Immigration and the Importance of Language Proficiency

 

  Yesterday I discovered an interesting discussion on the Debating Europe platform. The topic was whether EU immigrants should be required to pass a language proficiency exam, and whether it would mean "the end of freedom of movement".
   Personally, I would be in favour of a language exam, and I am not necessarily linking this requirement to the European Union and freedom of movement.  Freedom of movement still exists, legally - nobody changes your entitlement to live and work in another EU country. It is not what this is all about: it's about the capacity to make yourself understood in your new country of residence. The European Union is about unity in diversity, and, amongst other things, it cannot change the diversity of languages, and the fact that member states speak different languages. 
     Communicating effectively is essential. Perhaps various people emigrate for studies or work, based on the fact that speaking English will be enough in an academic or professional environment. And it may well be. However, if their chosen country's official language is not English, not everyone will speak it. And becoming fluent in the official language of the country of adoption is always useful, because it gives extra security, from interacting with local authorities, to being able to seize more work opportunities, to simply making more friends. Not to mention the fact that if the chosen career is based on language abilities, such as a career in communication, or humanities, or social sciences, the level of language proficiency must be really high.
     I have seen many people moving to a country whose language they did not speak. But, step by step, they started to learn it and now they are fluent. By the same token, I also saw people moving abroad without speaking any foreign language (not even English), and hoping to find a job. Needless to say that their chances were next to none. Yes, some languages are more difficult than others, depending on what your native language is, and depending on how naturally talented for learning languages you are. However, I think that with a little bit of willpower you can learn at least enough to make yourself understood. 
       Therefore, with these aspects in mind, why should we NOT sustain a language exam? Yes, it is a formality, just like the formality of having to prove your status in your new country - as a student or as a worker - in order to be recognized as a resident, and which also happens amongst EU countries. But in the context of NEEDING to speak the local language, an exam would simply be the crowining of our objective. Why fear or resent this procedure? 
       It is not about restricting freedom of movement, but really about unity in diversity, the focus being on the word "diversity". This diversity of languages will remain this way forever. We will still accept each other, but each immigrant also needs to make some adaptations to his/her new environment. And this goes beyond Europe, or the European Union. 

(photo source: www.shutterstock.com) 
   

The Romanian Traveller: Sibiu - an Elegant Travel through Time

  

  

 When I wrote about Brasov, I must have proved to you that Transylvania is not a gloomy place at all. On the contrary: it could be considered the most fairytale-like region of Romania. From Brasov, our travel through Transylvania continues, till we reach another special city: Sibiu.

                           

   The first thing that will attract your attention is that in this beautiful city, time seems to have stopped in its tracks. Classical architecture reminding either of the Middle Ages, or of the Austro-Hungarian influences, mixed with the general traquillity and cleanliness of the entire city. The city also bears the German name of Hermannstadt and it is home to a considerable German minority.   Moreover, Sibiu was the European Capital of Culture in 2007, the first Romanian city to be part of the famous European initiative, which has also earned its status of Romanian cultural capital. And even now, years later, a wide variety of cultural events are taking part throughout the year. So, if you are into art and culture, this is definitely the place to visit. 

         

      

      What other tips would I give you?

   ... when it comes to finding accommodation, don't go for mainstream "modern" hotels, but for those set in villas, which tend to be decorated in a style of times past. 

            

     

     .... the same goes for restaurants - be it medieval, rustic, or Belle-Epoque, it is important to find those who provide a unique atmosphere. They generally serve traditional food of the region - prices are moderate, but you know that you eat well.

       ... for an amazing view of the city, it is worth climbing the Town Hall Tower (Turnul Sfatului). The stairs are narrow and numerous, you may get dizzy on the way, but the view is absolutely magnificent.

              

         ... from ancient tradition in the country-side to refined art and high culture: Astra Museum (also known as the Village Museum) and the Bruckenthal Palace Museum definitely should not be missed. 

         ... what about Liar's Bridge (Podul Minciunilor), also located in the city center? Many legends circulate about it, and the most common one is that if you tell a lie whilst being on the brigde, the bridge will start to moan and fall down. So... maybe it's safe not to try! ;)

          

       

      ... coffee and tea must be consumed with courtesy. Caffeterias Pardon and Salut confirm it. Again, it is all about the atmosphere: particularly Pardon would be dedicated to music lovers who wish they went back to the 1920s. ;)

       ... most touristic objectives are located close to the city-center and the Great Square (Piata Mare), apart from the Astra Museum, which, like an escape to the country-side, will bring us closer to nature.

           

       ... rooftops have eyes. And I'm not kidding! :)

       ... last but not least, people seem to be very calm and friendly.

   What can we say about Sibiu? History, culture, atmosphere, and an escape from the hectic and modern life. I highly reccomend it - you will not regret! 

         

Matera 2019: Italy's Next European Capital of Culture

 

 One of my favourite European initiatives is, without a doubt, the European Capital of Culture programme. The first European Capital of Culture was designated in 1985 as the Greek capital city - Athens. Since then, every year the title goes to different cities, by rotation amongst EU countries. The project has various key roles:

• giving the designated city the opportunity to emphasize its local cultural identity;
• direct the attention of various European cultural operators towards the designated city, in order to organize their own cultural events and performances in these locations;
• raising the visibility of the city on the international level;
• providing economic and touristic growth to the city and the surrounding region.
• even after the year as a European Capital of Culture has ended, developments in the city's cultural life and infrastructure are still visible. 

   Last week, one of the winners for 2019 was announced as the Italian city of Matera, situated in the extreme southern region of Basilicata. Matera has a little more than 60.000 inhabitants, and it is the second largest city of the region, after Potenza. A decision which I appreciated, as Basilicata is not a particularly famous Italian region, nor a top-spot  destination for international tourists. So, why not discover it? 

    To tell you the truth, I have never arrived in that part of Italy, and I knew almost nothing about it. But I tried to inform myself about the city of Matera and what makes it special. Matera is divided in two parts: a modern one and an ancient one. The ancient part of the city is also known as "i sassi di Matera" ("the stones of Matera"), which were declared UNESCO heritage in 1993, being also the first UNESCO site in southern Italy. These are mainly houses carved in stone. During the Middle Ages, monks went to live there and started digging these caves in order to build monasteries. Later in time, these monks started to leave the city, and people started to occupy the monasteries and inhabit them, until around 1920. However, the poor quality of living conditions made Matera the "shame of Italy", and therefore, during the times of Mussolini, people were forced to abandon the cave-houses and live in the newly-built modern city.  

   Nowadays, the city is becoming revalued, as many of these caves are being used again. Many of them are hotels, rupestrian churches, and even bars - all with a special atmosphere, as everything is set in stone. Plus, given the fact that in prehistoric times the land of the city was under the sea, in these caves we can still see marine fossils coming out of the walls. 

    And, for cinefiles all over the world, you must know that the movie "The Passions of the Christ", directed by Mel Gibson in 2004, was filmed in Matera.

    Consequently, we have a landscape that is unique in the world, with its very own unique history. It would certainly be good for Matera, and for Basilicata in general, to enjoy a well-deserved touristic growth, and the creation of new professional and economic opportunities, which, until now, are quite scarce in the region. One thing is sure: I have become curious to visit it, and I will be following all the news and initiatives related to Matera 2019. 

 

Asia Fest 2014 - a Cultural Slice of Each Asian Country

    

 I am very proud to discover that my city and my people are becoming increasingly curious to discover other cultures. And the Asian continent is not characterized by physical proximity, and substantial resources are required in order to get there. Therefore, if the average Romanian citizen cannot afford to visit Asia, Asia is visiting us.

     

     As a matter of fact, in these days Bucharest is hosting its second edition of Asia Fest. In five days, we get to discover a little bit of... Japan, China, Korea, India, Sri Lanka, and (partially European) Turkey. Just like for any event that involves the participation of several countries, each of these countries has to put its best foot forward, through their most interesting cultural practices. 

    

    So, what could visitors entertain themselves with?

    ... workshops in Chinese, Japanese and Korean caligraphy

    ... Japanese costumes workshop

    ... Indian henna tattoos

    ... Ikebana worksops

    ... painting on water

    ... Korean tea ceremony

    ... music and dance shows from each country

    ... parade of national costumes

    ... sculpture in fruits and vegetables

    ... Origami workshop

    ... Manga drawing

    ... movie projections 

  ... and of course, loads of food - Chinese, Japanese (Sushi), Korean, Turkish and Indian. Some of them were even prepared on the spot.

           

         And the list could go on. I am sure I have missed several activities, but with one activity more interesting than the other, variety was the defining word for the event. And the setting was so full, that it was hard to find your way amongst the visitors. It is hard to be present during all the activities in these kinds of festivals. More likely, I believe that they also serve in stirring curiosity among people, if there is a particular culture, or language, or  topic, or artistic practice, that they wish to learn more in depth. And after all, the cultural institutes of the respective countries are always active and available for various initiatives of this kind. So, whoever wants to learn more, they have the chance. 

        

       As for me, I councluded the evening with a Sushi dinner (one of my favourite foods), which I also saw being prepared in front of me, and... I signed up for a 10% discount voucher on any trip to Asia, if taken before October 2015. If I am lucky with time and money... I will certainly be looking forward to that. ;) 

555 Years of Bucharest.... and Why I Think My City Has a Complex Identity

 

   A celebration lasting all year culminated last week-end. On the 20th of September, Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, as well as my hometown, celebrated 555 years since it was first attested in an official document. This year was full of cultural events of all types in our city, all matching, from one point of view or another, with the cultural identity of Bucharest and its inhabitants throughout the years.
  

  Apart from becoming overly sentimental, like many of my fellow citizens of Bucharest, I started to think about what makes my city special. And there are so many contrasting features! Being multi-faceted is surely a characteristic of all capital cities, but the features in themselves, and the combination of them, are unique for each city.

    

    When visiting Bucharest, most foreigners tell me that it is full of contrasts, and some of them rather painful. Our population typologies range from the hot-shot rich guy with a BMW and a luxury villa in one of the selected neighbourhoods, to the homeless beggar. Unfortunately, social equality is a distant dream for us. Our architectural landscape varies from the elegance of the interbellic era, which earned Bucharest the name of Little Paris, and whose atmosphere we always like to re-create and re-experience, to the massive and somewhat imposing reminiscence of communism, from the big appartment blocks to the worldwide famous Palace of Parliament. Parks, flowers and lakes meet circluated roads and glass office buildings. And last but not least, the cultural side of Bucharest is flourishing every year: music, theatre, exhibitions, festivals of all sorts are happening throughout the year, at prices that are accessible to most people. Bucharest is not just about an unique image.In theory, everyone could fit in and everyone can find something to suit them. 
   

   What do I wish for my city and for its people? More friendliness, more civilization and more respect towards the other, both between ourselves or towards visitiors from outside. More care towards the needy. Less negligence towards our city, and more willingness to keep it clean and to restructure places that need it. Less chaos in traffic, and a better infrastructure. And of course, to flourish every day with joy of life, even in spite of the nerve-consuming political life. 
    Happy birthday, my beautiful city! 
     

The Romanian Traveller: Brasov - at a Crossroads between Cultures

  This special post is dedicated to those of you who are fascinated by Transylvania, or, better said, the myths behind it. Many people are stuck with the legend of Count Dracula, so much that they imagine a gloomy, vampire-esque atmosphere to characterize the central Romanian region. 
   

  As a matter of fact, our first Transylvanian stop will be Brasov, placed at the heart of the country, and one of the most important cities in Romania. What makes it special is that it mixes three cultures present on the Romanian territory. In fact, like many other cities in Transylvania, Brasov has a totally different outlook from Bucharest, or the general picture of Romanian cities. Brasov is a crossroads between Romanian, German and Hungarian architecture and atmosphere, as it was also part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As a matter of fact, Brasov is also known by the names of Kronstadt (German, meaning "Crown City"), and Brasso (Hungarian). Not to mention the fact that during the dark communist days of Stalin, its official name was Stalin City. 

   Apart from all this, Brasov is full of history, legends, and fairy-tale places, each of them present wherever you will go.

    And what can you visit?
     

   - The Black Church, a Gothic Cathedral, built at the end of the 14th century. Its dark colour was caused by the fire it went through during the Great Turkish War, in 1689. The Chruch is also the only Christian church hosting a collection of anatolian carpets. Talk about inter-religious tollerance! And also look for the son of Quasimodo on the roof of the church. Will not tell you more. You need a keen eye for detail, but you will see him. ;)
           

   - Strada Sforii (the Rope Street), which is the narrowest street in Eastern Europe. Once you're on it, you have no other choice but to keep walking. Nothing to stop for, nothing to see. But it is a funny feeling!
        

    - The Museum of History, located in the very center of the city, in the old Town Hall (Piata Sfatului). The building itself is fascinating, the entrance is very cheap, and you can find all sorts of testimonials of old Brasov life: artefacts, costumes, means of transport, documents and diplomas or guns. But what fascinated me the most was the reconstitution of a last century pharmacy and a newspaper publisher house. 
       

   - The Brasov Fortress (Cetate). There is a little bit of uphill walking involved, but it is well worth it. You will pass through a really elegant neighbourhood of the city, and, once arrived at the top, the medieval fortess looks simply like a different world. 
              

    - Mountain Tampa, a part of Postavarul Massif, in the Carpathian Mountains. Do not worry if you are not keen of trekking. There is always the option to climb and return by funicular cabin. But once you get on top, where the letters "BRASOV" are written in Hollywood-style, the view is simply breathtaking.

   As for practical information, I will tell you that Brasov is quite convenient, and there are lots of coffee-shops, restaurants, and an active night-life, with bars and clubs situated close to each other, so you won't have to travel too far. 

   That was another tea-spoon of culture and travel from Romania. And what I told you is just the beginning. There is so much more waiting to be discovered...

  

  

The Constructive Facebook Challenge: a Quick Injection of Culture

     

   

  Many "serious" people would say that Facebook is a waste of time. Well, probably not in its entirety, but it certainly takes away a fair portion of the time we should be spending working, studying, cleaning the house, or whatever other chores. 

  However, in the recent days and months I have seen a new, constructive use of Facebook. Most of us have been involved in chain challenges, when a friend of ours publishes something, then nominates us to do the same. Yet, the most culturally-challenging one are those dedicated to paintings and those dedicated to books. If I publish a painting, and you click "like" on it, I would assign you a painter, and you would have to publish one of his works. Or, if somebody nominates me to publish a list of 10 of my favourite books, I will also have to think of at least 3 friends who should do the same. Therefore, when this happens, we see at least a few friends of ours publishing lists of books and famous paintings each day. It is like they recommend us what to read, or which artist we should look up. And this can do us nothing but good. In a glance, we find out something we may not have seen or read before. I have been involved in both of these challenges, and, apart from sharing my own taste in art and literature, my curiosity and desire for knowledge were highly stimulated. So much, that I decided to dedicate more time to reading, which, with today's hectic lifestyle, has been quite difficult. Not bad, is it?

   And I wonder what the next type of challenge will be. Theatre plays? Movies? Music? Touristic destination? Tradition from our own countries? That's for us to choose. But we definitely LIKE it!