Languages
A newly launched news channel in Iraq tries to preserve the ancient Syriac language
Al-Iraqiya news recently started a Syriac-language broadcast in an attempt to preserve the ancient language, which derives from Aramaic, the original language of the Bible and Jesus. They are based in Baghdad. People at the network and in the Iraqi Christian community talk about what this means for them.
Language versus dialect, or why we’re obsessed with Elena Ferrante
Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels have become global hits. They are rife with love and sex and the mob — and commentary about language. This week on the podcast we explore Italy’s linguistic history and the tensions between Italian dialects and the lingua franca.
Why the English word ‘black’ became the new ‘noir’ in France
Many French people favor the English word “black” over the local equivalent “noir.” Why? There’s a history behind it that dates back decades — in fact, two histories: the French version seeks to be color-blind while the American one recognizes race at every turn.
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Three mother tongues in one
Many Lebanese speak a full-on mix of Arabic, French and English. Calling this linguistic melange a “mother tongue” started out as a joke, but now it’s become a part of Lebanon’s national identity — even if it means that sometimes people don’t understand what they are saying.