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/135206
NEWS & EDITORIAL FROM THE EDITOR'S CHAIR OF COUNCIL LETTER The Institute's planned moved from Saxon House feels very much like a reality now that we have exchanged contracts for a sale in the next six months. I would particularly like to thank Adam Ladbury, our Office Manager and Company Administrator, for all his work in getting us this far and for leading the search for suitable new premises. My impression is that the staff at Saxon House, like any other 'family' on the verge of such a big change, are viewing the impending move with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. As we are moving our office to somewhere more suited to a 21st-century organisation, we are also giving our website a spring clean. Most members, as well as others interested in the affairs of the Institute, are far more likely to visit us online than at our physical premises. Although our existing website has a strong visual impact and reflects our branding, it is – like Saxon House – rather cluttered and in need of a facelift. We are looking forward to a new website which has a cleaner appearance, is easier to navigate and has improved functionality. Our review of individual Chartered Linguist (CL) status is making good progress, and I hope that we will soon be in a position, together with our colleagues from the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) and AIIC (the International Association of Conference Interpreters), to present final proposals for relaunching the scheme. A key aspect of our review is that CL status should be available to – and attractive to – many more practising linguists, including those who The Linguist I am pleased that The Linguist is able to mark the 95th birthday of Nelson Mandela with a fascinating and surprisingly moving article about the translation of his autobiography (p.6). For translator Antjie Krog, rendering the words of the man who led the struggle against apartheid in Afrikaans was a way of liberating the language from its association with deep-seated racist thinking. It is a powerful example of how political translation can become – and how it can (in certain circumstances) be used as a force for change. We launch, in this issue, a series of articles looking at the National Curriculum in England, with a focus on Key Stages 2-4 (ages 7-16) and particularly the transition from primary to secondary school. This should be a key concern not only for linguists but for anyone with an interest in UK business, politics and economic standing. We begin by looking at the status quo in primary schools and how prepared they are for compulsory languages education next year (p.14). Our four-article Focus looks at the various options for online learning and CPD. MOOCs have experienced whirlwind growth and require closer examination (p.16), but we also have advice on webinars (p.18) and an independent review of studying with the Open University (p.20). I read recently that the MasterChef format has not translated well to Spain although, according to The Observer's Peter Preston, that is mainly due to contestants' lack of ambition. TV chef Jamie Oliver, on the other hand, seems to be as popular overseas as he is at home – even when the translation fails to transfer his trademark style (p.12). Miranda Moore Keith Moffit MCIL 4 have a portfolio career, rather than being perceived as the preserve of a small elite. In the last issue, I commented on the importance of striking a balance between managing the internal affairs of the Institute and promoting our outward-facing goals. One of those goals is to increase our visibility, standing and influence both nationally and internationally, and I am pleased that I will be continuing the tradition of CIOL representation at the major Critical Link interpreting conference in Toronto in June, which is on the theme of 'Global Awakening: Leading practices in interpreting'. As a member of the Professional Interpreters for Justice (PI4J) steering committee, I continue to be very concerned with the impact of the outsourcing of legal interpreting by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). As I write, we are considering the MoJ's response to the Justice Select Committee's highly critical report on the arrangements. The response says: 'We know that performance in the MoJ under the contract has not been of a satisfactory level… We are not complacent and are continuing to challenge and resolve issues which affect performance.' We remain in dialogue with the MoJ, including meetings with officials, but are convinced that the relatively minor changes put forward by the Ministry do not go far enough and that a more radical approach is required. Lastly, I would like to welcome Ann Carlisle, our new Director of Examinations, who has now attended her first meetings of Council and of the IoL Educational Trust Board, and whose broad experience in the world of languages will, I am sure, be a great asset to the Institute. In her first contribution to The Linguist, she describes the language challenges faced by the Met (see page 8). JUNE/JULY www.iol.org.uk