Overconfidence in Mandarin…24 Aug 2011

I’m not a fan of Huntsman — I’ll say that up front — and I don’t think he has any conceivable path to the Republican nomination…. But,  after many years of listening to political candidates speaking in fumbling, h...

Language learning surgery: medical miracle or proof that we’re too lazy to study?23 Aug 2011

I’ve heard for years about the plight of Korean children who, willingly or forced by parents, undergo oral surgery in an effort to increase their English proficiency. It’s silly, it’s a waste of money and pain, and it doesn’t ...

French Canadians continue to win the love and admiration of their Anglophonic peers…20 Jul 2011

with their sunny dispositions and their ever-so-humble acceptance of whatever life may bring…. Errr…  Maybe not… (emphasis mine) A couple of French language ‘extremists’ have won an £8,000 payout after airline staff sp...

Woo hoo! A new language to study!!!6 Oct 2010

Researchers have identified a language new to science in a remote region of India. Known as Koro, it appears to be distinct from other languages in the family to which it belongs; but it is also under threat. Koro was discovered by a team of linguis...

Quote of the week28 Aug 2010

Ultimately, some linguists and computer scientists argue, technology will collapse the world’s language barriers. Imagine walking down the street in Cairo, speaking English into your cell phone, and having your words come out in Arabic. That f...

Abu Qatada release from Long Lartin jail sparks furore - BBC News14 Feb 2012

BBC NewsAbu Qatada release from Long Lartin jail sparks furoreBBC NewsAbu Qatada, accused of being one of the UK's most dangerous extremist preachers, has been released from Long Lartin top-security jail in Evesham. He was seen hiding his face in the back of a van which left the Worcestershire jail at around 21:15 GMT.Britain Frees Radical Cleric, Abu QatadaTHISDAY LiveOn day hate preacher Abu Qatada is freed, a remarkable confession... Even his ...Daily MailAbu Qatada released from jailThe GuardianTelegraph.co.uk -The Independent -Metroall 923 news articles »

Iran condemns Zionists' claim on Georgia, India explosion - Iranian Students News Agency14 Feb 2012

Sydney Morning HeraldIran condemns Zionists' claim on Georgia, India explosionIranian Students News AgencyTEHRAN (ISNA)-Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast condemned Zionist regime's claim on Iran's involvement in attacks against the regime's embassies in India and Georgia. He said the claim was made in line with launching psychological ...Exclusive - Attack on Israeli may hurt Indian trade with IranReuters AfricaPolice on the hunt for biker bomber in DelhiHindustan TimesIsraeli diplomats world over use taxis after bomb attacksTimes of IndiaEconomic Times -New York Times -Reutersall 2,161 news articles »

Syria launched 'indiscriminate attack' on civilians, UN says - Washington Post14 Feb 2012

The GuardianSyria launched 'indiscriminate attack' on civilians, UN saysWashington PostUNITED NATIONS — The UN human rights chief blamed disagreement in the Security Council on Monday for encouraging the Syrian government to step up attacks on opposition strongholds in its campaign to crush an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's ...Syria: Hillary Clinton Backs Arab Plan, Says UN Pecaekeepers UnlikelySky NewsScolded China takes Syria diplomacy to Arab LeagueReuters AfricaUN Official Rebukes Syria Over ViolenceNew York TimesJerusalem Postall 4,444 news articles »

Kate to visit addiction charity bar - The Press Association14 Feb 2012

Telegraph.co.ukKate to visit addiction charity barThe Press AssociationThe Duchess of Cambridge is to bring some cheer to charities despite spending her first Valentine's Day as a married woman more than 7900 miles away from husband William. Kate will be in Liverpool to see charitable work taking place at the city's first ...Prince William to put military service before royal dutyTelegraph.co.ukKate Middleton, Camilla and The Queen to 'do lunch'stv.tvDuchess of Cambridge to meet girl in Alder Hey visitBBC NewsHerald Sun -Metro -Daily Mailall 310 news articles »

Falklands risks fresh spat with Argentina as nation seeks to get its own passports - Daily Mail14 Feb 2012

Daily MailFalklands risks fresh spat with Argentina as nation seeks to get its own passportsDaily MailBy Ian Drury The Falkland Islands is opening talks with the Government about getting its own passport - risking a fresh spat with Argentina. Officials representing the territory in London are to speak to the Home Office about the possibility of ...Falklands dispute: Argentine union to boycott UK shipsBBC NewsActor Penn urges Falklands talksThe Press AssociationArgentina accuses Britain of sending nuclear missiles to FalklandsTelegraph.co.ukMirror.co.uk -The Guardian -Evening Standardall 401 news articles »