The issue of borrowings in state languages has become a pressing concern for many governments around the world, with some countries taking legislative measures to regulate the use of foreign words, especially from English, in official communications and daily life.

In Russia, for instance, the government has submitted a bill to the state Duma to protect the Russian language from excessive use of foreign words, with the exception of those that do not have common analogues in the Russian language.

The bill aims to control the observance of the norms of the Russian literary language by officials and citizens, and to prevent the use of foreign words that have simple and understandable analogues in the native language.

Similarly, in Italy, the government has drafted a bill that seeks to ban the use of English language in official communications, with the aim of promoting the Italian language and imposing a fine of up to 100,000 euros for non-compliance.

The bill requires all public and private bodies to use the Italian language to promote their goods and services, and allows the use of foreign words only if they are impossible to translate.

In Nigeria, experts have warned the government about the risks of borrowing from China, citing the example of Uganda, which risks losing its only international airport to China due to its inability to repay a $207m loan.

The Nigerian government has been advised to review its loan agreements with China to avoid a similar situation, with some experts suggesting that the country may forfeit key national assets to China if it defaults on its $3.48bn loans.

In Russia, the Federation Council has approved a law that implies the inadmissibility of the use of foreign words at the state level, with the exception of those that have no analogues in the Russian language and are contained in normative dictionaries.

The law requires the use of the Russian language in official relations and correspondence, and prohibits the use of foreign words in information for consumers of goods and services, as well as in the education sector.

Philologists in Russia have expressed concerns about the potential excesses that may arise from the implementation of this law, and have suggested that clear criteria be established to distinguish between foreign and non-foreign words.

They have also emphasized the importance of protecting the Russian language, while avoiding isolation from international terminology in areas such as banking and finance.

In Palestine, there have been calls for the adoption of an "Arab nation-state law" that would prohibit the use of non-Arab languages in official communications, with the aim of preserving the Arabic language and preventing its erosion.

The proposed law would require all public and private bodies to use the Arabic language in their communications, and would prohibit the use of foreign languages without accompanying Arabic translations.

Overall, it is clear that many governments around the world are taking steps to regulate the use of foreign words in their state languages, with a focus on promoting the use of native languages and preventing the erosion of cultural identity.

These efforts are driven by a desire to preserve the uniqueness and richness of native languages, and to prevent the dominance of English and other foreign languages in official communications and daily life.

However, it is also important to note that the implementation of such laws and regulations can be complex and may require careful consideration of the potential consequences, including the risk of excesses and the need for clear criteria to distinguish between foreign and non-foreign words.

Ultimately, the goal of promoting the use of native languages and preventing the erosion of cultural identity is a noble one, and it is up to governments and language authorities to find a balance between preserving cultural heritage and participating in the global community.

The issue of borrowings in state languages has become a pressing concern for many governments around the world, with some countries taking legislative measures to regulate the use of foreign words, especially from English, in official communications and daily life.

In Russia, for instance, the government has submitted a bill to the state Duma to protect the Russian language from excessive use of foreign words, with the exception of those that do not have common analogues in the Russian language.

Title:

Content: city news Yelets, news Yelets, Yelets news, Yelets newspaper, Red banner
Better than any passport.
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The Russian government has submitted to the state Duma a bill to protect the Russian language from excessive use of foreign words.
The document implies control over the observance by officials and citizens of the norms of the Russian literary language and the inadmissibility of the use of foreign words, with the exception of those that do not have common analogues in the Russian language.
"Wet feet"
by "toptalische"
Fighters for the purity of the native language waited, because the discussion about it among linguists, writers, scientists goes on constantly, then quiet, then flaring up with renewed vigor.
The initiative of the Government of Russia, which decided to wedge itself into the disputes of professionals, is quite understandable and understandable.
Today, when the United States and the entire Western world are in a rush to destroy, eradicate, wipe out all Russian, the frequent use of Anglicisms in everyday life is at least unpatriotic.
In fairness, it should be noted that borrowing from other languages is a constant process.
Lenin also proposed "to declare war on the use of foreign words unnecessarily", and the intricacies of relations and mutual accusations of Slavophiles and Westerners entered the textbooks, as well as the textbook proposals to replace other people's "galoshes" with their "wet feet", and "sidewalks" - with "toptalisches".
In the 1940s, a new wave: the struggle against cosmopolitanism suggested “for everything Russian against foreign ”, including in the language.
A printer is a printer?
Meanwhile, all – both supporters and opponents – agree that there are concepts in their native language that came after the phenomena, realities created in other countries, and therefore the words denoting them, well, not ours, but they can not do without them.
A striking example is the computer, IT technologies and everything related to them.
The word “printer ” cannot be replaced by a Russian translation from English, since“ printer ” does not mean a device for printing, but a person engaged in this process.
By the way, this phenomenon is not new: even under Peter I, who “cut through the window to Europe ”, dozens of Dutch and German words for technologies and mechanisms poured into Russia.
And in opera, many terms are borrowed from Italian and have long been part of the Russian language.
And we calmly use such words as “federation ”,“ sphere ”, “national ”,“ commission ” and many others that came from foreign languages, but are firmly entrenched in our own.
How to be
in one bow
Meanwhile, one cannot but agree with the authors of the bill: recently, the speech of deputies of different ranks, officials, political and economic experts, heads of federal and regional, and sometimes local authorities is simply replete with foreign words that have simple and understandable analogues in their native language.
And if we are almost reconciled with merchandisers (commodity scientists in our own way), then what do you think of the expression from the fashion world “in one bow ”?
The well-known vegetable has nothing to do with it: in English look - look, therefore, in Russian it is an image, appearance, look, etc. In texts related to business, "marketplace" (literally from the English place of trade), as well as "startup" (start, start, take the first steps) or "webinar" (training video conference live).
In the field of education, they like to talk about “bullying prevention ”: this word means ridicule, bullying of children at school by peers.
Increasingly, “campus ” sounds, while the translation from Latin is a familiar campus for many of us, or“ coach ” instead of the usual “coach ”,“ mentor ”.
Abilympics
with WorldSkills
I will also swing at my favorite “quest ” recently: again with the English“ game, search ”.
I do not like the sequestered budget, because it is “cut ”, but transparent is more to my liking, because it is“ open ”, “transparent ”.
And who will prove to me that “exchange of practices ” is better than the usual“ exchange of experience ”?
Or for days on TV reported about the participation of Russians in the championship "Abilympics".
You will break the language by pronouncing, although this is only a competition in professional skills among the disabled, in another way they are also called the “Olympics of opportunities ”.
From the same series, the widely distributed “WorldSkills ” (WorldSkills) is also a competition, but students studying a particular profession.
We have such competitions took place in the times of the USSR, then they were safely forgotten, and now they are back again, only in a Western manner.
And here is another illustrative example: the all-Russian social project “Agrofoodsharing ”.
We divide abracadabra into parts: agro - of course, something related to agriculture.
In English, food – food, share – share.
As a result, we get a movement of agricultural producers who want to share with other people the surplus of their crops.
The idea, of course, is good, right, but why break the language?
And finally from the sore: "solving cases." Brilliant!
In English, the word “case ” has two meanings: a briefcase, a suitcase and the second – circumstances.
Therefore, in Russian literally "the decision of circumstances" or, as the know-it-all Internet interprets, "the study of the situation and the choice of a suitable solution."
They will leave themselves
on your own?
Most likely, the desire to cleanse the language by introducing a law at the state level is an attempt to distance oneself from the West, its influence, to isolate oneself from someone else ’ s and alien mentality, lifestyle and dubious values.
However, it is not very clear what it will look like in practice: will there be lists of prohibited words and expressions or just recommendations, and addressed to high-ranking officials and other “persons in the TV ” – after all, it is with their filing that all sorts of newfangled borrowings from foreign languages often go“ to people ”.
However, a few decades ago, our teachers at the Yelets Pedagogical Institute hammered us, students, that the language is a self-cleaning system, and all harmful, fake after a while will simply disappear.
It has always been so, and I want to believe it will be so.
KSTATI:
I assume that all borrowings are from our haste, eternal saving of time even on pronunciation and writing of words.
We usually write in sms a short, indifferent “OK ”.
While in the native language for this almost a dozen words: “good ”,“ okay ”, “agree ”,“ give ”, “let ”,“ good ”, etc. No wonder there is a catch phrase: “Speech is better than any passport ”...
Tatyana SHCHERBATYKH
VRF News

The bill aims to control the observance of the norms of the Russian literary language by officials and citizens, and to prevent the use of foreign words that have simple and understandable analogues in the native language.

Similarly, in Italy, the government has drafted a bill that seeks to ban the use of English language in official communications, with the aim of promoting the Italian language and imposing a fine of up to 100,000 euros for non-compliance.

Title:

Content: Italian govt drafts bill that seeks to ban English language

RomeEdited By: C KrishnasaiUpdated: Apr 01, 2023, 03:15 PM IST

Calling for the Italian language to be protected and nurtured, the draft bill claims that English “demeans and mortifies” Italians, and called on all public and private bodies to use the “language of Dante” to promote their goods and services, reports Reuters news agency. Photograph:(Reuters)

Story highlights

The bill, which has been drafted by lawmakers of the nationalist Brothers of Italy party, aims to promote Italian language and imposes a fine of up to 100,000 euros ($108,750) if found violating the rule

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party has proposed legislation that seeks to prohibit public and private bodies in the country from using foreign terms, especially English, in official communications.

The bill, which has been drafted by lawmakers of the nationalist Brothers of Italy party, aims to promote Italian language and imposes a fine of up to 100,000 euros ($108,750) if found violating the rule.

In order to become a law, the bill has to be approved by both houses of parliament. But there was no indication of when this might happen.

“It is not just a matter of fashion, as fashions pass, but Anglomania (has) repercussions for society as a whole,” said the text of the draft bill.

Calling for the Italian language to be protected and nurtured, the draft bill claims that English “demeans and mortifies” Italians, and called on all public and private bodies to use the “language of Dante” to promote their goods and services, reports Reuters news agency.

The draft also specifies that all job related applications, including names and acronyms, should be spelt out in Italian, with foreign words allowed only if they are impossible to translate.

The bill said the widespread use of English in Europe was “even more negative and paradoxical” given that Britain had quit the European Union.

The draft bill comes at a time when the incumbent far-right government takes measures to what it calls preserving the local culture.

Recently, it banned the use of laboratory-produced food to safeguard the country’s agri-food heritage.

When the Brothers of Italy party took office last October, it added the English term “Made in Italy” to the name of the industry minister, while Meloni occasionally drops foreign words into her speeches.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

The bill requires all public and private bodies to use the Italian language to promote their goods and services, and allows the use of foreign words only if they are impossible to translate.

In Nigeria, experts have warned the government about the risks of borrowing from China, citing the example of Uganda, which risks losing its only international airport to China due to its inability to repay a $207m loan.

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Content: Nigeria risks losing assets to China over $3.48bn loan, experts warn FG

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Economic and financial experts have warned the Federal Government that Nigeria risks losing key national assets to China in the event that it defaults in paying back loans obtained from China which is currently put at $3.48bn.

They spoke against the backdrop of the possible takeover of Uganda’s only international airport and other key assets over the East African country’s inability to repay a $207m loan obtained on November 17, 2015 from the Export-Import Bank of China.

The loan has a maturity period of 20 years including a seven-year grace period. According to the deal signed with the Chinese lenders, Uganda will have to surrender its only international airport.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority said some provisions of the financing agreement with China exposed the Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets which might be taken over by Chinese lenders upon arbitration in Beijing.

China has reportedly rejected recent pleas by Uganda to renegotiate the toxic clauses of the 2015 loan.

This came as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in August 2020 hinted about the possibility of Nigeria forfeiting its assets to China in the event of loan default.

Amaechi reportedly said Nigeria had waived immunity on a loan, which means China could take the country to arbitration in the event of a default.

The minister, however, added that there would be no need for China to claim any infrastructure once Nigeria repaid its loans to the Asian country.

 “We must learn to pay our debts and we are paying, and once you are paying, nobody will come and take any of your assets,” Amaechi said.

However, financial analysts hinted about the possibility of Nigeria forfeiting key national assets to China if the country defaulted on its $3.48bn loans.

They also advised the Federal Government to properly review the loan agreements with China to save the country from facing a situation similar to that of Uganda.

The Chief Executive Officer of SD&D Capital Management, Idakolo Gbolade, said Nigeria might forfeit certain assets in the event of a loan default.

Asked if Nigeria faced any risks on its China loans, Gbolade said, “Yes, it is very possible. If you remember about a year ago, there was serious concern in the National Assembly on the loans given by the Chinese Exim Bank to us, and I am sure the loan clause also includes forfeiture of national assets.”

The expert, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria was capable of paying back its debt.

An economist and professor of Economics and Public Policy at the University of Uyo, Akpan Ekpo, said the development in Uganda was worrisome and exemplified some of the dangers of borrowing from external sources.

He, therefore, advised the government to ensure that loan agreements with China were properly appraised.

Ekpo said, “It is an issue of concern; that is why in any loan agreement with China, we have to read in between the lines. We have to make sure we really understand their agreements.

“We should make sure that Nigerians are involved in the loan negotiation process. Experts should be carried along so that they can properly understand both the agreement in English and in Chinese.

“If the loans have clauses that may cost us our assets or even our sovereignty – as the debate was earlier in the year – that would be disastrous.

“So they should take experts with them when they go to negotiate the loans they collect from China, not just people from foreign affairs.”

A professor of Economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Sheriffdeen Tella, equally expressed a similar view, stressing that all loan agreements between Nigeria and external sources should be properly studied by experts.

He said, “It could happen to any African country because they are all thinking of borrowing. But I think that since people have kept the conversation alive now, the government will be very careful with loans collected from China.

“There is, however, the need for an assessment of government external debt from different sources now. We have to start looking at it and there is a need to study the documents that contain the agreements of some of these loans to prevent a similar occurrence.

“We need to start asking ‘what are the contents or the conditions of the loans?’ There is also a need for the government to create a means for offsetting such debts.”

The Managing Director of Cowry Asset Management Limited, Johnson Chukwu, said the country should not have a problem paying back the loan if the economy thrived sufficiently.

He said, “An interest of 2.5 per cent is not high. The key challenge is that did we invest the money in productive assets, and are we getting the value for the money? Was the project cost-optimal?

“It is important to note that investment in infrastructure should lead to an expansion in the country’s ability to generate revenue. If the economy thrives, paying back the loan should not be a problem.

“However, if certain reasonable conditions are not met, it may have a catalytic effect on the economy with the country finding it difficult to pay back the loan.”

Although the Federal Government has been mostly secretive about the terms of the agreement of its China loans, the Debt Management Office has made some statements on them in recent times.

In a statement in June, 2020, the DMO said, “The total borrowings from China of $3.121bn as at March 31, 2020, are concessional loans with interest rates of 2.5 per cent per annum, tenor of 20 years and grace period (moratorium) of seven years.”

According to the DMO, the terms are compliant with the provisions of Section 41 (1a) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

In addition, the low interest rate reduces the interest cost to government while the long tenor enables the repayment of the principal sum of the loans over many years.

Eleven projects, ranging from water supply, power generation, railways, airport terminals, communication to agricultural processing are funded by the loans acquired.

The Director-General, DMO, Patience Oniha, had in February said, “So far, let’s be very clear that there has not been any default, whether of local or international debt.”

The earliest of the funding agreements between Nigeria and China was signed in 2010 with an interest rate of 2.5 per cent yearly, a repayment period of about 20 years and a grace period of seven years.

If Nigeria is unable to pay its first debt by 2038, the country may have to lease out any of the Chinese-funded projects in Nigeria to China.

The first loan project was for the Nigerian national public security communication system project with $399.50m agreed on December 20, 2010 and disbursed.

The second loan was for the Nigerian railway modernisation project (Wu- Kaduna section) with $500m agreed on December 20, 2010 and disbursed.

While the third loan was for the Abuja light rail project with $500m agreed on November 7, 2012 and disbursed, the fourth loan was targeted at Nigerian ICT infrastructure backbone project with $100m agreed on January 5, 2013 and disbursed.

The fifth loan was meant for the Nigerian four airport terminals’ expansion project (Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt) with $500m agreed on July 10, 2013 but $455.28m was disbursed, which is 91.06 per cent of the agreed amount.

The sixth loan was for the Nigerian Zungeru hydroelectric power project with $984.32m agreed on September 28, 2013 but only $518.24m was disbursed, which is 52.65 per cent of the agreed amount.

The seventh loan was for the Nigerian 40 parboiled rice processing plants project (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), with $325.67m agreed on April 26, 2016, but nothing was disbursed.

The eighth loan was for the Nigerian railway modernisation project (Lagos – Ibadan section), with $1.27bn agreed on August 18, 2017 but only $759.84m was disbursed, which is 17.50 per cent of the agreed amount.

The ninth loan was targeted at the rehabilitation and upgrading of Abuja-Keffi-Markurdi road project with $460.82m agreed on August 18, 2017 but only $80.64m was disbursed, which is 59.96 per cent of the amount agreed.

The 10th loan was meant for the Nigeria supply of rolling stocks and depot equipment for the Abuja light rail project with $157m agreed on May 29, 2018, but nothing was disbursed.

Lastly, the 11th loan was for the Nigeria greater Abuja water supply project with $381.09m agreed on May 29, 2018, but nothing was disbursed.

In terms of repayments, Nigeria paid $102.68m to China in the first six month of 2021, while it still owes about $3.48bn

Nigeria also paid a total of $102.68m to the Exim Bank of China in the first half of this year.

Nigeria paid an interest fee of $42.54m, which is 73.76 per cent of the principal fee of $57.67m as debt service to the Exim Bank of China in the first three months of 2021

Alongside commitment charges of $1.98m, Nigeria paid a total of $102.20m.

In the second quarter of 2021, Nigeria paid an interest fee of $306,050, without paying the principal fee, as debt service to the Exim Bank of China in the second three months of 2021

Alongside commitment charges of $170,680, Nigeria paid a total of $476,730 in Q2 2021.

The PUNCH had reported that Nigeria spent $591.11m in five years on servicing the debts owed to the Exim Bank of China.

Nevertheless, Nigeria still owes China $3.48bn as of the end of June 2021.

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The Nigerian government has been advised to review its loan agreements with China to avoid a similar situation, with some experts suggesting that the country may forfeit key national assets to China if it defaults on its $3.48bn loans.

In Russia, the Federation Council has approved a law that implies the inadmissibility of the use of foreign words at the state level, with the exception of those that have no analogues in the Russian language and are contained in normative dictionaries.

Title:

Content: 22 February 2023, 17: 37
The Federation Council approved the law on the prohibition of the use of foreign words at the state level
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The Federation Council approved a law implying the inadmissibility of the use of foreign words at the state level.
The exception will be those words that have no analogues in the Russian language and which at the same time are contained in normative dictionaries.
“When using the Russian language as the state language of the Russian Federation, the use of words and expressions that do not meet the standards of the modern Russian literary language (including obscene language) is not allowed, ” the law states.
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The norms are understood as language tools and rules for their use, reflected in normative dictionaries and reference books.
The government on the basis of proposals of the Commission will approve the list of regulatory dictionaries and requirements for them.
It is also understood that they will reflect a list of foreign words, which are acceptable due to the lack of analogues.
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The composition and procedure of the government commission will also be approved by the Cabinet.
According to the law, the state language of the Russian Federation must be used in official relations and official correspondence of all organizations, both with Russians and with foreign citizens.
In addition, the addresses of senders and recipients of telegrams, parcels, postal orders within Russia, information for consumers of goods and services, and so on should be drawn up in the state language.
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The law requires the use of the Russian language in official relations and correspondence, and prohibits the use of foreign words in information for consumers of goods and services, as well as in the education sector.

Philologists in Russia have expressed concerns about the potential excesses that may arise from the implementation of this law, and have suggested that clear criteria be established to distinguish between foreign and non-foreign words.

Title:

Content: The ban on foreign borrowings in the Russian language - what should be feared - RIA Novosti Crimea, 16.02.2023
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Radio "Sputnik in Crimea"
The ban on foreign borrowings in the Russian language – what should be feared
Philologists: in the fight against foreign borrowings in the language, it is important to prevent excesses
© Fotolia / daria rizaDictionary of the Russian language.
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SIMFEROPOL, Feb 16 – RIA Novosti Crimea, Alexey Goncharov.
The main risk of the law adopted by the State Duma on the restriction of the use of foreign words is the excesses that can be allowed in the struggle for the purity of the Russian language.
This opinion was expressed by the interviewed website RIA Novosti Crimea and radio "Sputnik in Crimea" experts.
Chancellery is no less an enemy
On Thursday, the State Duma in the second and third reading adopted amendments to the federal law "On the state language of the Russian Federation".
The law, in particular, prohibits the use of foreign words at the state level, with the exception of those that do not have common Russian-language analogues.
Deputies also approved a list of areas where Russian is mandatory for use.
These include information for consumers of goods, works and services, as well as the education sector, state and municipal information systems.
Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor of the Institute of Philology of the Crimean Federal University.
Vernadsky Vladimir Orekhov believes this law is correct and necessary, since the Russian language needs protection.
However, the main problem is how this document will work in practice.
"Indeed, there can be excesses, and on the part of officials, who in many cases are themselves a source of stupid borrowing.
It is this category that often distorts the Russian language with stationery and borrowings, inventing some new formulas.
To make a beautiful project or report, you need to call the old with new words, preferably foreign, and, passing the old for new, somehow raise your prestige.
And then it already diverges, ” the expert explained in comments to RIA Novosti Crimea.
Orekhov also does not believe that young people are the main source of borrowing in the language.
According to him, youth slang is changing so quickly that such loanwords rarely take root for a long time.
At the same time, what is recorded in official documents, already, as they say in a well-known saying, "you can not cut down with an axe."
Down with the Chancellery: Officials Were Requested to Speak Human > >
“Most of the borrowings that this law is designed to save us from are in official documents of different levels.
This also applies to the capital institutions, but to a greater extent provincial.
This is a kind of fashion – to show your knowledge using incomprehensible foreign words.
How to deal with it, I have no recipe.
On the other hand, this law in itself can change this fashion in the administrative environment.
In this case, he by the very fact of his existence will correct the situation, ” the philologist suggested.
Russia will support the creation of an organization to promote the Russian language – Putin
According to Orekhov, the mechanisms that will be able to effectively implement the norms of this law should be developed through a wide public discussion, with the involvement of school teachers, university teachers, cultural figures and all those who are involved in the development of the Russian language.
Define clear criteria
Director of the Crimean Republican Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education, Doctor of Philology, Professor Alexander Rudyakov is also sure that the law adopted by the State Duma and the protection of the Russian language in general is a good thing.
But the question arises: where is the criterion that distinguishes foreign words from non-foreign ones.
After all, in our language there are many Russian words that are originally borrowed from other languages.
"My wife is a German, we often argue with her.
She believes that the word "barrier" is a German word.
And I, a simple Russian, I am convinced that this is a Russian word.
Therefore, it is important that there are clear criteria for all this.
That's what we're talking about.
The law is excellent, but it is important how it will be applied and what criteria will be there, ” the expert said on the radio “Sputnik in Crimea ”.
Another important fact to pay special attention to is professional universal terminology, said Rudyakov.
“In many branches of knowledge, say, in the banking sector, there are words that are, in principle, international.
It is probably not very smart to isolate yourself from the terminology that is inherent in this area.
Another thing is not to drag it into our public vocabulary.
This is also very important to understand and comply with, ” explained the philologist.
"Adapt and switch to Russian": how the schools of Kherson region work > >
At the same time, the professor agreed that today in a number of areas, including administrative and media, there is an excessive use of foreign words, which can be easily and simply replaced by Russian-language analogues.
"When you hear 'communicate', 'collaboration' - the hand reaches for the gun.
Somewhere I read the information that a "Children's Collaboration House" was built in Vladivostok.
That's what's scary, you know.
These are obvious excesses, ” said the doctor of science.
Rudyakov, who is also a member of the Council on the Russian language under the President of Russia, assured that he will raise questions regarding the new law at the next meeting of the organization on March 2.
Read also on RIA Novosti Crimea:
Quoting the classics: how and why great writers quarreled
Than English-language words interfere in advertising – the opinion of senators from the Crimea
Russia will support the creation of an organization to promote the Russian language – Putin
Leave the “barn ” and“ dog ” alone: a linguist about the law on the protection of language
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They have also emphasized the importance of protecting the Russian language, while avoiding isolation from international terminology in areas such as banking and finance.

In Palestine, there have been calls for the adoption of an "Arab nation-state law" that would prohibit the use of non-Arab languages in official communications, with the aim of preserving the Arabic language and preventing its erosion.

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Content: Opinions
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Palestinian opinion
The “Arab National Law ”!
A man speaks his mother tongue.
Not blind fanaticism.
No hateful racism.
It is the preservation of identity, personality and self.
And respect...
National independence...!
In many developed and civilized countries,
There is now a law called the “nation-state law ” that prohibits its children and those living within its borders from using other than their official language.
Writing and Interpreting...
With others.
in the state and its institutions.
In the case of using any other "foreign" language within the borders of the state.. in any official or unofficial correspondence..
It must be translated in the mother tongue.
In exchange for the foreign text.
Same size, color, and clarity.
We – the Arabs – and in every Arab country need the “Arab nation-state law ” to prevent the use of non-Arab in all Arab countries.
Or the use of a foreign language without being accompanied by our Arabic language at the same time and place..!
A law...
Advertisements and labels are prohibited.
And the names... other than Arabic..
In public and private places...
It is forbidden to accept any Arab student.
In all our university colleges and public and private institutes...
Without a certificate of completion of Arabic language lessons at all levels of school...
And the ability to speak and write it.
It is necessary to Arabize the senior management in all institutions, bodies and companies..
Government, private and private...
I write this after repeating with me - and certainly with other Arabs - the issuance of bills of sale and purchase in English..
Without Arabic in typical shopping places..
Within our Arab countries... including some markets of consumer cooperative societies..
Across the country and across...
After talking to us too much in English or reading in English without explaining it in Arabic...
In our hospitals...
And our companies...
and shopping centers.
Foreign schools...
In our country...!
It is true that English is the language of scientific development in the modern era.
And to teach her a duty... and an obligation...
But not at the expense of the Arabic language, our mother tongue.
And the vessel of our Arab and Islamic civilization..!
What do we do if our son or daughter acquires a foreign language?
He lost his mother tongue...
We are Arabs because we speak Arabic.
We use it in our social and cultural lives.
Professional and commercial...
It is our duty to cherish and honor our language.
As each of us respects and honors our mother...
In every time and place!
Preserving the language...
Preserve the nation and its civilization.
So the colonizer, old and new...
He tries to obliterate the identity of the people who colonize him by obliterating the language of this people and replacing it with its colonial language!
After deleting the language...
It doesn't even work. The effects...
Not the old drawings.
In the perpetuation of civilization...
Here are the ruins of the Pharaonic civilization...
Visible...
In Egypt...
But without the language of the Pharaohs...
It makes no sense...!
Language is the main factor in the preservation of identity and personality.
The Jews lived for hundreds of years, scattered and homeless.
In Europe... and the West...
Away from the ancestral land of Palestine, as they claim...
But they were still Jews who spoke Hebrew.
They teach it to their children and grandchildren, generation after generation.
They even take them every Saturday to read the Bible.
Prayer in their temples in Europe, the West and the East.
At school...
He was his Jewish son.
He spoke the official language of the country in which they lived.
But in his home, his Jewish parents only speak to him in Hebrew.
The language of parents and grandparents.
The language of the Bible!
During the Islamic conquests...
The spread of Islam outside the Arabian Peninsula.
About 1400 years ago, some people...
And the country...
Like Iran and Turkey...
Enter Islam.
He did not change his native language.
His civilization remained...
Non-Arabic...
Immortal in them... until now!
It is clear that the life of a language means the life of its people.
Anyone who speaks their language...
He gives up his existence, his origin, his separation...
Not many articles can be found here.
Therefore, we have to adopt the law of the Arabic language, so as not to abandon it and abandon us, so that we become lost and lost more in the countries of the world.
We feel alienated...
We are among our people and in our country.
And you are free...
Add a new comment
The comment received from the participant or reader is an expression of his own opinion and does not reflect the opinion of the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Nahar
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The proposed law would require all public and private bodies to use the Arabic language in their communications, and would prohibit the use of foreign languages without accompanying Arabic translations.

Overall, it is clear that many governments around the world are taking steps to regulate the use of foreign words in their state languages, with a focus on promoting the use of native languages and preventing the erosion of cultural identity.

These efforts are driven by a desire to preserve the uniqueness and richness of native languages, and to prevent the dominance of English and other foreign languages in official communications and daily life.

However, it is also important to note that the implementation of such laws and regulations can be complex and may require careful consideration of the potential consequences, including the risk of excesses and the need for clear criteria to distinguish between foreign and non-foreign words.

Ultimately, the goal of promoting the use of native languages and preventing the erosion of cultural identity is a noble one, and it is up to governments and language authorities to find a balance between preserving cultural heritage and participating in the global community.


The popularity of Korean skin care in the beauty industry has been on the rise globally in recent decades, with its unique philosophy and features setting it apart from traditional Western skin care.

Korean skin care focuses on achieving "glass skin" through a gentle and nourishing approach, emphasizing hydration, exfoliation, and nutrition.

This approach is distinct from Western skin care, which often prioritizes corrective measures and harsh ingredients.

The use of innovative and effective ingredients, such as snail mucin, fermented rice water, and PHAs, has contributed to the international boom of Korean skin care.

The Korean government's investment in its beauty brands has also played a significant role in the industry's success, with exports reaching $11.4 billion in value by 2026.

Korean skin care brands have leveraged social media platforms like TikTok to remain popular and relevant, with hashtags like #kbeauty garnering 9.5 billion views.

The resurgence of K-beauty can be attributed to the "skintellectual" age group, who prioritize product efficacy and affordable price points.

As a result, sales of Korean skin care products have seen significant growth, with some brands experiencing double-digit sales growth in the US.

The influence of Korean pop culture and social media has also contributed to the phenomenon, with 60% growth in sales reported by some retailers in the UAE.

Overall, the unique philosophy, effective ingredients, and strategic marketing of Korean skin care have solidified its position in the global beauty industry.

The popularity of Korean skin care in the beauty industry has been on the rise globally in recent decades, with its unique philosophy and features setting it apart from traditional Western skin care.

Title:

Content: Skincare Sunday

5 K-Beauty Trends To Amp Up Your Spring Skincare Routine

Rosdiana Ciaravolo

There’s a reason that so many of our favourite skincare trends (on TikTok and otherwise) hail from Korea, where they know a thing or two about how to create the juiciest skin. But what’s trending now? Vogue spoke to aesthetic doctor and K-beauty expert, Dr Christine Hall, to learn about the latest ingredients, routines and rituals coming from the place where it all begins – and how to work them into your skincare regimen with products currently available in the UK.

Fermented ingredients

We know how good fermented foods are for our guts, but our Korean counterparts know how good they are for their skin. “They ferment most of their ingredients – for example, red rice, lactic and glycolic acid, are all fermented byproducts,” she says. “Fermenting an ingredient makes it something like four times more potent than it would be in its normal state.”

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask

La Mer The Resurfacing Treatment

Purito Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Skip-care

Even the Koreans are now shunning the 12-step skincare routine they made so popular. “There’s been a shift away from the very old school multi-step routine,” says Hall. “Skip-care is basically a fancy way of saying that you skip some of the steps. They do that by using products that house a combination of ingredients.” Step hybrid formulas, like Tatcha’s Vitamin C formula, combine different active ingredients (like vitamin C and fruit acids) in one formula. They work harder for the skin and save money and time – what’s not to love?

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil

Waterless beauty

“In Korea, there’s a real focus on products that don’t have much water in them – which is where the term ‘waterless beauty’ comes from. The idea is that you get way more than what you pay for because they last longer, due to the minimal water in the product,” says Hall. Look at many ingredients lists and you’ll notice “aqua” is often at the top, but the idea with waterless formulas is that, instead of being filled by water, they are packed with more efficacious ingredients and less filler. You’ll often find them in powder format or oils. For the latter reason alone, they’re not for every skin type, but Hall says this move has come from a more earth-friendly approach to beauty in South Korea.

Ethique The Perfector Nourishing Solid Face Cream

Chanel N°1 Red Camellia Powder-To-Foam Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfoliator

Skin flooding

You may have heard about “skin flooding” on TikTok – the term has a cool 2.1 billion views on the platform. The idea really originated with that aforementioned multi-step Korean skincare regime, where layer upon layer of hydration (using different formulas in different textures) were applied to the skin to quench its thirst. To “skin flood” is a similar affair; it involves applying a number of different hydrating products, from serums to lightweight lotions to thicker moisturisers, to deeply moisturise and lock it all in. “Double moisturising is also a big trend for those who are time poor,” adds Hall.

Huxley Grab Water Essence

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Line Plumping Water Cream

Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sisley Ecological Compound Advanced Formula

Ren Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep and Plump Essence

Double SPF

And if doubling up on your moisturiser isn’t enough, have you also tried applying your SPF twice? “There’s a real interest in blue light, so the Koreans are finding SPFs that concentrate on blue light, then using another SPF – one that has light-reflecting filters and so on – on top,” says Hall. “This second SPF often comes in the form of make-up, and they’ll wear that as their base instead of applying foundation.” All in the name of excellent sun protection.

Dr.Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm SPF50

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen 100% Mineral Sunscreen

Korean skin care focuses on achieving "glass skin" through a gentle and nourishing approach, emphasizing hydration, exfoliation, and nutrition.

Title:

Content: Prestigious position for Korean skincare products in the UAE
Korean skincare products sweep the UAE market
Unique and effective ingredients in the product range drive demand in the UAE and around the world
Retailers in the UAE are seeing a dramatic increase in the sale of Korean beauty products recently.
Along with the wave of popularity of South Korean drama, movies and music, the country ’ s skincare products have also gained prominence.
Shiraz Khan, Chief Operating Officer of Aster GCC Retail, said: “We have observed a significant increase in demand for Korean beauty products, both globally and within the UAE.
At myAster, we saw significant growth of 60 per cent in the first quarter of the year, with skin care and sun protection products being the most sought after, contributing 61 per cent and 38 per cent respectively to our sales. ”
Other retailers have confirmed the growing demand for them.
Jonathan Watts, General Manager of AS Watson, said: “Korean skincare has become a treasure trove in the beauty industry globally and the Middle East is no exception. We have seen a significant rise in Watson this year, with sales doubling so far in 2024, compared to last year. ”
According to e-commerce company Noon, they have taken several steps to meet the growing demand.
Retika Jain, Head of Beauty at Noon, said: “Korean beauty products are seeing huge customer demand from Noon, especially in the skincare and makeup categories, and to meet this growing demand, Noon has partnered with local and Korean vendors to offer original Korean beauty products at very competitive prices, and deliver them quickly. ”
Reasons for fame
There are several reasons for the rise in popularity of Korean beauty products according to experts.
Jonathan Watts said: “Consumers highly value the focus on skin care within Korean cosmetics, as well as the unique and effective ingredients found in the product range.
Ingredients such as Hartlev leaves and snail extract, although unconventional, are effective and gentle on the skin. ”
He said there were other factors that made the skincare package so popular among the younger generation.
He added: “The majority of Korean beauty product brands are not harsh on the skin, and are in line with the growing consumer preference for ethically sourced products.
The influence of TikTok and the boom in Korean pop culture are also major contributors to the phenomenon we see with Korean beauty products. ”
Shiraz Khan
Shiraz said the unique preparation of the products also played an important role in increasing their popularity.
“Innovative formulas, high efficiency and a cultural wave driven by Korean beauty trends through social media and influencers are all factors that have helped their spread. Korean beauty products are known for their advanced skin care techniques and natural ingredients, which attract a wide population looking for effective and gentle skin care solutions, ” he said.
Glassy skin, dewy appearance
Jonathan said that “glass skin ” among Koreans is one of the most desirable things.
“This requires a careful skincare regimen that focuses on hydration, exfoliation and nutrition, areas where Korean beauty brands excel.
Products such as serums, masks, eye masks and extracts with moisturizing ingredients are essential for a vitreous skin appearance. ”
Regardless of the appearance of glassy skin, there are many other common Korean trends.
Retika Jane said: “In double cleansing, an oil cleanser is used, followed by a water cleanser to get clean skin. ”
“The trend of using makeup for both beauty and care has also increased.
Customers want to use clean, multi-purpose products that not only work as a lipstick or dye but also moisturize the skin, contain a sun protection factor (SPF) and provide comprehensive nutrition.
“The ‘ dew ’ look is one of the top trends this year, with a particular focus on glossy lips that look fuller. ”
Demand is expected to continue significantly in the near future.
Shiraz said: “We expect this trend to continue as consumers become increasingly aware of the benefits of Korean beauty products, their popularity is not just a fleeting fad but a testament to their quality and effectiveness in meeting different skin care needs. ”
Jonathan agreed: “Korean beauty is here to stay and is likely to become an integral part of everyone ’ s beauty routine in the future.
Watson currently owns more than 30 Korean beauty brands, and we are expected to launch 10 more this year. ”
Khaleej Times - Arabic Edition
www.khaleejtimes.com

This approach is distinct from Western skin care, which often prioritizes corrective measures and harsh ingredients.

Title:

Content: Is Korean Skin Care Really Superior? An Investigation

Photographed by Hayleigh Longman
With its shelfie-worthy packaging and a focus on intriguing ingredients like snail mucin and fermented rice water, Korean skincare has been the subject of Western fascination for years. Brands like CosRx, Innisfree, and Laneige have assumed viral social-media status, while Glow Recipe and Dr. Jart+ are now practically household names, thanks to TikTok.
Besides whipping up curiosity, Korean skin care has established a name for itself as one of the most effective and trustworthy categories in beauty. And ahead of winter, it's seeing a serious revival. In the past few weeks, searches for 'Korean skin-care routine', '10-step Korean skin care', and 'best Korean skin-care products' have made up Google's skin-care trends. While on TikTok, the hashtag #koreanskincare has seen a handful of new videos, each raking in millions of views.
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In October, a tweet and TikTok video posted by skin-care blogger @Mul_OVO went viral for showcasing the benefits of switching to Korean skin care. But is Korean skin care really better? Or have we simply got caught up in the hype?
Cosmetic Chemist and Licensed Aesthetician Esther Olu believes our obsession with K-skincare started with 'glass skin' — skin so dewy, it's almost reflective. Olu says that glass skin was the ideal and promoted "healthy-looking" and "luminous" skin standards. "Everyone wanted to have healthy skin," says Olu, "and Korean [skin care] has played a critical role in this mindset."

The Korean approach to skin care is a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists compared to Western products, which can be harsh.

You could argue that the main intent of skin care everywhere is to promote healthy, happy skin. But there are some key differences. Many Western skin-care trends (such as skin cycling, peels, and rediscovering skin toners) tend to home in on ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids, for example glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. These are great when used properly and sensibly under the guidance of an expert but they can be notoriously irritating when overdone, as many of us tend to do.
Ask any dermatologist to pinpoint common skin gripes they regularly spot in clinic and they'll almost always reel off perioral dermatitis (a red rash that circles your mouth), burns, irritation, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier (redness, tightness, breakouts, rashes) — all a result of overdoing it on harsh ingredients.
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Of course, Korean skin care does feature the aforementioned ingredients. They do work, after all. But the Korean approach seems to be a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists, too, says Olu. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are a lot more popular in Korean skin care, for example. Take Dr. Jart+'s recently launched Pore Remedy range, in which PHAs are the star ingredient. Much like glycolic and salicylic acids, PHAs exfoliate the skin effectively, but what sets them apart from other exfoliators is their large molecule size. They exfoliate at surface level without going too deep and aggravating skin as other acids might. Glow Recipe and CosRx are just a few Korean brands championing them and subsequently promoting a kinder approach to the controversial exfoliation trend.
In fact, Korean skin care has been something of a savior for our irritated skin barriers of late. Much of Korean skin care shines a light on reducing inflammation rather than drying out skin. "Promoting hydration as well as soothing ingredients is a primary focus in Korean skin care," confirms Cosmetic Chemist Ramón Pagán. "This is a contrast to the products we tend to see in the west, which can be more astringent or irritating to the skin with higher percentages of active ingredients."
Pagán explains that thanks to skin-care marketing in the early '00s, the Western approach to skin care has been hooked on stripping skin: getting rid of the 'bad' stuff like excess oil and clogged pores. Conversely, Korean skin care is about nourishing the skin. Reddit's skin-care obsessives concur that Western skin care can be disagreeable, particularly for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
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@hkjennylee #greenscreen and not to mention the dupe has bifida as the FIRST ingredient while the original has it as the SECOND… tea 🙈 #koreanskincare #kbeautyblogger #kbeauty #koreanskincareproducts #kbeautyskincare ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Olu seconds this. "Western skin-care products tend to take a corrective approach," she tells R29. "Specifically, the formulas are dedicated to solving a skin-care concern, whether it is retinol, azelaic acid, or BHAs and AHAs," which are different kinds of exfoliating acids. "[Western skin care] is meant to help with anti-aging and things like redness," explains Olu, "while Korean skin care focuses more on maintenance and skin barrier health."
It's why you'll find excellent ingredients, like ceramides (very moisturizing and hold the skin barrier together), centella asiatica aka cica (a herb that decreases inflammation, redness, puffiness, and swelling) and niacinamide (vitamin B3, which keeps the skin barrier intact and reduces excess oil) in most Korean skin care. The color-correcting cream that recently went viral on TikTok? It includes cica — and of course it's Korean.

A reason why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands to better develop cosmetics.

Redditors also point out that Korean skin care includes 'special ingredients' and technologies that Western products don't. Snail mucin (excreted from snails) is a popular moisturizing ingredient among Korean brands, with influencers and experts extolling the virtues of products like CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel. "This is a great barrier-protecting ingredient," Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa told R29 recently, "but it also gives your skin a great shine."
Then there's allantoin, popular in Korean skin care for locking moisture into the skin, as well as rice extract (said to increase hydration, making skin plump), and bee propolis, a natural substance produced by honey bees that has been proven to smooth skin and protect it from environmental factors, such as pollution.
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Beyond the more skin-friendly and interesting approach to ingredients, it has been reported that Korean beauty and skin care is one of the country's biggest businesses and exports. As the world's third largest cosmetics exporter, South Korea's cosmetics exports outperformed home appliances, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones in 2020. Data also suggests that South Korea's skin-care market will reach $11.4 billion in value by 2026. Interestingly, one of the reasons why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands in order to better develop cosmetics.
"When K-beauty was introduced to the Western market through popular channels and social media, a phenomenon was awakened, creating demand and opportunity for business," says Nina Vargas, a global business strategist for beauty, fashion, and wellness brands. "This allowed Korean cosmetics companies to obtain help from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)." KITA is a nonprofit organization that helps small and medium enterprises enter markets abroad.
What's more, Dr. Jenelle Kim, Founder and Formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, says that Korean skin care uses the latest science to understand exactly what our skin needs. "It utilizes ingredients in new ways, while remaining committed to formulating with centuries-proven ingredients and, for some brands [like Erborian, Sulwhasoo, and Beauty of Joseon], the powers of herbal medicine." Ginseng and green tea are super popular, for example.
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Dr. Kim adds that our skin's needs change with the climate or environmental factors, like air quality, makeup trends, and hormones. Korean skin care has consistently switched things up in an effort to help us stay in balance. Pagán agrees that heritage surrounds Korean skin care. "Lots of brands use 'hanbang' ingredients, which are based around traditional Korean medicine," he says. "These are often herbal and naturally derived." Post-pandemic, when we're more interested than ever in keeping healthy, highlighting medicinal skin care makes Korean products appear trustworthy and effective, elevating them above others.
In short, skin care is an inherent part of Korean culture. Head to TikTok and you'll see that Koreans view beauty not as a luxury but as a necessity. Countless videos suggest that from a young age, people are taught to take care of their skin and to look at skin care as a preventative measure. Year-round sun protection is also a big trend among Korean skin-care lovers, with a high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen said to be one of the most important products in a routine.
Another reason Korean skin care is regarded so highly is because the majority of it is affordable. Head to Reddit and you'll spot skin-care lovers swapping reviews of Innisfree, Tonymoly, and Etude House. The promise of soothed, hydrated skin is their main pull, but so are the relatively low prices, with most cleansers, serums, and creams coming in under $25.
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Amid a cost of living crisis, it makes sense that we want to spend as little as possible on beauty products. When it comes to Korean skin care, though, tightening your purse strings doesn't mean compromising on quality. All the proven skin-care ingredients are there, from retinol to acids, just in gentler concentrations and sophisticated formulas. Some TikTokers even point out that Korean skincare often dupes brands and products that charge hundreds for very similar ingredients and results. "It doesn't matter if you spend $1 or $100. If it's K-Beauty, chances are it's great," thinks Vargas.
Over time, the 10-product routine has given way to routines with fewer steps. Excessive layering doesn't work for everyone, particularly if you have a strict budget or your skin is sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone. But Korean skin care is ever evolving and always adapting to consumer needs. Because of this, three- or four-step routines are now trending among Korean influencers. TikTokers are sharing their easy skin-care rituals, which always start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser followed by a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This is a quick and effective routine that dermatologists and skin-care experts often recommend for skin types across the board.
Pagán believes that Korean skin care stays fun and inventive. "It's simple but impactful and you get luxury experiences at affordable prices. You don't see Western brands readily introducing staple Korean concepts, like fermented ingredients or snail secretion." Add to that the serious investment and spotlight on nourishing the skin (rather than getting rid of the 'nasty' stuff) and it's clear to see why Korean skin care is regarded so highly. But is it better? Essentially, the very best skin care is the skin care that works for you. If it happens to be Korean, that's great. But if it's something else entirely, why switch it up?
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This story was originally published on Refinery29UK.
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The use of innovative and effective ingredients, such as snail mucin, fermented rice water, and PHAs, has contributed to the international boom of Korean skin care.

The Korean government's investment in its beauty brands has also played a significant role in the industry's success, with exports reaching $11.4 billion in value by 2026.

Korean skin care brands have leveraged social media platforms like TikTok to remain popular and relevant, with hashtags like #kbeauty garnering 9.5 billion views.

Title:

Content: default-output-block.skip-main

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How TikTok Brought Back K-Beauty

While the K-beauty craze of the 2010s has waned in recent years, brands and retailers are seeing renewed interest in the category thanks to TikTok.
BoF PROFESSIONAL

Key insights

  • After K-beauty’s international spike in popularity more than a decade ago, it entered a period of decline at the start of the 2020s.
  • TikTok is leading a K-beauty resurgence. Laneige, Innisfree, Beauty of Joseon and Cosrx are among brands going viral on the platform.
  • K-beauty-inspired trends are also taking off. “Korean glass skin” saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30.

When Laneige launched at Sephora US in 2017, its K-beauty identity was front and centre.

The Amorepacific-owned brand was featured in the retailer’s K-beauty endcap, a K-beauty menu bar section and multiple K-beauty campaigns. But half a decade later, hype around the category had faded, according to Julien Bouzitat, US brand general manager for Laneige and sister brand Innisfree.

“The first time, it was very successful,” he said. “The second time, not as great … [Sephora’s] takeaway was that the first wave of K-beauty had gone away.”

The K-beauty craze emerged in the US around 2012 with the rise of BB cream, and spurred countless subsequent beauty trends such as sheet masks, 10-step skin care routines and blemish patches. In the mid- to late 2010s, K-beauty fervour was so high that imported labels like Laneige and Tony Moly quickly faced competition from major US brands launching copycat products as well as from new K-beauty-inspired startups like Glow Recipe, Then I Met You and Peach & Lily.

But as K-beauty went mainstream, brands’ use of the term as a selling point died down — until now. Korean brands have TikTok to thank. The hashtag #kbeauty has 9.5 billion views on TikTok. The term “Korean glass skin,” a K-beauty trend that was popular in 2017, saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30, according to data science company Spate and market research firm Circana. Sales of products that help users achieve the Korean “glass skin” look have risen, too. The viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is now the number one best-selling beauty product on Amazon after taking off on TikTok. The brand said it has now sold 15 million bottles as of September.

While K-Beauty’s original heyday was driven in part by gimmick marketing and attention-grabbing packaging, its resurgence is due to a new “skintellectual” age group being drawn to product efficacy. Moreover, affordable price points are encouraging cost-conscious and dupe-obsessed shoppers to buy.

“There’s been a second generation which became more [focused on the] brand-building aspect of K-beauty and this Korean skincare expertise,” said Bouzitat.

The Wave Recedes

Since the 1990s, Hallyu — the “Korean wave” — has been growing outside South Korea’s borders, as the South Korean government encouraged international exports globally. The 2010s saw an influx of Korean culture and products, especially entertainment and beauty. US-based Sephora and Ulta Beauty stocked up on Korean beauty brands, while beauty conglomerates acquired them. In 2018, L’Oréal purchased K-beauty brand 3CE parent company Nanda, while the Estée Lauder Companies bought Dr. Jart+ in 2019.

“It took skin care to a whole other level. I don’t think it will ever be the same, thanks to the influence of K-beauty,” said Lindsay Ullman, co-founder of beauty consulting firm The View from 32 and a former merchandising executive at Sephora.

But its popularity kicked off an influx of K-beauty inspired brands stateside. Soko Glam and Peach & Lily both started as e-tailers selling imported K-beauty products before their founders, Charlotte Cho and Alicia Yoon, respectively, expanded with their own skin care brands. Quickly, legacy brands like Lancôme and Clinique began introducing their own versions of BB creams, sheet masks or cleansing oils.

Momentum slowed in the 2020s. Estée Lauder Companies reported in August that Dr. Jart+’s net sales declined during the 2023 fiscal year. In the US, Sephora stopped stocking at least 10 K-beauty brands that it sold in the late 2010s, including Too Cool for School, Neogen, Amorepacific and Son & Park, and no longer highlights its K-beauty section on its homepage. Amorepacific’s profits plunged by 28.5 percent in 2022. Even upstarts like Glow Recipe and Hero Cosmetics, that once traded on being K-beauty-inspired brands, stopped using the term in their marketing and communications.

An Influencer-Led Renaissance

It’s not the multi-step routine tutorials — which were the hallmark of 2010s K-beauty — driving the category’s comeback. Instead, it’s individual viral product crazes sparked by influencers and celebrities.

K-beauty sunscreens with formulas that don’t have a white cast, for example, have been a hit with influencers. Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense sunscreen, which went viral on TikTok, was explicitly cited as one of the top-selling products driving Amorepacific Group’s North America growth this year. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun sunscreen has received 587 million views on TikTok, driven by influencers like Ava Lee, who is working on a collaboration with the brand planned for release in 2024. While the product is not yet approved by the FDA for sale in the US, customers have tried to find workarounds, ordering from cross-border websites or unverified Amazon sellers.

Meanwhile, Laneige is seeing double-digit sales growth in the US, said Bouzitat. The brand has been a hit on TikTok for the past two years thanks in part to its ASMR product videos and high-profile brand ambassador, “Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney. The efforts the brand has made on TikTok are part of a broader North America marketing push on the part of Amorepacific Group, which also launched a rebrand campaign for luxury brand Sulwhasoo this year. The company also returned to profitability in the second quarter of 2023, reporting that overseas revenue grew 27 percent, boosted by 105 percent growth in North America.

Unlike prestige predecessors, affordable K-beauty brands have become a draw for TikTok’s dupe-obsessed young shoppers. Beauty influencer Stephanie Valentine, known on TikTok as Glamzilla, prompted a sell out of Innisfree’s Dewy Glow Moisturizer when she offered it as a dupe for Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer. Within 48 hours, the item sold out at Sephora US and Canada as well as on the brand’s website.

“Innovation, no matter what category you’re talking about, clients are going to always be excited about that,” said Ullman. “Korean skin care is such an innovative player, so as long as they keep coming out with new formats, new textures, new ways to talk about skin care, there’s opportunity.”

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The resurgence of K-beauty can be attributed to the "skintellectual" age group, who prioritize product efficacy and affordable price points.

As a result, sales of Korean skin care products have seen significant growth, with some brands experiencing double-digit sales growth in the US.

The influence of Korean pop culture and social media has also contributed to the phenomenon, with 60% growth in sales reported by some retailers in the UAE.

Overall, the unique philosophy, effective ingredients, and strategic marketing of Korean skin care have solidified its position in the global beauty industry.