Stories about Language from November, 2008
Russia, Ukraine: “Pindostanis at the Gate”
A definition of a derogatory Russian word for “Americans” – at Eternal Remont; a usage context example – at Russian Navy Blog.
Jamaica: Austism Speaks
“In Jamaica, the word ‘Autism’ is just now becoming a familar word. Years ago, having a child that was ‘different’ can warrant just titles as, ‘baffon’ or ‘Lagga Head'”: A...
Harry Potter translated into Khmer language
GV author Tharum writes about the Khmer translation of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book. Tharum also reflects on how to improve readership in Cambodia today.
Guyana: Snake Tales
A discarded snake skin reminds Guyana-Gyal of two stories that she learned through oral tradition, causing her to lament: “Instead of adding we stories to the grand history of man,...
Jamaica, U.S.A.: Poetic Obama
Jamaicans Geoffrey Philp's Blogspot and Poet in Wisconsin both post poems in honour of Barack Obama.
Syria: Art of Dialogue
“An argument in olden Arab times was like a dance. People wooed each other, rejected or accepted, negotiated, insulted and convinced each other using subtle messages & connotations, all applied...
Japan: 2008 Neologisms and Trendy Words
Presenting this year's 60 neologisms and trendy words [jp], among which only one will be elected representative for 2008, Kôgetsu describes briefly[jp] the events that influenced the choice and Japanese...
Japan: Japanese Language in the Age of English
The Fall of the Japanese Language in the Age of English, the latest book by Japanese novelist and essayist Minae Mizumura, roused debate among many Japanese bloggers recently over the fate of their national language. Some wondered whether their country would one day adopt English as the mother tongue, and what that would mean for their national identity.
Lingua: The Making of a Global Online Translation Project
Ever wonder how to get dozens of people to work together over the internet to collaborate on translations to multiple languages? In nearly two years Global Voices Lingua translation community has grown to include 18 different languages and more than 75 volunteers. Honestly, we're astounded by the growth ourselves.
Grenada: Sorrel Season
Grenada's Free Spirit writes a poem about making West Indian sorrel.
Syria: Bloggers Unite to Read
For the first time in the Syrian blogosphere, local Syrian bloggers have came up with a refreshing idea; forming an online book club in which they decide on reading a...
Malagasy Online Spell Checker is Now Available
Dotmg announces that the free Malagasy spell checker he has been developing is now operational. The software, which is, as far as I know the first of its kind, is:”opensource,...
Brazilian myths and haunts in the Lusosphere – Part 3
To bring this series about Brazilian myths, legends and haunts as seen on the Lusosphere to a great close, we couldn't choose a better entity to speak about than Saci Pererê. After being introduced to mythic beings like Cuca, Boitatá and Curupira in the first article, and reading the intriguing narratives about Cabeça de Cuia and Caboclo D'Água, among others, in the second article of the series, now it's time to delve into the mysteries of the most famous being from Brazilian mythology.
Singapore: Advice for expatriates
Lam Chun See from Singapore has a message for expatriates: “If you want to come to work and live in Singapore, you should adapt to our ways and not expect...
