Stories about LANGUAGES from October, 2024
The fascinating ghosts and monsters of Jamaica's folklore
Jamaicans don’t really “get” Halloween, but the island's folklore is replete with stories of “duppies” – ghosts or spirits – and monsters, many of them with roots in African retentions.
Why child and forced marriages persist in Central Asia
Comprehensive data and readily available data can guide the development of policies, targeted interventions, funding, and impact assessments.
Ugandan journalist Nila Yasmin: African women hold the power to transform intra-African trade
"Africa has been ranked as the region with the highest number of women entrepreneurs globally. Yet, many lack adequate support to grow their businesses."
Understanding lingering poverty and malnutrition in the aftermath of Sri Lanka's economic crisis
" ... [D]espite economic expansion, poverty and vulnerability levels are elevated, food insecurity is widespread, and health outcomes have deteriorated."
European investments in Morocco: Renewable energy at the expense of human rights?
Displacement, labor rights violations, and a lack of meaningful community involvement highlight the need for a more equitable approach to renewable energy development.
Israel’s war on the United Nations: Why a ban on UNRWA sets a dangerous precedent
Israel labeling UNRWA a “terrorist organization” threatens aid for millions of Palestinian refugees, deepening the profound shift in Israel–UN relations.
Chinese police ban ‘weird’ costumes and round up partygoers ahead of Halloween
Shanghai police were deployed in full force over the weekend to crack down on Halloween activities amid concerns that revelers might appear in politically sensitive costumes. They continued celebrating regardless.
The Azerbaijani government throws support behind Georgian Dream Party amid election inconsistencies
While the opposition and President of Georgia refused to accept election results, which showed ruling Georgian Dream winning with 54 percent, due to electoral inconsistencies, Azerbaijan rushed to congratulate the ruling government.
Kathmandu's floods expose a deepening garbage crisis
The recent Kathmandu floods swept the city's garbage — cloth, Styrofoam, plastic bottles — across ruined pavements and embankments, raising serious concerns about the growing garbage crisis in the capital.
A cinematic lens into Turkmenistan’s culture: An interview with Oguljamal Yazliyeva
Turkmen cinema, with its rich storytelling and cultural depth, plays a vital role in bridging the gap between Turkmenistan and the rest of the world.
Heroes or icons? Jamaicans are divided on the creation of a new national honour
Bob Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley are to the inaugural recipients of Jamaica's “Order of National Icon” for their legendary contributions” to Jamaica’s cultural heritage. But has the honour fallen short?
This Kenyan entrepreneur cycled through 7 states in India to tackle racism
"The person was killed in a simple auto rickshaw disagreement, a day before his birthday. It portrayed that the life of an African is very cheap ...."
A eulogy for Myanmar’s immortals
"They died truly great deaths, because they gave their lives: for the people, for the country, and for future generations, to rebuild their battered country."
In Azerbaijan, the government takes treason seriously — or does it?
What constitutes treason according to local legislation and is it being used fairly in Azerbaijan? The answer is in the details of the legislation and its implementation according to the lawyers.
Moldova's presidential elections face the second round
Only slightly more than 50 percent of voters supported the inclusion of the European course in the Constitution. Moldova will hold the second round of the presidential election.
The rise of Ethiopian art on the global stage: Insights from curator Mifta Zeleke
"Africa has 54 countries, each with diverse and rich artistic traditions, but these complexities often need to be simplified. Labels like 'African art' are misleading and reinforce this generalization."
Turkey rocked by a terrorist attack
The attack came a day after Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of an ultra-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) called to restart peace talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences triggers debates on China’s economic growth
A few critical voices are using three Nobel laureates' research to argue for institutional reform in China. Critics say change is essential to address the country's economic woes.
Papuan news outlet Jubi attacked with Molotov bomb
"If press freedom continues to be intimidated, what's at stake is not only the right of journalists, but also the public's right to obtain information that is truthful, and balanced."
A recovery center in Nigeria takes a musical approach to combating drug addiction
Some studies suggest that religion and spiritual faith can help in preventing and recovering from substance abuse, largely because of the social support and a strong community that can emerge.
The rise of Amazigh novels in Algeria: Between struggle and official recognition
Algerian novelists celebrate their mother tongue through Amazigh writing, which evolved from a tool of resistance into a rich literary language witnessing growth and widespread appreciation since its official recognition.
