Hands up if you know where Tiohtià:ke is. Or Cadi. Or Te Whanganui-a-Tara. If you’re struggling, don’t feel too bad – you already know these places, just more likely as Montreal, Sydney and Wellington.
The names given to the places where we live frequently come loaded with historical, political and cultural baggage. Those who wield the power often do the naming and older names that may have stood for centuries can be legislated out of existence with the sweep of a pen.
But in one former outpost of the British empire, a small step was taken recently to remind everyone that indigenous languages – and the people who spoke them – were there first.
Last month, Australia Post announced that it would begin to deliver items addressed in the country's Aboriginal languages. It was a victory for Aboriginal activist Rachael McPhail who fought for the recognition of languages spoken in Australia for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.
“Australia has an amazing history that spans back at least 60,000 years and can be celebrated by all Australians,” she said. “Every area in this country had an original place name, prior to being given its colonial town/city name, and I believe that it’s important to acknowledge this.”
The fight for indigenous language rights – through education, the granting of official status and more symbolic gestures such as altering place names – takes place where history, nationalism and colonialism intersect.
For Prof Stephen May, a languages policy expert with the University of Auckland, a starting point is to acknowledge that different languages can co-exist in one political space.
"The key principle needed for states to acknowledge or accommodate minority or indigenous languages is that of linguistic pluralism," he tells The National. "This requires, in turn, rethinking the principle of linguistic homogeneity, which still underpins most nation-states' language policies."
Aboriginal school children being taught in class to speak in their indigenous language is important. Alamy Stock Photo
This policy, Prof May says, has its roots in the development of modern nationalism from the French Revolution onwards.
“The consequence of this has been the marginalisation or banishment of other languages [including indigenous or minority ones] spoken historically in these territories,” he says.
“This basic pattern of suppressing other language varieties, and promoting a [usually] single national language has since been adopted as the norm.
“Both have usually been achieved via education – with the national language used as the language of education – requiring or forcing other language speakers to learn the dominant language. The result of this, over time, is language shift and loss of their first languages.”
Attempts to recognise, protect and promote indigenous languages seem to have had varying levels of success. In Australia – once one of the world’s most linguistically diverse territories – recognition of older languages is on the rise. In 2018, Queensland restored Mount Jim Crow and Mount Wheeler’s Aboriginal names: Baga and Gai-i.
Amazigh singer and poet Fatima Tabaamrant performs during a festival in Morocco. In 2012, she became the first MP to use the language of Amazigh in parliament. AFP
But at the same time, only a fraction of the country's surviving Aboriginal languages are being spoken by children – often a barometer of a language's chances of survival.
Does embracing a country’s older place names carry anything more than symbolic value? For Prof May such steps are only part of a bigger picture.
“Symbolic representation is a start but only that. The key for a minority or indigenous language is for it to be recognised and used publicly as a language of civil society. This includes the media, education, and where possible, the civil service.”
“Welsh is a clear example here where, since [political] devolution in 1999, it has once again [alongside English] become a language of everyday use and a public language, used widely in civic administration, education and the media.”
In Prof May’s native New Zealand, the Maori language went from being excluded from schools for more than 100 years to acquiring official status in 1987. Maori is now on the country’s passports, Maori place names are recognised by the postal service and the language can be used in courts.
In the Mena region, there have been some moves towards pluralism. In 2016, Algerian MPs voted to give the Amazigh (or Berber) languages official status, building on a 2002 decision to allow the languages to be taught in schools. Morocco’s 2011 constitution made Amazigh an official language alongside Arabic – in 2012, singer and poet Fatima Tabaamrant became the first MP to use the language in parliament.
Elsewhere in the region, however, minority languages have fallen foul of shifting borders, state building and nationalism. Turkey, for example, has a notably fraught relationship with its most widely spoken minority language: Kurdish.
Prof May says the principle of linguistic homogeneity can lead some countries to regard minority languages – and those who speak them – as a threat to the state.
“Indeed, in much social and political discourse, the idea of the maintenance of minority languages, and associated minority language rights, is [still] somehow attributed as disloyalty to the state,” he says.
A Kurdish man standing at an intersection in the town of Hasankeyf, Turkey. The Turkish government, which has a fraught relationship with the minority language Kurdish, has deemed that all signboards in the Kurdish regions be in the Turkish language. Alamy Stock Photo
The irony in Turkey’s case is that the republic’s predecessor – the Ottoman Empire – was a multilingual enterprise. Old photographs of Istanbul show shop fronts in Turkish (written in Arabic script), Greek, Armenian and French.
That linguistic diversity seems to be shrinking. Unesco estimates that 6,000 of the world's languages are under threat and says that half of these could be gone by the end of the century. Although recognition is an important stepping stone for a language's survival, support for its public use and respect for its speakers are vital for its viability.
Irish writer Brian Friel's 1980 play Translations depicts the humdrum work of changing indigenous place names. Two British army cartographers survey north-western Ireland in the 19th century, diligently translating or anglicising the local landscape. Cnoc Ban, for example, becomes either "Fair Hill" or "Knockban" – a meaningless word but something easier for the powers that be to pronounce.
Friel’s play and Ms McPhail’s postal campaign reveal that language is more than communication. And although changing street signs or postal addresses can’t make up for historic injustices, comprehending that language taps into powerful currents of identity and meaning should be easy – no translation required.
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
Tips for job-seekers
Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
David Haye record
Total fights: 32 Wins: 28 Wins by KO: 26 Losses: 4
Indian construction workers stranded in Ajman with unpaid dues
Referees: Chris Broad, David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Andy Pycroft, Ranjan Madugalle and Richie Richardson.
Umpires: Aleem Dar, Kumara Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker, Michael Gough, Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson.
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This can occur through blood transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injecting drugs. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common.
People infected with hepatitis C experience few or no symptoms, meaning they can live with the virus for years without being diagnosed. This delay in treatment can increase the risk of significant liver damage.
There are an estimated 170 million carriers of Hepatitis C around the world.
The virus causes approximately 399,000 fatalities each year worldwide, according to WHO.
Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
