The World in Words
How an American Linguist Helped Unlock the Secrets of Linear B
In 1952, a mysterious Bronze Age script was deciphered by an Englishman, Michael Ventris. But his work rested in part on a Herculean analysis undertaken by an American linguist, Alice Kober. The World’s Alex Gallafent reports.
School Year Blog: Why Some COSAT Students Aren’t Interested in Xhosa, Their Own Language
In Cape Town, most black students grow up speaking Xhosa. It’s one of South Africa’s eleven official languages. But at COSAT, many students would rather spend their time perfecting their English.
A New Beginning for the Kurdish Language in Turkey?
The Turkish government is loosening restrictions on teaching Kurdish in public schools. The question is whether it’s a political ploy, or a real attempt at making peace with Turkey’s Kurds.
Comic Book Snacks that Talk Back in Two Languages
The World’s Patrick Cox reports on a bilingual iPad app that’s also a comic book. The characters are food snacks that speak English and Chinese, and get into kung fu fights. Dim Sum Warriors is being hailed as both a great comic book series and a great language-learning tool.
Chinese Wedding Rush on “Love You Forever” Day
Couples are lining up to tie the knot in China today. That’s because “January 4, 2013″ sounds similar to “I will love you all my life” in Mandarin.
Holly, Tea, and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Top Wikipedia in 2012
Swedish software engineer Johan Gunnarsson has published a list of the most popular Wikipedia pages in 2012, language by language. The top articles offer some surprises.
The Many Meanings of Chips Funga
‘Chips Funga’ is one of the most popular phrases in Kenya today. It means ‘french fries to go’…and a whole lot more. We hear from musician Anto Neosoul who helped popularize the expression. He’s also penned a song about deception on social networks called ‘Qwerty Love.’
13-Year-Old Teaches Kurdish in Turkey
Turkey had a ban on Kurdish in public places. So Kurdish children didn’t learn their language in school and their parents often didn’t speak it at home, but one young teacher is changing that.
A Push to Support Language Diversity in India
Correspondent Hadley Robinson reports on the state of language in India, where a recent survey documented hundreds of native languages.
Nevada Court Interpreters Protest Wage Cuts
Throughout the US, many courts have been cutting wages for court interpreters. As a result, in Nevada, some interpreters are now refusing to work. Observers worry that if the trend continues, it could create a crisis in the judicial system. The World’s Jason Margolis has more.
A Rush to Learn English in Myanmar
As Myanmar opens up after decades of autocratic military rule, there is a huge push there to learn English and to restore the country’s reputation as an education hub.
Why Some Parents are Worried About the Decline of English in Malaysia
Malaysia is moving away from English as a language of learning. That has some parents worried that their children won’t be able to compete in a global environment. Some parents have taken to sending their kids to school over the border in Singapore.
Will Pakistan’s Urdu Script Be Lost in Texting Translation?
The young generation in Pakistan, that has grown up using SMS as the predominant means of written communication, is using Latin script to write Urdu.
Linguistic Respect for the People Once Derided as Gypsies
The Roma in Romania have long been called Tigan or Gypsy. Now, the country has made Roma the official term and hopes to reduce stereotypes and discrimination.
Singing to Save Garifuna
James Lovell grew up in Belize and heard Garifuna spoken by his parents and grandparents. He didn’t really want to speak the language until he heard music of a local musician. Now, James Lovell wants to spread the language of Garifuna through song. Reporter Nina Porzucki brings us his profile.
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