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POLYGLOT Issue 14
HOLIDAYS Issue 14 - The Polyglot
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Contents
Is Tourism Sinking Venice Turismophobia: Europe Phrasebook Notre Damage A glimpse of E Omotenash Autumn Flygsk Do
Cocoa Beach, United States
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e? 4 e's Holiday Hatred 6 8 10 Europe 12 hi: The Japanese Hospitality 13 and Winter traditions 14 kam / The Schengen Area 15 on't Stop Belize-ing 16 Voluntourism: a dirty halo? 18 Introduction to the Dominican Republic 20 Huawei: Duplicating Holiday Destinations 22
Editorial Welcome to Issue 14 of the Polyglot, Holidays. Technological advances over the course of the last century and the subsequent commercialisation of foreign travel now fuels over 100,000 air miles every day. Arguably, the only true way to understand what makes a place unique is being able to experience its authentic customs, traditions and cultures first-hand. Therefore because the Polyglot is a magazine that looks to underline the importance of language as a vehicle to broaden our horizons and help build cultural bridges we have decided to investigate holidays and tourism. Recent debates over the negative impacts of travel on people and places have called into question whether or not this exploration of the unknown is responsible. While our goal is to help readers expand their knowledge of foreign language and culture, our team of committed writers have looked further into the arguments surrounding the various effects of our holidays on the environment and the local population. Jimmy Strainge Editor-in-Chief
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Is Tourism sinking Venice? Jakob Hobbs explores over-tourism in Venice
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he ‘Queen of the Adriatic’. The ‘City of Bridges’. ‘La Serenissima’. Famed for its network of waterways, bridges and Venetian gothic architecture the idyllic beauty of Venice has inspired countless artists, romantics and writers. Tranquillity may seem inextricably linked with this city whose nickname literally means ‘The most serene’. However, with 25 million people visiting each year (a figure set to rise to 38 million by 2038) over-tourism has become a grave issue not only for the inhabitants but for the survival of the city itself. How has it got to this and what can be done to resolve it? Since the 18th century when it was a key stopover on the ‘Grand Tour’ (made by wealthy Europeans), Venice has always been a magnet for visitors. Having been a vital port connecting Europe with the Levant, it became a cultural and artistic hub, associated with Canaletto, Vivaldi, Lord Byron, Ruskin and others. By the 20th century, tourism had become an integral part of the Venetian economy and was promoted by events such as the Venice Film Festival and Carnival. However, the rapid growth of low-cost air travel, cruise ships and Airbnb style accommodation has led to an explosion in visitor numbers, particularly day-trippers. Arguably one of the most significant impacts of over-tourism is depopulation. The cost of living has increased rapidly, particularly due to poor employment outside of the tourism sector and rising house prices as a result of the influx of Airbnbs. The locals’ way of life has also become eroded with businesses gradually evolving to cater for tourists’ needs over those of the inhabitants. Over three decades the population of Venice has fallen from 120,000 to 55,000 with an estimated 2,000 leaving each year. The notion of Venice as a ‘living museum’ is rapidly becoming a reality as the city is slowly drained of local
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A large cruise ship sailing through Venice
life. Unsurprisingly, fierce anti-tourist sentiment has developed with a number of demonstrations taking place throughout 2018. Perhaps most worrying is the architectural and environmental impact which threatens to damage the city beyond repair. Cruise ships are often a target for blame since they not only produce vast quantities of pollution but are worsening erosion of the city itself through increased water turbulence and vibrations. UNESCO is even considering adding Venice to the endangered city list due to the immense threats it is facing. The authorities have attempted to mitigate these problems by diverting cruise ships over 55,000 tonnes from docking in the historic centre of the city. The Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, has also introduced controversial measures to tackle tourist levels, such as segregating locals and tourists at popular sites and charging entrance fees to gain access to the city. So, should you forgo Venice as a holiday destination? Not necessarily. The simplest solutions for tourists are to travel off-peak, avoid Airbnbs and spend money supporting local culture and architecture that they have come to admire. Probably Venice never did entirely live up to the soubriquet of ‘La Serenissima’ but it is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world and therefore deserves respect and protection… before it sinks!
“The notion of Venice as a ‘living museum’ is rapidly becoming a reality” Painting of Venice by Canaletto
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"Turismophobia": Europe's Holiday Hatred Jake Sedgwick analyses the grudges that locals hold for the constant European tourism.
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n recent years, many European tourist destinations, such as Barcelona, Lisbon and Milan, have seen an unprecedented wave of anti-tourism protests.The main causes of the demonstrations are due to large increases in local housing prices and the overuse of public spaces surrounding famous landmarks. However, local citizens have shown their outrage in some rather unusual ways. In Barcelona, an anti-tourist group called Arran, have been slashing tyres of rental cars and breaking windows of five-star hotels. There have been demonstrations featuring banners that read “Barcelona no está en venda” (Barcelona is not for sale), and “El turisme mata els barris” (Tourism kills neighbourhoods). Many Barcelona city officials have been outspoken in their views on the
“Local citizens show their outrage in some rather unusual ways”
negative impacts of tourism on their city including comments suggesting that they prefer immigrants over tourists. In Lisbon, there are bans on selling homes to foreigners and a significantly reduced supply of building permits for new hotels. Increasingly empty bottles, cardboard boxes, plastic cups and containers overflowing with trash have been found littered across streets and pathways of Lisbon. Last year, transport was a real problem in the Portuguese capital, as tickets were few and far between during peak times of the summer. In Milan, there have been bans on selfie sticks, plastic bottles and other tourist related items in order to avoid tourist related injuries and general
Tourists crowded on a small quay in Mykonos, Greece
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An example of "Turismophobia"
lack of awareness. Further bans have been put in place to stop people paddling public fountains or eating in public in Milan as well as other popular Italian cities such as Rome. In 2017, measures were taken against antisocial behavior to protect residential neighbourhoods after local concerns were raised about the sustainability of tourism in some Milanese districts. With this in mind, we need to ensure that we achieve a balance between travelling for pleasure and making sure the locals benefit from tourism. The first thing we need to do is to become aware of the effects our actions as tourists have on local people and their environment. Only then can we call ourselves world citizens.
European cities with most over-tourism 1. Barcelona, Spain 2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands 3. Venice, Italy 4. Milan, Italy 5. Budapest, Hungary Source: statista.com
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Phrasebook Ever wondered what to say abroad? The Polyglot team has collected the following phrases for you, from a selection of languages.
Good morning/ Good evening. How are you? A table for 2 and the menu, please. The food was delicious, thank you. Where are the toilets? Sorry, I don’t speak (add your language)
French Bonjour/ Bonsoir. Ça va? Une table pour deux et la carte, s’il vous plaît. C’était délicieux, merci. Où sont les toilettes? Pardon, je ne parle pas français.
Spanish Buenos días / Buenas noches. ¿Qué tal? Una mesa para dos y el menú, por favor. La comida fue deliciosa, gracias. ¿Dónde está el baño? Lo siento, no hablo español.
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German Guten Morgen/ Guten Abend. Wie geht’s? Einen Tisch für zwei und die Karte, bitte. Das Essen war hervorragend. Danke. Wo sind die Toiletten? Tut mir Leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch.
Italian
Buongiorno/Buona sera. Come state? Un tavolo per due per piacere. Il cibo era delizioso, grazie. Dove si trova il bagno? Scusatemi, non parlo italiano.
早上(zǎoshang)好(hǎo)/晚上(wǎnshang)好(hǎo)！你好(nǐhǎo)吗(ma)？ [我(wǒ)想(xiǎng)要(yào)]可以(kěyǐ)坐(zuò)两(liǎng)个人(gèrén)的(de)桌子 (zhuōzǐ)和(hé)菜单(càidān)。 菜(cài)很(hěn)好吃(hàochī)，谢谢(xièxiè)。
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Zdravo / Dobar dan / Dobro veče Sto za dvoje i karta, molim vas. Bilo je ukusno, hvala. Gde su toaleti? Izvinite, ne pričam bosanski.
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Goeie more/ Goeie naand. Hoe gaan dit? ‘n tafel vir twee en ‘n spyskaart asseblief Die kos was lekker, baie dankie. Waar is die ruskamer? Ek is jammer, ek kan nie jou taal praat nie.
Romanian Buna dimineata/ ziua/ seara. Ce mai faceti? O masa pentru doua persoane si meniul zilei, va rog. Mancarea a fost delicioasa, multumim frumos. Unde este toaleta, va rog? Imi pare rau, nu vorbesc romaneste.
Greek Καλημέρα/ Καλησπέρα. Πως είστε; (polite) Ένα τραπέζι για δύο και τον τιμοκατάλογο παρακαλώ. Το φαγητό ήταν πολύ νόστιμο ευχαριστώ. Που είναι οι τουαλέτες; Συγνώμη δεν μιλάω ελληνικά.
Welsh
Bore/Prynhawn Da. Sut wyt ti? Bwrdd ar gyfer dau, a’r fwydlen, Os gwelwch yn dda. Roedd y bwyd yn flasus iawn, Diolch Ble yw’r toiledau? Mae’n ddrwg gen i, dw’i ddim yn siarad Cymraeg
Hungarian Jó reggelt/ estét. Hogy vagy? Egy asztalt két személynek és a menüt, legyen szíves. Az étel finom volt, köszönöm. Hol van a vécé? Elnézést, nem beszélek magyarul.
Malay
Selamat Pagi / Selamat Petang. Apa Khabar? Satu meja untuk dua sila. Ini makanan sangat sedap, terimah kasih! Di mana tandas? Maafkan, saya tidak cakap bahasa kamu.
Bulgarian Dobroutro/ Dobar vecher. Kak ste? Masa za dvama dushi. Moga li da vidya vuh meniyoto, molya. Khranata beshne vkusna. Kade e toaletnatuh? Izvinyave, az ne govorya bulgarski.
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Notre Damage L
a nouvelle de la destruction de Notre-Dame de Paris a choqué tout le monde en avril 2019. Cette date sera gravé dans la mémoire de beaucoup de catholiques ainsi que chez le grand public comme la date où un feu a consumé environ soixante pour cent de l’ancien toit de la cathédrale et a détruit des fenêtres qui remontent à l'ère de Guillaume le Conquérant. Heureusement tout n’a pas été perdu, la couronne d’épines que Jésus Christ aurait porté en souffrant sur la croix lors de la crucifixion, par exemple. De plus le grand orgue et les statues des douze apôtres ont survécu aussi. Pendant l’incident, de nombreux gens ont aidé afin d’empêcher la destruction totale. Quatres cent pompiers ont collaborés pour éteindre le feu tandis que les citoyens les ont soutenus. Malheureusement trois pompiers ont été blessé par le feu. Après avoir éteint l’incendie, Paris s’est noyée sous une mer de larmes pendant la nuit. A burning Notre Dame seen in April 2019
Billy Backhouse explains the effects of the burning cathedral in Paris.
En réponse à l’évènement, beaucoup de gens influents ont promis des très larges donations pour contribuer à la reconstruction de la cathédrale. La famille Arnault, bien connu pour la propriété des marques luxueuses comme Louis Vuitton et Christian Dior, a annoncé qu’elle donnerait 200 million d’euros. Par ailleurs les donations des autres entreprises diverses totalisent une somme d’un milliard d’euros. En se tournant vers l’avenir, le gouvernement français espère pouvoir finir la reconstruction de la cathédrale dans les années qui suivent, mais cela semble douteux. Edouard Philippe, le bras droit du président Emmanuel Macron, a annoncé un concours pour la refonte de la flèche dans la controverse avec la légalité. Philippe a dit:”le concours international permettra de voir les possibilités d’un nouveau design” , il a continué “peut-être qu’on devrait donner une nouvelle flèche qui montre les difficultés et les techniques de notre temps’’. Les designs en question incluent une grand flèche en verre, une serre et également une piscine.Selon moi, je crois que la cathédrale devrait être reconstruite avec des matériaux modernes mais elle devrait retenir la conception vieille. De nombreuses agences de tourisme ont prédit que le tourisme augmentera à cause des nombreux gens qui veulent voir la cathédrale détruite. À la suite de l’attaque, la devise ‘nous sommes Paris’ a uni tout le monde. Les événements suivants ont démontré ces mots célèbres, le taux de manifestations des gilets jaunes a baissé bien que récemment a eu lieu une agression qui s’est soldé par un échec.
"this date will be engraved in the memories of many"
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Notre Dame before this year's fire
The news of the destruction of Notre-Dame shocked the world in April 2019. This date will be engraved in the memories of many Catholics as well as in the memories of the general public as the date where a blaze consumed sixty percent of the ancient cathedral roof and destroyed windows which date back to the time of William the Conqueror. Fortunately not everything was lost, the crown of thorns that Jesus Christ would have worn whilst suffering on the crucifix, for example. In addition, the main organ and the statues of the 12 apostles also survived the inferno. During the incident, numerous people helped to try and stop the total destruction of the cathedral. Four hundred firemen collaborated to stop the fire whilst citizens supported them. Unfortunately three firemen were injured. After the fire had been stopped, Paris drowned in a sea of tears throughout the night. In response to the tragedy, many affluent people promised very large sums to contribute to the reconstruction of the cathedral. The Arnault family, well known for their ownership of luxurious brands such as Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, announced that they would donate two hundred million euros. Furthermore, the donations of various other enterprises totalled a sum of one billion euros.
Turning towards the future, the French government hopes to be able to finish the reconstruction of the cathedral in the following few years, however this figure seems doubtful. Edouard Philippe, the righthand man of President Emmanuel Macron, announced a competition for the redesign of the spire amidst legal controversy. Philippe said “the international competition will allow us to see the possibilities of a new design”, he continued “perhaps we should build a spire which demonstrates both the difficulties and skills of our time”. The designs in question include a giant glass spire, a green house and even a public swimming pool (atop the cathedral). In my opinion, I believe that the cathedral should be rebuilt with modern materials but retain the original design. Numerous tourist agencies have predicted that local tourism will increase due to the number of people who want to see the destroyed cathedral. In the aftermath of the attack, the motto ‘We are Paris’ encompassed the world. The following events have demonstrated these famous words, as the rate of ‘yellow jacket’ protests has fallen although recently a terror attack was foiled.
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A glimpse of Europe
Philip Kimber recounts the 2nd year trip to Germany and France
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icht lange nach den Prüfungen sind zweiundvierzig Schüler nach Frankreich und Deutschland gefahren. Obwohl wir für nur zwei Tage dort waren weil die Busreise sehr lang war, hat der Trip viel Spaß gemacht.
Am ersten Tag sind wir nur mit dem Bus gefahren und im Hotel angekommen. Am zweiten Tag sind wir nach Freiburg in Deutschland gefahren. Weil die Busreise nur eine Stunde gedauert hat, hatten wir viel Zeit in der Stadt. Zuerst haben wir eine Wanderung durch die Stadt gemacht. Das war sehr interessant, weil wir viele Gebäude gesehen und viel über die Geschichte der Stadt gelernt haben. Am Nachmittag, nachdem wir in der Nähe vom Münster gegessen hatten, hatten wir etwas Freizeit. Die meisten von uns haben viele Süßigkeiten gekauft. Danach sind wir in den Waldseilgarten gefahren. Wir haben alles toll gefunden! Am nächsten Tag sind wir nach Strasbourg in Frankreich gefahren. Zuerst haben wir eine Schatzsuche durch die Stadt gemacht. Das war sehr schwierig - aber meine Mannschaft hat gewonnen! Später haben wir eine Schiffsrundfahrt am Kanal gemacht. Das hat uns erlaubt viele Gebäude zu sehen und viel über die Geschichte der Stadt zu lernen, weil es einen Audioführer gab. Die Schiffsrundfahrt war auch gut weil das Wetter sehr sonnig war und es nicht geregnet hat. Am Nachmittag hatten wir nochmal Freizeit. Einige von uns sind in die Kathedrale gegangen und haben die grandiose Astronomische Uhr gesehen. Am letzten Tag sind wir wieder in die Schule gefahren. Die Busreise hat natürlich sehr lang gedauert und wir waren alle sehr müde als wir in der Schule angekommen sind. Insgesamt haben wir den Trip sehr gut und interessant gefunden. Obwohl er kurz und ermüdend war, war er sehr unterhaltsam.
Glossary obwohl: although viel Zeit: a lot of time lernen über: to learn about danach: afterwards der Waldseilgarten: high ropes park die Schatzsuche: treasure hunt die Schiffsrundfahrt: boat ride erlauben: to allow ermüdend: tiring unterhaltsam: entertaining
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Omotenashi: The Japanese Hospitality Andreas Lo experiences Omotenashi on the Music tour to Japan
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’ve always admired the Japanese hospitality, but it wasn’t until I had two school exchanges and a homestay with Japanese families during the First Orchestra Tour last July, that I truly appreciated the definition of ‘Omotenashi’, and deeply experienced their culture and courteous hospitality. ‘Omotenashi’ is hospitality culture at its finest. ‘Omote’ means public face and ‘nashi’ translates as nothing. Japanese people believe that everyone has to treat guests from the bottom of their hearts, without pretending or hiding, and that the customer is god. Despite meeting them for the first time, I felt the warmth and kindness from the musicians during our exchange. Above all, they thought about us before themselves, trying to make us feel comfortable and welcome. Moreover, the Japanese try to lead a simple life on a day to day basis, but when guests are around, they welcome them with elaborate feasts. To my surprise, sushi and sashimi aren’t actually the usual types of food enjoyed in a Japanese family meal. Despite this, during the first night of my homestay, the mother bought some sashimi especially so that we could make some handmade sushi together. I have also learnt that there were rituals before and after a meal. Just as the French would say ‘Bon appétit’, the Japanese say ‘itadakimasu’, which means ‘I will humbly receive’. After finishing your meal, it is customary to say ‘gochisousama deshita’, which literally translates as ‘it was quite a feast’. The Japanese are extremely polite to each other as well as to guests. They rarely become involved in arguments and the limited number of swear words in their language are a testament to this. Sad-
ly, if you want to swear in a foreign language, Japanese is not an option. The Japanese always provide the best service: from the moment you enter a restaurant or shop until you’ve disappeared from their sight. Bowing is a typical culture in Japan and an integral part of ‘omotenashi’. I was always greeted by an ‘eshaku’, a 15° bow, during my shopping and dining experiences in Japan. Tips are never expected, instead, you are merely thanked for your stay and interest. A lot of restaurants also follow a similar ethos of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyū, who summed up the impeccable service with a poem: ‘Though you wipe your hands and brush off the dust and dirt from the vessels, what is the use of all this fuss if the heart is still impure?’ While the taste of a dish is important, the service and the presentation of the dish are equally significant. I learnt a lot about Japanese hospitality during my trip, and ‘omotenashi’ is truly the one to admire and learn from. I would thoroughly recommend you go to Japan to really immerse yourself in this majestic city and the amiable hospitality that awaits you.
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Autumn and Winter traditions 1
Moon festival (China): Celebrating the rice harvest in the 8th month of the year, on the 15th day (13.09.2019). That’s when the moon is at its roundest and brightest, symbolising togetherness and reunion in Chinese culture.
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Loi Krathong (Thailand): In the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai Lunar calendar (11.11.2019) baskets decorated with flowers, banana leaves, candle and incense sticks are sent floating in the rivers to wash away sins and celebrate the close relationship with water in Thailand.
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DĂa de los muertos (MĂŠxico): To remember the dead, Mexicans celebrate their lives as they believe the dead return to their families on that day (2.11.2019). Colourful decorations, such as bunting, flowers and decorated (artificial) skulls can be found everywhere.
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Hanukkah: Jewish celebration lasting 8 days celebrated on the 25th day of the month Kislew (November/December). The central symbol is the (22.12.-30.12.2019) menorah, a candelabrum with nine branches, of which one candle is lit every day.
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Midsommar (Sweden): The summer solstice (the longest day and the shortest night of the year) is celebrated on a Saturday between 20th and 26th June (20.06.2019). Dancing around a decorated tree pole and eating the first potatoes of the year with herring, cheese and strawberries for dessert are part of the biggest Swedish celebration.
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Flygskam: Are you ashamed to fly yet?
2%
This Swedish word literally translates as “flight shame”. It’s the name of an anti-flying movement that originated in Sweden last year, which encourages people to stop taking flights to lower carbon emissions and reduce overall environmental damage. This movement has been endorsed by Swedish biathlete ‘Bjorn Ferry’ as well as both Greta Thunberg and her mother, a famous opera singer. This movement has already elicited an increase in train journeys as well as the reintroduction of night trains in Sweden.
Flying is responsible for 2% of the world’s CO2 emissions
4.1bn
4.1 billion passengers took a flight last year
What’s the Schengen Zone, and who can travel in it? The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The name derives from the Luxembourg village of Schengen, where the treaty was signed in 1985 by 5 of the 10 original EU member states. Anyone with citizenship of any of the Schengen state may pass freely as well as those who have a Schengen area visa. Since the UK is not a member of the Schengen Area, travellers will always (regardless of Brexit) be asked to show their passports when entering or leaving the country. The Schengen Zone is composed of 26 European states -->
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Don’t stop Belize-ing Huba Varady dives into the holiday haven of Central America, Belize.
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he Belizean people could be described as polyglots. Although the most widely spoken language is Belizean Creole, the official language of the country is English, but Spanish is also widely spoken. In fact, over half of the population is multilingual. Tucked away in the North-East of Central America, the island of Belize has a population of around 409,000 people (2019), smaller than any other country in Central America. Due to its colonial history, it is a diverse island with many different cultures that make it attractive to tourists. In terms of its climate, Belize is subtropical which supports high levels of biodiversity and renders it a site of natural beauty. Its appealing climate and the fact that English is an official language result in almost 1 million tourists (70% of which are American) visiting this getaway destination annually.
Recently there has been an increasing awareness of the negative-effects of tourism, especially carbon emissions from holidays. Belize is motivated to address this issue. While many tourists cherish the variety of both plant and animal life on the island, the locals also see the preservation of the island’s ecosystems as of paramount importance. The greatest worry seems to be damage to its coral reef, part of the larger Mesoamerican reef. This is because the community is reliant on a healthy reef system for its fishing and tourist industries - in fact around half of its population are reliant on the coral. Coral reefs provide $4 billion yearly to the Carribean, and for Belize it provides 15% of its GDP. Increases in water temperature - suspected to be caused by global warming - result in coral bleaching where the algae that live symbiotically with the coral, leave. This also turns the coral white making it less appeal-
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The Caye Caulker split in Belize
ing for tourists. The increased water temperature also creates a better environment for the spread of disease that causes less fish to stay alive, and the ones that do to be smaller. Without action, these reefs are projected to disappear by 2060. Back in 2015 Leonardo DiCaprio bought an island in Belize for $1.75 million, named Blackadore Caye. The purpose behind this purchase was to create an eco-resort. DiCaprio himself said that the project would be “ground-breaking in the environmental movement”. The actor plans to build a hotel including 36 estate villas and 36 resort bungalows that are designed to be ‘off the grid living homes’. Solar panels fuelled by the Carribean sun
“Without action, these reefs are projected to disappear by 2060.“
will allow these villas to be 100% carbon neutral, while even adding advanced technologies such as circadian lighting that adjusts the level of light to be in harmony with our body clock. This not only helps the guest to fall asleep easier but also saves energy in the evening. This resort is a glimpse of hope and also a demonstration of the increasing awareness of the effects of climate change. The encouraging fact is that this constructive attitude is being displayed in a holiday destination, where we would assume that people tend to unwind and relax, forgetting about their other obligations. However DiCaprio shows us that one can do both at the same time.
Belize: country profile Population: 374,681 (2017) Capital City: Belmopan Area: 22,965km2 9
GDP: $1.8bn
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Voluntourism: a dirty halo? Jimmy Strainge investigates the impacts of the growing voluntourism industry
voluntourism noun a form of tourism in which travellers participate in voluntary work, typically for a charity. “at the core of voluntourism is the desire to help others”
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ust an hour working with the Argentinian charity Botines Solidarios in Buenos Aires ignited a fantastic feeling of altruism throughout all 50 boys on rugby tour. Helping the deprived young children of the slum forget about their surroundings created a real sense of giving-back to society, whilst also giving some perspective on life. But, had we really helped? The idea of voluntourism is far reaching and has many modern connotations, projects such as the Moldova trip and the True Adventure expeditions are examples of how voluntourism has now become part of the Abingdon school calendar. This concept is now a growing and has become an ever present part of the tourism industry. The meteoric rise that this genre of travelling has seen has led to the fact that it has become a commercially viable product in the developed world. However, it is clear that the intentions of flying abroad to a completely unknown, potentially hostile country, where you do not speak the language are founded on strong moral groundings. Evidently, developing countries experiencing the voluntourism can benefit from the actions of those looking to help.
For instance, the work of a company called Global Volunteers that claims to have engaged more than 34,000 international volunteers in more than 200 communities in 35 countries on six continents since 1984, has worked tirelessly to build over 20 community buildings since its establishment. On the other hand, according to a lot of recent media the impacts of the so-called voluntourism industry have actually been more negative than the intended charitable outcome. The criticism of the industry has come in the form of aggressive attacks on selfie-induced, self-indulgent teens looking to satisfy their need to feel good about themselves. These attacks have been backed-up by JK Rowling who has previously said that she “will never retweet appeals that treat poor children as opportunities to enhance Westerners’ CVs”, due to her view that many orphanages have become money making machines. This view was founded in the fact that in 2009 a report made by Save the Children showed around 4 out of 5 children living in so called ‘artificial orphanages’ were not actually orphans. Furthermore, after the results of recent investigations, psychologists have used the socalled term ‘white-saviour complex’. This refers to the impulsive feeling many white teenagers of the
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Volunteer at an orphanage in Kenya developed world have experienced forcing them in the direction of this type of tourism. Overall, clearly, the idea of voluntourism, closely linked with the concepts of charity and altruism, is in itself wholesome and morally justifiable. Nevertheless, the third party flogging and commercialisation of this idea is ultimately the reason why most people consider that this halo has been tarnished. So, with gap years and summer holidays on the horizon, will you take the heroic leap abroad and become a voluntourist?
How popular is voluntourism?
“self-indulgent teens looking to satisfy their need to feel good about themselves�
1.6 million An estimated 1.6 million people participate in voluntourism each year. It’s thought to be the fastest growing form of travel.
$2.6 billion
The voluntourism industry is worth around US $2.6 billion.
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República Dominicana: primera nación del «Nuevo Mundo» Our Spanish Assistant Sr. Arias introduces us to his home country
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¡Ven a bailar bachata y merengue a la República Dominicana!
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isitar la República Dominicana significa tener un encuentro con el primer país del «Nuevo Mundo». Localizada en el corazón del mar Caribe, Santo Domingo se enorgullece de ser la Ciudad Primada de América, sede de la primera universidad y la primera catedral del continente descubierto. Su gente se caracteriza por su alegría, su hospitalidad y una variedad del español dulce y cálida. A pesar de ser un país en desarrollo con difíciles retos en el plano económico, político y social, se vive de manera intensa pero sosegada, y con un ritmo de vida pausado. Sus playas paradisíacas atraen a mucha gente de todo el mundo cada año. Además, se dice que los dominicanos tienen una gran facilidad para moverse al son de ritmos tropicales como la bachata y el merengue. Son bailes de salón muy populares en los países más avanzados, pero originados en esta isla. De manera que se trata de una exportación cultural del folklore dominicano. Entonces, ¿te animas a conocer este interesante país y a su gente maravillosa?
Come along to dance bachata and merengue in the Dominican Republic!
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f you visit the Dominican Republic, you will have an encounter with the first European settlement in the ''New World''. Situated in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Santo Domingo takes pride in being the First City in the Americas, home to the First Cathedral and First University in the newly discovered continent. Dominicans are known for their friendly nature, hospitality and also for speaking a milder and warmer variety of Spanish. Despite the socioeconomic and political challenges, people in this country of contrasts lead an intense yet relaxed lifestyle. They live as they go. It's worth highlighting that the paradisiacal beaches are a holiday destination for numerous tourists from all around the world. Moreover, Dominicans are also famous for dancing to the rhythm of tropical dances such as bachata and merengue, which have become widely popular as ballroom dances. What many people don't know though, is that these fun rhythms originated in the Caribbean nation. Thus, they represent a cultural export of the Dominican folklore. So, do you fancy discovering this country and its fantastic people?
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THE POLYGLOT
Huawei: Duplicating Holiday Destinations Charlie Masters explores the giant tech company's brand new Chinese campus
H
uawei has recently been accused of copying Western technological ideas. Now, with its new Dongguan headquarters in southern China, the tech corporation is setting its sights on something even bigger to clone: European architecture. Huawei’s new joint campus, called “Ox-Horn”, is composed of 12 “towns” named and modelled after European cities. These include an area mimicking the design of Granada (a city in the south of Spain), Paris - the architecture of its university, Burgundy (Eastern France), Verona and Bologna (for Italian design), Bruges (Belgium), and Cesky (Czech Republic). Aside from offices, the town also features an ‘Illy’ coffee shop, a FamilyMart convenience store and a gym. A replication of the Freedom Bridge in Budapest can also be found dividing the campus in half. “Ox-Horn” is connected by a tram system fashioned from Swiss design, and trains link it to other Huawei campuses, as well as worker housing - the scheme is sort of like a miniature Eurail. The complex is so large that it takes the tram 22 minutes to ‘visit Europe’. The 9 square kilometre facility can house up to 25,000 employees. The idea of architectural mimicry from around the globe isn’t actually new in China. There are also replicas of Paris, London, and Jackson Hole (Wyoming) scattered across the country that date back to the 1990s, of course by different designers to these Dongguan headquarters. Huawei’s new cam-
The original version of the Faculté de Droit in France, a building 'cloned' by Huawei
pus seems to be a nod to the company’s founder and chief executive, Ren Zhengfei, who is a trained architect. The question is: does this campus act as an incentive for the employers who spend time there to travel to Europe and see the actual designs, or does it replace the need to spend money on flying to the continent as, when at work, they can observe the same thing for free? If you worked in a place that looked like the Berlin Cathedral or the Empire State Building would you want to travel to see the original? Does the (environmental) cost and inconvenience of travel outweigh the enriching outcomes of personally experiencing foreign culture? Perhaps this architectural mimicry might even be the future, given growing concerns about the environmental impact of long haul travel.
“The complex is so large that it takes the tram 22 minutes to 'visit Europe'”
The Huawei Headquarters in Shenzhen
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Front Cover Image - View over Majorca, Spain Back Cover Image - Atlantic Ocean, as seen from 38,000ft The Polyglot is a publication wholly produced and owned by Abingdon School, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity (Charity No. 1071298). Copyright in all articles and images remains with the creators and owners of those works. Previously published images and other excerpts from published works are used under the terms of Fair Use or a Creative Commons licence.
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POLYGLOT Issue 14
