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/1099780
Since we launched our 'Big Idea' series in June 2016, looking at the behind-the- scenes work of innovative start- ups, it has become one of the most inspiring parts of my job. For each instalment, I get to interview the individual (or duo) behind a project offering a solution to specific language needs, often supporting some of society's most vulnerable people. This time we hear about NaTakallam's work with refugees (p.7). In this issue, we also hear from the founders of two further inspirational initiatives: Rosie Goldsmith of the European Literature Network (ELNet; p.23), and Csaba Bán, whose BP Conference is continuing to grow (p.16). Both made sacrifices to bring their vision to language practitioners and others interested in crosscultural communication around the world. ELNet is all about literature in translation from the perspective not only of the translator but also of the reader, wider stakeholders and society in general. Daria Zanuttigh brings the focus back to the translator as she considers the mind-boggling challenges of translating the invented dialect in the sci-fi classic Riddley Walker (p.13). As someone who spent quite a lot of time considering the English original at university, I found this particularly fascinating. 2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Languages and on page 18 we launch a series of articles looking at the needs of indigenous languages and their speakers in different parts of the world, along with efforts to record and promote them. The first article focuses on the year itself – how and why does the UN decide to establish an 'international year', and how does it unify the myriad voices involved? Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/58 No/2 2019 ciol.org.uk/tl NEWS & EDITORIAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S NOTES By the time this issue reaches you, we will be living with a Brexit outcome, whatever form that may have taken. Despite many, many uncertainties for the profession and for our members, the need for languages will remain. Our courts and hospitals will still need interpreters, the written word will still require translation, and businesses will continue to communicate with traders overseas. Our role will be to ensure that professional, properly qualified and experienced language specialists are available and able to fulfil these critical roles upon which our economy and our social fabric depend. Communication lies at the heart of social cohesion through which our own communities can extend understanding and compassion to each other, and it is fundamental to empathise with those speaking their own languages in other countries. At this time of year, our younger generations are slowly progressing along their own pathway towards recognition and accreditation of their learning, knowledge and understanding as the school summer exam season looms. The outlook for languages is one of continued decline, with fewer students choosing to study a language at GCSE, government funding unable to meet the needs of the small groups continuing with a language to A level, and more universities closing language courses at degree level. German is particularly fragmented with geographical 'gaps' emerging across the country where there is no provision at all. The severity of the situation has not gone unnoticed and, for the first time, a number of coordinated initiatives are bringing together linguists from across all sectors in a call for action. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages has called for a national recovery programme, making the economic, international relations and security case for a renewed focus on language learning in Britain. Similarly, the British Academy has published a joint statement, supported by the National Academies for Science, Medicine and Engineering, calling for a National Languages Strategy to lead the UK out of the current state of crisis. CIOL is actively engaged with these initiatives, and has a pivotal and central role to play as the national professional body for linguists. CIOL's Awarding Organisation, the IoL Educational Trust, has launched a new trading name as CIOL Qualifications, a move that brings membership and qualifications closer together (see page 32 for details). This is important as we focus on our strategic targets of becoming a national hub for information, education, membership and accreditation of language skills. As this year's Strategic Planning Day approaches, these are important themes which we will be debating and considering as part of the exciting future envisaged for the organisation by Council and the Trust Board. At CIOL's AGM in early March, we welcomed six members newly elected to serve on Council. They bring a diversity of experience, language and sectoral knowledge that adds to the depth and breadth of the current profile of Council. Judith Gabler (Chair of Council), Chris Pountain (Chair of the Trust Board) and I warmly welcome them and look forward to working with them over the next few years. Ann Carlisle EDITOR'S LETTER Share your views: linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk