Olivia Acland is a journalist based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She works primarily in print, photography and radio. She has also made 360 videos for Al Jazeera. Her regular outlets include: The Economist, BBC, Al Jazeera. She is featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 media list in 2017.

Mohamed Ali is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Towards a Systemic Functional Description of the System of Temporal Values in Arabic

18 Jun 2022  |  Dialnet  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article addresses the complexities in describing the system of temporal values in Arabic, highlighting the differences between Arab and Western linguistic interpretations. It critiques past studies for overlooking perspectives like serial verb constructions and suggests a more flexible approach to temporal descriptions, placing languages on a spectrum between tense and aspect.

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Linguistics Arabic Language Temporal Values

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Daniel Bland is a freelance journalist based in São Paulo, Brazil. He primarily covers Business News, and has interviewed numerous top level government officials and company executives for more than a decade. 

Besides having more than 11,000 articles - in English and Spanish - published by ...

Add oil! The evolution of Hong Kong English, and where our unique words come from

28 Jun 2015  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article explores the evolution of Hong Kong English, highlighting its unique words and their origins. It discusses the influence of various cultures and languages, including Chinese pidgin English, colonial English, and Cantonese borrowings. Researchers like Cummings, Hans-Georg Wolf, and Lisa Lim provide insights into how these words have been integrated and their current usage. The article also touches on the impact of digital communication and sociopolitical factors in Hong Kong, which continue to shape the local dialect. Notable terms such as 'shroff,' 'nullah,' and 'add oil' are examined, reflecting the city's rich cultural and linguistic heritage.

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Linguistics Cultural Evolution Hong Kong

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I am a journalist, researcher on international refugee law and writer. Author of "Refugees of Idomeni" (https://goo.gl/VAUv5w).

I hold an MA in International Relations from Queen Mary University of London.

I mostly cover politics, society, migration, refugees and human rights. My work ...

Understanding Portuguese Accent Marks: A Linguistic Journey

26 Jan 2024  |  Babbel Magazine  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article explores the intricacies of Portuguese accent marks, focusing on the cedilla (Ç) and its linguistic history, as well as the reasons behind the use of various diacritical marks in the language. It explains the origin of the cedilla during the Visigothic occupation of the Iberian Peninsula and its role in representing sounds not found in Latin. The article also delves into the evolution of spelling from Latin to Portuguese, discussing why certain consonants and double consonants were dropped or changed. Additionally, it covers the use of acute and circumflex accents to distinguish between semi-open and semi-closed vowel sounds, the historical development of the tilde, and the linguistic function of the crasis in Portuguese. The information is largely based on insights from Paulo Chagas de Souza, a linguistics professor at the University of São Paulo.

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Linguistics Portuguese Language Phonology Orthography

Steven Borowiec is a journalist and broadcaster based in Seoul, South Korea. He has written for the Guardian, Time, the Wall Street Journal, on other top notch media outlets. He has appeared as a commentator on radio and television networks including NPR, BBC and CBC.

Two Koreas make strides to talk the same language

11 Jul 2014  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article discusses the efforts of North and South Korean scholars to create a unified Korean language dictionary, known as Gyeoremal-kunsajeon, to address the linguistic divide that has developed since the division of the peninsula over 60 years ago. The project, funded by the South Korean government, aims to prepare for a future reunification by reconciling the different forms of Korean that have evolved, with the South incorporating many English words, while the North has created homegrown substitutes. The work on the dictionary began in 1989 but has faced delays due to political turmoil, including the halting of inter-Korean exchange after the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in 2010. A recent meeting in Kaesong marked the first collaboration in four years, and further discussions are scheduled in Shenyang, China. The project is seen as an important cultural endeavor, particularly in light of Korea's history with Japan's attempts to eradicate Korean language and culture during its occupation.

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Linguistics Korean Reunification North-South Korea Relations

I am a journalist based in the Bay Area (Calif.). I write about culture, race, gender, the environment, personal finance, lifestyle and careers as a freelancer.

I graduated from Boston University’s College of Communication (‘15) and was subsequently handpicked to participate in NerdWallet’s ...

Vernacular: Definition and Examples

16 Sept 2022  |  www.grammarly.com  |  English  |  Linguistics

Vernacular refers to the informal language used by specific groups, regions, or cultures, characterized by unique word choices, grammar, and phrases. It contrasts with formal and literary language and includes examples from American, British, and Australian English. Vernacular language is typically used in casual settings and can be confusing to outsiders unfamiliar with the specific form.

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Linguistics Language

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Journalist Toan Do, pen names Ngô Nhân Dụng and Vương Hữu Bột, is a well respected and known writer in the Vietnamese community abroad all over the world. His journalism covers topics such as economics, current events, politics, Vietnamese history and cultural contexts as they related to current ...

The Formation of the Vietnamese Language – White Lotus

04 Apr 2021  |  Sen Trắng  |  Vietnamese  |  Linguistics

Historical linguists work similarly to archaeologists, digging through layers of language to trace the origins and evolution of modern tongues. They compare vocabulary and syntax across languages to hypothesize common ancestry and divergence over time. The article discusses the formation of the Vietnamese language, its roots in the Mon-Khmer language family, and its influences from Tai-Kadai, Hmong-Mien, and Sino-Tibetan languages. It also explores the impact of migrations and cultural exchanges on language development. The Vietnamese language, with its tonal nature and lexical influences from various language families, is a result of millennia of evolution and interaction, distinct from Chinese despite sharing some vocabulary.

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Linguistics History Cultural Studies

Gerald Drißner is a journalist and writer of narrative nonfiction who is keen on exploring unexpected angles.  He is currently based in Berlin, Germany.

The award-winning author (Axel Springer Preis, etc.) is equipped with twenty years of prolific writing experience. He writes reportages and ...

The Arabic verb: “to behave like Adolf Hitler”

01 Oct 2017  |  Arabic for Nerds  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article explores the peculiar Arabic verb 'tahatlara,' meaning 'to behave like Adolf Hitler,' found in Hans Wehr's dictionary. It delves into the morphology of quadriliteral Arabic verbs and their occasional use for foreign names. The text also discusses the historical context of Adolf Hitler's influence in the Arab world, including the translation and distribution of 'Mein Kampf.' Despite the Nazi ideology's racial biases, Hitler was praised in some Arab regions for opposing colonial powers like France and Great Britain.

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Linguistics History World War II

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Political View

Freelance journalist: science, culture, technology, travel, education & personal essays for National Geographic, SmithsonianMag, Aeon, GOOD, Discover, BBC Wildlife, Psychologies, Huck, Matador Network and more. Digital media professional: video, photography and web. I am location independent and ...

These People Have a Mind-Bending Way to Navigate

13 Apr 2016  |  www.nationalgeographic.com  |  English  |  Linguistics

Researchers, including Rafael Núñez from the University of California, San Diego, have discovered that the Yupno language of Papua New Guinea uses the local topography to describe spatial relationships, projecting a 'microworld' of slopes onto flat interior spaces. This system is flexible, allowing speakers to navigate using slopes that surround their village and apply them metaphorically inside their homes. The study, funded by the National Geographic Society, found that Yupno speakers use uphill/downhill contrasts to talk about time and space, both indoors and outdoors. The findings suggest that the Yupno language could have rich applications in expressing complex notions like kinship and emotions.

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Linguistics Culture Anthropology

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Emma Friedlander is a journalist based in Vilnius, Lithuania. She's interested in human rights, historical memory and pop culture. Bylines at The Moscow Times.

Lost for Words: Non-Binary Russians Fight the Limits of Their Language

24 Aug 2018  |  The Moscow Times  |  English  |  Language and Linguistics

Non-binary Russians are challenging the limitations of the Russian language, which inherently enforces gender through its grammatical structure. Individuals like Valeria, Sasha, and So*ni are adopting or inventing new language forms to express their gender fluidity. Despite resistance and controversy, especially around the use of the neuter pronoun 'ono,' these efforts are part of a broader push for inclusivity and equality within the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. Activists and linguists acknowledge the difficulty of enacting lasting linguistic change but emphasize the importance of addressing wider cultural issues alongside language reform.

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Language and Linguistics LGBTQ+ Rights Social Issues

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Alison Hird is a journalist based in Paris, France.

Police officers join a sociology degree programme and are asked to reflect on their role in society

28 Sept 2023  |  RFI  |  English  |  Historical Linguistics

The article discusses three main topics. Firstly, it addresses the initiative where French police officers are participating in a sociology degree programme at the University of Amiens to reflect on their societal role, especially after recent riots due to a fatal police shooting. Sociologist Elodie Lemaire comments on the programme's aim to provide new intellectual tools for police officers. Secondly, the French start-up Ÿnsect is highlighted for its efforts to open the world's largest vertical insect farm, which aims to produce sustainable insect protein for pet food, animal feed, and fertiliser. Co-founder Antoine Hubert discusses the potential of insect-based foods. Lastly, the article commemorates the achievement of Jean-François Champollion in deciphering hieroglyphics in 1822, which greatly advanced the understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilisation. The episode is mixed by Cecile Pompeani and is part of the 'Spotlight on France' podcast by Radio France International.

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Historical Linguistics Law Enforcement Education Sustainable Agriculture

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Breena Kerr is a journalist based in San Francisco, CA. She is currently in Jalisco, Mexico and has recently been published in Rolling Stone, New York Magazine, Esquire, Marie Claire, Fusion, Vice, The Washington Post, and many others.

Claire Lancaster is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She holds degrees in international relations and political science and a master’s in international journalism from City, University of London. She is currently the tech and lifestyle editor at Culture Trip, a digital platform ...

What word contains the five vowels? The RAE resolves the doubt

20 May 2024  |  THE OBJECTIVE  |  Spanish  |  Linguistics

The article explores the richness and diversity of the Spanish language, highlighting its evolution and the influence of various cultures. It discusses the curiosity of words containing all five vowels, with 'murciélago' being a classic example. The Real Academia Española (RAE) has identified over 42,000 such words in its dictionary. The article also lists examples of short, medium, and long words with five vowels, emphasizing the linguistic wealth of Spanish.

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Linguistics Spanish Language Curiosities

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I am a travel, food and lifestyle writer based in Hexham, Northumberland, UK. Originally from Athens, Greece, I specialise in Mediterranean destinations and esp. Greece. I love foreign cultures and faraway destinations, I have travelled to over 30 countries and speak French, Italian, Spanish and of ...

11 Wonderful Summer Words From Around The World

09 Jun 2023  |  www.babbel.com  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article explores 11 unique summer-related words from various languages around the world, highlighting their meanings and cultural significance. It includes terms like 'badkruka' from Swedish, 'culaccino' from Italian, and 'dacha' from Russian, among others. Each word is explained with context and examples, showcasing the diverse ways different cultures experience and describe summer.

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Linguistics Summer Culture

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Zachariah Mushawatu is a journalist from Zimbabwe who has written for Al Jazeera, The Christian Science Monitor and University World News. His focus is on Southern Africa and he has covered news in Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Two academics launch Setswana dictionary of personal names

27 May 2024  |  www.universityworldnews.com  |  English  |  Linguistics

Two lecturers from the University of Botswana have published the first dictionary of Setswana first names in Southern Africa, containing 8,500 names. The dictionary, praised by linguists, aims to document and preserve Setswana names and culture. The authors, Dr. Goabilwe Nnanishie Ramaeba and Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe, highlight the dictionary's role in decolonizing education and plan to make it widely accessible, including online. The project received support from the University of Botswana and the Ministry of Education.

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Linguistics Education Cultural Preservation

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Nastasia Peteuil is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Dink, Yolo, Awol, bobo... Where do these American acronyms come from?

18 Apr 2023  |  frenchmorning.com  |  French  |  Linguistics

The article explores the origins and usage of various American acronyms such as AWOL, FOMO, DINK, and YOLO. It highlights the military and governmental roots of many acronyms and discusses their evolution into popular culture. The term 'bobo,' popular in France, is also traced back to American origins, specifically coined by David Brooks. Expert Dave Wilton provides insights into the historical context and playful nature of these acronyms.

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Linguistics American Culture

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Freelance journalist covering human rights and everything in between. I have worked with The Guardian, BBC, Euronews, Open Democracy, France 24, Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN) Sarajevo and Radio Free Europe. I currently contribute to NewsMavens, OZY and Equal Times.

Bosnia’s ‘three-in-one’ recipe

01 Oct 2018  |  Equal Times  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article discusses the unique linguistic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), where the same language, once known as Serbo-Croatian, is now officially recognized as three separate languages: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. This has led to a complex system of public administration, broadcasting, and education, where documents and broadcasts are produced in all three languages. Vesna Smital, a proofreader at BHRT, navigates these linguistic nuances daily. The fragmentation of the language was a result of nationalist movements post-Yugoslavia's war in the 1990s, aiming to establish distinct national identities. The article also touches on the political and educational implications of this division, including the 'two schools under one roof' system that segregates students ethnically. Despite the political insistence on linguistic differences, many experts and linguists argue that these are variants of one language, as evidenced by the Declaration on the Common Language initiative. The article suggests that there is hope for overcoming these divisions, as seen in the more inclusive approach of the updated Bosnian language orthography norm by Professor Senahid Halilović.

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Linguistics Politics Education National Identity Cultural Division

I am a freelance journalist based in Tokyo, Japan. I contribute articles to a number of international media and companies, including Forbes Asia and Singularity Hub. 

My main areas of expertise are science, technology and finance. However, I have spent time working at both local newspapers in ...

How a Mysterious Manuscript Keeps Confounding AI

12 Sept 2019  |  singularityhub.com  |  English  |  Linguistics

The Voynich Manuscript, a 240-page text from the 15th century, continues to elude decipherment by scholars and AI alike, despite various claims of solving its mystery. Dr. Gerard Cheshire's controversial claim that it was written in a 'Proto-Romance language' for Maria of Castile was met with skepticism and criticism. The manuscript's resistance to interpretation highlights the challenges AI faces in understanding human language, with issues such as translation, cultural references, and historical language changes. Nonetheless, AI advancements in natural language processing are aiding in language preservation and the potential deciphering of ancient languages.

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Linguistics Artificial Intelligence Historical Manuscript

Charlene Rodrigues is a journalist based in Sana'a, Yemen. Previously she worked for Thomson Reuters, RAI TV, ITN, World Service and BBC 5live. She has featured on BBC World, France24, CBS radio, CBC TV, FOx news, covering the recent fall of Yemen's government. She has written for publications in ...

From Aden to Trafalgar: Arabic leaves its mark on world's languages

01 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Linguistics

The article explores the historical and cultural influence of the Arabic language on various world languages, particularly Hindi and Latin languages. It highlights the deep-rooted connections between Arabic and Hindi due to historical trade and cultural exchanges, as well as the significant impact of Arabic on European languages through the spread of the Umayyad Caliphate. The narrative is enriched with personal anecdotes and expert insights, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Arabic in contemporary languages and cultures.

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Linguistics Cultural History Arabic Influence

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Alba Sanchez is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain.

Book review Multimodal Conversation Analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: A Methodological Framework for Researching Translanguaging in Multilingual Classrooms

01 Jan 2023  |  Dialnet  |  English  |  Linguistics

Kevin W. H. Tai, a PhD in Applied Linguistics at UCL and editor of several journals, presents his book on multimodal conversational and interpretative phenomenological analysis for researching translanguaging in multilingual classrooms. The book addresses theoretical aspects such as the differentiation between translingualism and code-switching and defends the joint use of these analyses. Tai also responds to criticisms of the interpretative phenomenological method. The review covers the book's structure, chapter division, and Tai's exposition of theories and criticisms.

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Linguistics Book Review Education

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Sarah Souli is an independent journalist based in Athens, Greece. She focuses on narrative-driven, in-depth pieces that connect individual stories to a bigger picture, be that politics, economics, the environment, culture, or human rights. 

Her print work has been featured in Vice, The Guardian, ...

Natalia Torres is a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia.

On the structure of noun phrases

20 Jun 2023  |  Dialnet  |  Spanish  |  Linguistics

The article situates the MultiGenera1 and MultiComb2 projects within a theoretical context distinct from valency grammar, focusing on debates around argument structure and event structure in noun phrases. It posits that lexical aspect, traditionally associated with verbs and nominalizations, is also relevant for adjectives and nouns without morphological ties to verb roots. The hypothesis suggests that analyses of deverbal nouns and other noun types can be unified by examining delimitation, durativity, and causation. Examples from the mentioned projects support initial hypotheses on noun classification, though further exploration is needed on differences between state changes and position changes.

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Linguistics Syntax

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