Stories about LANGUAGES from February, 2022
Taiwan watches Ukraine closely wondering how the West would react in case of Chinese invasion
The island nation will need external support to retain its sovereignty against the might of the People's Republic of China
#AfricansInUkraine: We are students, we don’t have guns
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused displacement of thousands of people. Among them also an African diaspora which had to mobilise informally while also dealing with racial discrimination on the ground.
Films on human rights abuses and courageous opposition in Myanmar
EngageMedia has curated a playlist of films that shows the extent of rights abuses in the country, as well as courageous forms of resistance against the continuing infringement on rights.
Memories of ‘mas’-making: Creating giants of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
"As darkness falls, he will inhabit the mantel and rise twenty feet into the sodium-lit air [...] Passing traffic will slow and pedestrians will watch; some will stop and take photographs."
Fleeing Kyiv: How we escaped the Ukrainian capital as war broke out
Tetiana Bezruk chronicles how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced friends and families to leave their homes in Kyiv for the second time, eight years after they escaped the Donbas conflict.
Jamaicans anxious as the government attempts to get nationals out of Ukraine
"My soul is in joy and peace despite all the pain and sadness I have encountered here in Ukraine."
What does “Russian World” stand for in Putin’s statements about Ukraine?
The statements of Vladimir Putin about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine frequently include a key expression: “Русский Мир” (Russkiy mir). This phrase literally means the “Russian world”.
#StandWithUkraine: Protesters in North Macedonia call for an end to ‘Russian aggression’
Ukrainians residing in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje and local citizens protested against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in front of the Russian embassy on February 25.
Until recently, politicians in North Macedonia usually treaded lightly over Russia
"In some of the information related to the conflict over Ukraine, some Macedonian media very openly take sides with the use of appropriate wording and context ... "
How fascination with Russia’s power is created in the media and on social networks in North Macedonia
In North Macedonia, Russia’s military power is talked about in a way and in a quantity that cannot be found about any other country.
Georgians rally in support of Ukraine as MPs scramble for response
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Digital media and coffee shops are helping to nurture aspiring Somali singers
Recently, Somali artist Nimo Happy's popular song, "Isii Nafta," a remix of Somali, English, Arabic, and Kiswahili languages that expresses love and affection, became a global sensation on TikTok.
Unexpected reaction in Prague after Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Quite unexpectedly, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shifted the position of Moscow's most influential supporter in the Czech Republic: President Zeman, who has just described Moscow's actions as a "crime".
Russian discourse about the war in Ukraine is not monolithic
While Putin’s voice might seem to represent the Russian discourse, he only speaks for himself. Russian people’s views on the situation in Ukraine and about Russia’s military attack vary widely.
Ukrainian refugees gather at the borders with Moldova, Slovakia, Poland
"At five in the morning, friends called us to tell us this is war. We packed what we had and took to the road."
Azerbaijani journalist and queer activist murdered
Hafizli's sparked a public outcry on social media platforms, with many activists criticizing Azerbaijan's history of inaction when addressing hate crimes, specifically those targeting marginalized groups in the country.
Azerbaijan keeps quiet on Ukraine crisis as President Aliyev visits Moscow
As a majority of Western countries were condemning Putin's decision to recognize the independence of two Ukrainian separatist regions, Azerbaijan's ruling government kept silent.
World sports bodies express concern about Kenya's Copyright Bill
Coalition of global sports bodies wrote a letter to the Kenyan government expressing concern about Copyright Amendment Bill, noting it may make sports content less accessible.
What does Russia's new “hostage-taking” law mean for social media companies?
The new law imposes new obligations on popular foreign websites and social media platforms with over half a million daily Russian users, asking them to register legal entities in Russia.
‘We got used to the war': life for a frontline family in Ukraine
A resident of Avdiivka, an eastern Ukrainian town only a few kilometres from occupied Donetsk, discusses living with the Donbas war on the doorstep, and the threat of further fighting.
Malaysian artist Fahmi Reza faces police probe and two charges for satirical posters
"Gov leaders must learn to take public criticism and dissent in stride and stop going after critics like #FahmiReza for poking fun at them."
