Stories about LANGUAGES from January, 2016
Hong Kong’s Plan to Phase Out Domestic Ivory Trade
The authorities in Hong Kong have announced plans to impose a ban on the import and export of elephant hunting trophies, phasing out entirely the domestic ivory trade.
Don't Be Confused. The Panama Hat Is an Old Ecuadorian Tradition
Don't let name confuse you: the Panama hat comes from Ecuador and its manual crafting is a tradition and source of pride among its rural manufacturers.
Camels Enjoying the Snow in Saudi Arabia
Parts of the desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia are experiencing snowfall -- and netizens are rushing online to document it.
Mexico’s Supreme Court Hands Indigenous Peoples Landmark Victory in Media Representation
The highest court in Mexico declares Article 230 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law to be unconstitutional for discriminating against indigenous languages.
Local Media Coverage of Tunisia's Job Protests Under Criticism
Despite the protesters distancing themselves from vandalism and looting, the media has been focusing on them alone, instead of providing enough coverage of the protesters' demands.
A Rare Snowy Day in Taiwan
Many Taiwanese took the opportunity to take photos of the perhaps once-in-a-lifetime snowy scenery.
How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’
Alongside the efforts of big companies and governments, many independent groups and individuals are making their own efforts to combat ISIS' activities online.
Childrearing Traditions and Weak Policing Are Failing Armenia’s Abused Children
Domestic violence against children continues to be overlooked and underreported in Armenia. One group of activists is doing what it can to raise awareness.
The Lebanese ‘Christian Marriage’ Between Aoun and Geagea Leaves Many Skeptical
When one former warlord endorsed another former warlord, ordinary Lebanese started sharing stories of their suffering during the civil war. Abir Ghattas and Joey Ayoub share some of those stories.
Deus Ex Putina
According to a Russian news site and a whole lot of bloggers, Vladimir Putin’s ex-wife, Lyudmila, has remarried. The RuNet also thinks it's found her Facebook account.
Why I Went Into Exile: A Bangladeshi Blogger Tells His Story
"...[the assailants] want our keyboards, pens to stop...Now its the time to write even more...Otherwise the darkness will win, religious fundamentalism and extremism will win."
Old Postcards Reveal Forgotten World War I Memories in Macedonia
Made between 1914 and 1918, these photos not only document military aspects of World War I, but also provide views of places and people caught within its maelstrom.
After Schoolboys’ Murders, Trinidadians Slam Racial Stereotypes and Media's Sensationalism
"The blatant outright Hate has been allowed to flourish because we've stood by with heads buried deep. [...] What you allow will continue…"
Meet the Thai Facebook User Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Insulting the Monarchy
"It made me question why Thailand is still so poor, and why the poor in Thailand are so repressed.”
‘Homophobes Are People Too’ Campaign Challenges Macedonia's Hostility Toward LGBT People
The human rights reality for LGBT people in Macedonia is poor, with systemic impunity for hate crimes against sexual and gender minorities in the country.
The Russian Government ‘Embraces’ Transparency
Russia is finally embracing transparency—so long as it poses no threat to political stability, writes Andrei Jvirblis in this openDemocracy Russia overview of the Kremlin's open government efforts.
Checkmate: Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Declares War on Chess
Checkmate. After Saudi Arabia's grand mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh declared playing chess is forbidden in Islam, netizens turn to Twitter to vent off
Thanks to the New York Public Library, India’s Bygone Days Are Just a Click Away
The New York Public Library has released more than 180,000 digitized items in the public domain. Readers can now access and download these archived materials from the library for free.
Salt and Loathing in St. Petersburg
What has in the past helped defeat French legions and German divisions is also an ordinary concern for Russians. Usually, there's little cause for celebration, when considering the Russian winter.
Five Years On: Time to Remember Those Who Gave All for the Egyptian Revolution
It was the beginning of the end to a 30-year rule of a tyrant regime. Five years later, here's a rundown of what's happening in Egypt today.
Defiant, Disappointed, and Mourning—Burkina Faso Remembers Victims of the January Attacks
Burkinabés are making a vow to resist, now and always, all forms of extremism and violence.