“The undying dream of Esperanto.“
languages
Posted inEditor's Pick
In Conversation: Julia Sanches & Mara Faye Lethem
“Why would anyone not want the richness that comes from learning a new form of communication, with all the culture it entails?”
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Remarkable Brain of a Carpet Cleaner Who Speaks 24 Languages
Vaughn Smith lives in Maryland. He’s 46 years old. He also learns languages with the seeming ease of a run around the block — including endangered indigenous tongues like Salish. In this fascinating profile that’s part ridealong and part science dive, Jessica Contrera takes you inside the life (and brain) of a man with a […]
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Feature, Nonfiction, Story
Coming Home, One Word at a Time
Upon returning to India, a course in Urdu helps Sharanya Deepak embrace the rich and turbulent history of her native country.
Posted inArts & Culture, Current Events, Nonfiction, Quotes, Uncategorized
Poets Talk to Poets about the Border Wall
In this roundtable, poets from around this world discuss the role borders play in their lives.
Posted inNonfiction, Quotes
In the Khmer Language, the Verb ‘to Eat’ Literally Translates as ‘Eat Rice’
In Khmer language, the verb “to eat,” yam bai, literally translates as “eat rice.” Klean bai, which is how you say you are hungry, literally translates as “hunger for rice.” Rice is the staple accompaniment of every meal in Cambodia, and a driving force behind the economy. The grain is an accompaniment to a variety of […]
Posted inUncategorized
There are roughly 7,000 languages in the world, but 78 percent of the world’s population only speaks the 85 largest languages. Thousands of languages are on the edge of disappearing. After dinner Nimasow disappeared for a moment and came back with a soiled white cotton cloth, which he unfolded by the flickering light of the […]