· December, 2012

Stories about LANGUAGES from December, 2012

Japan's Kanji of the Year 2012

The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation has announced the kanji of the year 2012 is gold (金) on December 12, 2012. How do netizens conceive this announcement and how do they look back this year?

31 December 2012

Most Read Stories on Global Voices in 2012

This year we've seen both successes and setbacks for online social movements, wars, injustice and tragedy - but also countless stories of human bravery and survival to give us high hopes for the future.

31 December 2012

“Cousins” from São Tomé and Príncipe Unite the Diaspora Through Online Radio

They say that "We Are All Cousins" and they make use of online tools and social media to unite virtually the people of São Tomé and Príncipe in the diaspora and spread around the world. Global Voices spoke to Guedes Machado Medeiros, general coordinator of the informal group "Somos Todos Primos", which began as a blog and quickly became a community online radio station.

31 December 2012

No Haven for Citizen Journalists in Bahrain

After Bahrain police “Slap” video went viral the Minister of Interior issued a statement in which he asked that “anyone who films such an event should report it immediately” to the authorities. Two days later, and in contrast with such statements, many were shocked at the news of the arrest of a photojournalist.

31 December 2012

Cambodia: Major Events of 2012

Albeiro Rodas reviews the major events and issues in Cambodia in the year 2012. He mentions the passing away of King Norodom Sihanouk as the most important event in Cambodia...

31 December 2012

State of Freedom of Speech in Tunisia in 2012

In 2012, the battle for freedom of expression continued in Tunisia. Though the internet remained uncensored, free speech advocates voiced concerns over the use of religion as a pretext to curb free speech. Meanwhile, a legal void has characterized the Tunisian media landscape as the government continues to ignore a new press law that protects journalists and limits government interference in media.

31 December 2012

Thailand's ‘Skype Doctors’

“Virtual ER”, launched in 2011, serves as a direct means of communication between BNH Hospital's Emergency Room and patients via Skype…Patients or helpers can speak to and see the nurses...

31 December 2012

A Memorable 2012 for Myanmar

Burma has experienced a lot of political and social turbulence throughout the past year. Like a dilapidated taxi driving in torrential rain, the country is still moving forward but things...

31 December 2012

Sri Lanka's Judiciary-Executive clash

Law and Other Things has updates on the proceedings that were initiated in the Sri Lankan Parliament to impeach the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Dr Shirani Bandaranayake.

30 December 2012