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
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34 The Linguist Vol/58 No/6 2019 ciol.org.uk/tl INSTITUTE MATTERS Lessons from university HOW EVEN THE SMALLEST TASKS AS CIOL ASSESSMENT OFFICER CAN HAVE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS. BY KAREN NORMAN I joined CIOL Qualifications in February 2019, having worked in administration for 22 years. I was a credit controller for the Law Society; a multimedia developer and administrator for London South Bank University; and, more recently, a course administrator for the Department of Mathematics at Brunel University. This range of experience helped me graduate with an MSc in Project Management in 2016, and enables me to consider a variety of options when dealing with CIOL matters. I have settled into the team well, and enjoy both the work and the responsibilities of my role. My 17 years' experience at two universities with large overseas student populations has helped with the process of commissioning assessors, preparing paperwork, printing examination papers, downloading candidate evidence, arranging for marking and collating results. These tasks ensure our examination work continues in a timely and professional manner. On occasions, I also leave the office to support the delivery of our contract exams. In June, I was pleased to take on the administration of the very successful Diploma in Police Interpreting (DPI) – a professional qualification for those who work, or would like to work, as interpreters for the Metropolitan Police. Being a bit different from other qualifications, this was a challenge, but once again my university experiences helped, and we held a new round of examinations in November. I am proud of my achievements so far and look forward to new challenges in the future. Shadowing team members to learn more about our contract examinations has been fascinating. The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) promotes the UK's interest overseas, supporting its citizens and businesses around the world through a global network of around 270 embassies and consulates. To be part of an organisation that assesses FCO staff is captivating. It may start with me downloading evidence for the oral examination rooms, processing FCO examinations or meeting candidates at reception and helping to calm their nerves with a friendly smile, but the work we are involved with at this early stage is then transferred much further afield. This work helps to provide a sound basis for UK diplomacy and governmental work around the world. Sue Cave Sue Cave is an independent primary languages consultant and trainer for Cave Languages, and the coordinator for the ALL (Association for Language Learning) Thames Valley Primary MFL Hub. See p.20 Erwin La Cruz The Training Manager at Interpreting New Zealand, Erwin La Cruz has taught linguistics and interpreting in New Zealand and Venezuela. He integrates theoretical aspects of language and interpreting into a practical approach to community interpreting. See p.22 Fuschia Hutton Fuschia Hutton ACIL is an Italian to English translator and copywriter specialising in marketing material and content for Made in Italy brands, including interiors, fashion and arts; fuschiahutton.com. See p.12 Oliver Lawrence Oliver Lawrence FCIL CL turns Italian marketing texts and copywriting briefs into incisive English, specialising in tourism, leisure and luxury hospitality; www.incisiveenglish.pro. See p.12 Vasiliki Prestidge Translator and interpreter Vasiliki Prestidge MCIL CL is the founder of Greek to Me, specialising in marketing, psychometrics and legal. She is on the CIOL Translating and BPG division committees. See p.16 Wiriya Sati Wiriya Sati is a reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). She previously worked in Aboriginal communities and continues to explore their languages and culture. See p.18 Anna Ware Anna Ware is Director of Clear Voice Interpreting Services, a languages services provider and social enterprise that specialises in telephone and face-to-face interpreting for clients in the UK. See p.8 CONTRIBUTORS