Stories about LANGUAGES from January, 2023
Over 40,000 tons of neurotoxin were stored without any protection in North Macedonia
Skopje primary schools used the area for day trips "in nature" for years, until watchdog journalists uncovered the dark secret lurking under the green meadows: toxic waste from the 1970s.
‘Joy and wonder’: Morning affirmations in preparation for Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
Breathing in joy and breathing out restriction, writer and cultural worker Attillah Springer puts people in the right head space for the first Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in two years.
The band that Lukashenka declared extremist sang ‘Zhyve Belarus’ (Long live Belarus!)
Rarely covered by the international media, Lukashenka’s regime is using Stalin-like repression on its citizens. Dissidents are detained and prosecuted and, in many cases now, their family members are too.
Tanzanian President Suluhu ends six-year ban on political rallies, promises more reforms
The president’s announcement came against the backdrop of a meeting with leaders of nineteen opposition parties at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
How Tanzanian boxer Karim Mandonga hyped the sport back into the hearts of Kenyans
A darling to the media for his quips, Mandonga's tactics are reminiscent of the legendary Muhammed Ali — arguably one of the greatest boxers and sportspersons of our time. Ali started hyping his fights after turning professional in 1963 as he prepared to face Sonny Liston.
How Belize’s bright biodiversity is inextricably linked to blue carbon
Leveraging blue carbon will require ambitious, conservation-forward policies to maintain and restore coastal and marine ecosystems in order to mitigate the crippling effects of the climate crisis.
‘We are asking for forgiveness that we know we will never receive': In Russia, people are bringing flowers to monuments of Ukrainians
In at least 17 cities of Russia, people are bringing flowers and photos of the destroyed house in Dnipro, Ukraine, hit by a Russian missile on January 14, 2023, to spontaneous memorials.
Usain Bolt and many other Jamaicans have been the victims of major financial fraud—and now they want answers
The fact that of Usain Bolt is one of its victims has made this fraud scandal personal for many Jamaicans.
Anthony Joseph is the second Trinidadian in three years to win the T.S. Eliot prize for poetry
The judges of the prestigious prize called Joseph's collection "luminous," adding that it "celebrates humanity in all its contradictions and breathes new life into this enduring form."
In Russia, video games are unsafe for kids. But not for the usual reasons
Nikita Uvarov, a teenager from Siberia, is serving a five-year jail sentence for planning to build the FSB building and blow it up in Minecraft.
“I will forever be the enemy of the Russian regime” says TikToker in Moldova
This is the first case of a TikToker formerly based in Russia openly standing against the Russian regime and supporting Ukraine.
Tensions over Lachin Corridor linger with no breakthrough in sight
Azerbaijan's government denies any involvement in the blockade. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of orchestrating the protest, while authorities in Karabakh accuse Azerbaijan of forcing remaining Karabakh Armenians into submission.
Azerbaijan's forgotten schools
According to available statistics, there are 4,427 primary and secondary schools in Azerbaijan. 900 of them are in the state of emergency, either requiring renovation or full reconstruction.
President Bukele harasses independent journalists on Twitter in El Salvador
Bukele's presidency has attacked and discredited independent journalists who expose corruption in his government, putting them at risk of harassment and violence.
2022 was a bittersweet year for European comics
European comics creators and fans experienced some particular wins and losses during 2022. Some of them are presented in this non extensive listicle.
Overcoming existentialist crises with music: Poland's Karolina Cicha
Polish folk artist Karolina Cicha, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and one-woman-orchestra is trying to use the language of music to overcome historical prejudice toward minority groups in Europe.
The Southern Caucasus has a brain drain problem
Young people and professionals from Southern Caucasus are increasingly turning towards opportunities abroad citing local unemployment, lack of feasible opportunities and prospects for future in their home countries.
From 37 to 60,000: China’s official COVID-19 death toll data remains opaque
...there are a total of 35,519 hospitals, the 60,000 figure implies that, on average, there was fewer than two COVID-related death per hospital between December 8 and January 12.
Abuse of children in state care in Jamaica is a problem that won’t go away, but is the system to blame?
A recent report details a questionable relationship between the executive agency and the American founder of a faith-based organisation, who is accused of inappropriate behaviour towards several wards of state.
Cambodia bans music video of police attacking workers in 2014
"It is LICADHO’s belief that the music video is not incitement, and is protected speech under the Cambodian Constitution. We are saddened by this restriction on freedom of expression."
The present and persistent problem of domestic violence in Georgia
While activists note the country is making progress fighting the problem, a deadly mix of cultural taboos and limited resources complicate the reform.