, all classes were cancelled for the festival period.

    On the last day of the Gaigosai festival, my Japanese friends who worked at the Japanese food stall gave me a freshly made Japanese sweet called ‘Manjuu’ for free! This is a soft, bread-like substance which is filled with Japanese bean paste. Because the Manjuu was made by my Japanese friends, it was my favourite food out of everything I tried at the Gaigosai festival.

    These days, I have been so busy that I have not had the chance to join a new society yet – let alone tidy my room! Because I like singing, I am considering joining an A cappella group. This month, with my new Japanese friends, I have been making plans to go sightseeing to many places such as Tokyo Skytree, among other places such as a Cat Café. I am really looking forward to it!

     

  • Welcome to Ji­­angbei ­Water City: Jack Davies, China – December 2015

    聊城，又叫“江北水城”，坐落在山东西部，是一个风景优美的小城市。这里的生活安逸舒适，这里的人也有着山东人热情好客的特点。说到聊城，首先想到的应该是东昌湖，几乎每个来聊城的人都会去看一看东昌湖，迷人的自然风光，众多的文化景点，也汇成了东昌湖风景名胜区的丰富旅游资源。风景区内，散布着明代光岳楼，宋代铁塔，清代建筑山陕会馆，中国清代四大私人藏书楼之一的海源阁等名胜古迹，还有傅斯年纪念馆、民族英雄范筑先纪念馆、孔繁森同志纪念馆等文化景点。夜晚的东昌湖格外迷人，平静的湖面倒映着湖边的建筑，像一面特别大的镜子，并且一到晚上，湖边就会亮起一串串的彩灯，美丽极了。
    说到古老，就不得不再说一下古城。站在聊城的古城区，你就会有一种穿越的感觉，因为这里面全都是仿古建筑，如果你居住在那里，大概可以像古人一样穿着古装生活了。在那里可以买到一些年代久远的玩具，装饰品或者食物。

    Liaocheng Old Town

    有古就有新，那在聊城，最新的建筑就是摩天轮了。这个排名亚洲第三大的摩天轮，还有一个很浪漫的名字，叫“水城之眼”。在摩天轮上，你可以享受“一览众山小”的感觉。听说，当摩天轮到达最高点的时候，跟相爱的人接吻，两个人就会永远在一起。这可为摩天轮招揽了不少生意呢！

     

    水城之眼 － Ferris Wheel

    对了！聊城还有一个最大的特点，就是物价低！这里的东西都很便宜，足够过很舒服的生活——周末可以去剧院看电影，去阿尔卡地亚泡温泉，再去美食街饱餐一顿，这简直是最棒的选择！

    English Translation

    Liaocheng, also known as “Ji­­angbei ­Water City” is a small scenic city located in the western part of Shandong. Life in Liaocheng is cozy and comfortable and people here display the famous Shandong hospitality. Liaocheng’s most famous location is Dongchang Lake and almost every person that comes to Liaocheng affords time to visit Dongchang Lake. Its stunning natural scenery and numerous cultural attractions, all merge to provide a rich tourist location.
    Within this scenic area you can also find the Ming Dynasty light Yue House, Tower Song Qing Shan Shan Hall building, a private library in one of the four Chinese Qing Dynasty Haiyuan and other sites, as well as Fu Sinian memorial, national hero Fan Zhuxian memorial, Comrade Kong ‘Memorial and other cultural attractions.
    At night time Dongchang Lake is particularly charming. The calm lake reflects the lakeside buildings, similar to that of a large mirror, as the lake becomes a beautiful mirage of lights.
    We also must talk about the old part of the city. Standing in Liaocheng Old Town, you will have a feeling that you are going back in time. Here there are many antique buildings and if you wish to you can probably wear the same costume as the ancients lived. In this old town you are also able to buy some of the traditional toys, decorations or food.

    As there is an old town also there is modern, this is no more distinctive than in the new Ferris wheel that has been built. This ferris wheel is Asia’s third-largest and it has is a very romantic name, called “Watertown Eye.” On the Ferris wheel you are able to get a great view of the surroundings

    Its also said that the Ferris wheel is a great place for dates. Its said when the Ferris wheel reaches it highest point, this is the perfect spot for a quick kiss. And also these kissers will be together forever. Clearly this can attract a lot of business for the Ferris wheel it!

    Finally one of the biggest advantages of Liaocheng is it’s low prices! Here everything is cheap and as such its easy to lead a comfortable life. On the weekend you can go to the theatre to watch a film, you could go to the hot spring, or you can eat a great meal. Put simply, this is why Liaocheng is a great choice.

  • Trade in Fukuoka: Andy Newton, Japan – December 2015

    九州大学で僕が日本の経済入門を勉強しています。そして、先週、博多で皆さんは福岡商工会議所に福岡の貿易ついての恵贈を呈されました。教育的で、面白かったと思います。委員会の市会議員によると、今、福岡県は日本の五番高い国内総生産があります。

    今年、福岡県の一番大きな貿易部門なのはサービス業である。
    サービス業は国内総生産の３４．５％を占めています。卸売業は国内総生産の２５％を占めています。運輸電気通信は１５％を占めています。
    えいよ雑多な実業を占めています。福岡は一番高い新興企業の数があります。全部の新興企業の４．１％は福岡から来ます。福岡の後、札幌が甲で、仙台が乙で、横浜が丙です。外国貿易は福岡県の輸出の総数が２１６８十億円、１，６３７十億円（７６％）は博多港経由で行きました。５３１十億円（２４％）は福岡空港経由で行きました。

    輸入の総数は１．２２２十億円です。８５５十億円「７０％」は博多港経由で来ました。そして、３６７十億円「３０％」は福岡空港経由できました。恵贈によると、主要な英国からの輸入は医薬品（例えば、GSK）と化粧品（例えば、LUSH Cosmetics）と色々な自動車です。

     

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

    As part of my course at Kyushu University, I am studying a module called ‘Introduction to Japanese Economy’, and last week we had a class trip to a presentation in Hakata hosted by the Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry about the general trade which takes place in Fukuoka Prefecture. I found the presentation very interesting and it gave me a good insight into some of Japan’s methods of trade and economic principles.

    According to one of the councillors on the committee, Fukuoka City currently has the fifth-highest GDP in Japan. This year, Fukuoka’s largest trade sector is predicted to be service industry which makes up 34.5% of the GDP, followed by wholesale and retail trade which makes up 25.5% and transportation/telecommunications, which makes up 15.1% of Fukuoka City’s GDP. The remainder is made up of other goods and services such as the financial and construction industries.

    Fukuoka has the highest level of business start-ups out of any prefecture in Japan with 4.1% of new businesses coming from Fukuoka, closely followed by Sapporo, Sendai and Yokohama. In terms of foreign trade, the total exports of Fukuoka Prefecture were worth a total of ¥2,168 billion. ¥1,637 billion (76%) was via Hakata Port and ¥531 billion (24%) via Fukuoka Airport. The total imports of Fukuoka Prefecture were ¥1,222 billion. ¥855 billion (70%) was via Hakata Port and ¥367 billion (30%) of this was via Fukuoka Airport. According to their presentation, the main imports from the UK to Fukuoka were pharmaceuticals, such as those from Glaxosmithkline, and cosmetics such as Lush Cosmetics, as well as some vehicle and car parts. In total, we will have three future excursions as part of the course, the next two should focus more about Japan’s economy as a whole, and I believe the final one will focus on local production of Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan.

  • Festive facts from around the world

     

    Paris, France

    France – France is widely known for its food and delicacies. People in the Provence region even go so far as to serve a sumptuous feast of seven main courses and 13 desserts at Christmas!  Among the most popular festive dishes are: Fougasse (pancakes), nougat with honey and pistachios, pumpkin pie and dried fruits.

     

    Italy

    Italy – In Italy many children get two sets of gifts – one on the 24th of December and a larger gift on the 6th of January. On this day, Italians celebrate Epiphany Day and according to popular belief, a witch called La Befana arrives in the night to fill good children’s stockings with sweets, while naughty ones get chunks of black coal.

     

    Japan

     

     

     

    Japan – In Japan, Christmas is considered the “Festival of Love”. It is not uncommon to see couples spending a romantic evening together, while singles will be out partying and looking for the love of their life.  Christmas is more of a time to spread happiness rather than a religious celebration. Christmas eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day. Christmas eve is thought of as a romantic day, in which couples spend together and exchange presents.

     

     

    Madrid, Spain

     

    Spain – Christmas in Spain gets off to a rather peculiar and unofficial start on Dec. 22nd when children from San Ildefonso School can be heard calling out the numbers and prizes of theLotería de Navidad, which is likely the most followed Spanish lottery during the entire year. In Spain, when you hear the melodic sounds of the prize draw on the radio, you think: “Christmas time has arrived”.

     

     

     

     

    China

    China – Christmas is treated more like Saint Patrick’s Day or Valentine’s Day. That is, it’s a light-hearted day for going out and being with friends, not for staying in with family, as we do in the West. Typical ways to celebrate include seeing a movie, going to a karaoke bar, or shopping. China Daily says Christmas Eve is the biggest shopping day of the year. Young couples often treat it as a romantic day. Ice skating and amusement parks are popular destinations.

     

    Germany

     

     

    Germany – A big part of the Christmas celebrations in Germany is Advent. Several different types of Advent calendars are used in German homes. As well as the traditional ones, there are ones made out of a wreath of Fir tree branches with 24 decorated boxes or bags hanging from it. Each box or bag has a little present in it. One candle is lit at the beginning at each week of Advent.  Christmas Eve is the main day when Germans exchange presents with their families.

     

     

     

    Christmas traditions vary from country to country. Elements common to many nations include the installing and lighting of Christmas trees, the hanging of Advent wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes, and the creation of Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas carols may be sung and stories told about such figures as the Baby Jesus, St Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Christkindl or Grandfather Frost. The sending of Christmas cards, the exchange of Christmastime greetings, observance of fasting and/or special religious observances such as a midnight Mass or Vespers on Christmas Eve, the burning of a Yule log, and the giving and receiving of presents. Along with Easter, Christmas time is one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar, and is often closely connected to other holidays at this time of year, such as Advent, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St. Nicholas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, New Year’s, and the Feast of the Epiphany.

     

    Click here for more  Worldwide Christmas traditions

     

     Merry Christmas            Feliz Navidad              メリー

    クリスマス

                         聖誕節快樂                       Buon Natale

     vrolijk kerstfeest

    A very happy Christmas from the John Speak Language Trust 

  • Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

    The John Speak Trust would like to wish all it’s followers, scholars and past scholars a very
     
     
     
    Merry Christmas
     
    Feliz Nevada                                      
     
    Feliz Natal
     
    vrolijk Kerstfeest
     
    圣诞节快乐
     
    Joyeux Noël
     
    Frohe Weihnachten                                                                                                                                   
     
    С Рождеством
     
    メリークリスマス 
     
    Buon Natale
     
    Wesołych Świąt
     
    Nadolig Llawen

    Merry Christmas to all around the world

  • It’s time for the Christmas Markets! Paige Ribchester, Germany – December 2015

    Es ist Zeit für die Weihnachtsmärkte!

    Ich kann es nicht glauben wie schnell hier die Zeit ist gegangen! Es fühlt sich an wie zwei Minuten seit meiner Ankunft hier in Deutschland und jetzt ist es fast Weihnachten! Ich habe schon so viele Leute kennengelernt, die aus verschiedenen Hintergründen und Kulturen sind und ich hoffe, dass mein Deutsch immer besser ist.

    Meine Mutter und meine Schwester haben mir kürzlich besucht und ich zeigte ihnen die Sehenswürdigkeiten von Bonn. Wir ging einen Spaziergang entlang des Flusses Rhein und meine Schwester war sehr aufgeregt als ich ihr sagte, dass es eine Haribo Fabrik in Bonn gab. Also besuchten wir der Haribo Laden und meine Mutter sagte, dass sie irgendwelche Süßigkeiten wählen könnte, dass sie wollte. Wir besuchten auch das Geburtshaus von Beethoven, die im Zentrum von Bonn liegt und wir hatten eine Führung.

    The Christmas Market in Bonn

    Die Weihnachtsmärkte kam nach Bonn in diesem Monat! Ich ging mit meinen Kollegen von der Arbeit zum Weihnachtsmarkt und wir schauten um und dann hatte ich meine erste Glühwein. Wir haben, in England, ähnliche Weihnachtsmärkte aber ich denke, dass die Märkte in Deutschland sind viel besser und kunstvoller.

    Ich lerne auch viel bei der Arbeit, nicht nur Deutsch, aber ich lerne auch viel über die Paralympische Bewegung und die kommenden Paralympischen Spiele in Rio, dass im nächsten Jahr stattfinden wird. Es ist sehr angenehm, ein Teil der Paralympics zu sein und auch zu sehen, was man muss für die Spiele zu organisieren.

    Ich versuche und nehme immer jede Gelegenheit, Deutsch zu sprechen. Es ist ein bisschen schwer weil Deutsch nicht meine Muttersprache ist aber ich hoffe, dass ich besser auf Deutsch werde, besonders wenn ich mehr praktizieren. Ich habe es bemerkt, dass ich in einer kleine Menge an Zeit viel Deutsch Wörter gelernt – es ist ganz bemerkenswert!

    Wenn ich zurückkomme nach Deutschland von Weihnachten zu Hause, dann werde ich drei Monate haben, bei der Internationale Paralympische Kommittee zu arbeiten bevor werde ich nach Augsburg gehen, um meine Studienaufenthalt an der Universität zu beginnen.

    Es ist sehr nervenaufreibend weil ich nach ein andere Ort umziehen werde aber es ist auch spannend weil ich viele neue Leute treffen werde und ich freue mich darauf!

    Here is a photo of my sister and I stood in a park area which is in front of the main Bonn University building

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

    It’s Christmas Market time!

    I can’t believe how quickly my time here has gone! It feels like two minutes ago that I arrived here in Germany and now it is nearly Christmas! I have already met so many people from different backgrounds and cultures and I hope that my German is steadily improving.

    My mum and my sister recently visited me and I was able to show them around Bonn and Cologne. We went for walks along the river Rhein and my sister was very excited when I told her that the Haribo factory is here in Bonn so we visited the Haribo store and she was able to choose any sweets that she wanted. We also visited Beethoven’s birth house, which is located in the centre of Bonn and we were able to have a guided tour.

    The Christmas markets also arrived in Bonn this month! I went with my colleagues from work and we looked around the markets and I had my first ever Glühwein. We have the same sort of markets in England, however, I think that the ones here in Germany are much better and more elaborate.

    I am learning a lot at work as well, not only German but also about the Paralympic Movement and the upcoming Paralympic Games in Rio next year. It is so enjoyable to be even a small part of the Paralympics and to see how much organisation goes into these games.

    I am constantly trying to use my German at every opportunity I get. It is always a bit difficult because German is not my native language but I am hoping that I will get better the more I practise. I didn’t realise how many new words I have already learnt in such a small space of time – it’s quite remarkable!

    When I return from Christmas, I will have about 3 months left of working here at the International Paralympic Committee before I move to Augsburg to start my study placement at the University. It is very nerve-wracking to think that I will have to move somewhere else and start over again, but it is also exciting to think about all the new people I will meet and I am very much looking forward to it!

  • Nikki White: Madrid, Spain – December 2015

    ¡Buenas tardes!

    Creo que un buen punto de partida para este blog sería presentarme un poco, así que, me llamo Nikki White y actualmente estoy estudiando un máster de traducción e interpretación en la universidad de Alcalá de Henares (Comunidad de Madrid). Estudié el grado en filología hispánica y francesa en la universidad de Aberdeen en Escocia.

    Llevo casi dos meses viviendo en este pueblo y ¡lo estoy pasando muy bien! Ahora mismo estoy viviendo que dos chicas españolas en una residencia estudiantil en las afueras de Alcalá de Henares. Estoy empezando a conocer a mucha gente del “barrio” y descubrir un poco sobre el área. Las residencias se encuentran un poco lejos del pueblo en sí, pero al final “no hay mal por bien no venga”, porque tengo que hablar con todos los que viven aquí, y de hecho, ¡hace mucho que no mantengo una conversación ´normal´ en inglés!

    Voy a empezar contándoos un poco sobre la historia y la belleza de Alcalá de Henares, y lo que he descubierto hasta ahora. Alcalá es un pueblo famoso por ser el lugar de nacimiento de Miguel de Cervantes, el autor del famoso Don Quijote. Se encuentra muchísima historia andando por este pueblo, aquí es posible entrar a ver la casa de Miguel de Cervantes y muchos edificios encantadores:

    Como soy de un pueblo muy pequeño en Norfolk, Inglaterra. Estoy disfrutando de todo lo que me puede ofrecer Madrid. La semana pasada fui con algunos amigos de aquí a hacer Snow. Aunque vivimos bastante cerquitas de las montañas, como somos principiantes a este deporte fuimos al sur de Madrid a un lugar llamado Xanadú, donde es posible hacerlo en una pista interior, ya que ninguna de nosotros lo había hecho anteriormente. Pasamos las dos horas enteras en la pista para principantes pero lo ¡lo aprendimos poco a poco! Nunca había hecho este deporte y ¡me sorprendió lo difícil que era seguir las instrucciones en castellano, y también saber las tallas de ropa y zapatos, que soy demasiada británica a veces!

    Este mes, espero conocer la ciudad de Segovia al norte de Madrid. ¡Os mantendré informados!

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

    Good Evening!

    I think a great starting point for this blog would be to introduce myself a little bit, so my name is Nikki White and I’m currently studying a Master’s in Translation and Interpretation at the University of Alcalá de Henares in Madrid, Spain. I studied my first degree in French and Hispanic studies at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

    I’ve been living in this small city just outside of Madrid for nearly two months and I’m loving it! I’m living in a student residence with two girls from the North of Spain and am just beginning to get to know some people from my “neighbourhood”. The residence itself is on the outskirts of Alcalá de Henares and is in some ways a blessing in disguise as I have no choice but to speak to everyone here! In fact it’s been a long time since I had a proper conversation in English!

    I’m going to start by telling you all a little bit about the town that I’m living in and what I’ve found out about it up until now! Alcalá de Henares is famous because it is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quijote. He is basically the Shakespeare of the Spanish speaking world. This town is full of history and you can soak it in wherever you go. Here you can find Miguel de Cervante’s house as well as lots of other historically important and beautiful buildings, such as my faculty at the University of Alcalá de Henares.

    As i’m from a small town in Norfolk I’m really trying to make the most of everything Madrid has. For example, last week I went with a few friends to do snowboarding. Although we live fairly close to the mountains we decided we weren’t quite pros and opted to go to an indoor slope in Xanadú instead. We all spent the whole two hours on the beginner’s slopes but I think we definitely improved a little bit! I’d never done anything similar to that before and I was surprised at how much more difficult it was to take instructions in Spanish (as well as knowing what my size was for boots and clothes in Spain!) Sometimes I’m far too British for my own good!!

    This month I’m hoping to make it out to Segovia, as I’ve heard it is always cold (I’m feeling very Christmassy) and I would love to see the Aqueduct there. I’ll keep you all posted!

    Nikki