Stories about English from July, 2016
In China, Protests Against the South China Sea Ruling Skip the Streets for Cyberspace
"On my way home, I tweeted: 'Police have cordoned off the Philippines embassy in Beijing in anticipation of protests. No sign of protests yet.'"
Following Protests, the Macedonian Government's Eurobond Plan Comes to a Screeching Halt
"Any half sane person would leave this country by 2020," one citizen commented when considering the economic time bomb of mounting debt that will have to be repaid.
Indian YouTube Channel Conquers the Hearts And Minds of Millions Across the World
Launched in 2013 by an Indian entrepreneur, Chu Chu TV is now the most-watched YouTube channel in Asia Pacific and the second-most watched children's “edutainment” channel in the world.
Painkiller Jokes, ‘Who Cares?’ and Other Chinese Reactions to the South China Sea Ruling
"This is a serious defeat. It is another version of the Cuba missile crisis. The whole world is watching China fall into the trap. So stupid."
Russian Athlete Branded a ‘Traitor’ for Competing in Rio Olympics
Internet users in Russia are ganging up on long jumper Darya Klishina for agreeing to compete in the Rio Summer Olympics under a neutral flag.
The Fascinating World of Cold War-Era Hungarian Cartoons
Learn about some of the animated cartoons to come out of Hungary, from the darkly satirical "Gustav" to the family-friendly "Hungarian Folk Tales."
Everybody's Favorite Irreverent RuNet Community Goes to War (Against Itself)
“Lentach,” one of the RuNet’s hippest, edgiest, occasionally racist, and thoroughly irreverent news communities, is on the rocks.
Filipinos Call on China to Do a #Chexit in the South China Sea
"West Philippine Sea is legally, politically and historically ours. The hell with China's imaginary 9-dash line, #CHexit now!"
Foreign Intervention in South Sudan Unlikely, Despite Calls for Action
As South Sudan's government fails to end violent clashes, many in the country are looking to the international community for intervention.
Macedonian Protesters Reject Government’s Eurobond Bid to Borrow Its Way Back from the Brink
"Protest! There is no justice when the public debt keeps doubling."
Can Fact-Checking Save Democracy—and Journalism as We Know It?
In the age of copy-paste disinformation, the need for formal fact-checking is more critical than ever.
Myanmar Official Gets Online Support for Challenging Radical Buddhist Group
The hashtag #NoMaBaTha was launched on Facebook to support an embattled city minister for speaking out against a Buddhist nationalist group in Myanmar.
Ugandan President Appoints Wife, Opposition Leaders to Key Positions
"Just watch out for the total collapse of education in Uganda. This woman has no morals."
#ShutDownZim: Will Social Media Protests Drive Zimbabwe to Build a ‘Great Firewall'?
This is the first time Zimbabwe has staged a "shutdown" over government dysfunction by organizing on social media. But protests could trigger new forms of censorship.
Dozens Killed After Indian Forces Crackdown on Protests in Kashmir
"The mighty Indian state might have killed him but they haven't won. A 21 year old in his death has shaken you."
A New Species of Beetle Named After President Xi Is Blacklisted on Chinese Social Media
"An act of ass kissing now turns into ass kicking…"
You've Read Our Open-Source Research Guidebook. Now Let's Use It.
This ninth and final entry takes the tools and instructions we've been studying and applies them to a single case study: last year's wildfires in the Siberian city of Chita.
Chinese Censors Are Making Sure Social Media Only Shows Positive Flooding News
"The propaganda is good at turning a disaster into a positive story and making human errors invisible."
Hundreds Join March in Cambodia a Few Hours After Government Critic Was Shot Dead
"When regime wanted to kill, labels them [conspirators] not loyal to the regime. Then they kill them."
Ugandan Legislator Hatches a Not-Too-Subtle Plan to Make Museveni President-for-Life
"MPs proposing lifting the presidential age limit are enemies of progress. Why not lift death limit so the ruler can live forever?"
With 2 Months Before Parliamentary Elections, Russia's Internet Censor Swings Into Action
The Russian government blocked four websites on July 8 that published calls to boycott parliamentary elections this September, along with broader plans for protests to disrupt the voting.