Stories about LANGUAGES from January, 2015
Israel's Arab Sector on Strike Over Alleged Police Brutality
The "unintentional" deaths of two men from the Bedouin city of Rahat has brought to the fore tensions over "the conduct of the police in confronting Arab citizens."
Saudi King Abdulla Dies at the Age of 90; Succeeded by Salman, 79
After weeks of speculation, Saudi Arabia today [January 23, 2015] announced the death of King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz, 90. He is now succeeded by his other brother Salman, 79.
The Secret Language of Turkey's LGBT Community
In Turkey, the LGBT community and others keep have created a secret language, or argot, called Lubunca to keep out prying ears.
Russian Politician Tells Public to ‘Eat Less,’ As Food Prices Rise
“If you’re short on money,” Gaffner said, “just remember that we’re all Russian citizens. We just need to give some thought to our health and eat a bit less.”
Caribbean Perspectives on the Charlie Hebdo Free Speech vs. Intolerance Debate
Two Caribbean bloggers discuss religious fundamentalism in the context of the Charlie Hebdo attack and wonder if the tragedy can be used as an opportunity to change the idealogical narrative.
A Musical Feast: Puerto Rico Indie's List of the Best 14 Albums of 2014
Although 2014 ended almost one month ago, it is never too late to enjoy the blog Puerto Rico Indie's service to curious ears.
Myanmar's Nationalist Monk Attacks UN Envoy in His Speech
The Buddhist nationalist monk is not happy over the UN rapporteur's statement concerning the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
America's Digital Diplomacy in Russia After Michael McFaul
McFaul's commentary spanned both his professional and personal life, and he was not afraid to engage with his online audience, even when that meant fighting a "Twitter war."
The Leading Cause of Death in Developing Countries Might Surprise You
Is it malnutrition and undernutrition? Malaria? Nope. It’s time to pay attention to a startling stealth killer in developing countries around the world.
Hong Kong Police Make Appointments With Occupy Central Activists For Their Arrests
Netizens are not sure what to make of Hong Kong police officers calling Occupy Central Movement protesters - ostensibly as a courtesy - to inform them of their pending arrests.
Indonesia's Pick for Top Cop is a Suspect in a Bribery Scandal
The police chief nominee also made suspicious bank transactions as a police officer, according to the country's anti-corruption agency. Many Indonesians think this makes Budi Gunawan unfit for the job.
One Month on, Pakistanis Pledge to #NeverForget the Horrific Peshawar School Massacre
Campaigners urged overseas Pakistanis to join “not just by sending funds, but by going to Pakistani embassies wherever they live” to send a strong message to the government.
Eight Years After His Death, Turkish-Armenian Hrant Dink Still Cannot Rest in Peace
Eight years ago today ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was murdered by a nationalist teenager in broad daylight. The rest of the story remains untold.
Asian Cup 2015: Iran Advances After Win Against Qatar
Iran booked its passage to the next round after beating Qatar.
Reports of Forced Religious Conversions Grab Headlines in India
On Christmas day, 59 Christians in Kerala reportedly were "converted" to Hinduism by two Hindu nationalist organizations with ties to the leading BJP party. What happened to religious tolerance?
Colombia's New Minimum Wage Generates Minimum Enthusiasm
On December 30, 2014, Colombia's government raised the minimum wage by 4.6 percent to 644,350 Colombian pesos ($273). On social media, the disappointment of many has been palpable.
Outrage in Colombia over ‘Little Miss Thong’ Child Beauty Pageant
In a controversial Colombian beauty pageant known as "Little Miss Thong," participants, sponsored by the local city hall, are bikini-wearing girls as young a six-years-old.
‘I Am Shuhrat': Tajiks Come to Jailed Lawyer's Defence on Facebook
Shuhrat Qudratov, a Tajik lawyer with a reputation for defending politically endangered clients, has been sentenced to nine years in prison on charges many citizens feel are bogus.
How the Philippines Hid Social Injustice From Pope Francis
Activists, street children, and urban poor residents were some of those who were "hidden" by authorities during the state visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines.
Antarctic Misadventure Sparks Scandal for Russian MPs
When two Duma deputies set off to plant the Russian flag atop the highest mountain in Antartica, they probably did't expect their trip would spark a political scandal.
Civil Liberties vs. Terrorism: What Are We Willing to Give Up?
European Union Interior Ministers are considering measures to combat terrorism in the region, which many have branded as draconian.