Language

The origin of Nicaraguan Sign Language tells us a lot about language creation

September 29, 2020

In the mid-1980s, linguists stumbled upon a kind of natural experiment on language creation — a sign language being used by deaf children in Managua that was only a few years old.

A racial slur remains in hundreds of place names throughout North America

The World

September 18, 2020

Clashes throughout North America about the racial slur "squaw" is starting to lead to place name changes.

Global Politics

China's new Silk Road traverses Kazakhstan. But some Kazakhs are skeptical of Chinese influence.

The World

September 14, 2020

The tradeoffs of China's investment in Kazakhstan require Kazakhs — most of whom are Muslim — to reckon with the persecution of Muslim minorities just across their border.

US-China relations

Confucius Institutes push back against Pompeo’s assertion they should close

The World

September 10, 2020

The Trump administration has taken aim at Chinese cultural programs called Confucius Institutes housed within US universities. Administrators are caught in the middle, and some say academic freedom is at risk.

Music

Travel takes on new meaning in this jazz pianist’s latest album

The World

August 31, 2020

Taiwanese American jazz pianist Eric Pan's new album reflects on metaphysical treks — through the world of the music and within the self.

Development & Education

Pandemic learning in Mexico requires thinking outside the screen

The World

August 28, 2020

Millions of schoolchildren across Mexico began the academic year this week in front of a TV. But teachers in Oaxaca say televised classes won’t meet fundamental educational needs and many families lack the technology to keep up, deepening Mexico's socioeconomic divide.

Identity

Amid crackdown in China, Uighur diaspora artists promote their culture

The World

August 12, 2020

The US has stepped up efforts to hold China accountable for treatment of ethnic minority Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region, but new evidence shows continued persecution, with celebrities even being targeted.

Netflix's ‘Indian Matchmaking’ stirs conversation about tradition, colorism and caste

The World

July 24, 2020

The show is meant to be lighthearted and fun, but for some, it’s controversial.

Language

Finland's national word 'sisu' conjures new meanings for tough times

The World

July 22, 2020

In a country of 5.5 million, Finland has had just over 320 deaths from the coronavirus. So far, they’ve succeeded in containing the disease. And they’re not making a big deal about it. By some measures, this might be quintessential sisu.

The Big Fix

Global network of young people writes poems to cope with climate crisis

The World

July 09, 2020

Updated

08/07/2020 - 3:00pm

In the last 10 years, there’s been a surge of literature about climate change, including poetry. The World’s climate solutions segment The Big Fix is featuring some young poets and their words on the topic in a series starting this week.

Updated

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