The Linguist

@Linguist_CIOL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER The Linguist 29 INSTITUTE MATTERS Rethinking school policy Over the years, I have seen many articles and letters deploring the decline in the uptake of language learning in schools and further education. These are almost invariably accompanied by comments as to languages being 'difficult' to learn. If teachers keep telling students that languages are hard, then is it any wonder that many will give up before they have any real understanding of what they are supposed to be learning? I am not a teacher but I have recently started helping to homeschool a bright 13-year-old child with additional needs, whose experience of primary and early secondary schooling has been disastrous. I decided that I had better familiarise myself with the KS3 (ages 11-14) syllabus for French, which seems to boil down to reams of word lists with snippets of grammar. I asked her what was necessary to start to build a house; she answered "foundations". I told her that that was what we were going to do. Her reply was simply "good". Her classroom was decorated with lists, pictures, diagrams and clocks, which she found busy and confusing. Do all people learn in the same way? Of course not. Will lists and pictures get pupils through GCSE? Some, perhaps even most, who get as far as entering for the exam. Will it inspire an understanding of how language works? I very much doubt it. We have seen schools make the most of online learning during lockdown. Now is surely the time to bring in computer- based courses with appropriate qualifications, which could be out-sourced to language teaching institutions working under a common curriculum. Diane Ward ACIL Caught reading The Linguist Two interpreters sent in pictures of themselves with the latest issue en route to assignments. Anthony Ojolola MCIL, a Yoruba linguist since 1989, took the GWR Queen Elizabeth II train from London to Bristol Parkway to assist Avon and Somerset Police in an important criminal matter. Sue Leschen FCIL CL (inset) braved public transport for the first time since the start of the pandemic for a job in London, setting out from Manchester Piccadilly. Share your snaps at linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk. COUNCIL NEWS Following the recent Council meeting, accessible paths to governance are a priority, reports Chair Judith Gabler Council reconvened online in July for the final meeting of the 2020/21 business year. Our ongoing focus is to continue to optimise our overall strategic and financial position, to anticipate emerging trends and to build strong and adaptable long-term plans. As a follow-up to the very successful CIOL Technology for Translators Week in early July, Council consulted more extensively on the impact of technology on the profession and how translators can remain a central and valued component in the translation workflow. The online demand for our flagship qualifications – the DipTrans, DPSI and DPI – has been very encouraging this year. Delivering 'live assessment' online to an international community puts 24/7 pressure on the Qualifications team, who have performed admirably, with unrelenting commitment even when this has meant working into the night and at the weekend. In order to recognise challenges at early career stage, we have committed to improving the way we can support those studying for our qualifications on their path to becoming qualified language professionals. Part of this work includes an excellent guide to the DipTrans, authored by the Marketing and Qualifications teams, covering inspirational case studies, exam support and client views. It is now available online at ciol.org.uk/guide-to-diploma-in-translation. The meeting also committed to optimising the mechanisms for populating Council, boards and committees. We intend to create more accessible stepping stones for attracting, supporting and retaining our volunteers in order to complement existing skillsets while encouraging all linguists – irrespective of age, background, ethnicity, religion etc – to come forward and feel motivated to contribute their knowledge and expertise. This work has been set as a priority and is already underway for delivery in the autumn. Warmest thanks, as always, to all members and our wider readership for your continued interest.

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