Importance of Bull fighting in Spain and Spanish culture

Bull fighting has come to be known as synonymous to Spain and Spanish although the culture has lot more to offer in terms of food, literature, architecture and painting!

Bullfighting is a ritual carried out in carefully prearranged steps, as called for by the tradition of the corrida, each stage with its own name which the aficionados in the crowd will know by heart. The lead roles are played by the bull and the matador in the arena. It is a ritual that requires a sacrifice - sacrifice to the death.

The matador, representing mankind and dressed for his date with death in the fantastical if impractical traje de luz, suit of lights, goads, mocks and sentences the bull to death with the estocada, the death blow, from his sword. The most spectacular estocada is the estocada recibido ('received', when the matador stands his ground and lets the enraged bull charge him) but it isn't seen that often. When the ritual is done, the bull is dead & matador triumphant. Man has defeated death - he is immortal!

Common bull-fighting terms used in Spanish  -

• Toro -Bull
• Plaza de toros - Bullring
• Corrida - Bullfight
• Matador - Star Bullfighter
• Torero - Bullfighter 
• Picador - Lancer (on horseback)
• Banderillero - Bullfighter (on foot) who inserts barbed wooden decorated sticks into the bull´s neck muscle
• Traje de luces - Suit of lights (colourful sequinned suit worn by bullfighters)
• Veronica - A type of pass whereby the cape is drawn over the bull´s head while the man holds a posture.
• Novillos - A novice bullfighter is called a novillero and fights not in a corrida, but in a novillada with young bulls (novillos)
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• Bull fighting has come to be known as synonymous to Spain and Spanish although the culture has lot more to offer in terms of food, literature, architecture and painting!

Palium Skills offers Spanish Language classes in Kolkata. Such classes are available during the weekday and weekends. Classes are held regularly and the faculty team is excellent!

What are DELF exams and how to prepare for DELE and DELF exams?

DELF is a proficiency assessment test for evaluating the understanding of a candidate in the French language. It assesses on Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills.

How is French language Proficiency Evaluated?
The French language proficiency tests are conducted for those native language is not
French. The French proficiency, namely, DELF, DALF, TEF, TCF, etc. offer international standard for measuring and determine who can communicate effectively on an independent and proficient level in French.

The exams are designed to assess the communicative skills of a candidate in a real-life situation, rather than the theoretical, linguistic, and formal grammatical knowledge.

Importance of French Proficiency Test
You can demonstrate your level of French competency by passing an international language test
(TEF or TCF) or by earning a diploma (DELF or DALF). Since these certifications give job seekers and employees a competitive advantage. Thus, it is a great asset to include on your resume.

Documentary proof of French language test certificate added to other requirements will put you on
your way to a smooth interview process. The test result will somehow restrict the interviewer on the
types of questions you are supposed to answer. Instead of asking you about things like “what is an
office called in French.” It is most likely that you would instead be asked, “what level did you attain in DELF/DALF? It is as a result of your French language test certification included in your qualifications.

You want to study in France or any French speaking countries? These diplomas and certifications
are recognized and accepted by French universities and institutions for undergraduate entry as well
as for postgraduate admission.

There are few more advantages like boosting one’s confidence and improving the odds if you’re
planning to immigrate to French-speaking countries. Besides, it will help you when you visit
Frenh speaking nations in Europe or Africa, Career in French, and of course, confirmation of your
French proficiency level.

DELF / DALF Exams

If you want to test your proficiency in French, there is one test you cannot afford to miss, and that’s the DELF/DALF certification tests. DELF stands for Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française while DALF stands for Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française.

These two proficiency tests are designed for non-native French speakers as a way of certifying their
knowledge in French. Each year in the world, over 300,000 students register to take a various French
proficiency test.

The above tests are crucial, and they’re currently being administered and awarded by the French
Ministry of Education. They are acknowledged as an international benchmark test that gauges your
skill and knowledge in French.

The proficiency tests of DELF and DALF consist of six different diplomas that also meet the standard
set by the CEFR (Common European Reference Framework for Languages). Each of these diplomas
is strictly independent of one another. It means that candidates are free to register and sit for the test
of their choice.

Appearing for DELF Junior/Prime is restricted to candidates aged, whereas there are no age
restrictions on the other versions of DELF / DALF. A candidate may give several examinations
during the same session, but may not appear for two versions at the same level (e.g. DELF A1 and DELF Pro A1). One can take the same examination as many times as may be necessary for
obtaining the desired diploma. However, they may not appear for a qualification they already hold.

A person is evaluated for different proficiency tests at each level - namely reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Their proficiency level will be certified after attaining a set minimum overall pass mark.

The certificates you will obtain from DELF and DALF are valid for a lifetime and are highly respected across the world. It is even more impressive that once you pass the DALF C1 exams. Then, you never need to take any other entrance examination when entering into any French University.

The DELF/DALF tests are conducted by Center International d’études pédagogiques (CIEP) for the French Ministry of Education.

There are multiple levels of Certifications and students gradually progress from one level to another
    DELF A1: Breakthrough or beginner
    DELF A2: Waystage or elementary
    DELF B1: Threshold or intermediate
    DELF B2: Vantage or upper intermediate
    DALF C1: Effective Operational Proficiency or Advanced
    DALF C2: Mastery or proficiency (Near-native)

Each of these has its accompanying CEFR level marking, as well.

List of different French Diplomas

DELF Prim (ages 8-11) – This is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the proficiency in French as a Foreign Language of children ages 8 to 12. There are only three
levels, namely A1.1, A1, and A2. 

DELF Junior (ages 12 +) – It is a specially adapted version for juniors/teenagers of the DELF
diplomas. The levels evaluated are A1 to B2.

DELF Pro – It assesses communicative skills in familiar business situations. It allows
non-francophone adults in training or activity to enhance their French language skills in the world of
work. Total levels are four — A1, A2, B1, B2.

DELF Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (for all age groups) – DELF is carried for levels
A1 – B2. All four exams, A1, A2, B1, and B2, necessarily have the same structure.

Where are the DELF Exam Centers in India?

The Alliance Française conducts DELF Exams at its several centers in India.
Northern India – Chandigarh, Delhi, Jaipur.
Eastern India – Kolkata.
Western India – Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, Panjim, Vadodara,
Southern India – Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mangalore,
Trichy, and Trivandrum. Some of the test centers change every year.

When are the DELF exam dates in 2020?

 Generally, DELF exams are conducted four times in a year, i.e., March, June, September, and December. DELF Pro, DALF, DELF Prim, and DELF Junior are also conducted a few times in a year though not at every center of Alliance Française.
Get in touch with the AF center nearest to you for confirmation on the exam dates

What are the DELF exam fees in 2020?

The DELF exam fees in 2020 are

    DELF A1 and A2 (Internal – Rs 5310 / External – Rs 8,850)
    DELF B1 and B2 (Internal – Rs 5900 and External – Rs 10,620)
    DALF C1 and C2 (Internal – Rs 8260 and External – Rs 11,800)

Palium Skills offers French classes in Kolkata and the course contents are designed and customized as per international standards DELF.

If you’re interested in pursuing a French Language in classroom or online then get in touch with us. Palium Institute of Foreign Languages conducts DELF level courses in A1, A2, B1, B2.

It also offers Exam boosters to help in preparation for those appearing for their DELF exams.

Besides French, Palium also offers courses for learning Chinese, German, Japanese and Spanish languages in Kolkata.

How can Fresh Graduates prepare for Job Interviews

 

After completion of studies and college, the crucial stumbling block is the job interview! In most cases graduates are facing the interviews for the first time and are prone to make mistakes. While rejections are part of the process, they are often demoralising, So it is better to get prepared rather than learning it the hard way! Here are some tips to help fresh graduates clear the job interview hurdle!

Fresh graduates can prepare for job interviews by following these key steps:

1. Research the Company & Role

• Understand the company: Read about its mission, values, culture, and recent news.
• Know the job description: Identify key skills and responsibilities required.
• Check employee reviews: Websites like Glassdoor can give insights into company culture and interview processes.

2. Prepare Common Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself – Craft a concise, relevant response.
• Why do you want to work here? – Align your goals with the company’s mission.
• What are your strengths & weaknesses? – Be honest and provide examples.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? – Show ambition but keep it realistic.

3. Build a Strong Resume & Portfolio

• Highlight your education, internships, projects, and skills.
• Use action verbs and quantify achievements.
• If applicable, prepare a portfolio (design, writing, coding, etc.).

4. Practice Mock Interviews, Group Discussions

Remember most of the these interviews are of elimination rather than selection. So you need to stand out from the crowd.

• Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or career counselors.
• Record yourself answering questions and refine your responses.
• Focus on clear, confident communication and body language.

5. Develop STAR Responses for Behavioral Questions

(Situation, Task, Action, Result)

• Example: “Tell me about a time you worked in a team.”
  • S: Worked on a university project with tight deadlines.
  • T: Needed to divide tasks efficiently.
  • A: Delegated roles, ensured communication.
  • R: Completed the project successfully with an A grade.

6. Prepare Smart Questions for the Interviewer

• “What does success look like in this role?”
• “What are the biggest challenges faced by someone in this position?”
• “Can you describe the team I’d be working with?”

7. Dress Professionally & Be Punctual

• Dress appropriately based on the company culture.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early to show punctuality and professionalism.

8. Improve Technical & Soft Skills

• For technical roles, practice coding problems (LeetCode, HackerRank, etc.).
• For general roles, enhance skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving.

9. Follow Up After the Interview

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
• Express gratitude and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.

10. Enroll for a Course

Take the help of an Institute like Palium Skills to guide you through the process. Palium conducts Interview preparation coaching to help you sharpen your skills. Visit https://paliumskills.com for more details