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/1379045
@Linguist_CIOL JUNE/JULY The Linguist 31 OPINION & COMMENT As a translator in the field of sustainability, it was a pleasure to read Michael Cronin's article (TL60,2). Sustainability needs to be embedded within the translation sector and should form an integral part of all training and CPD. As he rightly points out, refusing work on ethical grounds can be difficult, but even if the content of the work is not perfectly aligned to our values, we can reduce our environmental impact. Low carbon (light) web design, for example, can significantly reduce emissions. Initiatives destined to raise awareness and help channel positive change, such as the Sustainable Web Manifesto and WBGU's 'Towards our Common Digital Future' report, are on the increase. The digital revolution must be guided by policies that protect the planet and shape a more just society. And we must not forget our own simple daily actions: unsubscribe from unread e-newsletters, clear out old emails and archive documents off-line, bookmark more often to avoid search engines, avoid unnecessary emails by calling instead, turn off auto-play for video streaming, dim monitors, avoid vampire power (unplug!), and above all, pass the message on to colleagues. By working together, the field of translation can excel in being a force for good through overcoming barriers, eradicating discrimination and promoting diversity in all its forms, and be a driver of change to create a resilient and sustainable future for all. Jill Tellier CIOL Career Affiliate How to be a change maker Megumi Waters MCIL with her copy of the April-May issue in the Minato Mirai 21 area of Yokohama, a historic port city which has been an entrance to Japan since the modern age. The photo was taken on 24 April – the day before the third lockdown of Tokyo, where she is staying with her family. Send your 'caught reading The Linguist' pictures to linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk Where do you read yours? Literature to the rescue I am a part-time library assistant and part-time tutor of Italian, mainly to adults in Wiltshire. Since the first lockdown, I have had to make changes to the way I teach, the location (transferring lessons from my home to online), and the type of materials. Many of my students have found the lessons to be a very important weekly appointment to help during the time of isolation. Others found it hard to focus and felt detached online, and lost motivation when their Italian holiday plans were cancelled. To keep my students engaged, I decided to use more literature materials, such as books. I have always used literature during my lessons but only in conjunction with Italian grammar books or general Italian- language books. Recently, however, I have based my teaching of the language on reading easy-readers with my students. Every student is different, but we normally take it in turns to read a sentence and the students translate aloud. Even the beginner students have now started to read books with me, and we translate them together. As they are reading, I notice where they need more practice with grammar, and give them technical explanations and exercises to help them to expand their language knowledge. After a year, the students seem increasingly engaged in reading their books, and our conversations have become more interesting and profound. In addition, my students have started to write more in Italian and I am very impressed by their language skills. Books have always been an important part of my life and I have always found refuge and pleasure in reading literature in different languages. The shape of the words, the sound of the sentences, the story and the emotions that emerge when reading a book are a companion for life. Reading a book together and talking about it makes for a memorable and meaningful experience. Vanessa Manoli CIOL Career Affiliate