Expanding Our Minds: 10 Words and Phrases from 2024 That Enrich Our Worldview

Kawshalya Madhushani Jadetimes Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.

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Image Source : Serenity Strull

Language is an incredible tool that reflects the complexities of culture, history, and the human experience. From expressions capturing a reindeer's search for sustenance in the Arctic to words describing subtle human cravings or nuanced relationships, 2024 revealed fascinating linguistic gems from across the globe. These words and phrases don’t just expand our vocabulary they deepen our understanding of diverse ways of life. 

Here are ten extraordinary expressions we encountered this year, showcasing how language helps us navigate cultural, environmental, and emotional landscapes: 

Ausgeapert (Alpine German) 

Definition: Refers to bodies or ancient artifacts revealed by melting glaciers. 

As global warming accelerates glacial retreat in the Alps, this term encapsulates both the fascinating and sobering consequences of climate change. Beyond describing the physical unveiling of lost worlds, it serves as a poignant reminder of our planet's shifting landscape and history. 

Cůme či'k t'ê? (Sarkese) 

Definition: "How are you?" 

This phrase hails from Sarkese, a nearly extinct language spoken on the small island of Sark near France. With only three native speakers remaining, this linguistic treasure represents the fragile beauty of endangered languages. Sarkese evolved from a blend of Norse and Norman French influences, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural past. 

Ealát (North Sami) 

Definition:  A word used by North Sami reindeer herders to describe favorable conditions for reindeer to dig for lichen under the snow. 

Deeply tied to the lives of the Sami people in the Arctic, Ealát embodies their relationship with nature. With over 300 Sami words for snow, their language reflects a profound connection to the environment one that is under threat as the Arctic undergoes rapid climate change. 

Firkle (Antarctic Research Base English)

Definition: To sort through or mess around with something. 

This term evolved among scientists isolated at the Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. Their unique slang provides a fascinating case study in how small, isolated communities create linguistic variations a microcosm of how global languages like English have diversified over centuries. 

Gluschdich (Pennsylvania Dutch) 

Definition: "I’m not hungry, but I feel like eating!" 

This playful word is part of Pennsylvania Dutch, a Germanic language spoken by Amish and Mennonite communities in the US. Despite its cultural specificity, the language is thriving thanks to the fast-growing Amish population. Gluschdich beautifully encapsulates a universal human experience of indulging in cravings. 

Gwaan (Jamaican Patwa) 

Definition: An expression of jubilation or excitement. 

Jamaican Patwa, or Creole, blends English with African linguistic influences, showcasing a vibrant cultural history. Today, younger generations are reclaiming Patwa with pride, adding their own innovations to ensure its continuous evolution. 

Inyeon (Korean) 

Definition:  A predestined relationship or providence, often tied to Buddhist concepts of reincarnation. 

Popularized in the Oscar-nominated film Past Lives, this term underscores the significance of relationships shaped by destiny. Whether it refers to a fleeting encounter or a deeper bond, Inyeon is a testament to the philosophical depth embedded in language. 

Kalo theke aalo (Bengali) 

Definition: "From darkness to hope" a term coined to describe a just transition to renewable energy. 

In the face of climate change, finding meaningful ways to express abstract environmental concepts is critical. This phrase not only encapsulates a shift toward sustainability but also conveys an optimistic vision for the future. 

Lóng juǎn fēng (Mandarin) 

Definition: Tornado, literally translating to "swirling-dragon wind." 

This poetic term highlights the human tendency to use mythology to understand natural phenomena. By comparing tornadoes to mythical dragons, it illustrates the awe and reverence that extreme weather inspires across cultures. 

Pura vida (Costa Rican Spanish)

Definition: "Pure life," symbolizing gratitude, optimism, and a positive outlook. 

This vibrant expression is woven into Costa Rica’s national identity. It encourages a mindset of resilience, gratitude, and joy even in challenging times making it a perfect mantra for the new year. 

Why Language Matters

These words not only broaden our understanding of different cultures but also highlight the diversity and fragility of global languages. With over 3,000 languages currently endangered, learning and using these unique expressions can help preserve their legacy for future generations. 

By embracing the richness of the world’s linguistic heritage, we gain insight into the shared and unique aspects of human existence, proving that language is far more than words it’s a reflection of life itself.

Trump and BRICS Clash May Boost De-Dollarization

Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff

C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.

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With the US president-elect Donald Trump threatening to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS countries willing to create and join the BRICS currency framework, he is quite likely to end up accelerating the process of de-dollarization, putting an end to American financial hegemony. Only de-weaponizing the USD can halt this process.

Image Source: (InvideoRJ/Getty)

The BRICS Currency vs. Trump

The US is very well known for weaponizing its currency to meet foreign policy goals. Now that this ‘weapon’ is threatened by alternative financial systems being led by US rivals, Uncle Sam is threatening retaliation. As American as one can be, Trump is toeing the same line of global US hegemony. “We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar, or they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump’s statement relies on a belief system according to which the threat of tariffs will hurt the countries sending their exports to the US. But, as a recent report in Bloomberg, one of the leading newspapers in the US, said, it is not BRICS threatening the US dollar; it is the US itself. Whether Trump realises this or not, however, is a different issue. Surely, there is evidence to show that higher tariffs are ultimately paid by the consumers, which in this case are the American people. Consider this, for example: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now a member of BRICS. If BRICS were to develop its currency and were the Trump administration to impose 100 per cent tariffs, this would include, going by the implications of Trump’s own statement, the oil the US imports from the UAE.

Consequently, this will drive up the prices of oil in the US. Similar tariffs imposed on commodities produced by other BRICS members and imported to the US will drive up the prices of those commodities to be ultimately bought and paid for by American consumers. Ultimately, such situations increase inflation and affect the overall economic health.

But Trump’s (mis)calculations will not only hurt the American economy ultimately, there is also every possibility that these steps would accelerate the process of de-dollarization.

Fast De-dollarization

BRICS is a club in the middle of fast expansion. At the heart of this expansion is the willingness of many countries to build a new, alternative world order. Apart from last year’s addition of new members to the BRICS, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are also looking to become members of this network. BRICS’ equation vis-à-vis Washington’s hegemony will continue to grow as more and more members, such as Saudi Arabia, which enjoys crucial leverage on the US, become its members. Their inclusion will not only strengthen the BRICS itself, but it would also weaken Washington’s ability to force its members into submission. Again, higher tariffs imposed on Saudi Arabia will proportionally diminish Washington’s influence that it otherwise may have on Riyadh, insofar as such a step would reinforce Washington’s image as a power increasingly using its currency as a weapon even against friendly countries.

What would this do to the US hegemony? Trump seems to think only in terms of an alternative currency. But there are possibilities too, which at this moment seem more feasible. It includes the use of national currency for settling payments. At the recent SCO conference, the Russian foreign minister confirmed that Moscow was in talks with India to convert the billions of rupees it has accumulated in Indian banks into a different currency - which is not necessarily the USD, so that it can use the money. The bottom line is that despite US sanctions, Russia and India continue to trade using an alternative currency. As long as the USD is no longer involved in such transitions, de-dollarization becomes the de facto outcome.

Even though India has assured the US that no BRICS currency as such is in the process of development, it does not mean New Delhi is going to either step away from BRICS and/or end/limit its trade with Russia. Contrary to Washington’s expectations, it is increasing manifold. In mid-December 2024, India’s private refiner Reliance secured a massive deal with Russia’s state oil firm Rosneft. The 10-year agreement, amounting to a whopping 0.5% of the entire global supply, is worth roughly $13 billion a year. In effect, it adds to the amount of trade being settled worldwide in a currency that is not the USD. (Russia and Iran have already switched their trade transactions almost entirely to national currencies.) This will, in other words, contribute to the gradual decline of the USD as the world’s leading currency.

In many ways, the process is inevitable. For instance, China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) added 62 direct participants in the 12 months to May 2024, an increase of 78%, bringing the total to 142 direct participants and 1,394 indirect participants worldwide.

To “Make America Great Again”

One key reason that this trend is accelerating is that having USD in reserves and/or relying on the USD to conduct trade simultaneously exposes the relevant parties to geopolitical arm-twisting by Washington. If the US president-elect’s cardinal aim is to “Make America Great Again” and thinks preserving the US dollar is necessary to do this, he needs to de-weaponize American currency. De-weaponizing the USD could de-accelerate de-dollarization. Weaponization will only accelerate this process, as it has done thus far. The very fact that Trump had to issue a threat to BRICS countries even before formally assuming power indicates the impact of this process. Will he, or any other American leader, do this remains to be seen? But what is clear on the horizon is the cost of not de-weaponizing the USD: the gradual disappearance of the USD with or without a formal BRICS currency.

Sir Keir Starmer Mourns Loss of Younger Brother on Boxing Day

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani, Jade Times Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political.

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Image Source : Family Handout

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid heartfelt tribute to his younger brother, Nick Starmer, who passed away on Boxing Day at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer. 

"A Wonderful Man" Remembered

In a statement, Starmer expressed deep sorrow, saying: 

 "My brother Nick was a wonderful man. He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much." 

The prime minister also extended gratitude to the healthcare professionals who cared for Nick during his illness, noting their "skill and compassion" was deeply appreciated. 

A Life Marked by Challenges

Nick Starmer, who had learning disabilities caused by complications at birth, faced significant struggles throughout his life. According to Sir Keir, his brother had difficulty finding steady work and endured harsh bullying as a child. Nick was often labeled "thick" or "stupid" at school, creating significant emotional and social hurdles. 

In a biography published earlier this year, Sir Keir reflected on his brother’s life, acknowledging the challenges Nick faced and the resilience he demonstrated. Starmer recalled how their father frequently praised Nick’s perseverance, often telling Keir: 

"Nick has achieved as much as you, Keir." 

These words highlighted the family’s recognition of Nick’s strength in overcoming his unique struggles.

Christmas Grief and a Postponed Holiday

Sir Keir had reportedly planned to travel for a holiday after the festive season but has decided to remain in the UK to grieve and support his family during this difficult time. 

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch offered her condolences, describing the news as “particularly devastating at Christmas time.” 

A Message of Strength and Reflection

Nick Starmer’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to face life’s challenges. Through his tribute, Sir Keir shed light on the unique bond he shared with his brother and the profound influence Nick had on his life. 

The prime minister’s heartfelt reflection resonates as a tribute to family, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who overcome adversity with courage and dignity.