This week, members of a little-known committee will debate a change to a global language. If all goes to plan, sometime in 2018, we will have a red-headed emoji. Glad tidings for gingers.
Just over 120 years ago, a similar sort of thing happened. An optician called Ludwik Zamenhof proposed reforms to an international language. It went to a vote among a committee but 93 were in favour and 157 were opposed, so Esperanto remained unchanged.
Mr Zamenhof was secretary of the League of Esperantists, the committee debating the changes, and the inventor of Esperanto itself. This year, the language turns 130 years old.
Emoji, as a globally available system, is six years old. And it's trounced Esperanto. Six billion emojis are sent every day.
Emoji has been compared with Esperanto before, and it certainly works across borders and language barriers. I may not know the Indonesian for "a face with tears of joy", but π makes sense to me and someone in Jakarta. That's because, according to University of Michigan researchers, π is the most popular emoji both in the UK and in Indonesia - and for that matter, in the world. (Although not in France, where ❤️️ conquers all.)
But what's remarkable isn't the global nature of Emoji, it's this: Emoji is the most successful planned language in history.
Emoji arose spontaneously, and was offered to customers by Japanese mobile phone operators in 1999. (Emoji are not the same as emoticons, which are text-based.)
They started to spread, until Unicode got involved in 2010. Unicode decides the standards for all sorts of texts in computers - to make sure letters and symbols look at least vaguely similar no matter what you're reading them on. Its Emoji subcommittee asks the public for proposals for new emojis, then decides which to include.
Here, the Esperantophone might object: is Emoji really a language, and is it really universal?
No one actually speaks Emoji. It doesn't have a grammar system. Emoji translations of works like Moby Dick and Alice In Wonderland exist, but only because some people have too much time on their hands. Unicode itself says: "You can probably view (emojis) more like borrowings of foreign words rather than a language by themselves."
Still, a lack of native speakers doesn't necessarily matter. Ancient Greek doesn't have any. And not being a spoken tongue is actually perfect for the internet age, where text on screen dominates.
Emoji definitely has "language-like properties", according Vyvyan Evans, a professor of linguistics at Bangor University. The more it is used, the more it will emerge. You can order a pizza by tweeting π at Domino's - an interaction that feels a lot like a language. In 2015, a teenager was arrested for making a terrorist threat that was delivered by emoji.
Nor are emojis just icons of existing objects: they develop meaning beyond what they depict. The nail polish emoji π
has come to signify a general feeling of fabulousness or ignoring one's haters. In Japan, the bank emoji π¦ means to avoid responsibilities, because of its similarity to the slang term "bakkureru". And whether you call it an aubergine or an eggplant, π means π.
That might seem to disprove the second question - whether emoji is truly universal - seeing that different countries have different interpretations of the same emoji. Unicode, again, demurs, giving the example of π£ππ₯ to "refer to a bombshell movie" - which would make little sense in Indonesian.
But plenty of phrases don't make sense even to speakers of the same language. Try telling an American "you've got the hump". Likewise, I have no idea what "talking turkey" means, and I don't care enough to Google it.
In fact, this possibility of interpretation is why Emoji is so much more popular than Esperanto, and so much more like a popular language.
Both languages are planned, but they were planned in different ways. Esperanto was set down pretty rigidly: its main development over the years has been neologisms like komputilo (computer) and poΕtelefono (mobile phone). Emojis are strictly policed by the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee - but only in terms of how they're displayed on a device.
People give an emoji meaning. The committee gives us uniform building blocks - then lets us create whatever we want from them. Online, when memes spread in minutes, that's a powerful tool for popularisation.
Emoji might not meet the strict definition of a "universal language". But, even controlled by committee, its flexibility has made it a ubiquitous one.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Theresa May pledges to 'renew special relationship' ahead of Trump talks
Theresa May will pledge to "renew the special relationship" for a new Brexit-Trump age as she arrives in the United States ahead of talks with the President.
The Prime Minister flies to Philadelphia, where she will address Republican Senators and Congress members, before meeting Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
Mrs May, the first world leader to hold face-to-face talks with President Trump since his inauguration, has told MPs she is pleased to be able to meet him so early in his administration.
She wants to talk to the President about deepening the economic and commercial relationship between the two countries post-Brexit and signing a UK-US trade deal once the UK has left the EU.
:: May's presents to Trump: A cup and jam
Also on the White House agenda will be strengthening defence and security co-operation between the two countries and through NATO, countering the menace of Islamic State and creating conditions for peace in Syria.
While she is in Washington, Mrs May will also visit Arlington National Cemetery - where members of the British military who died fighting alongside US forces are buried - to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The PM is flying straight to Philadelphia, where she will address the annual congressional Republican Retreat, becoming the first serving head of government or state from outside the US to do so.
As well as addressing the Republicans' "congressional retreat", she will also hold talks with Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader.
:: May says Trump's remarks about women 'unacceptable'
In her speech at the Republican event, the Prime Minister will talk about her desire and belief in the need to renew the special relationship, claiming it is important not only to Britain and America but to the world.
"The leadership provided by our two countries through the Special Relationship has done more than win wars and overcome adversity," she is expected to say.
"It made the modern world.
"The institutions upon which that world relies were so often conceived or inspired by our two nations working together.
"It is through our actions over many years, working together to defeat evil or to open up the world, that we have been able to fulfil the promise of those who first spoke of the special nature of the relationship between us.
"The promise of freedom, liberty and the rights of man."
And she will say: "The United Kingdom is by instinct and history a great, global nation that recognises its responsibilities to the world.
"And as we end our membership of the European Union - as the British people voted with determination and quiet resolve to do last year - we have the opportunity to reassert our belief in a confident, sovereign and global Britain, ready to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
"So as we rediscover our confidence together - as you renew your nation just as we renew ours - we have the opportunity - indeed the responsibility - to renew the special relationship for this new age.
"We have the opportunity to lead, together, again."
But the Prime Minister's decision to go to Philadelphia, cradle of American independence, and only address Republican members of the Senate and Congress has infuriated Democrats in Washington.
Although the Democrats are currently at their own retreat, it is claimed that her snub is unprecedented and may not be good tactics come the US mid-term elections in two years, when the UK will need support on Capitol Hill as it seeks a trade deal requiring approval in Congress.
The Prime Minister flies to Philadelphia, where she will address Republican Senators and Congress members, before meeting Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
Mrs May, the first world leader to hold face-to-face talks with President Trump since his inauguration, has told MPs she is pleased to be able to meet him so early in his administration.
She wants to talk to the President about deepening the economic and commercial relationship between the two countries post-Brexit and signing a UK-US trade deal once the UK has left the EU.
:: May's presents to Trump: A cup and jam
Also on the White House agenda will be strengthening defence and security co-operation between the two countries and through NATO, countering the menace of Islamic State and creating conditions for peace in Syria.
While she is in Washington, Mrs May will also visit Arlington National Cemetery - where members of the British military who died fighting alongside US forces are buried - to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The PM is flying straight to Philadelphia, where she will address the annual congressional Republican Retreat, becoming the first serving head of government or state from outside the US to do so.
As well as addressing the Republicans' "congressional retreat", she will also hold talks with Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader.
:: May says Trump's remarks about women 'unacceptable'
In her speech at the Republican event, the Prime Minister will talk about her desire and belief in the need to renew the special relationship, claiming it is important not only to Britain and America but to the world.
"The leadership provided by our two countries through the Special Relationship has done more than win wars and overcome adversity," she is expected to say.
"It made the modern world.
"The institutions upon which that world relies were so often conceived or inspired by our two nations working together.
"It is through our actions over many years, working together to defeat evil or to open up the world, that we have been able to fulfil the promise of those who first spoke of the special nature of the relationship between us.
"The promise of freedom, liberty and the rights of man."
And she will say: "The United Kingdom is by instinct and history a great, global nation that recognises its responsibilities to the world.
"And as we end our membership of the European Union - as the British people voted with determination and quiet resolve to do last year - we have the opportunity to reassert our belief in a confident, sovereign and global Britain, ready to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
"So as we rediscover our confidence together - as you renew your nation just as we renew ours - we have the opportunity - indeed the responsibility - to renew the special relationship for this new age.
"We have the opportunity to lead, together, again."
But the Prime Minister's decision to go to Philadelphia, cradle of American independence, and only address Republican members of the Senate and Congress has infuriated Democrats in Washington.
Although the Democrats are currently at their own retreat, it is claimed that her snub is unprecedented and may not be good tactics come the US mid-term elections in two years, when the UK will need support on Capitol Hill as it seeks a trade deal requiring approval in Congress.
How Trump Could Make Mexico Pay for the Border Wall
In an interview Wednesday, President Trump doubled down on his campaign promise that he will build a wall along the southern border and Mexico will pay for it.
Trump confirmed that U.S. taxpayer dollars would be used to start the construction, but he said reimbursement from Mexico would follow.
“I’m just telling you there will be a payment," Trump said. "It will be in a form, perhaps a complicated form.
On "America's News HQ" today, Steve Moore, former economic advisor to Trump, explained how Trump could make Mexico pay for the wall.
Moore said one possibility is the creation of an import tariff with a provision that the funds go to pay for the wall.
He acknowledged this wouldn't be his preferred strategy, but it's something Trump could do unilaterally without congressional approval.
Moore said another option is to institute a border crossing fee whenever a person or vehicle enters the U.S. from Mexico.
"That wouldn't necessarily be a bad way to fund it," Moore said. "It's sort of like a user fee. You're using the border, so therefore you pay for security at the border."
Watch more above, and let us know what you think in the comments.
Trump confirmed that U.S. taxpayer dollars would be used to start the construction, but he said reimbursement from Mexico would follow.
“I’m just telling you there will be a payment," Trump said. "It will be in a form, perhaps a complicated form.
On "America's News HQ" today, Steve Moore, former economic advisor to Trump, explained how Trump could make Mexico pay for the wall.
Moore said one possibility is the creation of an import tariff with a provision that the funds go to pay for the wall.
He acknowledged this wouldn't be his preferred strategy, but it's something Trump could do unilaterally without congressional approval.
Moore said another option is to institute a border crossing fee whenever a person or vehicle enters the U.S. from Mexico.
"That wouldn't necessarily be a bad way to fund it," Moore said. "It's sort of like a user fee. You're using the border, so therefore you pay for security at the border."
Watch more above, and let us know what you think in the comments.
Theresa May pledges to 'renew special relationship' ahead of Trump talks
Theresa May will pledge to "renew the special relationship" for a new Brexit-Trump age as she arrives in the United States ahead of talks with the President.
The Prime Minister flies to Philadelphia, where she will address Republican Senators and Congress members, before meeting Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
Mrs May, the first world leader to hold face-to-face talks with President Trump since his inauguration, has told MPs she is pleased to be able to meet him so early in his administration.
:: May's presents to Trump: a cup and jam
She wants to talk to the President about deepening the economic and commercial relationship between the two countries post-Brexit and signing a UK-US trade deal once the UK has left the EU.
:: May says Trump's remarks about women 'unacceptable'
Also on the White House agenda will be strengthening defence and security co-operation between the two countries and through NATO, countering the menace of Islamic State and creating conditions for peace in Syria.
While she is in Washington, Mrs May will also visit Arlington National Cemetery - where members of the British military who died fighting alongside US forces are buried - to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The PM is flying straight to Philadelphia, where she will address the annual congressional Republican Retreat, becoming the first serving head of government or state from outside the US to do so.
As well as addressing the Republicans' "congressional retreat", she will also hold talks with Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader.
In her speech at the Republican event, the Prime Minister will talk about her desire and belief in the need to renew the special relationship, claiming it is important not only to Britain and America but to the world.
"The leadership provided by our two countries through the Special Relationship has done more than win wars and overcome adversity," she is expected to say.
"It made the modern world.
"The institutions upon which that world relies were so often conceived or inspired by our two nations working together.
The Prime Minister flies to Philadelphia, where she will address Republican Senators and Congress members, before meeting Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
Mrs May, the first world leader to hold face-to-face talks with President Trump since his inauguration, has told MPs she is pleased to be able to meet him so early in his administration.
:: May's presents to Trump: a cup and jam
She wants to talk to the President about deepening the economic and commercial relationship between the two countries post-Brexit and signing a UK-US trade deal once the UK has left the EU.
:: May says Trump's remarks about women 'unacceptable'
Also on the White House agenda will be strengthening defence and security co-operation between the two countries and through NATO, countering the menace of Islamic State and creating conditions for peace in Syria.
While she is in Washington, Mrs May will also visit Arlington National Cemetery - where members of the British military who died fighting alongside US forces are buried - to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The PM is flying straight to Philadelphia, where she will address the annual congressional Republican Retreat, becoming the first serving head of government or state from outside the US to do so.
As well as addressing the Republicans' "congressional retreat", she will also hold talks with Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader.
In her speech at the Republican event, the Prime Minister will talk about her desire and belief in the need to renew the special relationship, claiming it is important not only to Britain and America but to the world.
"The leadership provided by our two countries through the Special Relationship has done more than win wars and overcome adversity," she is expected to say.
"It made the modern world.
"The institutions upon which that world relies were so often conceived or inspired by our two nations working together.
Mexico: We will not pay for Trump border wall
Mexico will not pay for Donald Trump's border wall, the country's president has said in a message to the nation.
Enrique Pena Nieto said he "lamented" the plans for the barrier, adding that "Mexico doesn't believe in walls".
But he made no mention of cancelling or postponing a trip to Washington on 31 January to meet the new US president.
Mr Trump has signed an executive order for an "impassable physical barrier" and has insisted Mexico would reimburse the US for it.
Mr Pena Nieto said: "I've said time and again; Mexico won't pay for any wall.
"It comes as our country is talking on new rules on cooperation, trade, investment, security and migration in the North American region.
"As president I assume the complete responsibility to defend the interests of Mexico and Mexicans.
"Based on a final report by the functionaries in Washington DC and advice from the chamber of commerce, governors, and so on, I will decide the right next steps to take.
"Mexico offers its friendship to the American people and its willingness to reach accords with their government. Agreements that will be in favour of both Mexico and the US."
Billions of dollars
Mr Trump said in a TV interview with ABC News that Mexico would "absolutely, 100%" reimburse the US for his wall.
But Congress would have to approve funding for the structure, which is estimated to cost billions of dollars.
Building a 2,000-mile barrier along the Mexican border was one of Mr Trump's key pledges in the presidential election campaign.
He spoke of a "crisis" on the southern US border as he signed the directives during a ceremony at the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday.
The orders also called for hiring 10,000 immigration officials to help boost border patrol efforts.
"A nation without borders is not a nation," he said. "Beginning today the United States gets back control of its borders."
The executive orders are among a flurry expected on national and border security this week.
Mr Trump is next expected to announce immigration restrictions from seven countries with Muslim-majority populations in the Middle East and Africa. This could affect refugee programmes.
These countries are believed to be Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen.
Enrique Pena Nieto said he "lamented" the plans for the barrier, adding that "Mexico doesn't believe in walls".
But he made no mention of cancelling or postponing a trip to Washington on 31 January to meet the new US president.
Mr Trump has signed an executive order for an "impassable physical barrier" and has insisted Mexico would reimburse the US for it.
Mr Pena Nieto said: "I've said time and again; Mexico won't pay for any wall.
"It comes as our country is talking on new rules on cooperation, trade, investment, security and migration in the North American region.
"As president I assume the complete responsibility to defend the interests of Mexico and Mexicans.
"Based on a final report by the functionaries in Washington DC and advice from the chamber of commerce, governors, and so on, I will decide the right next steps to take.
"Mexico offers its friendship to the American people and its willingness to reach accords with their government. Agreements that will be in favour of both Mexico and the US."
Billions of dollars
Mr Trump said in a TV interview with ABC News that Mexico would "absolutely, 100%" reimburse the US for his wall.
But Congress would have to approve funding for the structure, which is estimated to cost billions of dollars.
Building a 2,000-mile barrier along the Mexican border was one of Mr Trump's key pledges in the presidential election campaign.
He spoke of a "crisis" on the southern US border as he signed the directives during a ceremony at the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday.
The orders also called for hiring 10,000 immigration officials to help boost border patrol efforts.
"A nation without borders is not a nation," he said. "Beginning today the United States gets back control of its borders."
The executive orders are among a flurry expected on national and border security this week.
Mr Trump is next expected to announce immigration restrictions from seven countries with Muslim-majority populations in the Middle East and Africa. This could affect refugee programmes.
These countries are believed to be Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen.
Frozen star Idina Menzel criticised for wrist-slit joke
Actress Idina Menzel has been accused of inappropriate behaviour after making a joke on TV about slashing her wrists.
The Broadway star, known for voicing main character Elsa in Disney's hit movie Frozen, has been criticised by a mental health charity for mocking suicide.
In a TV interview on Tuesday, Menzel was asked which songs made her cry.
"You'd think because I'm a singer I listen to a lot of music, which I do, but there's certain music that I think is so devastatingly beautiful that it's too painful to listen to sometimes," she said.
"There's this Meshell Ndegeocello album, Bitter, that I just can't listen to.
"It's so good. It makes me just want to slit my wrists."
The phrase did not please the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which accused Menzel of showing "a lack of education".
"Self harm and suicide is a very serious situation. Some people may not realise the impact of that type of statement," they said.
"It shows a lack of education around the pain families and individuals go through and further stigmatises mental health."
Jessica Cruz, the charity's director, said it was "joking about self harm when self harm is not a joke".
"It's not an appropriate metaphor. She needs to consider the impact of her statement," the charity added.
It is not the first time Menzel has joked about self harm.
In an interview to the New York Times in 2014, the actress said: "I suppose if Christmas makes you depressed this album might make you want to slit your wrists."
The Broadway star, known for voicing main character Elsa in Disney's hit movie Frozen, has been criticised by a mental health charity for mocking suicide.
In a TV interview on Tuesday, Menzel was asked which songs made her cry.
"You'd think because I'm a singer I listen to a lot of music, which I do, but there's certain music that I think is so devastatingly beautiful that it's too painful to listen to sometimes," she said.
"There's this Meshell Ndegeocello album, Bitter, that I just can't listen to.
"It's so good. It makes me just want to slit my wrists."
The phrase did not please the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which accused Menzel of showing "a lack of education".
"Self harm and suicide is a very serious situation. Some people may not realise the impact of that type of statement," they said.
"It shows a lack of education around the pain families and individuals go through and further stigmatises mental health."
Jessica Cruz, the charity's director, said it was "joking about self harm when self harm is not a joke".
"It's not an appropriate metaphor. She needs to consider the impact of her statement," the charity added.
It is not the first time Menzel has joked about self harm.
In an interview to the New York Times in 2014, the actress said: "I suppose if Christmas makes you depressed this album might make you want to slit your wrists."
David Cameron calls for more funds to fight dementia
David Cameron has put pressure on Theresa May to come good on a pledge he made during his time in Downing Street to increase dementia funding.
The former Prime Minister has called for more spending on research into the condition, saying it should not be so far behind stroke and cancer funding.
His comments come as he announces he has become the president of Alzheimer's Research UK - his second major role since leaving Number 10.
In an article for The Times newspaper, Mr Cameron wrote: "We must win the battle for priorities.
"Cancer research and stroke research deserve all their funding - but dementia shouldn't be so far behind.
"Dementia steals people's lives, turns their relationships upside down, destroys their hopes and dreams. We owe it to them, their families and their carers to find a solution."
He said that "just as we did in the past with cancer and HIV", people must be educated about the condition and it should not become just "an inevitability of later life".
It is estimated that around one million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025.
Downing Street responded by saying the Prime Minister was committed to increasing support for the fight against dementia.
A spokeswoman for Mrs May said: "We are committed to taking forward the plans that have been already set out for increased support for helping people with dementia and tackling this vital issue."
Tackling the problem was a key "personal priority" for Mr Cameron during his tenure in Downing Street.
In 2013 he hosted a G8 dementia summit, pledging to double spending on dementia research by 2025. In 2015 he announced £300m would be spent on research by 2025.
The Alzheimer's role is the second he has taken on since standing down - in October he was announced as chairman of National Citizen Service Patrons.
The former Prime Minister has called for more spending on research into the condition, saying it should not be so far behind stroke and cancer funding.
His comments come as he announces he has become the president of Alzheimer's Research UK - his second major role since leaving Number 10.
In an article for The Times newspaper, Mr Cameron wrote: "We must win the battle for priorities.
"Cancer research and stroke research deserve all their funding - but dementia shouldn't be so far behind.
"Dementia steals people's lives, turns their relationships upside down, destroys their hopes and dreams. We owe it to them, their families and their carers to find a solution."
He said that "just as we did in the past with cancer and HIV", people must be educated about the condition and it should not become just "an inevitability of later life".
It is estimated that around one million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025.
Downing Street responded by saying the Prime Minister was committed to increasing support for the fight against dementia.
A spokeswoman for Mrs May said: "We are committed to taking forward the plans that have been already set out for increased support for helping people with dementia and tackling this vital issue."
Tackling the problem was a key "personal priority" for Mr Cameron during his tenure in Downing Street.
In 2013 he hosted a G8 dementia summit, pledging to double spending on dementia research by 2025. In 2015 he announced £300m would be spent on research by 2025.
The Alzheimer's role is the second he has taken on since standing down - in October he was announced as chairman of National Citizen Service Patrons.
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