Stories about English from January, 2018
Australian Prime Minister Accused of Political Fear-Mongering After Warning of ‘African Gangs’
"The insidious thing about this kind of craven political campaigning is that the details and facts don’t matter."
Singapore Authorities Ban Documentary on Palestinian Teen Activists for ‘Skewed Narrative’
"...did you even consider that this documentary...exists to provide a balance, a corrective to the kinds of propaganda that Israel state television and the US-centric media produce..."
What's In a (Nick) Name? Ask the Caribbean!
"Acid". "Leech". "Totee Muff". Caribbean people love to rename things. Check out a few of their most spectacular sobriquets...
In Sri Lanka, Families of the Disappeared Treasure the Everyday Items Left Behind (Part Two)
"It’s the lack of progress on the part of the government which led to series of protests highlighting the plight of families of the disappeared, political prisoners...and land occupation."
Trinidadian Man Transforms Pothole Into a Hot Tub in Humorously Effective Protest
"So that's how to get things done in this country…you have to get on social media..."
Jamaican Police Under Pressure After New Year's Party Delays International Flights
"There will be calls for an inquiry. For accountability. Blame will be shifted. Promises will be made. There is one step, however, that we rarely take. Questioning the ‘WHY?’. "
Under Pressure From Cyberspace Administration, China's Top News App Will Hire 2,000 More Content Reviewers
Last week, the country’s top internet regulator accused the news app of spreading pornographic content.
Did a Wiener Dog That Suffered for Science Really Go Home With Russia's Deputy Prime Minister?
The Russian-speaking web has its doubts.
Ancient Pond Reconstruction in Kathmandu Stirs Preservation Protests
Kathmandu Valley activists and locals fight to save a revered pond in the heart of Kathmandu which was drained by authorities to allow the reconstruction of an ancient temple.
‘Offensive’ Soca Song Gets Boost After Ban From Carnival Contests in Trinidad & Tobago
"There is much that we have to talk about in Trinidad and Tobago as regards race, sex, class and even State-sponsored censorship..."
Growing Popular Opposition Continues to Put Pressure on Ethiopia’s Ruling Party
"2017 was the year of the Oromo People's Democratic Organisation...The OPDO was able to shake the puppet label and actually prove to be quite vocal in #Ethiopia's political arena."
Amman's Yellow Taxis Compete for Passengers After the Arrival of Uber and Careem
For Yellow taxi drivers, the struggle for passengers is a real. Once Jordan's only private transportation option, they are totally overwhelmed by new competition.
Cancer Center in Syria's Besieged East Ghouta Struggles to Survive
“It’s the biggest disaster we face. Sixty of those who are being treated must be evacuated now,” Dr. Muhammed said. “We can save others if medications are allowed inside.”
Israeli Activist Chooses Jail Over Military Service to Protest the Occupation
"We live in a fascist and racist state, full of incitement. Although we are a little group, we are strong."
Despite Challenges, Jamaica’s Capital City Welcomes 2018 With a Dash of Optimism
While clouds linger, it appears that Kingston is determined to look on the sunny side of life in 2018.
‘I Now Feel Free and Can Live My Life.’ Australian Commission Gives Voice to Child Sexual Abuse Survivors
After five years, Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse issued its final recommendations. For many, its real achievement was creating space for survivors to be heard.