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/1189092
As the days shorten and cosy film nights on the sofa beckon, our reviews section offers some great recommendations with volunteers from CIOL committees selecting the movies that inspire and move them (p.26). It has reminded me to revisit Almodóvar's stunning back catalogue and make time for must-see films I have not yet watched. Share your most memorable films @Linguist_CIOL. Appropriately for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Committee Chair, Reza Navaei's choice is The Handmaid's Tale. At the Editorial Board's last meeting, he advised us on how to ensure we fully represent our readership. New board members join every year and we would encourage people from all backgrounds to express an interest (via linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk) so we can invite you to interview when your particular experience and skillset are needed. To find out more about the work involved, see my interview with board member Jaquelina Guardamagna (p.31). I am more used to being on the other end of questioning, so this was an interesting (if daunting) experience for me. As prejudice against minorities grows, CIOL's wider ED&I work is more important than ever (p.30). The UK may be a relatively safe place for LGBTI+ people fleeing persecution, but homophobia and transphobia are increasing here too, and asylum seekers can feel judged by the professionals working on their case. Our lead story asks if providing them with LGBTI+ interpreters can help (p.8). As we approach the end of 2019, our 'Year in Pictures' feature (p.14) gives a snapshot of recent events. How much do you remember? Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/58 No/6 2019 ciol.org.uk/tl NEWS & EDITORIAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S NOTES From an early stage in our lives, September represents 'back to school' and, for me, the beginning of autumn still holds that sense of renewal, progression and optimism. For CIOL, it represents not only the new academic year but also the start of our new membership year, and our members recommitting to their professional aspirations through our renewals process. Looking forward to the year ahead, we have an exciting new two- day conference (in place of Members' Day) launching in March with a fascinating and stimulating programme of keynotes, seminars and workshops in one of our favourite venues in Tavistock Square, London. The Threlford Lecture is a highlight of this event and has the intriguing title 'So You're a Translator. What's Going On in Your Brain?' Dr Binghan Zheng from Durham University will be with us to explain. As we move into the new calendar year that sense of renewal continues and will hopefully prevail throughout 2020. Together with other professional associations, CIOL has been meeting with the National Police Commercial Lead for Language Services to help shape a new approach to the provision of interpreting and translation services within the UK police. The police recognise that accuracy of interpretation is vital to quality assurance and compliance as a public service, and is best and most effectively achieved when highly qualified, experienced and professional public service interpreters are engaged. They understand that the 'race to the bottom' approach of low rates of pay, mass delivery and disregard for professional expertise has all too often blighted service levels elsewhere and has led to many highly qualified interpreters turning their back on the public sector. The new police framework will provide an ethical and principled model with the aim of providing contracts for interpreters and translators that support and sustain a professional income level. A promise of minimum rates of pay will increase retention levels while encouraging new linguists to view the profession as an attractive career option. CIOL sees this as a very welcome step towards revitalising public service interpreting both for interpreters and for all those who benefit from their expertise. I wish you a very happy festive season. Ann Carlisle EDITOR'S LETTER Share your views: linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk CIOL has been meeting with the police to help shape a new approach to language services