Stories about English from May, 2015
Political Memes, Welcome to Myanmar
The era of Internet memes has arrived in Myanmar, where the online phenomenon has become a popular way to discuss various social and political topics, particularly upcoming elections.
A Guide to Resources on the Palestinian Nakba, Memory and Identity
Joey Ayoub digs into a list of resources to learn about the 1948 Palestinian exodus, also known as the Nakba, as well as memory and identity.
Why a Meme Compares China's Flood of Retail Investors to a Pig at Slaughter
After months of touting for rising prices, the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily posted a cautionary note this month, warning that stock trading is “high risk.”
Robot Commenters Accidentally Expose Themselves on China's Weibo Platform
Patrick Wong contributed to this post. Chinese netizens are having a good laugh over the mechanized missteps of government-controlled robot commenters, who have been criticizing messages sent by their own masters. A few weeks ago, a group of robots seized upon a congratulatory message posted on Weibo over a year...
Ukrainian and Russian Users Petition Facebook to ‘Stop Political Blocking’
Ukrainians and Russians are petitioning Facebook on the Change.org website to protest what they insist is an ongoing issue: unwarranted and biased blocking of Ukrainian and Russian Facebook profiles.
Dying in Secret: The Ethics of Investigating Russia's Ukraine Casualties
A new type of investigative journalism by bloggers is blurring the lines between armchair Internet sleuthing and hard-hitting investigative reporting to uncover information about Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict.
Bangladesh Wants ‘Third Gender’ Hijras to Serve as Traffic Police
Hijras often face widespread discrimination and are shut out of employment opportunities. Bangladesh wants to recruit them as traffic police to help change that.
Philippines’ Deadliest Ever Factory Fire Linked to Lax Labor Standards
An initial probe reveals that the factory violated several occupational health and safety standards, despite the government's assurances to the contrary.
After Earthquakes, Nepal Faces Looming Danger of Landslides
After the earthquake, 547 landslides have occurred in 19 districts and there will be more due to heavy rain during the monsoon season.
Singapore Bans Music Video for Its Pro-LGBT Content
"How ironic is it that on the same day Singapore bans a song with gay marriage content, Ireland votes in favor of it?"
What Africa Day Means to Africans and Friends of Africa
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, when the leaders of 30 independent African states signed a founding charter in Ethiopia.
Leaked Emails Reveal Details of China's Online ‘Youth Civilization Volunteers’
'Speak out in a timely way and positively guide mistaken opinions and thoughts in order to grow mainstream thought and sentiment on the Internet.'
Region-wide Presidential Term Limits for West Africa? Not So Fast.
West African leaders have dropped the idea of instituting a two-presidential-term limit across the region, thanks to the opposition of Gambia and Togo, the only member states without term limits.
Data Set Demonstrates Attacks on Turkish Opposition Party's Campaign Offices Are Systematic
Is it a coincidence that the party which could derail the ruling party's majority in parliament keeps getting attacked?
Southeast Asia Migration Routes and Statistics
The International Organization for Migration has released a map showing the routes taken by boat refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar when they sought shelter in several Southeast Asian countries. As of May 19, 2015, the IOM estimated that 4,000 refugees are still stranded in the sea while 3,200 have already...
Dear Ukrainian Officials: Russian Security Services Thank You for Your Cooperation!
A group of journalists pulled a prank on Ukrainian officials who use Russian email services, alerting them to the dangers of careless information security policies.
Thailand Police Detains Student Protesters During Coup Anniversary
"We cannot build a democratic society if we lack freedom, liberty, rights, justice, and reconciliation."
What Should Singapore's Response to the Rohingya Refugee Crisis Be?
Singapore has remained aloof during the migrant crisis in Southeast Asia, saying that the island cannot accept refugees. But should the city-state do more?
Covering Turkey's General Elections, One Tool at a Time
'The organisation uses the concept of crowdsourcing for social activism and public accountability, serving as an initial model for what has been coined as 'activist mapping'.'
ISIS Claims Responsibility in Suicide Bombing in Shia Mosque in Qatif Killing 21 Worshippers
Twenty-one people were killed when an ISIS suicide bomber blew himself up in a Shia mosque in Qatif, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, after Friday prayers today.
In Bangladesh, It's So Long to Cyber Cafés
Cyber cafés in Bangladesh are shutting down because of easy Internet access on mobile phones. In the past five years, more than 40 percent have closed shop.
