Kurds in Iraq Offer to Suspend Independence Effort

Iraqi Kurds offered on Wednesday to suspend the results of an independence vote and to start talks with the government in Baghdad. However, an Iraqi military spokesman suggested that, regardless of talks, an offensive would continue to capture territory under Kurdish control. The Iraqi central government declared the Kurdish referendum for independence illegal. It launched an offensive to seize the oil-producing area of Kirkuk. Kurdish forces had defeated Islamic State militants to take control of the area. In a statement, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said, “The fighting between the two sides will not produce a victory for any, it will take the country to total destruction.” The KRG proposed an immediate ceasefire and a suspension of the referendum result. In return, it called for “starting an open dialogue with the federal government based on the Iraqi Constitution”. In a social media comment, an Iraqi military spokesman answered, “Military operations are not connected to politics.” Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi did not react to the Kurdish proposal on Wednesday. He was on an official visit to neighboring Turkey and Iran, countries that are also against the Kurdish independence vote. Earlier, the prime minister had said the KRG should cancel the vote’s result as a condition for talks to take place. He also ordered the Iraqi army to capture all disputed territory and demanded control of Iraq’s border crossings with Turkey. All such crossings are inside the Kurdish autonomous area. Fighting in strategic region On Tuesday, Kurdish officials said their Peshmerga forces had stopped Iranian-supported militias near the border with Turkey and Syria. The border area of Fish-Khabur is part of the Kurdish autonomous region. It is home to a pipeline for oil exports from northern Iraq to Turkey. Control of the area is important to any move toward Kurdish independence. The fighting between the central Iraqi government and the Kurds presents a problem for the United States. The U.S. began providing military support and training to both sides after the war in Iraq and during the fight against Islamic State militants. I’m Caty Weaver.   Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on Reuters news reports. Mario Ritter was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story regardless –adv. whether or not something else takes place, notwithstanding referendum –n. a popular vote on a single issue or question dialogue –n. talks, a series of discussions meant to end a disagreement autonomous –adj. having powers of self-rule  

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'Booing' of Chinese National Anthem Soon May Be Illegal in Hong Kong

  A new law banning any “insult” to China’s national anthem took effect last month. Hong Kong’s leader has suggested the law could soon be enforced there in the former British territory. China's National People's Congress standing committee approved the measure on Sept. 1. Hong Kong is in the process of including the law in its separate statute book. It could be enforced in Hong Kong as early as next month. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam spoke to reporters last week. “Although it’s been approved as a national law,” she said, “in order to introduce it in Hong Kong, there has to be some adaptation.” Local media reported that the law could be used to target people who attend European football matches. In recent years, some football fans have shouted, booed or made other noises when China’s national anthem is played. Most people act respectfully when the music is played. Wang Guangya recently retired as China’s representative to Hong Kong. He said the anthem law could be dealt with in a way that meets the requirements of the city’s legal system, which is different from other parts of the country. "I think that Hong Kong can do this in accordance with its own legal system," Wang told reporters. "The most important thing is this: Any citizen of this country should show respect to their country, its national anthem, and its national flag," he said. Wang added that “this is a fundamental requirement, which I hope everyone agrees with.” Booing could backfire Last week, Hong Kong Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai spoke about the issue. He said the booing of the national anthem at football matches was a way for the people of Hong Kong to express their dissatisfaction with the government in Beijing. He also said that enforcing the anthem law could backfire. Wu said there is a deep divide between Beijing and Hong Kong, one that is, in his words, “getting wider and wider.” “They seem to think that this can be achieved simply by passing legislation requiring people to respect the national anthem,” he said. Wu added, “If they want people to show genuine respect, then they shouldn’t be encouraging them to fake it.” Last Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China’s Communist Party will keep "a firm grasp" on Hong Kong and exercise "full powers of governance" in the city. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Radio Free Asia reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   anthem - n. a formal song of loyalty, praise, or happiness​ statute - n.  a written law that is formally created by a government​ adaptation - n. the process of changing to fit some purpose or situation: the process of adapting​ accordance - n. in a way that agrees with or follows (something, such as a rule or request)​ backfire - v. to have the opposite result of what was desired or expected​ encourage - v. to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident​ grasp - n. a usually strong hold​

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Airlines Begin New Security Measures for Flights to US

  Five airline companies plan to question all passengers on flights going to the United States starting Thursday. The companies are beginning the security interviews at the request of U.S. officials. The five airlines are Air France, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, Emirates and Lufthansa. All five said they plan to carry out the interviews; however, the airlines gave different descriptions of how the passengers are to be questioned.  Some travelers may actually be questioned by an airline employee. But others may be told to answer questions on a form or document. The Associated Press says it was not immediately clear if other airlines would be affected. In the past, the international travel industry experienced problems after the U.S. government announced steps to improve airline security. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has yet to comment on the interviews. The new policy comes at the end of a 120-day time limit for airlines to meet new U.S. rules after officials lifted a ban on laptop computers on some Middle Eastern airlines. Airlines begin making changes Germany’s Lufthansa Group said the new rules come from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which reports to the Department of Homeland Security. “In addition to the controls of electronic devices already introduced, travelers to the U.S.A. might now also face short interviews at check-in, document check or (their) gate,” the company said. The Lufthansa Group includes Germany’s largest carrier, Lufthansa, as well as Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Eurowings and several other airlines. Air France will begin new security interviews on Thursday at Paris Orly Airport and a week later at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The company plans to give a written questionnaire to “100 percent” of the passengers. Emirates said it will begin doing “pre-screening interviews.” Passengers flying out of Dubai are to be questioned at airline check-in areas. The company will conduct interviews at boarding gates for passengers changing airplanes during their travel. It warned people flying through Dubai International Airport, its headquarters, to allow extra time for flights. “These measures will work in complement with the current additional screening measures conducted at the boarding gate,” it said. Cathay Pacific Airways said on its website that it had suspended self-drop baggage services. Passengers traveling to the United States will also be given a short security interview when dropping off their bags. Passengers traveling without bags will have a similar interview before getting on their flights. EgyptAir said in a statement their new security measures include interviews and more detailed searches of passengers and their belongings. The measures will include searches for illegal agricultural or animal products. Air travel changes under Trump administration These changes are the latest decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to affect international travel. In March, U.S. officials announced the ban on laptops in passenger areas on flights from 10 Middle East cities. Officials said they were concerned that Islamic State fighters and other extremists could hide bombs inside of the computers. The ban was later lifted after the airlines began using devices such as CT scanning equipment to inspect electronic devices. That laptop ban, as well as U.S. travel bans mainly affecting Muslim countries, have created problems for Mideast airlines. Emirates, the largest airline in the area, said it cut 20 percent of its flights to the U.S. in the weeks after the restrictions. It was not immediately clear if the new rules affect other Mideast airlines. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad told the Associated Press that its operations “were normal.” Qatar Airways has yet to say how the changes have affected its operations.   I’m Phil Dierking.   The Associated Press reported on this story. Phil Dierking adapted the report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What are the security measures for air travel in your country? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   check-in - n. the act or process of reporting that you have arrived at a hotel, an airport, etc. CT scanners - n. A computed tomography scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. baggage - n. the bags, suitcases, and personal things that a person carries when traveling boarding - n. to get into or onto something gate - n. an area at an airport where passengers arrive and leave interviews - n. a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to ask questions and get information pre-screening - n. to examine people or things in order to decide if they are suitable for a particular purpose    

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Start of 5-Day Funeral for Thai King

Thailand on Wednesday began an elaborate five-day funeral for King Bhumibol Adulyadej with his son, the new monarch, performing Buddhist merit-making rites in preparation for moving Bhumibol's remains to a spectacular golden crematorium.

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October 24, 2017

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Educators Try New Methods to Save American Indian Languages

The United States is home to 562 federally recognized American Indian Nations, each with its own language. Yet the number of Native Americans with the ability to speak their tribe’s language has decreased over the past century. Now, Indian Nations are trying different ways to expand the number of native speakers, and increase interest in their communities to learn tribal languages. Language in the United States Since the late 1800s, many American Indian children have attended boarding schools. At the time, Indian children were required to attend schools by law, and the federal government forced Indian families to send their children to such schools. The purpose of this requirement was to educate young people, as well as assimilate them in “American ways of life.” The children were separated from their families, and given English names. As many boarding schools were operated by religious groups, the children were also taught Christianity. One of the most lasting effects of these schools was language. The teachers often taught Native American students in English, instead of the language of their parents. AnCita Benally serves as education program manager for the Navajo Nation. She says the boarding school students were told they needed to learn English in order to get a job, earn money and buy a house or nice things.  Benally says the effect of these schools has lasted for generations. When the “boarding school generation” started having children, they were only taught English. At the time, many people believed this made sense – for economic and other reasons. But a lot of Native Americans could no longer speak their tribal language well enough to pass it on to their children. Today, even though tribal-run schools exist on their territory, most tribes report that their youngest members have trouble speaking traditional, tribal languages. Fearing a loss of history and culture, the Indian Nations are experimenting with new ways to increase the language ability and interest of tribal members. Looking to Technology At least one organization is turning to modern technology. The Sealaska Heritage Institute, a nonprofit group, has developed a podcast and two apps for speakers of the Tlingit language. The Tlingit tribe has about 10,000 members. They live mainly in southeastern Alaska. But as of 2013, the tribe had only 125 native speakers left. This is low, considering that every other tribe in Alaska has a higher percentage of native speakers. In addition, very few young people are able to speak Tlingit. “All first language fluent speakers are over the age of 60,” noted Katrina Hotch, Education Program Coordinator at Sealaska Heritage Institute. She added “There are really advanced younger learners, but it’s still an urgent need.” Hotch said the apps and podcast were created so that schools could establish sensitive cultural and language environments for Tlingit students in their classrooms.  Currently, there are two apps, called “Learning Tlingit,” and “Tlingit Language Games.” The Learning Tlingit app serves as a language guide. It provides Tlingit words and expressions, the tribal alphabet, as well as a basic list of the words included.  With the “Tlingit Language Games” app, users are given a choice of different places or environments, like a house, forest or ocean. Users choose different images and hear the word for each object spoken. They can then take a simple test on the words they learned. In addition, Hotch developed a podcast, which includes both audio and video images. Each program deals with a specific subject, such as Tlingit songs, numbers, terms, and how to say difficult letters in the language.  The voices used in the apps are all from native speakers. Hotch says the biggest problem facing learners of the language is getting access to Tlingit speakers. ​ Changes in the classroom Along with using technology, some tribes are training teachers and developing goals in education in order to improve their language programs. The Choctaw are an American Indian tribe native to the southeastern United States. Roseanna Thompson is the Choctaw language and cultural integration director for the tribe’s schools in Mississippi. Thompson told VOA that about 75% of Choctaw Indians who are teenagers or older can speak the tribal language. But only 15% of Choctaw children have that ability. Thompson said tribal leaders decided they wanted to create language classes for elementary school students. Those schools have now set up a Choctaw language program for students through 3rd grade. This is the first time they have offered Choctaw language classes for elementary students. They also offer speaking assessment and pre-assessment testing.  Before launching the classes, Thompson and other Choctaw teachers attended a training program in how to teach native languages. They then worked with other teachers to establish their own goals for language learning. The program is trying to reproduce how tribal members used to learn Choctaw -- through speaking. Thompson said the students first learn about spoken interactions and exchanges, before they turn to writing and grammar rules. She felt that if they focus on grammar too early, it could slow down the learning process. Similar to the struggles with Tlingit language, Thompson says, the biggest difficulty with teaching Choctaw is “overcoming the language barrier that exists between the children, parents, grandparents, and the general public.” She adds “They may learn the language, but they can’t use it anywhere else. It is hard on our children, as well.” Uniting with standards Another Tribe working with educational standards are the Navajo Indians (also known as “Diné”), a tribe in the southwestern U.S.  The Navajo have the largest number of speakers of all the American Indian tribes -- with an estimated 166,826 speakers of Navajo (out of 286,731 Navajo members), according to the U.S government. However, like most Indian tribes, many of the speakers are older adults. Few young people are learning the Navajo language. One recent study found that 53 percent of Navajo families speak only English at home. AnCita Benally works for the Department of Diné Education, an office known as DoDE. It was part of a large project to establish standards for Navajo education. Benally says the DoDE used those rules to develop assessment tests for Navajo schools. She warns that improving the standards for language teaching in schools is not enough. While many adult tribal members continue to speak Navajo, many younger members do not have that ability. “The situation is becoming such that they….will be depending on the school to teach their home language. But we’re telling them it really belongs in the home and is much easier to teach them at home,” Benally said.  The real step, she says, to increasing young speakers is to convince parents and grandparents that it is important to be speaking Navajo with their children or grandchildren. “Their language is in danger and it’s up to them to keep it from disappearing,” Benally says.  I’m Phil Dierking. And I’m Jill Robbins   Phil Dierking wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.   _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story    access - n. a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone​ alphabet - n.  the letters of a language arranged in their usual order​ app  - n. a computer program that performs a special function​ fluent - adj. able to speak a language easily and very well​ assimilate - v. to fully become part of a different society, country, etc.​ integration  - n. the act or condition of combining (two or more things) to form or create something​ assessment - n.  the act of making a judgment about something​ boarding (school) - adj. a type of school where students can live during the school term​ curriculum - n.  the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc.​ episode - n.  an event or a short period of time that is important or unusual​ podcast - n.  a program (such as a music or news program) that is like a radio or television show but that is downloaded over the Internet​ convince - v. to cause (someone) to agree to do something​ grammar - n. the set of rules that explain how words are used in a language​

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Xi Jinping, China's Most Powerful Leader Since Mao

China’s President Xi Jingping is now considered among the most influential of the country’s leaders. China’s Communist Party added Xi’s political thought to its constitution during the closing session of its 19th Party Congress. Only two other Chinese leaders have had their ideas added to the constitution in this way: They are Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. The congress chooses the party’s leaders and presents policy for the next five years. Observers say the move shows that Xi might seek a third term. They also note that there is no apparent successor to Xi among Chinese leaders at this time. Xi Jingping thought now part of China’s constitution Chinese state media praised as “historic” the move to put Xi Jinping’s “Thought on Socialism With Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” into the constitution. The change passed without opposition. The amendment to China’s constitution says “Xi Jinping Thought” will provide a guide for China’s development on a “long-term basis.” In addition to adding Xi’s name and political ideas, amendments established the party’s “absolute” leadership over the military and society. Among the important policy moves is a major anti-corruption campaign that has targeted both powerful and lower level officials. Another initiative is the “Belt and Road” development project, which seeks to spend billions of dollars on infrastructure-related projects in Asia, Africa and Europe. When he took power in 2012, Xi spoke of a “Chinese Dream” an idea for the redevelopment of China into a great, modern nation. In his speech at the start of the congress, Xi promised that China would become what he called a modern socialist country by 2035. He also said by 2050, China would be a leading world power. Near the close of the meeting, Xi called the party congress a success. He said the Chinese people embrace the possibilities of a bright future. Will Xi stay in power beyond his term? Willy Lam is with the Center for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He told VOA that he believes Xi will seek to stay in power beyond the end of his second term in 2022. China’s constitution states that the president can only serve two terms. Also, the party traditionally requires leaders who are 68 or older to step down. Xi is currently 64-years-old. However, Lam says Xi could step aside as party chairman but keep control of China’s powerful Central Military Commission as Deng Xiaoping did. He could also remain chairman of the country’s national security commission, which oversees the police. Lam said, “According to long established tradition, whomever controls the army and the police controls everything, not to mention the fact that he has this additional title of core leader.” However, Lam is concerned that Xi’s gathering of power represents a step backward. He notes that China’s reform leader Deng Xiaoping “was adamant in repudiating one-person rule.” Deng also forbid a “cult of personality” from being set up around leaders and helped set up age and term limits. No apparent successor Xi received the title of core leader about a year ago. The title represents a level of power not seen since Deng led “reform and opening up” efforts to modernize China. Experts note that there is no one who is considered able to take Xi’s place in five years. The head of the party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Wang Qishan, is considered the second most powerful man in China. He has overseen Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, which has brought down a number of powerful competitors in the party. But Wang’s name was not included on a list of leading party officials on the Central Committee. On Wednesday, the members of the Politburo Standing Committee are to be announced. The Politburo Standing Committee is a small group of about seven members, including Xi, who hold top positions. I’m Mario Ritter.   Bill Ide reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English with additional material from AP and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   characteristics –n. the special qualities of a person or group absolute –adj. total, complete, unquestioned initiative –n. a plan or program that is meant to create a solution to a problem embrace –v. to accept something willingly adamant –adj. determined, unchaning repudiate –v. to refuse to accept cult –n. a group that cares about someone or something too much core –adj. very central Politburo –n. a small leadership group in a Communist government that makes decisions about policy   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Americans Worry Robots Will Take Jobs, Leave Nothing to Do

  Americans are worried about new technology. They are concerned that machines, including robots, will take over work now done by humans. These findings come from a new report by the Pew Research Center of Washington D.C. More inequality feared About 75 percent of Americans questioned by Pew said automation will increase income inequality between the rich and the middle class and poor. And 64 percent of people expect automation to be so common in America that people will face difficulty finding things to do with their lives. Some of the concerns about technology come from a distrust about whether machines will always make the right decision. Pew said many Americans believe humans have better judgement in dealing with complex matters -- or when there is not one clear answer. One example is selecting a person for a job. Three-quarters of Americans said they would not want to apply for a job that uses a computer program to choose the most qualified person. Americans have similar doubts about riding in a car without a driver. The Pew Research Center found that 56 percent of Americans would not ride in a driverless car. Fifty-nine percent said they would not use a robot caregiver. Government should step in Most Americans want the government to limit automation. For example, 87 percent support a requirement that all driverless vehicles have a human in the driver’s seat who can take control when needed. And 85 percent want to limit machines to mostly doing jobs that are dangerous or unhealthy for humans. About 33 percent of Americans believe that their own jobs are threatened by automation. About one in five said they knew someone whose hours were cut, or whose jobs were lost all together because of automation. And only 25 percent expect more jobs to come from automation, Pew said. Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, spoke last May to graduating seniors from Harvard University in Massachusetts. His talk centered on the uncertain future facing young people. “Our generation will have to deal with tens of millions of jobs replaced by automation like self-driving cars and trucks,” Zuckerberg told the graduates. Zuckerberg said young people will have to find projects that will bring both jobs and direct benefits to the people of the world. He said in his speech that 300,000 people worked to put a man on the moon, and millions of people built the Hoover Dam as well as other great projects over the last 100 years. Zuckerberg also said, “Now, it’s our turn to do great things. I know you’re probably thinking, ‘I don’t know how to build a dam or get a million people involved in anything.’ But let me tell you a secret. No one does when they begin. Ideas don’t come out fully formed. They only become clear as you work on them. You just have to get started.” Pew questioned over 4,000 people last May for its research on how Americans see automation. I'm Bruce Alpert.    Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Are you worried that robots and technology will take jobs away from you and your friends? ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   robot - n. a real or imaginary machine that is controlled by a computer and is often made to look like a human or animal optimism - n. a feeling or belief that good things will happen in the future automation - n. to run or operate something, such as a factory, by using machines and computers instead of people to do the work qualified - adj. having the necessary skill, experience, or knowledge to do a particular job insurance - n. an agreement in which a person makes regular payments to a company and the company promises to pay money if the person is injured or dies, or to pay money equal to the value of something, such as a house or car if it is damaged, lost, or stolen generation - n. a group of people born and living during the same time

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Stephen Hawking Paper ‘Breaks’ Cambridge Website

  This is What’s Trending Today… Many universities this week are marking “Open Access Week.” The yearly event centers on improving the online availability of academic research to the public. Cambridge University in England celebrated by releasing the 1966 doctoral thesis of Stephen Hawking for free online. Hawking was a graduate student at Cambridge from 1962 to 1966. Hawking is the world's best-known physicist. He completed his thesis, “Properties of Expanding Universes,” when he was just 24 years old. The work explores ideas about the origins of the universe -- ideas that Hawking has studied throughout his career. News of Hawking’s publicly available thesis spread quickly. Within hours, Cambridge’s website collapsed because of the high number of people trying to access Hawking’s research paper. A Cambridge spokesman said in a statement, “We have had a huge response to Professor Hawking’s decision to make his PhD thesis publicly available to download, with almost 60,000 downloads in less than 24 hours.” The spokesman said that, as a result of the popularity, the website may perform slowly at times. Hawking’s research was already the most-requested item in Cambridge’s library. He recently gave the university permission to make it an “Open Access” document. Hawking said he hoped making his thesis freely available for everyone would “inspire people around the world to look up at the stars and not look down at their feet; to wonder about our place in the universe and to try to make sense of the cosmos.” Hawking’s newly available thesis -- and talk of how it shut down Cambridge’s website -- became trending topics on Twitter and Facebook. Many on social media said they were pleased that so many people around the world are interested in reading Hawking’s research. ​ Others wrote that they “loved” that Hawking is the famous person “breaking the internet” this week. ​ ​ And that's What's Trending Today...   The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English, with additional materials. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   academic - adj. of or relating to schools and education access - n. a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone thesis - n. a long piece of writing on a particular subject that is done to earn a degree at a university​ physicist - n.​ a scientist who studies or is a specialist in physics​ -- the science that deals with matter and energy and the way they act on each other in heat, light, electricity, and sound​ response - n. something that is done as a reaction to something else​ download - v. ​to move or copy (a file, program, etc.) from a usually larger computer system to another computer or device​ origin - n.​ the point or place where something begins or is created​ cosmos - n.​ the universe, especially when it is understood as an ordered system item - n. an individual thing: a separate part or thing​ inspire - v. to make (someone) want to do something : to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create

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After Red October, Not a Lot Has Changed in Russia

  On October 25, 1917, Vladimir Lenin ordered Bolshevik forces to attack the Winter Palace, the official home of Russia’s rulers, in Saint Petersburg. The raid started the Bolshevik Revolution, also called the Red October revolution. It led to the ouster of Czar Nicholas II, and the creation of the Soviet Union. The Reuters news agency notes that Wednesday marks the 100th anniversary of the attack, based on Russia’s old calendar. But not a lot has changed over the past century, in terms of the Russian economy. Renaissance Capital is an investment bank specializing in the country. It says the Russias of 1917 and 2017 have more in common than might be expected. For example, before the Red October revolution, about a third of Russian debt was held by foreigners. That is the same as the rate today. Before 1917, foreigners earned dividend rates of five to eight percent from shares of Russian utility stock. The dividend rates from such shares are the same today. One hundred years ago, Russia had less industry than major world powers. It was considered to have the same level of industrialization as Brazil and Mexico. That is generally true today. Raw materials were Russia’s main exports before the 1917 revolution. It is still at the same two-thirds level a century later. Finally, Russia was the world’s biggest exporter of grain back then. The investment bank estimates that from 2015 to 2017, Russia was again the world’s biggest exporter of grain. This is not to say that nothing has changed. More Russians now have the ability to read and write as compared to those living before the Soviet Union. And the country became more industrial during the Soviet years. Charlie Robertson is an economist with Renaissance Capital. He told the Reuters news agency that the Soviet years stopped the development of a modern Russian economy. In the first half of the 20th century, Russia was catching up to industrialized nations like Italy and Japan. Robertson added, “If that progress could have been maintained … Russia would be more populous, more wealthy and more democratic than it is today.” I’m Anne Ball.   Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on a Reuters story by Jeremy Gaunt. George Grow was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   old calendar - n. Russia, and the old Soviet republics, adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1918. But the Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the old Julian calendar. dividend - n. an amount of profits pays to people who own stock raw - adj. in a natural state

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The Benefits of Baby Talk

  Baby talk. It is how many adults speak to babies: slowly, using shorter sentences, talking at a higher pitch, and putting more emphasis on certain vowels. Examples include, “Where are your shoooes?” And, “Oh, this tastes gooood.” New research from Princeton University in New Jersey found something else special about how adults -- in this case mothers -- speak to their very young children. “We found for the first time that mothers shift their vocal timbre,” said Elise Piazza, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University’s Neuroscience Institute. Timbre is what makes a sound appear different than words or music with the same pitch and loudness. Piazza added: “Timbre is best defined as the unique quality of a sound. Barry White’s silky voice sounds different from Tom Waits’ gravelly one -- even if they’re singing the same note.” Using special equipment, Piazza and other Princeton researchers found that mothers shared similar changes in timbre when speaking to babies. Piazza offers this example from the research. First, a mother talking to her baby.   “A bunny and a mouse.” And here is the same mother talking to an adult.   “He had four teeth coming in at once.” Piazza explains how people change their timbre. “Timbre is influenced by your entire vocal tract—from your vocal cords all the way up to your lips,” she told VOA. “When you move your tongue and lips to make different vowels (‘ba’, ‘bi’, ‘bo’), you’re actually changing timbre,” she said. The researchers tried to capture the sounds mothers used with their babies at home. “We chose to record mothers playing with and reading to their own babies just like they would at home,” Piazza said. She wanted the discussions to be as natural as possible. The research offers new ways to show differences between how adults speak to babies, compared to fellow adults. The research was not limited just to English speakers. Researchers listened to discussions in nine other languages: Mandarin, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Cantonese, German, Hebrew, French and Hungarian. Piazza said the research can be used to learn more about how people discuss different situations. For example, she said, it could include how people change their timbre when speaking to friends or managers at work; how candidates speak to voters; and how people speak to their boyfriends, girlfriends and spouses. The Princeton research follows earlier research on baby talk. In 2014, researchers from the University of Washington and University of Connecticut looked at thousands of verbal discussions between parents and babies. They compared regular speaking voices and baby talk. Patricia Kuhl is co-director of the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences and a co-author of the baby talk report. She said researchers found that use of baby talk led to better early language development. The more parents emphasized certain vowels (such as in the phrase “how are youuuu?”) and raised the pitch of their voices, the more the one-year-olds babbled, Kuhl said. Babbling, which is making sounds that do not make sense, is considered an early step to word production. I’m Jill Robbins. And I'm Bruce Alpert.                            Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Do you use baby talk to speak to babies. If so, why? If not, why not? _____________________________________________________________ Quiz Now, test your understanding with this short quiz. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pitch - n. the highness or lowness of a sound emphasis - n. a forceful quality in the way something is said or written shift- v. to change or move unique - adj. very special or unusual silky - adj. very smooth gravelly - adj. having a rough sound vocal tract - n. is used by humans to create sound  

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