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/1172840
They say never work with children or animals, yet many of us are happiest when we are among our furry friends. In the last issue, Anita van Adelsbergen gave a brief guide to turning your passion (in her case for dogs and horses) into a specialism. But working with livestock isn't without its complications. She now talks us through some of the challenges, including the incredible diversity of settings, registers and text types for this relatively small niche (p.18). Many would argue that legal interpreting presents an even greater challenge, given that people can be imprisoned on the basis of what is said in court. As cuts to legal aid increase the pressures on interpreters, Sue Leschen talks us through a tricky sexual assault case that reveals some of the obstacles they face (p.12). Our lead story looks at the language tensions at the heart of Cameroon's civil war and the impact on literary translation in the country. It poses an interesting question: whether the translation of a nation's books can support the movement for peace (p.8). There was good news this summer with a small upturn in language GCSE entries. It will be clear to readers, however, that this is not enough and we urgently need to secure a new generation of linguists. With that in mind, some professionals are volunteering in schools to encourage youngsters to study languages. I urge you to read Claire Storey's account (p.16) and consider getting involved if you can. And if public speaking (or working with children) isn't for you, there are further volunteer opportunities with CIOL's networks (p.31). Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/58 No/5 2019 ciol.org.uk/tl NEWS & EDITORIAL CHAIR OF COUNCIL'S NOTES It has been a full year since I was elected to the position of Chair of Council. This normally offers the opportunity to look back over the year to give a brief overview about what has happened. Instead I would like to talk about the future plans CIOL has for the professionals it represents, the industry as a whole and those who care about languages. In 2020, we as an Institute will start to focus on how we communicate with the industry. You may have seen the recent press release from CIOL, 'Driving Professionalism within the Industry', which I wholeheartedly endorse. I was pleased to see so many members, as well as those outside CIOL, share, agree with and wish to support this message. As part of this effort, we will be publishing a number of research reports in 2020. These will provide guidance to the industry and increase our understanding of what is going on in the wider context of languages. To support the profession, CIOL will be significantly increasing the amount of knowledge shared between professionals by dedicating time to sharing our members' expertise via our online knowledge library. Using guides, videos and webinars, this will make up a useful repository for those who work with languages, and those who have a love of languages, around the world. We must remember that CIOL represents people from all walks of life and from different countries and cultures, which is what helps to make this industry so rich. CIOL will also be looking into ways of increasing support for linguists in education, either teaching or learning, as well as those who have a love of languages. I have met a number of linguists over the last 12 months and the vast majority have a lifelong passion for languages and cultures. I, along with my fellow Council members and the CIOL team, would like to see membership supporting people whatever their involvement with languages, professional or otherwise. It is always reassuring to hear about the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages, chaired by CIOL Vice-President Jean Coussins (page 6). Translators Without Borders (TWB) made an important contribution to its recent meeting, which discussed language policy at home and abroad, by highlighting the potentially catastrophic impact of inadequate policies. For further insights, catch TWB's keynote speech at the CIOL Conference 2020. Judith Gabler EDITOR'S LETTER Share your views: linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk We will publish a number of research reports, and these will provide guidance to the industry