Tag: culture

  • Street food in China: Anam Rahman, March 2017

    Jiě biān xiǎo chī zài zhōng guó hén jiàn. Jiě biān xiǎo chī shì zhōng guó de wén huá de yī gè hěn dǎ. zhōng guó rén xǐ huǎ chī. chī zài zhōng guó shì shē huì xing de. zài zhōng guó yǒu hén duō jiě biān tán fán. wǒ zuì ài de Jiě biān xiǎo chī shì shāo kǎo. Wǒ měi zhōu zài tóng yí gè jiě biān shāng faàn na li mǎi sì cì chī de. Jiě biān xiǎo chī hén pián yì. yǒu shí hòu nǐ bì xū jīng tì yì xie huài de jiē biǎn xiǎo chī. Bù hǎo Jiě biān xiǎo chī Néng Ràng nǐ shēngbìng. wǒ jīng chāng diǎn jīròu, níuròu, yóu yú, mó gū, qīng jiāo hé miàn bāo. Jiě biān shāo kǎo yī bān cóng wán shàng bā diǎn mài dào līng chén liǎng diǎn. Dǎn wǒ kàn le dào jǐng chǎ huì gǎn tā men. Shàng zhōu yi tiān, wǒ hěn e, wǒ kàn dào jing chǎ baǎ tīmen gǎn zǒu. wǒ hě bù kāi xīn. Jiě biān xiǎo chī méi yǒu yǔnxū neng shi fēifǎ. Jiě biān xiǎo tè biè hǎo chī ér qiě yòu pián yì, dàn shì zhǐ yǒuu zài bu xia yǔ de shí hò cái yǒu mài. Tā men dōng tiān bù mài de. Tā men bǎ suǒ yǒu dōng xi zhuān dào chē shàng, bāo kuò shāo kǎo, shí wà, zhàng péng, hé zuò xǐ. Yí dàn dà cān huā fèi 35 yuán, zhè shī 4 yīng yuán. Zhōng guó rén chī dōng xi shēng yīn hěn dà. Zài zhōng guó de wén huà lǐ, zhè yì wèi zhe tā men hěn xǐ huan zì jǐ shí wù. Wǎnshàng, zai wǒ zhù de xiǎo qū wài mian de zhǔ lù shàng, yǒu shì duō jiā xiāo chī tān. Hěn duō zhōng guō rén fàn mài jiē biān xiǎo chī wé shóu rù.

    ENGLISH:

    Street food is very common in China. Street food in china is a big part of Chinese culture. Chinese people love eating food. Eating is a social event in China. There are lots of street food sellers in China. My favourite street food is bbq. I buy street food four times a week from the same person. Street food is very cheap. But sometimes you must be careful of bad street food. Bad street food can make you ill. My order ever time is chicken, beef and squid with mushroom, peppers and bread. The bbq street food is open from 8pm to 2am. But I have seen police come to close it.Last week I was hungry and saw police close it, I was very sad. Setting up street food without permission can be illegal. The food tastes amazing and is cheap but they are only open if there is no rain. They do not sell food in the winter. They bring everything in a car including a bbq, food, tent, seats. A big meal costs 35 RMB which is £4. A lot of people come and eat at the bbq and inside the tent. Chinese people eat food very loudly. In Chinese culture it means they are enjoying their food. In the evenings there are many street food places. On the main road, outside my apartment there are more than 10 in the evening.  A lot of Chinese people rely on street food for their income.

  • Day of the Defender of the Fatherland: A Russian holiday – Mercedes, March 2017

    День защитника Отечества : Праздник России

    В России праздники другие чем в Англии, и мне это очень нравятся. 23 февраля отмечается в России – День защитника Отечества. Но что это такое? Это мой первый вопрос. В День защитника Отечества традиционно поздравляют мужчин, которые воевали. Однако в 1919 году он именовался как «День Красной Армии и Флота». С 2002 года по решению Государственной Думы 23 февраля в России является праздником и нерабочим днём. Сейчас каждого мужчину отмечают как защитника Отечества даже, если он не был в армии.

    Сейчас вы узнали чуть-чуть об истории этого дня… Как российские люди его отмечают?

    В моей квартире мы покупали подарки для мужчин. Носки традиционно покупают, но можно дать шоколад, шапки или что-нибудь ещё. Всё, что угодно подойдёт! Смешно поэтому что некоторые мальчики сказали что очень странный праздник и это было неоправданно ! Однако все мальчики были рады что получали подарки, конечно. Каждому мужчине очень понравились свои подарки. Каждая девушка обняли мужчину.

    Какой красывые фейерверки ! / Such beautiful fireworks !

    В Санкт-Петербурге (где я сейчас живу) можно посмотреть фейерверки на Дворцовой набережной. Я ходила туда с друзьями. Какой был там красивый спектакль ! Я всегда буду помнить этот день поэтому что первый праздник что я отметила здесь в России. У нас в Англии нет его и я думаю что, у нас некогда не будет его поэтому что у нас другая культура и история. Но я считаю День защитника Отечества очень интересный. Мне очень нравятся изучать русские праздники и культуру. Я рада что отмечала день защитника Отечества в России. Это уникальный и интересный праздник. Я хотела здесь узнать русские традиции и я сделала в конце концов!

    ENGLISH:

    Day of the Defender of the Fatherland: A Russian holiday

    In Russia, there are many different national holidays than in England, and that’s something I really like. On the 23rd of February “Day of the

    Constitutional Court of Russia

    Defender of the Fatherland” is celebrated in Russia. But what is it? That was my first question, too. The Day of the Defender of the Fatherland was traditionally to celebrate men who had fought in war. However, in 1919, it was called “Red Army and Navy Day”. In 2002, the State Duma decided that the 23 February would be celebrated as a state holiday and non-working day. Nowadays, each man is considered a “defender of the fatherland”, even if he has never been in the army.

    Now that we know a little bit about the history of this day… How do Russian people celebrate it?

    In my flat, we bought gifts for the boys. Socks are traditionally bought, but one can also buy chocolate, fluffy winter hats and anything else. Anything goes! It’s funny because some of the boys said that it was a very strange holiday to celebrate and it felt unjustified! However, every single boy was happy to have been bought a present, of course. Each boy really liked his present. Each girl hugged a boy.

    What I love about Russia is how beautiful all the official buildings are.

    The Horseman- Emperor Peter the 1st, founder and name-sake of Saint Petersburg.

     

    In Saint Petersburg (where I currently live), one can go to see some fireworks at the Palace Embankment. I went to see them with some friends. It was such a beautiful display! I will always remember this day because it was the first national holiday that I have celebrated here in Russia. We don’t have this holiday in England and I think that we never could, just because we have such a different culture and history. But I found the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland really interesting. I love learning about Russian holidays and culture. I’m happy to have celebrated this day in Russia. It’s a unique and interesting day. I really wanted to experience Russian traditions, and I’ve finally been able to do it!

  • Charlotte McGarry: China – December 2016

    中国饮食习惯

    搬到中国之后我最先注意到的文化区别之一就是在饮食习惯方面。吃饭是日常生活中很重要的一部分所以我一定要好好注意!

    我第一注意到的事情是中国便利店的广泛小吃选择。中国的便利店卖各种各样的在英国从来没看过的食品。比方说在711要买什么都能买, 从标准的小吃 (巧克力,薯片之类的)到中国比较特色的食品,包括煮豆腐 ,烤红薯,于片儿等。

    提及小吃我发现中国人好喜欢吃小吃!北京到处都有小吃店。这种饭馆儿供应既便宜又有方便的家常便饭。我万没有想到中国普遍的菜包括这么多种类的菜! 幸亏大部分的菜单有照片给人
    们看看。这是个天大的好处:中国地道菜都有很特别的名字,没有图片的话,我根本不知道每种菜到底是什么!

    另外一个有幸的区别是在中国食物比英国便宜多了。比方说在北大餐厅,午餐花费多则20人民币少则8人民币(大概一到两英镑)。在剑桥,付两英镑连一杯咖啡也买不起。

    在中国每天去饭店儿吃饭是司空见惯的事情。我在英国时只偶尔去饭店儿 (比方说,庆祝朋友生日什么的) 但在这儿几乎每天出去吃饭。其实我在中国的三个月之内,我只做了一顿饭!

    但对我而言这并不是件坏事。在中国吃饭是个社会活动。 跟朋友们儿一起吃饭,享受美味的菜和彼此的陪伴是人生中最令人开心的事情之一。通过分享好吃的菜,人们能把他们之间的友谊拉更近。这不是菜真正的欢乐呢?

    top-10-chinese-street-food-crepe-1

    ENGLISH:

    Eating habits in China

    One of the biggest differences I noticed since moving to China was the differences in people’s daily food and drink habits. Eating is a very important part of daily life, so I had to pay close attention to it.

    The first difference I noticed the vast range of snacks in Chinese convenience shops. Chinese convenience shops sell all types of products that I’ve never seen before in England. For example, go into 711 and you can buy anything you could possibly want, from the standard snack items (chocolate, crisps etc) to China’s specialities, including boiled tofu, mantou, dried fish and the like

    On the subject of snacks, I’ve discovered that Chinese people really like to snack! In Beijing, there are little restaurants (xiaochidian) everywhere you look. This type of restaurant serves both cheap and convenient common fare. I could never have guessed what a wide range of dishes is included in China’s ‘common fare’! Luckily most of the restaurants put pictures next to the dishes. This is a huge help – Chinese local dishes all have very confusing names, and without pictures I would have no idea what they are!

    Another very fortunate difference is that food China is much cheaper than in the UK. For example. At our uni canteen, lunch costs between 20RMB and 8RMB, roughly between £1 and £3! In Cambridge, you couldn’t even buy a coffee for that!

    In China, eating out every day is a common occurrence. In England, I only eat out occasionally (for example, to celebrate a friend’s birthday etc) but here, we eat out almost every day. In fact, I’ve only cooked once in three months! But to me, this is not a bad thing. In China, food is a social pastime, and going out with friends to eat together is a very important way of sharing in each others company. Through sharing food together, it pulls friendships closer. That really is the joy of food

     

  • Peter Horton :My last month in Cadiz, Spain – June 2016

    Mi último mes aquí en Cádiz

    Por estar mi último mes en Cádiz pensaba que sería una buena idea a hacer un resumen de algunos aspectos de lo que he aprendido y desarrollado durante mi tiempo aquí en España. Algo que no habría sido posible sin este respaldo.

    Primero, creo que he mejorado mi español no sólo hablado sino también escrito porque he trabajado en un medio ambiente en que sólo podía hablar español. Cada día tenía que hablar con gente de registros diferentes; he tenido la oportunidad hablar con agentes y clientes muy importantes con los que tuve un registro muy formal. Además he hablado con la gente de mi equipo de rugby, mis compañeros y amigos con los que podía hablar menos formal y con refranes coloquiales. A mí me parece muy importante a entender la diferencia entre las situaciones formales e informales porque me permite más autenticidad y sinceridad en el otro idioma y a los extranjeros les agradece cuando intentamos a aprender y utilizar su idioma correctamente.

    Con respeto al español escrito, he tenido muchas oportunidades de escribir correos electrónicos a clientes y inversores potenciales para crecer nuestra ganancia y entonces mejorar nuestra empresa. Normalmente los escribiría por mi mismo y después los mandaría a mi responsable antes de que se los mandaba a los clientes; mi responsable siempre me avisaba de los errores, por eso he visto mi propio desarrollo a través de unos diez meses aquí en España.

    Segundo, yo diría que he aprendido mucho sobre la cultura española particularmente la de Andalucía y el sur de España. Lo que me parece muy interesante es que tienen mucha autoestima con todo lo que hacen si sea trabajo o divertido, los gaditanos no les gusta cambio. Eso me ha causado algunos problemas en trabajo porque a veces pensaba que podemos haber hecho algo mejor o diferente pero tenía que mostrar la diferencia con ejemplos y estadísticas antes de cambiarlo. Ahora me vale muchísimo investigación rigurosa y presentaciones claras con detalles y ejemplos para demostrar mis opiniones y ideas. Por un lado puede ser un problema que no quieren cambiar sino por otro lado me ofrece la oportunidad a explorar una idea enteramente antes de cambiar algo.

    Tercero, pienso que ahora tengo un conocimiento mejor de marketing en los redes sociales, algo que hoy en día ha llegado a ser cada vez más importante. La gente no quiere un montón de información, quiere los hechos importantes en una manera fácil de comprender y acceder. Se pueden utilizar los redes sociales para apoyar una empresa porque nos ofrecen contacto directo con las empresas a través de los “comentarios” y “me gustas”. También diría que reconozco ahora la diferencia entre los diferentes redes sociales: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc,. y las ventajas de cada uno.

    Espero seguir utilizando estas habilidades cuando vuelvo a Inglaterra y quiero seguir creciendo para que pueda ofrecer mis empleadores futuros mucho más que sólo un graduado.

    Muchas gracias a todo el mundo que me ha apoyado este año, estoy seguro que mantengamos en contacto para seguir nuestro desarrollo mutuo.

    ENGLISH:

    My last month here in Cádiz.

    Because it is my last month here in Cádiz I thought it would be a good idea to make a summary of some of the things I have learnt and developed during my time here in Spain. Something that would not have been possible without this sponsorship.

    Firstly, I believe that I have improved not only my spoken but also my written Spanish because I have worked in a solely Spanish speaking environment. Every day I have had to speak with people in different tones; I have had the opportunity to speak with agents and very important clients, with whom I have a very formal tone. Additionally, I have spoken with the people from my rugby team, my friends and teammates, with whom I have been able to speak less formally and use colloquial expressions. To me it seems very important to understand the difference between formal and informal situations because it allows me a sense of sincerity and authenticity in another language and it pleases foreigners when we try to learn and use their language correctly.

    With regards to written Spanish, I have had numerous opportunities to write emails to clients and potential investors in order to increase our profit and thus improve our business. Normally I would write them myself and then send them to my supervisor before they were sent to the clients; my supervisor always advises me of the errors, therefore I have been able to see my own development over my ten months here in Spain.

    Secondly, I would say that I have learnt a lot about the Spanish culture, particularly that of Andalusia and the South of Spain. What seems particularly interesting to me is their enormous amount of self-respect with everything they do whether it be work or fun, those from Cádiz don’t like change. This has caused me a few problems in work so far because I have thought that we would be able to do something a little better or in a different way but I have had to show the difference with clear and reliable examples and statistics before changing it. Now I really value thorough research and clear presentations with details and examples to demonstrate my opinions and ideas. On the one hand it could be a problem that they don’t want to change but on the other hand it offers the opportunity to explore and idea in its entirety before changing it.

    Thirdly, I think that I now have a better knowledge of social-media marketing, something that has become more and more important nowadays. People don’t want a mountain of information, they want the important facts in an easily understandable and accessible way. The social networks can be used to help a business because they offer us direct contact with the businesses through the “comments” and “likes” Also, I would say that I now recognise the difference between the different social networks: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc,. and the advantages of each one.

    I hope to keep using these abilities when I return to England and I want to continue growing in order that I can offer my future employers much more than just a graduate.

    Many thanks to everyone that has helped me this year, I am sure that we will stay in contact in order to continue our mutual development.

  • Internship with ASOBISYSTEM – Samantha Fernandes, Japan – February 2016

    アソビシステムのインターン

    今月はアソビシステムという会社でインターンを始まった。この会社は、きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅを中心に、モデル・アルティスト・イベントなどを所有している会社である。アソビシステムは、MOSHI MOSHI NIPPONとHARAJUKU KAWAII!! STYLEというサイトも所有している。

    きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅのASOBINITEというのコンサート

    私の東京外大に出会った友だちのおかげで、アソビシステムのインターンをもらった。友だちはアソビシステムのサイトの日本語で書いてある記事を英訳している作業である。私のインターンが始まった前に、アソビステムのサイトの管理者にきゃりーぱみゅぱみゅの誕生日のためのライブにゲストとして誘われてくれた。きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅは大人気な有名なアルティストで、きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅの大ファンとして、私は今までに信じられない。

    私のインターンは、家で作業にすることがあるが、会社に行くの方が自分の日本語能力役に立ち、会社の好適な所在地が好きである。会社は原宿の有名なファッションのある「竹下通り」を歩いて行って、会社のMOSHI MOSHI BOXという観光者のため、MOSHI MOSHI NIPPONのファンのためのビルを過ごして、それから5分歩くと会社に着く。初めて行った時は、友だちと一緒に行き、会社員に会うのをとても緊張していた。

    私は水野さんというサイトの管理をしている会社員に会い、インターンをもらった。すぐに水野さんから記事をもらい、私は英訳し、ツイッター・FACEBOOKに投稿する。水野さんがくれる記事にいつも興味がある。2つの私が翻訳した記事はコチラ:

    http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/10687
    http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/10717

    私が翻訳する記事はアルティストに関するだけではなく、日本であるイベント・店・フェスなどに関する記事を翻訳したこともある。私は新しいイベントに関する記事を翻訳するたびに、イベントが東京で開催したら、いつも行く計画を立つ。

    日本の場所では、アソビシステムの広告を見、オンラインでアソビシステムのモデル・アルティストがいる広告を見、私が翻訳した記事に関する実際にある事件を気づくたびに、嬉しくなる。

    私はお金をもらわなくても、作業は大好きのだから、水野さんに聞かれたら、休みの日でも記事を翻訳するのが好きである。私はゲスの極み・きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅなどの大好きなアルティストに関する記事をもらい、アルティスト・会社・ビジネスなどを手伝いすることができるだけではなく、本人を困っている外国人とのつなげになり、それは私の喜びである。

    日本文化に出会いのためには、ぜひ下記のアソビシステムのリンクをチェクしてみてね!!

    home


    http://asbs.jp/english/
    http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/

     

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

    I started my internship with ASOBISYSTEM this month. This company owns and manages famous artists, models, events and much more. One of the most famous artists owned ASOBISYSTEM is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. ASOBISYSTEM also owns the websites MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON and HARAJUKU KAWAII!! STYLE.

    It was all thanks to one of my close friends, whom I had met at TUFS, that I got this internship because he works at the company as a translator for the websites. Before beginning the internship, the website manager of ASOBISYSTEM invited my friend and I to attend the Birthday performance of Kyary Pmayu Pamyu as guests! As a big fans of Kyary Pmayu Pamyu, even now we can’t believe it.

    For my internship, I sometimes work from my dorm but I feel that going into the office to do work helps my Japanese more. Furthermore, to reach the company office, I walk down one of the most famous fashion and culture rich streets in Harajuku, Japan. From the end of this street, I pass MOSHI MOSHI BOX, which is a building for tourists and fans of MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON. From this building, ASOBISYSTEM’s office is just a short 5 minute walk away. I really enjoy the walk to work and the location of the office, which is another reason I prefer working in the office.

    Guest tickets to Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s live Birthday performance at ASOBINITE

    The first time I went to the office, I was really grateful that I could go with my friend who started working there long before I joined the company, but I was still really nervous to meet the company employee who would soon become my new boss.

    I met the website manager for ASOBISYSTEM websites, Mizuno. After being accepted for the internship, she started me at work straight away; she gives me articles in Japanese and I translate them, post them onto the appropriate website then use the company’s twitter and Facebook accounts to announce the articles to the public. I always enjoy the articles that Mizuno gives me. Here are the links to two articles I have translated:

    http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/10687
    http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/10717

    The articles I translate are not only about artists, but events held in Japan, shops, festivals and much more. Every single time I translate an article about an upcoming event, I always make plans to check out the event myself!

    Whenever I see ASOBISYSTEM adverts around Japan or adverts online featuring ASOBISYSTEM models or artists, or even when I see events in real life after translating articles about them, I feel awesome!

    Even though I don’t get paid for the articles I translate, if Mizuno asks me to translate articles even on my days off, I always accept them and enjoy them. When I get articles about my favourite popular bands such as Gesu no Kiwami Otome or Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, I feel like I am not only helping the company and the artists to find their fans, but also to help make the link between foreigners who are in Japan and their favourite Japanese idols.

    Please follow the links below about ASOBISYSTEM and their websites to learn more about Japanese culture!

    http://asobisystem.com/
    http://asbs.jp/english/

    http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/

  • Carnaval! Peter Horton: Spain – February 2016

    Carnaval!

    This month I have experienced something like no other, Cádiz Carnaval is the most authentic celebration in Spain and I am so happy that I got to witness it first hand. It was a whole week worth of shows, fancy dress, music, dancing, and all things Spanish; they really went all out! People from all over Spain flooded the city to take part in this amazing tradition, I can highly recommend it to anybody looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture for a short period of time. According to my boss, this is just the start of the celebrations, as each of the small villages in Andalusia has their own unique festival.

    Work is starting to get busier now and I am becoming even more involved with the social media marketing that we do here, one of the many ways we promote our school. I find this area of marketing particularly interesting because it is something relatively new and has a lot of potential, especially for our younger clients! I am also very pleased with this because I can use both the language and marketing skills that I have been developing over my time here and put them to use without the need to run everything by my supervisor

    I am currently planning a short trip to Seville as a lot of my friends have been and they have recommended it to me. They say it is full of interesting landmarks and as it is only a short train journey away I would like to make the most of it. I am very curious to see how different it is to Cádiz and the rest of Andalusia, because it is a big city but it is still set in the relaxed south of Spain.

    Carnaval!

    Este mes he experimentado algo muy diferente a todo lo que ya conozco, Carnaval de Cádiz es la más auténtica experiencia en España y estoy tan contento que pude verla de primera mano. Era una semana entera de espectáculos, disfraz, música, bailar, y todo lo que sea español; la gente había hecho todo. Gente alrededor de España llenó la ciudad para pasarlo bomba en esta tradición increíble, puedo recomendarla a todos los que quieren disfrutar la cultura española durante poco tiempo. Según mi jefa, eso es sólo el inicio de las celebraciones, porque cada pueblo pequeño en Andalucia tiene su propio feria.

    El trabajo está creciendo ahora, y estoy cada vez más ocupado con el marketing en las redes sociales, una de las maneras en las que podemos anunciar nuestra escuela. A mí me parece muy interesante porque es algo relativamente nuevo y tiene mucha potencial, sobre todo para nuestros clientes más jóvenes! Estoy contento a hacer eso porque puedo utilizar mis habilidades no sólo lenguajes sino también de marketing que ya he desarrollado hace mucho tiempo y puedo hacer cosas sin la necesidad a hablar con mi jefa.

    Ahora estoy pensando en viajar a Sevilla porque muchos de mis amigos me han dicho que es una ciudad muy aconsejable. Me dicen que tiene un montón de puntos importantes y por estar sólo un viaje corto por tren me gustaría visitarla. Estoy muy curioso a ver la diferencia entre Sevilla y lo demás de Andalucia, porque es una ciudad grande pero está en el sur de España donde todo sea tranquilo.

    In February, Cadiz becomes one big party. It’s carnival time.

    You can hear carnival music in any corner of the city, and the last touches are put to the fancy-dress costumes (in Cadiz they are known as tipos), some of them real works of art. The locals put their hearts and souls into what is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the city, and perhaps the most fun-filled and entertaining of all the Spanish carnivals.

    Compared with the spectacular nature of other carnival celebrations, the light-hearted fun and entertainment of the Carnival of Cadiz makes it a unique fiesta which is well worth getting to know.

    And there is no lack of other events during this time to ensure that the days of Carnival in Cadiz are complete.

    The whole city is involved. This is a perfect time to get to know it and to enjoy the inventiveness and sense of fun of the people of Cadiz.

  • Trip to Weimar – Phoebe Ellis, March 2015

    Gestern habe ich Weimar zu besuchen beschlossen.

    Weimar ist nur zwanzig Minutes weg mit dem Zug von Jena und es ist eine kleine Stadt berühmt für die beliebteste Dichtern Goethe und Schiller. Beide Goethe und Schiller haben, während ihrer Lebens, in Weimar gewohnt. Also habe ich die Stadt besucht, um mehr über die Geschichte zu lernen. Es war sehr kulturell und auch ein sehr schönes Tag. Ich bin auch in dem Park spazieren und genoß ein Schokoladeneis!

    Weimar Town Hall

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

    Yesterday I decided to visit Weimar.

    Weimar is only 20 minutes away by train from Jena and is a small town well-known for the popular poets Goethe and Schiller. During their lives, both Goethe and Schiller lived, at some point, in Weimar. Therefore I visited the town in order to learn a little more about the history. It was a very cultural day, and also beautiful weather! I also went for a walk in the park and enjoyed a chocolate ice-cream!

  • Tony Lumb – Case Study, Germany (1959)

    “I would most definitely recommend the John Speak Trust to others. My time spent abroad using a foreign language allowed me to learn a new language and culture in a different environment both physically and spiritually”

     

    In 1959 I was fortunate to receive a six month scholarship from the John Speak Language Trust.  I was eighteen years old when I was released by my English employer (Bradford based) for six months to study and work in Germany. My journey to Germany began by rail and then by ferry. I resided in South Germany and rented a room in a residential property from a German family. I travelled extensively on a daily basis with Sales Representatives from my English employers undertaking light office duties. During my six month scholarship I recall having to write monthly reports in German for the Managing Director of the firm in Bradford for which I worked. I initially worked as a trainee, later taking on the role of a salesman abroad for the two Bradford based textile exporting companies where I stayed for six years.

    My passion for the German language eventually led to a radical change in my career. I became a teacher of foreign languages (mainly German) at three English independent Grammar schools. My language teaching career spanned over thirty years.

    Now retired (age 73), I continue to correspond with my many German acquaintances. I regularly write letters, read fiction and non-fiction and listen to music in German. I continue to use my German regularly as the language has been a part of my being since I was first taught it at the age of 13. Learning foreign languages as a youngster has certainly been beneficial to my career in sales and essential in my teaching.

    The John Speak Trust scholarship was, in retrospect, the third rung on the ladder which made me into a life-long teacher and disciple of German. As a thirteen year old pupil attending Grammar School in the North of England I was taught German by an inspirational teacher from Vienna. At sixteen I spent several weeks on an exchange holiday in South Germany and then came the scholarship when I became fluent in the German language. I subsequently studied German language and literature for one year at the University of Erlangen followed by six months at the University of Vienna and a further three years at an English University.

     

    Initially, as an eighteen year old living abroad I was emotionally immature. I had to become stronger spiritually and more independent in my new foreign environment. After spending three months in a rural setting in South Germany, I moved to the large industrial city of Essen. It was here that I met many urban people, many from other countries. Even today, as an adult volunteer dealing with teenagers from abroad, I draw upon those early experiences I had as a John Speak Award recipient, when encouraging young, homesick volunteers to persevere, overcome isolation and succeed in an enterprise abroad.

    I would most definitely recommend the John Speak Trust to others. My time spent abroad using a foreign language allowed me to learn a new language and culture in a different environment both physically and spiritually. The broadening of my mind (thanks to the Trust and my experiences) has enabled me to travel to other countries and discover further cultures especially during my retirement years, when I became an adult volunteer for a company dealing with youth global work and travelled to Argentina and Mexico using my second foreign language, Spanish.

    Michael Anthony Lumb

     

    Essen is a city in the central part of the Ruhr area in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Located on the River Ruhr, its population of approximately 567,000 (as of 31 December 2012) makes it the 9th-largest city in Germany. For the year 2010, Essen was the European Capital of Culture on behalf of the whole Ruhr area.

  • Imogen Page-Jarrett, Beijing, China – December 2014

     

    Imogen Page Jarrett – Dec 2014

    诚挚邀请您参加…

    当我们转过拐角,一块松软的红地毯映入我们的眼帘。名流荟萃,星光闪耀,他们队伍的人站在我左边,准备迎接到访者。穿着丝绸、戴着珠宝的嘉宾与我们互相表示敬意和欢迎。

    向五队排最后的人深深鞠躬之后,我向宽敞的大厅里走进了一步。高达拱形天花板在水晶吊灯重压下摇摇欲坠。一片愉快的嘈杂声向清脆的水晶飘上去。大厅的边缘站着北京市最优秀泰国饭店的小吃摊。大厅中间的大舞台等着嘉宾的光临。我们的名字在泰国国王87岁圣诞节派对的客人名单上之列。那天的活动还庆祝泰国国庆节日。

    正当我们小心翼翼地走到酒吧拿起一杯冰香槟酒,有人咳了一声好引起大家的注意。

    “我将以骄傲的姿态欢迎女士们先生们参加今天晚上的活动…”。我们排在西服、民族服装、军服的旁边,举起杯来,为了泰国国王普密蓬·阿杜德的健康喝了一杯。

    在世界各地的驻华大使、军官、大公司代表之间来来往往,我禁不住感到自己的渺小和微不足道。我们跟罗马尼亚大使边喝泰国香味的椰子汤,边听他个人当大使个人经历,而且他下次派驻亚洲哪个国家,哪个国家会带来最多的机会。我们决定泰国和韩国都是明智的选择。大使的生活好像是永不安分的生活,因为每四年他们都必须搬到新的一个国家,在陌生的环境并文化找到自己立足之地。对我来说,大使的夫人和孩子生活的故事更有意思。大使的亲人应该做出很大的牺牲。我突然想起几周前英国驻华大使所言的话:他夫人觉得在国外找到亲密的朋友圈子和爱好特别难。而且孩子得转学,交新朋友,学新语言。并且,他似乎对我们在北京留学的原因很感兴趣,问我们北京学生的生活过得如何,还问我们为什么选择中文这个专业。

    我们回答在中国前途是一片光明。那天的活动非常有助于职业的机会。我感觉自己很幸运在中国上学,我在这里的第外远远超过我在英国曾经体验过的。因为我是西方人,我在中国经常体验过特别的招待,并对我母语的需求很多。我在家乡肯定不会感受这种招待。回家路上口袋里揣着一名企业集团的首席执行官的名片,我再次想起在中国关系的超然能力。

     

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION

    We Request the Pleasure of Your Company…

    As we turned the corner, a soft red carpet unveiled itself before our eyes. To our right, a procession of glittering individuals stood ready to welcome us. Attired in silks and jewels, we paid obeisance to one another in welcome and thanks. Bowing deeply for the final time, I took a step into the broad room. The high vaulted ceiling bowed under the weight of chandeliers. Up towards the tinkling crystals, the hubbub of voices drifted. Around the edge of the space stood food stands from Beijing’s most exceptional Thai eateries. In the centre, a large stage awaited the presence of honoured guests. We were on the guest-list for the King of Thailand’s 87th Birthday Party, coinciding with the National Day of Thailand.

    We cautiously stepped up to the bar to take a flute of ice cooled champagne from the bar, just as a cough brought everyone to attention.

    “I am proud to welcome you, ladies and gentlemen, to this evening’s event…”. Among the rows of suits, national dress and military attire we stood and raised a class to the health of  King Bhumibol Adulyadej himself.

    Moving between the world’s ambassadors to China, military officers, company representatives, I could not help but feel rather small in comparison. We spoke to the ambassador of Romania over a bowl of fragrant Thai coconut soup. We spoke of his personal history as an ambassador, and where to be posted next in Asia; which nation would bring about the most opportunities. We decided both South Korea and Thailand would be strong choices. The ambassador lifestyle seems an uprooting one; having to up sticks every four years and begin afresh in a completely new environment and culture. Personally, I feel the spouses and children of ambassadors reveal a much more telling tale. The immediate family must make great sacrifices. I recalled the words of the British ambassador at the British embassy a few weeks before, that his wife found it difficult to find a circle of friends and interests in a foreign country. Children are forced to change schools, swap friends, learn new languages. In contrast he seemed inquisitive as to our reasons for studying in Beijing, what the student experience was here, why we had chosen Chinese.

    Our answers of course included the invaluable career opportunities here. The event was a key place to make contacts for such purposes. I felt extremely lucky that as a student in China, my status greatly surpassed any I had ever stood in the UK. As a Westerner, I have often experienced special treatment and great demand for my mother tongue. It is certain I would never find myself at such an evening as this at home. Walking home with the business card of a conglomerate CEO, I realised anew the almighty power of “guanxi” (personal relations) in China.

     

  • Samuel Franklin, China – November 2014

    在过去一个月,我觉得我进一步地适应于在中国的生活,而且已经不知不觉地培养了一些习惯和例行。比如说,在饮食的方面我和我的两个室友在一些餐馆变成了常客。那就是说,在一些餐馆我们每周至少一次会去吃饭。在这些餐馆我们熟悉那里的服务员,服务员也知道我们最喜欢点什么菜。在一家离我们房子很近的韩国餐馆,我们进入门口之前,我们常客和服务员都已经知道我们就会一如既往地点他们的石锅拌饭和韩式辣白菜。除了这家餐馆的便利性和食品的质量以外,还有另一个原因为什么我很喜欢去这个餐馆。有一次我突然注意到一位特别美丽的女服务员,所以我决定在单子上写下我的微信身份(在中国人们很少用手机号码)并给她这个单子。那时她笑了好像很尴尬,但我们还在互发短信。

    我也继续经验中国文化其他的方面。我最近看到了北京舞蹈学院天鹅湖的表演。我也参加了一个关于中国象棋的讲座。上个月一个特殊的亮点是在一条胡同里学习打麻将的经验。因为我是一个好胜的人,所以麻将对我有一定的吸引力。我很快就了解到了麻将的规则和一些基础的策略,但一开始和中国人一起打,就意识到我肯能会吃一点苦。他们麻将打得极快,我常常失去了说‘碰,吃,杆’的机会.

    那里正好有个记者,她对外国人学打麻将的经验有兴趣,所以采访了我。打完麻将以后,我快忘了这个面试。后来没想到我的在青岛留学的朋友在看报纸的时候,看到了我的照片。我很吃惊,但这个在中国日报上的首次亮相使我感觉很高兴。

    最后在旅游的方面,我参观了苏州和杭州。苏州和杭州都坐落在中国南方的省份,与北京比起来,南方的天气比较舒服温暖。第一天我们乘了五个小时的高铁赴苏州。在苏州我们游览于那里的一些名胜古迹,例如明嘉靖。浙江省的杭州也有非常漂亮的景象,我特别推荐你参观离杭州挺近的千岛湖。那里有1078个小岛,游客能上船尽量享受它的独一无二的风景。中国东南方显然有许多值得去的地方,这不仅仅是因为中国南方著名的美女,还是因为南方有自己独特的文化和气氛。当然我将来打算再往南走旅行。

    Samuel playing Chinese Chess – Nov 2014

     

    ENGLISH TRANSLATION

    In the past month I feel I have further settled into life in China, and have even unconsciously developed some habits and routines here. For example in terms of diet, my two roommates and I have become regulars at a number of local restaurants. That is to say we go to these restaurants at least once a week. At these restaurants we are familiar with the staff and the staff also knows what dishes we most like to order. Close to our apartment is a Korean restaurant, where before we even enter through the doors, both we and the waiters already know that we will inevitably order our usual stone pot bibimbap and Korean kimchi. Apart from its convenience and the quality of the food, there is one other reason I rather like this restaurant. Once, whilst eating, I suddenly noticed a particularly pretty waitress, so I decided to write down my wechat id (Chinese people rarely use mobile phone numbers) on the back of my receipt and give it to her. She laughed and appeared embarrassed, but we’re still texting each other.

    I also continue to enjoy other aspects of Chinese culture. Recently I went to a performance of Swan Lake by the Beijing Dance Academy. I also attended a lecture on Chinese chess. Last month, a particular highlight was the experience of learning mahjong in one of the hutongs. Mahjong clearly appealed to my competitive side and I was quick to understand the rules and some basic tactics. However, as soon as I started playing with some of the local Chinese, I realised that I would have to suffer a bit.  They played tremendously quickly and I often missed the relevant opportunities to call ‘peng, chi or gang (you’ll have to learn the rules yourself).’

    There also happened to be a journalist, who was interested in foreigners’ experience of learning the game, and so I was interviewed. After finishing playing, I quickly forgot about the interview. Later my friend studying in Qingdao unexpectedly came across my picture in the paper. I was very surprised, but was pleased to have made my debut in the China Daily.

    Finally, in terms of travel I visited Suzhou and Hangzhou. Suzhou and Hangzhou are both located in China’s southern provinces, where compared to Beijing, the weather is relatively warm and comfortable. On the first day, we took a five hour high speed train down to Suzhou. There we visited some of the famous historical sites, including the Mingjiajing garden temple complex. Zhejiang province’s Hangzhou also had some impressive sites and I would particularly recommend anyone to visit the Thousand Island Lake, not far from Hangzhou. There are 1078 small islands and tourists can board a ship and enjoy the unique scenery. China’s south clearly has a great many places worth visiting, not just because of the beautiful southern women, but also because of its own singular culture and atmosphere. I certainly intend to travel south again when I have the chance.

    The Thousand Island Lake – Samuel Franklin