8 The Linguist Vol/61 No/1 2022
thelinguist.uberflip.com
FEATURES
Helle Gulowsen reports on a historic step
G
overnmental involvement in the
provision of public service
interpreting (PSI) in Norway is
not new. The state has long recognised
the crucial role of interpreters in ensuring
equal access to public services and the
right to due process for all, but it is only
now that this has been enshrined in law.
The act relating to the responsibility of
public bodies to use interpreters (the
Interpreting Act
1
), which came into force
on 1 January 2022, is the culmination
of years of progressive efforts and
advocacy work.
At the forefront of this campaign is the
Directorate of Integration and Diversity
(IMDi).
2
Established in 2006 as a specialist
directorate and national competence centre
responsible for integration, IMDi acts as an
advisory body and is tasked with
implementing government policy. With PSI
provision among its key responsibilities, its
remit includes improving quality and
establishing national standards in areas such
as interpreter training, access, provision, use
and pay.
IMDi reports annually on the need for and
use of interpreters in the public sector with
Norway leads
population of Norway, mainly situated in
the Oslo area, and Romani is the language of
the Romani people.
3
Public bodies are now
obliged to use, develop and promote this
linguistic heritage.
Charged with overseeing the enforcement
of the legislation is the Language Council of
Norway, the state's consultative body on
language issues, which works under the
Ministry of Culture.
4
Its main objectives are to
strengthen the status and use of the
Norwegian language in areas of society
where it is at risk; promote Norwegian as a
good and well-functioning language for
cultural purposes and general use; and
safeguard linguistic diversity and the interests
of language users.
As such, it is also the main body providing
guidance and advice to the public sector.
However, as its Director General Åse
Wetås points out: "Language policy
and enforcement of the Act is a joint
responsibility. For the legislation to fulfil its
purpose, this work must be prioritised at all
levels of society."
Notes
1 Lov om språk (språklova); cutt.ly/LovOm
2 The Norwegian Kven Association; kvener.no
3 'Romani/Romanes in Norway' (2007) Public
Foundation for European Comparative Minority
Research, Council of Europe; cutt.ly/Romani_Nor
4 www.sprakradet.no; cutt.ly/sprakradet_no
CULTURAL PRESERVATION
A traditional Sámi reindeer-skin home in
the Finnmark region of northern Norway
IMAGES
©
SHUTTERSTOCK
