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From Our Own Correspondent: Are We Speaking the Same Language?

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07/11/2020 GMT

Are We Speaking the Same Language?

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Are We Speaking the Same Language?

A cultural row in China's Inner Mongolia; tales from Nigeria, Paraguay and Kyrgyzstan

A row over heritage and culture in China's Inner Mongolia; Nigeria's chaotic enquires into #EndSARS shootings; the Paraguay River shrivels; old Kyrgyz clothes find new life

The People's Republic of China is officially a multi-ethnic state which protects the rights of minority peoples, including their language and culture. But in recent years its policies applied in Xinjiang and Tibet have darkened that picture. After hearing of a new dispute over the use of the Mongolian language in schools in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia, Stephen McDonell went to find out more. It turned out to be a complicated picture - and not easy to judge propaganda from reality. 

Caroline Wyatt introduces this story and other insights from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers around the world.

In Nigeria, the nation's been agog - and sometimes aghast - at the follies on public display during several state enquiries into the causes of the recent #EndSARS protests, and the fatal shootings of demonstrators which put an end to them. Mayeni Jones saw several scenes of high, if implausible, drama unfold at hearings in Lagos and Abuja.

The Paraguay River is a mighty one - and a lifeline for the country named after it. Most of its imports and exports are ferried by boat, so the drought that's wracking South America and recently reduced the river to its lowest-ever level could have drastic consequences. William Costa went down to the waterside to hear how fishermen, shipping crews and climatologists are seeing changes.

Elecheks - huge turbans for women, made of many layers of fine, snow-white cotton - are a symbol of Kyrgyz culture. These days many women prefer a simpler headscarf for everyday wear, but the elecheks are still treasured as heirlooms. In Bishkek, Caroline Eden meets one collector and master needle-worker who's pressed some treasured antique textiles into new service - as face masks to combat Covid 19 in Kyrgyzstan.  

(Image: Students wearing face masks have a Mongolian language class at a Mongolian primary school in Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Credit: Liu Wenhua/China News Service via Getty Images)

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