Stories about English from October, 2022
Indonesia is still moving its capital to Nusantara despite rising public opposition
In a nearly unprecedented move, the Indonesian government is creating the city entirely from scratch and has cleared thousands of hectares of forests, fields, and grasslands for the new capital.
Queen Elizabeth II and British capitalism: The role of tropes and distractions
"[T]here are serious things to say about Queen Elizabeth II and her passing, but most of this will not be said, or will not be readily debated within the routine cultures of civil society."
Kathmandu’s street-smart dogs — worshipped for a day
The Kukur (dog) Tihar festival inspires compassion towards all animals, including dogs, but animal rights groups are advocating for better treatment of stray dogs in Nepal.
Student-run press in Thailand offered money by Chinese investor to stop operating
"Despite the incidents, we carry on with our tasks. We condemn every means used by authorities to harass and manipulate the challengers."
Dolma Diaries attempts to break down stereotypes and enmity, one episode at a time
Dolma Diaries is a short web series produced by a team from Germany, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.
Azerbaijan’s thriving feminist movement: challenges and perspectives
In Azerbaijan, feminist activists endure pressure from the authorities, harassment and hate from strangers as they stand up for countless women across the country protesting domestic violence and femicide.
Leonie ‘Miss Lee’ Forbes, beloved doyenne of Jamaican stage and film, passes away at 85
"A talent that was bigger than our shores. We had brilliance, I wonder if we knew. Soar in the realms of the ancestors."
Armenia is rocked by the suicide of a gay couple
In Armenia, a suicide of a gay couple on October 20 sparked a wave of criticism against existing and widespread homophobia in the country.
Explaining the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China: Struggle and fight
Overseas Chinese dissidents anticipate an endless struggle targeting different social groups in China.
‘A girl with a Hindu heart’
"I have what I have, which is as much as so many daughters and sons and children of Lakshmi have in the diaspora [when] they lack community ... I have my heart."
Police detains scores of activists at an opposition party rally in Azerbaijan
According to local media reports, police started rounding up members of the party and other attendees hours ahead of the scheduled rally.
Klinika Bernardo pioneers, innovates community health care for HIV patients in the Philippines
"I thought my life had become meaningless. But here I am, helping others live on."
One of the last Ladino language speakers in Bosnia, Moris Albahari, passed away
Ladino or Judeo-Spanish is an endangered Romance language derived from Old Spanish, used by around 60,000 Sephardic Jews living in the Israel, Turkey, the Balkans, North Africa, and other former parts of Ottoman Empire.
In Trinidad & Tobago, Divali remains a festival beloved by people of all faiths
After a tweet recounts an intolerant comment about Divali, social media users overwhelmingly speak out for respect and tolerance: "Do onto others are you would like them do onto you."
Activists predict homophobic and transphobic violence in Russia, but most avenues of escape are slammed shut
The law on prohibiting "propaganda" from the LGBTQ+ community might trigger homophobic and transphobic violence. Time is running out, and the plea to help needs to be urgently heard.
‘Call them by their names’: Stories of Russian anti-war political prisoners
In March 2022 the Russian parliament passed amendments to the Russian Criminal Code allowing for real prison terms for an anti-war stance. Some people now face up to 10 years in prison.
How the hot chilli pepper ‘Akabare’ came to tickle the taste-buds of Nepali noodle lovers
Nepal’s indigenous round-shaped hot chilli pepper, locally known as ‘Akabare’, has taken the Nepali noodle industry by storm and is forging ahead to the international markets.
Explaining the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China: Jiangshan
The political rhetoric, which reflects the determination of the party to safeguard the single-party system with force, however, has become less and less appealing.
Australia's unique natural wonders are at risk from ecotourism expansion
"These islands attract millions of visitors a year keen to experience their natural wonders. Yet often this very “ecotourism” is contributing to their degradation."
The love and hate relationship of Hungary's ruling party Fidesz and Facebook
Political analysts argued that the defeat of the opposition resulted from Fidesz’s success in making voters believe that the opposition is serving external interests and would bring Hungary to war.
Turkish lawmakers ratify new disinformation bill
Aimed to combat fake news and disinformation, the 40-article legislation passed by Turkey's parliament, is a threat to freedom of speech say critics of the bill.
