The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/1035089
Following the news that GCSE and A-level languages entries dropped again this year, particularly in German, we consider whether attitudes towards Germany and Germans in the British press are responsible for turning students away from the subject (p.10). Crucially, we also ask to what extent our exam culture is a detriment to learning, pushing students to study not in order to learn new skills and knowledge, but simply to pass a test (p.14). How to engage learners under such circumstances is a perpetual conundrum for language teachers and it was inspiring to read about the development of a new app for learning languages through song – and the fascinating journey of the academics involved, as they entered a brave new world (for them) of mobile technology and online learning (p.18). The October meeting of the Editorial Board is the first to be chaired by Lourdes Melcion MCIL, who has been a member of the board since May 2015 (see issue TL55,6 for details). Lourdes took over from Ken Paver MCIL, who had chaired the board very ably for three years. During that time he proposed and oversaw several changes that have improved the way we work, including making it easier for all CIOL members to get involved. Our process for electing Editorial Board members now involves advertising roles to the membership as and when they arise. If you are interested in supporting The Linguist in any way, do get in touch and we will contact you when a suitable position is available: linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk. Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/57 No/5 2018 ciol.org.uk/tl NEWS & EDITORIAL CHAIR OF COUNCIL'S NOTES It is with great pleasure that I can address you as the newly elected CIOL Chair of Council. My name is Judith Gabler. I read French and German at Manchester University, and later UCLAN (then Preston Polytechnic), before moving to Frankfurt in 1984, where I have lived and worked ever since. I have used my German language in a professional context for the past 30 years in my role of developing the brand and business of RICS, which, like CIOL, is committed to standards, professional competence and values. I have been a member of CIOL since 1997. I am grateful to my predecessor, Karen Stokes FCIL CL, for the impressive contribution she has made to date. She has set the benchmark very high and I aim to build on the foundations she has laid, with the more than able support of the Executive, led by Ann Carlisle, and Council. As qualified linguists at varying stages of our careers we cover a very broad range of languages and disciplines, but collectively we have one mission: to represent CIOL and the interests of our profession, as well as of our members. I believe it is crucial for CIOL, as a professional body, to adapt and be responsive to the impact of global challenges and, as the first Chair outside the UK, I am looking forward to adding another perspective of experience – one that is certainly European. Our two Vice-Chairs, Dr Reza Navaei FCIL CL and Alistair Bell ACIL – based in the UK and Lyon respectively – will complement this and make a good balance in terms of geography and experience. The growing impact of digitalisation and globalisation cannot be ignored, and one of our challenges is to create a strong legacy for the next generation of language professionals. 'Professionalism' is being redefined, and this has a huge impact on the role and value of a chartered body. Please take time to read our Strategic Plan 2017- 2020 (see ciol.org.uk/governance). It is the foundation upon which we will develop our strategy and guiding principles for the years ahead. Attracting and retaining members is a key priority and we must continue to anticipate needs and add value. There are three other topics which I would like to place at the heart of our agenda during my time as chair: to ensure that Chartered Linguist is the gold standard for professional linguists; to review opportunities for more (inter)national collaborations in order to create a strong network of alliance; and to develop more thought leadership in order to stay at the forefront of language development. I reach out to all members of CIOL, but also to other language professionals in a global world. I hope that, like me, you are all committed to common values and actions, and that we are united in our diversity. Language qualifications give you a unique added value, which you should be proud of. If you are not yet fully CIOL qualified, or are still contemplating skills endorsement via CIOL, there are many routes to do so depending on your experience and existing competencies. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, either in person or via one of our digital channels; judith.gabler@ciol.org.uk. Judith Gabler EDITOR'S LETTER Share your views: linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk