Category Archives: Societal Issues

Connecting people from different cultures

“No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive”. – Mahatma Gandhi

The Festival of Migrations and Cultures, one of Luxembourg’s most important annual events organised by the Comité de Liaison des Associations d’Étrangers ( CLAE), took place last February 24-25. There were more than 30,000 visitors and 400 stands. I heard at least a dozen languages spoken by people who visited my English Language Lovers booth.

The multiculturalism of Luxembourg (known as the Grand Duchy), with about 660,000 residents, was showcased. Luxembourg is the seventh-smallest country in Europe and has borders with Belgium to the west and north, France to the south (where I live), and Germany to the east. Its official languages are Luxembourgish, French, and German. It is one of the four institutional seats of the European Union (EU); the others are in Brussels, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg. The EU institutions have 24 official languages; English is one of them.

Last week’s event reminded me of Australia’s multicultural festivals (or even private gatherings and national celebrations that look like the United Nations’ party).

In 2018, the New Internationalist (NI) listed these ten steps to world peace: start by stamping out exclusion, bring about true equality between women and men, share out wealth fairly, tackle climate change, display less hubris, make more policy change, protect political space, fix intergenerational relations, build an integrated peace movement, and look within – peace starts with you.  (https://newint.org/features/2018/09/18/10-steps-world-peace accessed on 10/02/2024)

NI’s suggestions are needed more than ever, notably with what is happening in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Connecting with people helps change thoughts, perceptions, and actions; multicultural gathering is one practical way to do this. Why? Because:

  • It helps us better understand the differences and similarities between people.
  • It promotes open-mindedness among different groups of people and dispels negative stereotypes.
  • It provides opportunities for the mutual sharing of traditions and cultures.
  • It encourages the exchanging of information and perspectives, leading to a peaceful neighbourhood, workplace, and society.

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.”— Nelson Mandela (1918-2013, first Black president of South, i.e. from 1994 to1999).

*The world has evolved; race doesn’t exist, but ethnicity does. Gender identity is wide-ranging from masculinity, femininity, and transgender to agender (genderless or neutral – neither male nor female nor a combination of male and female).

How are you? I’m Busy!

The year 2024 has started with challenging projects and deadlines for me. Like many people who wear several hats, I wish I had more than 24 hours in a day or more than two hands. Thus, last week, I had difficulty responding to “How are you?” It would have been easier and simpler to reply “busy”. Since I felt it was a bit unfriendly, I said, “Alright, and you?” Did they really want to know how I was or what was going on with my life? 

Benoit has told me he doesn’t respond to “How are you?” because it’s just a greeting and doesn’t mean something. If that’s the case, why say “How are you” when you can do it with “Hello” or “Hi”? 

When I say “How are you?”, I mean it as a greeting and wanting to know if the person is well or happy. Therefore, I’m pleased with any of these responses: I’m well, I’m great, I’m okay, I’m alright, and I’m fine. Most people are polite and continue the conversation with “How about you” or “And you?” The chatter can prolong depending on your relationship with the individual (colleague, neighbour, friend, etc.). 

I’m glad I didn’t respond “busy” to “How are you?” because what does being busy mean? Busyness is a choice; you are either busy or not. It’s a relative word and can be positive or negative. Merriam-Webster defines the adjective “busy” (ˈbi-zē) as engaged in action (occupied), full of activity (bustling), foolishly or intrusively active (meddling), or full of distracting detail. (https://www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › busy).

“Busy” can sound more negative than positive, and if you believe in the law of attraction, it’s one of these words that should be used with care and in moderation, plus the tone. According to the law of attraction, negative thoughts bring negative results into a person’s life, and so with positivism. It is based on the belief that thoughts are a form of energy, and positive energy attracts success in all areas of life, including health, finances, and relationships (Scott, E. 2022. What Is the Law of Attraction? How Your Thoughts Can Influence Outcomes in Your Life. Https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-and-using-the-law-of-attraction-3144808).

Therefore, instead of “I’m busy”, why not “I’m working on/I’m involved in/I’m tied up”? I sometimes say, “I’ve lots to do but not snowed under”. If someone wants you to do something, try this phrase — “I’m afraid I don’t have time to do it now” or “Yes, when I have a minute”. 

Saying you’re busy can be a writing on the wall or a self-fulfilling prophecy. Busyness (noun; busily – adverb) can lead to self-negligence, unrealistic goals, anxiety, and fatigue that may cause burnout. It can become an addiction, and any form of addiction is toxic. 

No one should be busy not to engage in self-care, i.e. having sound and enough sleep, eating nutritious food regularly, exercising, participating in group activities, etc.

“Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed”.  – Saint Francis de Sales (Https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/busy-quotes).

(Before getting up every morning, while still lying down, I focus on a particular object or subject for calmness – this is meditation for me. We don’t need to be seated on the floor with our hands resting lightly on our legs to meditate. It can even be done standing).

Prioritisation of tasks prevents busyness.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning”. – Albert Einstein (1879-1955, German-born physicist)

In 2023, Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominated societal debates, from how it impacts employment in some occupational sectors to its questionable use in the modelling industry. As a language teacher, I’m not immune from the significance of AI’s rapid evolution. In my writing courses, I don’t discourage adult students from using translators or AI, as they maintain doing this to save time. Instead, I focus on how they can improve their AI-generated texts, pointing out the choice of words and punctuation, reminding them to check the type of English (UK or US) and adapt this to the one their company or organisation uses, and forming or adding phrases to sound human or courteous but impactful. Most importantly, we discuss intellectual property rights, reputable resourcing, and referencing.


A year and a half ago, I started writing a novel. With the arrival of Chat GPT (AI software and platforms show up every day), I decided to shelve it. There are already novels helped by AI or even entirely written by it, and many more will be on the market. How do readers differentiate between human and AI-generated stories?


I enjoy writing, and in 2024, I’ll venture into a non-fiction illustrated/pictorial book that is entertaining (fun to read) yet informative or educative. Wish me luck! I admire people with a good sense of humour, a gift I don’t have but am determined to acquire as a skill. I hope to achieve this objective before AI exceeds my ability to laugh and empathise.


It’s a coffee table book about using English in our globalised and digitalised world. I need anecdotes, jokes, photos, and illustrations related to this topic. All contributions will be acknowledged (i.e. you decide on your full legal name, nickname, or website link that will go with them). You can contact me through the comment section here. I’m the only one who can see your message and email address, which are deleted after I’ve read them).


How about you? What did you let go last year? What are your challenges in 2024?


I wish you, my readers, and your loved ones good health, peace, love, joy, and prosperity. May you’ve more giggles than grumbles this year!

Are hotels obliged to book transport for clients? Have you had hotel dissatisfaction?

Before I talk about this month’s topic, I’d like to express my gratitude to you, my readers. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you, receive your “likes”, and read your comments.  I wish you joy, peace, and good health this holiday season.

Now, here’s my last blog in 2023.

My flight from London to Luxembourg was at 7:35 am, and I had to be at the airport by 6:00 am. I went to T Hotel’s reception at 5:00 am, requesting them to call me a taxi. They said they’re not allowed to do this. Surprised, I blurted out, “You’re not allowed to help a client. I don’t have an app for it, and I’m having a problem with my iPhone”. This hotel was close to the airport, which was the reason why I chose it, so I asked them the quickest way to get there. The two staffers didn’t have the answer and kept telling me to use Google Maps. They instantly forgot that there was a software bug on my mobile.

After walking for five minutes in a dimly lit street, I wasn’t sure where I was going. So, I decided to go to the nearest hotel M to ask for assistance. I told the young man at its reception my problem. He didn’t only book a taxi for me but offered me coffee.

I’ve been to over 40 countries and stayed at different-starred accommodations; it was the first time a hotel receptionist refused to call a taxi for me. When I returned home to France, I received a feedback form from T Hotel; I rated poorly my experience with them. If they had called a taxi or Uber for me, I would not have made a big deal of the check-in wait of more than 10 minutes. I was impatient as I could hear voices behind the reception desk.

Hotels are not required to book transport for their clients. However, most of them offer this service as a courtesy to their guests. Next time I choose a hotel, I’ll check its customer service policy and practice. About my two-year-old mobile, its warranty has just expired, so I might trade it in with a newer model that doesn’t have a software bug.

For business or leisure?

My hotel story didn’t end in London. On November 18 & 19, I had a stand at the Walferdange book fair. I live 45 km from this Luxembourgish town but decided to stay in a hotel nearby to be rested and alert the following day. Unexpectedly and disappointingly, the room they gave me had a non-stop irritating noise that sounded like a boiler or air conditioning system, which I recorded at 2:00 am, 4:00 am, and 6:00 am. I had enough of twisting and curling in bed at 6:20 am, so I switched on their tele; the screen message was “no connection”. I checked out earlier than planned. When I showed my recordings to its receptionist, she said they would look at it. Was her one-time sorry enough to compensate for losing a good night’s sleep and a relaxing weekend?

What an eyesore!

What an eyesore!

A beggar hates his benefactor as much as he hates himself for begging“.
Oscar Wilde (azquotes.com/quotes/topics/begging.html)

It’s an eyesore seeing the desperation of the most vulnerable people in our society begging. Studies show there is a connection between begging and homelessness.

On my way to work, I often notice beggars, also known as panhandlers. They are at the tram station in a business district in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Isn’t begging illegal? Why do some people give to beggars and many don’t?

Begging is prohibited or restricted in many countries. For example, each state and territory in Australia has specific laws regarding begging and panhandling. It’s illegal in Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania (but not in the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia).

Begging is not illegal in most EU countries. However, the European Court on Human Rights declared that a ban on begging violated the person’s right to private and family life in one of its cases. It did not state that begging should be decriminalised, which was wise. Criminalising it can negatively affect the vulnerable, raising ethical, legal, and social concerns.

In Luxembourg, where I work, begging is permitted in the city centre, main train station “Gare” and its neighbourhood, and suburb of Bonnevoie between 7 AM and 10 PM. This ban prohibits people from asking for money but allows them to sit on the ground. The business district of Kirchberg is not on the list; that’s why – as you can see in the photo, the individual is sitting on the ground, begging, and drying her laundry on a shopping trolley.

I have seen people giving money to beggars, but I don’t because I’m uncertain what they might do with it. Will I be aiding and abetting the cycle of abuse or addiction to alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs? Are they begging for themselves, or are they forced to do so by others?

Do you give to beggars? Don’t you think the more we give, the more we make begging lucrative and devalue the day’s hard-earned money? If imprisonment, fines, and community-based orders don’t stop begging, what will work?

Time flies, and memories stay

“Time flies” is a “based-on-a-true story” metaphor. Three months ago, I was so excited about visiting countries in three continents. My suitcase was ready three weeks before departure. I hummed and danced while boxing up little presents for my family and friends Down Under. Today, I’m back in France; where have the days gone? 

July and August have vanished, but memories stay. Memories often enrich our lives and help us through difficult times. They help us better understand ourselves and the world we live in. Reflecting on these memories, we are reminded of what we treasure and then adjust our current and future choices. 

There is a link between memory and emotion; e.g. focusing on positive aspects creates more healthy brain functioning and wellbeing. In other words, memories provide a sense of purpose, continuity and stability, helping us face hiccups at home and work.

Memories are not all positive. Negative ones can be disturbing. What do you do when a bad memory pops up? I go for a walk or do physical activities, socialise with family and friends, and accept that the past can’t be changed (instead, think of a silver lining). 

I thank all our relatives and friends for their kindness to us during our summer holiday. They went the extra mile to spend time with us amidst their hectic schedules and our short notice. One of them Facebooked me after our get together: “The Beauty about True Friendship is no matter the distance or how long it has been since seeing each other, you can pickup where you left off “.

“Humans, not places, make memories.” – Ama Ata Aidoo (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/memories)

Tripping down memory lane

For two weeks now, we’ve been driving in roads lined with eucalyptus and gum trees, which brings back happy memories of daily trips to Brisbane’s northern and western suburbs.

Drive slowly – koalas are crossing road ahead

When I was waiting for the city train, I noticed a poster with a message I couldn’t agree more. Almost forty years ago, near this spot, there was a placard sign that said: “When you’re alone, watch your thoughts; when you’re with someone, watch your words…” I can’t remember the rest.

Before heading to Brisbane, we stopped in Melbourne, where I attended a conference in 1992. It was a cold, windy day; I detoured to a thrift shop for a woolen jacket. Unlike that time, this year’s winter is like summer in Europe.

On July 14, while my friends were celebrating Bastille (National) Day in France, I was at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium watching a friendly football/soccer game in preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, from July 20 to August 20.

Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium: Friendly game – France (0), Australia (1)

In Brisbane, one of the first things I did was to visit the University of Queensland’s alumni centre.

The Atrium in Brisbane – a meeting place of the University of Queensland’s alumni

“Connecting with others gives us a sense of inclusion, connection, interaction, safety, and community. Your vibe attracts your tribe, so if you want to attract positive and healthy relationships, be one! Staying connected and getting reconnected feeds the flow of goodness which empowers our humanity.” Susan C. Young (Source: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/with-connection-people).

Are you a volunteer?

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”- Elizabeth Andrew

Some companies have volunteer programs, e.g. staff keep their salary while spending a day or two in an NGO or charity. Large or small organisations can benefit from supporting or encouraging their employees to involve in humanitarian actions, as this aligned with globally-heralded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment and Social Governance (ESG) policies, which seek to set goals for and report on the company’s positive impact on our society.

Volunteering is an act of selflessness that benefits the volunteers and the people and communities they serve. It provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute to addressing social challenges and inequalities while gaining personal fulfilment.

Non-employer-sponsored volunteers give their time, skills, and resources to others without expecting anything in return. They embrace volunteering as a way of giving back to society and improving our world.

Volunteering can be done in various ways and settings, such as community centres, hospitals, orphanages, schools, charities, and non-profit clubs and organisations that help those in need.

On 15 April 2023, I joined a group walk at Beerenweg, Moselle, France. Five of the 12 adults (four walkers were children) are regular volunteers. Three participate in environmental projects, and two are after-school tutors.   I admire them. When I’m a retiree, I’ll do more than just an annual pro-bono lecture at our local high school (Last month, it was about Australia).


“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill

Our Words Matter

On 23 March 2023, I was invited to speak at the European Parliament Directorate-General for Personnel’s hybrid event to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The theme was “Anti-Racism –Why words matter”.

Some of the things I said were:

Classifying individuals as English speakers and non-English speakers is inappropriate when based only on the language of the country they come from. They should be described as people with a “First Language Spoken Other Than English” and “First Language Spoken English”. If you want to refer to their spoken English proficiency, describe them as “Speaks English Very Well, Fluent, or Proficient, “Speaks English Well or Conversational”, “Basiс”, or “No English Language Skill”.

“Our, Their, Us, and Them” are pronouns that should be used wisely, as they can be polarising. They affect feelings, thoughts, and actions. Whereas, social cohesion reduces fear and prejudice.

Race is ascribed to individuals based on physical traits; it’s not their choice. Race is not the same as ethnicity, which the individual chooses, encompassing everything from language to nationality, culture and traditions, religion, and values.

Race has no coherent, fixed definition, and its myth hasn’t served humanity well.

We use “blacklist” for something negative or prohibited. Doesn’t this reinforce notions that black is undesirable while white is desirable? How about using “barredlist”, “denylist”, “blockedlist”, or “disallowedlist” instead?

Are there prejudicial and offensive words and phrases in your language?

  • “Gyp” or “Gip” is a short version of gypsy/gipsy- Slang for swindlers and cheaters. Dupe, rip off, take advantage, or trick
  • “Chop Chop!” sounds like you’re making fun of a Chinese speaking Pidgin English. Do it quickly
  • “Guru” – A spiritual guide or leader. In the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, “guru” commands respect and using it casually calls into question its original value.
  • Voodoo economics is used to describe supply-side economics (i.e. something based on unreal and impractical concepts). Voodoo is a religion practised in Haiti and parts of the Caribbean.
  • An immigrant is a human being; a human being cannot be illegal. Why not use “Individual/family/people with undocumented status”; or focus on the action, i.e. illegal entry?
  • “Alien” and “foreigner” suggest that the person does not belong to a particular place or group, i.e. a stranger or outsider. “Foreign-born people” tells you they were born in a country where they don’t currently reside.

Issues on ethnic slurs or racism in the workplace:

  • Is there psychological safety in the workplace?
  • No individual target; no one complains about it. (Someone may perceive this as such and become unproductive due to offended sensibilities).
  • An isolated incident may be repeated and can become a norm.
  • It’s only a joke/just for fun. Humour and jokes can poster or improve group cohesiveness. Laughing and smiling relieve anger, boredom, fatigue, frustration, and tension. However, when the workplace is inundated with such practices and management implicitly or explicitly condones them, making at least one employee uncomfortable, it has to stop. The bottom line is respecting the words and feelings of everyone.

Words matter! Language is the foundation of how we understand and treat each other. Words can make the difference between respecting and dehumanising each other.

Online Gatekeeping


Gatekeeping is a process of selecting and then filtering items that can be consumed within time or space. A gatekeeper is a person who controls access to something; in Facebook groups, this can be an administrator or moderator.

I’m writing this because I posted a message on our FB book club two weeks ago about a culture and immigration festival that included book exhibitions, reading novels’ first pages, etc. After the event, I contacted the administrator enquiring why it wasn’t approved. She apologised and explained that it’s pending (not disallowed) because she’s busy managing other activities and suggested emailing her directly when I have a post.

Gatekeeping has pluses and minuses. Unrelevant and offensive messages are filtered out. On the other hand, it’s toxic when it bars people from participating in a group or community or discussion based on narrow criteria or questionable reasons.


Why and how do administrators and moderators have this gatekeeping power?


Administrators appoint or remove a moderator, manage group settings (such as changing the group name or settings), approve or deny membership and participants’ requests, approve or reject posts, delete comments on posts, ban people from the group, and pin or unpin a post (i.e. positioning – e.g. move to the top of the page.)


Moderators approve or deny membership and participants’ requests, approve or deny posts, remove comments, and ban people from the group.


Do administrators and moderators own the group when they have started or created it?

How can we ensure administrators and moderators don’t use the group for their sole gain?


“The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” – Arabian Proverb


My pending, obsolete post is history. However, the success of the festival – organised by the Comité de Liaison des Associations d’Étrangers ( CLAE) and one of Luxembourg’s most important annual events – lingers on. There were about 30,000 visitors to its 400 stands.