Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent leftist politician and founder of the Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance, discusses her party's rise and its influence on German politics. She highlights the balance between traditional leftist policies and addressing right-wing views, particularly on immigration and NATO. Alongside Tom Nathal, The Economist's chief correspondent, they delve into how Russia's maneuvers impact Moldova's European aspirations. The conversation also intriguingly touches on TikTok's transformation of language, showcasing how modern slang evolves in the digital age.
Sahra Wagenknecht is reshaping German politics through her new political party, reflecting a shift in the leftist landscape.
TikTok is transforming language and communication, creating new expressions and impacting cultural vernaculars among younger users.
Deep dives
Ireland's Workforce Strengths
Ireland has established itself as a leading hub for innovation, highlighted by its workforce's exceptional flexibility and adaptability. These qualities have attracted over 1,800 international businesses, including nine of the top ten US software companies, to set up operations in the country. The Irish workforce's ability to meet evolving demands and rapidly adjust to changes is crucial for companies seeking to stay competitive in the global market. Moreover, the partnership with IDA Ireland, the national investment development agency, enhances opportunities for businesses looking to tap into this skilled talent pool.
Impact of Russian Interference in Moldova
Moldova's recent political events underscore the significant influence of Russia in the region, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. A referendum to support EU membership faced substantial Russian sabotage efforts, characterized by disinformation campaigns and attempts to sway voter sentiment. The pro-European incumbent, Maya Sandu, struggled to secure a decisive victory in both the referendum and presidential election, reflecting a broader tension between pro-European aspirations and pro-Russian sentiments within Moldova. This context demonstrates Russia's continued efforts to exert control in former Soviet states, and the reliance of these countries on their European aspirations for stability and security.
Evolving Language Trends on TikTok
TikTok is significantly shaping contemporary language, making once-archaic terms fashionable and spawning new expressions that resonate with younger audiences. The platform has led to the emergence of words like 'mogging,' meaning superiority, and 'skibbity,' which varies in meaning based on context, revealing a playful and experimental approach to communication. In addition to redefining existing language, TikTok also fosters unique vernaculars among various fan communities, accelerating the evolution of slang like phrases from specific cultural backgrounds. Linguists observe that the rapid pace of language change on TikTok cannot be accurately documented by traditional dictionaries, which now struggle to keep up with the emergence of new words and meanings.
Our correspondent interviews Sahra Wagenknecht, the popular leftist whose eponymous political party is now making the political weather in Germany. How Russia is trying to sabotage Moldova’s attempt to move towards Europe (10:40). And why Tiktok is changing how we speak (17:38).