Topics

Mar

Oh, Deer! Road Signs in Different Cultures

by Sheron Long on March 31, 2015

Deer crossing sign in Hertfordshire, England, shows a running deer with a huge set of antlers, illustrating how different cultures interpret the same animal on road signs. (Image © Simon Gurney)

In Hertfordshire, England, the deer on road signs have a certain regal look
with antlers fit for a bejeweled crown.
© Simon Gurney

Crossing the Road and Cultures, Too

Why does a chicken cross the road? Ponder that all you wish, but know for sure that a chicken and a host of other beasts are gonna cross the road.

Humans devised the idea of warning signs to help you avoid a bump in the road. Governments and international commissions created copious specs (862 pages in the US Manual alone) to make sure the humans got it right. Read more...

Sheron Long Comments

Cultural Diversity/Worldwide Sites

Jun

World Press Photo Awards: Life Lessons in Images

by Meredith Mullins on June 23, 2014

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African migrants hold their phones to catch a signal, life lessons in connection and migration via photojournalism (Photo © John Stanmeyer)

World Press Photo of the Year: Djibouti City
© John Stanmeyer for National Geographic

The Social Conscience of Photojournalism

In the moonlit image, the silhouetted figures hold their mobile torches, like statuesque champions of liberty. An expectation of extraterrestrials? A full-moon cult gathering?

Where are we . . . and what kind of life lessons are in progress on this mysterious night?

The story invites interpretation. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 1 Comment

The World's Photography/Worldwide Sites

Mar

Same Animal + Different Cultures = Surprise!

by Bruce Goldstone on March 13, 2014

Falling cat, illustrating animal sayings that vary in different cultures and languages. (Image © deshy / iStock)

Animal Symbols and Sayings

All over the world, cats are known for their seemingly magical ability to escape dangers that would be fatal to other, less feline species. But different cultures and languages vary in how they talk about kitty’s special talents.

English speakers describe their death-defying trickiness by saying cats have nine lives. Consider 9Lives cat food, and its spokescat Morris, who vouch for the statistic. Read more...

Bruce Goldstone 1 Comment

Cultural Diversity/Cultural Symbols/Language & Culture/Worldwide Sites

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