Taking to social media, Labour MEP Thomas Bajada shared moments where his surname was mispronounced whilst at the European Parliament.
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His surname was pronounced as ba-ha-da in various meetings and sittings, with the young MEP addressing the issue humorously in a video.
It’s quite a common thing to have your name or surname mispronounced by foreigners unused to the linguistics involved.
Have you ever experienced it?
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Researchers at the University of Michigan, in collaboration with the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics in Puebla, Mexico, are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help decode dog vocalisations.
This innovative study aims to distinguish between different types of vocalisations, such as playful barks or aggressive growls, and could even identify characteristics like age, breed, and sex of the dog.
AI models, originally developed for human speech, are being adapted to interpret animal communication, offering a new approach to understanding our canine companions.
The findings were presented at the Joint International Conference on Computational Linguistics, Language Resources, and Evaluation.
The study was conducted with a dataset of barks from 74 dogs in Tepic and Puebla, Mexico. The dogs, aged between 5 to 84 months, included breeds like Chihuahuas, French Poodles, and Schnauzers.
Researchers recorded the dogs’ vocalisations in their natural environments, capturing authentic responses to various stimuli, including encounters with strangers, playful interactions, affectionate owners, and simulated attacks.
By using advanced AI technology to analyse these vocalisations, the research aims to improve human-dog communication and enhance animal welfare by better understanding their needs and emotions, ultimately strengthening the bond between humans and their pets.
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Qatar Airways will launch four weekly flights between Malta and Qatar starting in July, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg announced during his visit to Doha.
This development was revealed following high-level meetings with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar Airways CEO Ing. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, and Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al Kharji.
Deputy Prime Minister Borg emphasized that air connectivity is crucial for trade, tourism, education, and innovation.
He noted that the direct flights to Doha’s Hamad International Airport would enhance Malta’s links to regions such as Australia, home to the largest Maltese diaspora, and other emerging tourism markets. Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ hub, offers connections to 197 destinations worldwide.
The meetings also explored opportunities for collaboration in financial services, renewable energy, and tourism, marking progress in the strong relationship between Malta and Qatar ahead of the 50th anniversary of their bilateral ties in June 2025.
Borg also invited Qatari investors to consider Malta as a gateway to European markets and a hub for sustainable innovation.
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Birdlife Malta shared a heartwarming video of the moment a black-necked grebe was released back into the wild.
The Brod was found stranded on a road in Ghajnsielem, Gozo and was rescued just in time.
‘During migration, grebes sometimes mistake reservoirs or private pools for safe landing spots, leaving them disoriented and at risk’, the NGO explained.
After careful veterinary check-ups, the bird was ringed and safely released into the wild at Ghadira Nature Reserve, ‘where it can thrive and plenty of food.’
Birdlife Malta highlighted the importance of being vigilant during migration seasons, as coming across stranded birds and acting quickly can make a big difference.
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Video: Yusuf Gamal via Birdlife Malta
