To honour the spirit of the Olympics 204 poems from around
the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, have been collected from each of the 204 participating countries by the Scottish Poetry Library.

Here are the first ten from Asia. Enjoy

1. Afghanistan: The story of my country
2. Azerbaijan: The poet’s voice
3. Bahrain: All of them
4. Bangladesh: Mon-doria
5. Bhutan: A lesson in light
6. Brunei Darussalam: Brothers, your cries…
7. Georgia: Circle and rectangle
8. Hong Kong: Floral Apron
9. India: Homecoming
10. Iran: An Iranian Professor I know asked me…

The poems selected are often not by the most notable poet a country has produced. Some of them are funny or light-hearted. Often they are snapshots of lives rather than grand narratives. And some of the choices may be controversial. However, they all give a glimpse of lives in countries spanning the globe. Together these poems depict a world united not only by sport, but by emotions that are universal and need no translator other than the heart.

To honour the spirit of the Olympics 204 poems from around
the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, have been collected from each of the 204 participating countries by the Scottish Poetry Library.

Here are the first ten from Africa. Enjoy!

1. Algeria: At the water’s edge
2. Angola: Build my house…
3. Burkina Faso: Cattle Count
4. Burundi: Come and live with me
5. Cape Verde: Prelude
6. Chad: from Yet the Infanta of Salamanca
7. Comoros: My high powered sailing boat
8. Congo: The Village
9. Democratic Republic of Congo: A year of Grace
10. Djibouti: Desire

The poems selected are often not by the most notable poet a country has produced. Some of them are funny or light-hearted. Often they are snapshots of lives rather than grand narratives. And some of the choices may be controversial. However, they all give a glimpse of lives in countries spanning the globe. Together these poems depict a world united not only by sport, but by emotions that are universal and need no translator other than the heart. Enjoy!

The BBC and the Scottish Poetry Library have collaborated to 
broadcast a poem on the radio every day during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. To honour the spirit of the Olympics 204 poems from around the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, have been collected from each of the 204 participating countries.

The poems selected are often not by the most notable poet a country has produced. Some of them are funny or light-hearted. Often they are snapshots of lives rather than grand narratives. And some of the choices may be controversial. However, they all give a glimpse of lives in countries spanning the globe. Together these poems depict a world united not only by sport, but by emotions that are universal and need no translator other than the heart.

Enjoy!

For the full listing visit the Scottish Poetry Library site

Tisha b’Av is the day when those of the Jewish faith remember and
commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen them, throughout history, on the 9^th day of the month of Av in the Jewish Lunar Calendar. This year it takes place on the 28th of July.  It is a very sad day in the Jewish calendar.  As is customary in Jewish tradition, fasting denotes a sign of mourning and as such Jews fast on this day.

Today, three years have passed since the death of Edward T. Hall, an American anthologist and cultural researcher.

His work on nonverbal communication was groundbreaking at the time but today is accepted as normal in the world of anthropology. His legacy as an anthropologist is immense – however, his legacy to the ‘new comers’ – the interculturalists – is inspirational. Much of the work we do in the field of intercultural studies, cross-cultural communication and cultural diversity has its base firmly planted in the foundations of the understanding and insights he laid down.

In 1987, the World Health Organisation called for a world-wide
abstinence from smoking each year of 31st May. Called the  “World No Tobacco Day” this 24-hour long period is intended to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco related illnesses and negative health effects which cause 5.4 million deaths each year. However, is it seems that non-Western nations take the day more seriously and protest loudest…

A little known day of celebration to most ‘Westerners’, May 24,
the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, is a huge festival for those in Eastern Europe: a day to celebrate cultural heritage. The peoples of Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia, Serbia, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc. venerate Saints Cyril and Methodius who created a Slavonic alphabet, translating the Bible and other writings from Greek and Latin into the language of the Slavic peoples. The invention of this ‘Cyrillic Alphabet’ is seen as the keystone that gave the Slavs access to written culture, vast sources of knowledge, and ultimately allowed them cultural independence from Muslim (as part of the Turkish Empire) and other religious or social invasions.

Happy World Cultural Diversity Day – pass the message along!

Apart from World Hello Day I can’t think of a better time for reaching out across the world to say a special ‘hello’ and to touch the lives of others. What a shame that not many organisations/nations have yet adopted this day to celebrate the wonderful diversity of the people’s of this planet.  For those of us who work in the field of cross-cultural communication and intercultural relationships, today is very special – it’s part of who we are and I was reminded about that when I heard of the death of Robin Gibb this morning…

The Europeans may be ahead of the US in terms of  accommodating climate change as a BIG issue, but it was a US Senator who brought about an awareness day forty years ago – Earth Day. Whilst we are trying to save the world one recyclable, reusable bag and low-watt light bulb at a time, it is interesting to note how the different nations of the world think about climate change and how differently they are planning their future energy needs…

Whether you are in Bulgaria or not,  why not do as Bulgarians
do – give a “Marteniza” with a wish for good health to each of your family, friends and colleagues. The first of March has been a special holiday for Bulgarians since old times. On this day they begin exchanging white and red tassels. They’re called Martenitzy, after the month of March (Mart in Bulgarian). During this month, Bulgarians wish friends and relatives “good health” through the symbolic red and white colours. According to folklore, a healthy and beautiful Bulgarian woman is always described with white skin and red cheeks.

This is a wonderful gesture of love and good will! It’ll bring you good luck as well!