Stories about English from September, 2013
Praise and Criticism for Uruguay's Proposed Media Law
The bill, which has received the praise of several journalism and freedom of expression organizations, is not as controversial as the one recently approved in Ecuador or as contentious as the one currently in the hands of Argentina’s Supreme Court. However, it is not without its critics. While it has been lauded for its intention to set...
“An e-Book is a Book” – Nigerian Poet and Linguist
"An e-Book is a Book" - Sticklers for traditional modes of publishing will lament this as retrogression, but they will be wrong, says Nigerian writer Kola Tubosun.
Documentary Films Tackle Child Sexual Abuse in India
Indian documentary films are heightening awareness about child abuse. By talking to children, responsible adults and even abusers, these films are helping open up an erstwhile shuttered space.
Online Petition Got Sea Turtle Released in the Philippines
Captive sea turtle was used as photo-op to attract tourists. More than 1,500 signed petition to release the sea turtle.
“Fetishization of Somoni” Continues in Tajikistan
As Tajikistan's president unveils yet another statue of national icon Ismoil Somoni, blogger Tomiris criticizes [ru] monument monoculture in the country: Don't we have other historical figures to erect statues to? Was Somoni really the only one of its kind? I understand that this fetishization of Somoni is a political...
Busting Myths about Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is not part of the Middle East; Kazakhs do not have Chinese blood in their veins; and not everything about Kazakhstan is bad. Blogger busts (part 1, part 2) [ru] common myths about the oil-rich Central Asian nation.
When There's No Emergency Phone Number, Kenya Tweets For Help
When al-Shabab gunmen attacked Nairobi's Westgate Mall, Philip Ogola of Kenya Red Cross jumped to action – with a tweet.
Protests in Sudan: Dozens Feared Dead
Sudan's answer against protests was cutting off the Internet and killing dozens of protestors. Activists say Sudan pulled the Internet plug to stop activists from sharing its crackdown on protestors.
Podcast: China's Big Internet Crackdown
Sinica podcast discusses China's recent crackdown on Big-Vs on Sina Weibo and poses questions about whether Sino Weibo will continue to be popular and if online discussions are already moving away from Sina Weibo towards mobile services like WeChat.
Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Kills Hundreds in Southeastern Pakistan
More than 327 people have been killed following a powerful earthquake that struck Balochistan Province on Tuesday.
Why Laos Has High Maternal And Infant Mortality Rates
Dee Harlow cites several factors that explain why Laos has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in Southeast Asia: Many factors contribute to the inaccessibility of the care expectant mothers need including, geographic remoteness, lack of infrastructure and seasonal limitations for travel on rough roads, lack of transport or...
Vietnamese Blogger Speaks Out Against Government Repression
Nguyen Bac Truyen gave a testimony in a human rights event in Geneva about the repression suffered by bloggers and activists in Vietnam: Since Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang came back from a visit to President Obama in the United States at the end of July, government repression has entered...
China: Finding Light in the Darkness on Xia Junfeng's Execution Day
The latest artwork from a cartoon blogger "A sad morning dream" tries to make sense of the execution of Xia Junfeng, a street vendor convicted of murder.
India: Rape? Its Womens’ Fault
The media attention on rape in India and the public notion that women are responsible for most rapes have lead comedy podcast All India Bak**** (AIB), brainchild of comedians Tanmay Bhat, Rohan Joshi, Ashish Shakya and Gursimran Khamba, to protest by posting a satirical video on Youtube “It's your fault”...
Ugandan Minister: Indecently Dressed Women Are Asking to Be Raped
Uganda's Youth Affairs Minister Ronald Kibuule has been summoned to appear before Parliament to explain himself.
Lawyers Seek Ouster of Zambia's Chief Justice
Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda, Zambia's first female head of the judiciary, was rejected by parliament and therefore should not have the post, the Law Association of Zambia argues.
Nairobi Mall Attack Inspires Two Online Tools for Emergencies
The Ping will help families to quickly check in with each other during an emergency while Blood Donation Kenya matches blood location centers with people willing to help with donation.
Rumors Fly that Putin Has Remarried
There have long been rumors that Putin has a romantic relationship with gymnast Alina Kabaeva. That gossip has flared up again, with suspicion that they may finally have wed.
With Outcome Foretold, Tajik Elections Spark Online Ridicule
In the run-up to presidential vote in Tajikistan, netizens ridicule the country's incumbent president, opposition leaders, and electoral process.
Planned Olympic Canoe Racing Course Threatens Tokyo Park
Tokyo and the Japanese Olympic Committee plan to build the racing course in Kansai Rinkai Park, despite 25 years of concerted efforts there to restore its bio-diversity.
South Korea: ‘The Man Must Buy the House’
Although South Korea is still a male-dominated society that ranks toward the bottom of polls in gender equality, more men seem to feel they are losing ground. It is partly true when it comes to marriage where social pressure for young men to provide a house for their brides is enormous,...