World News for Students of English

20-09-2021 07:00

A record slaughter of dolphins in the Faroe Islands has restarted a centuries-old debate, as this year’s hunt was possibly the largest since the tradition began 400 years ago.

Grindadráp is the last surviving example of aboriginal whaling in Western Europe, and supporters say that it is an important part of their cultural identity, and it is a sustainable way of gathering food from nature.

However, animal rights groups argue that the tradition belongs in the history books, claiming that only 17% of islanders eat dolphin meat regularly. Campaigners also claim that many hunters are in violation of Faroe Island’s laws.

Even defenders of the tradition expressed disgust at Sunday’s events, with one supporter of the hunt saying that he was appalled by the cruelty. Spectators watched from the shore as the animals were herded into shallow waters. Over a thousand died for their meat and blubber, turning the shallow water red. Supporters fear for the future as arguments between rights groups increase.

Difficult words: slaughter (cruel death), aboriginal (people who are native to a place), appalled (very shocked and upset).

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