The Linguist

By now we are all aware that technology can be a double- edged sword. When it comes to languages, it has the potential to support revitalisation and egalitarian efforts, but it is also another domain in which the dominant languages can, well, dominate. Our three-article focus (p.14-19) looks at the work being done to give minoritised languages a presence online. This includes languages that are widely spoken outside the West – particularly in Africa – but whose writing systems have not been supported online, as well as endangered languages that could, perhaps, be rejuvenated by educational apps. An ever increasing use of technology also gives rise to new challenges for the language professions, including how to translate emoji (p.10) and multiple ethical questions (p.26). Efforts to increase inclusion also extend to more traditional forms of text, and Jessica Dunrod reports on a project to create more diversity in Welsh children's literature – translation providing a temporary solution until new books can be published in Welsh (p.20). Translation as a form of activism, or movement for social change, appears again in Mohini Gupta's fascinating exploration of how a translator's approach might change depending on the language direction of the translation and the background of both author and translator. Considering the challenges involved in translating Vikram Seth's poetry into Hindi, she explains how her choices differ not only when translating into Hindi rather than English, but also because of Seth's post-colonial heritage (p.7). Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/61 No/2 2022 thelinguist.uberflip.com NEWS & EDITORIAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S NOTES For me, CIOL Conference 2022 was a wonderful two days. Despite pandemic uncertainty, and the unfolding tragedy for millions of people in Ukraine and displaced across Europe, we were fortunate enough to be able to come together – face to face – to celebrate all things languages. Day one saw a fantastic opening speech from Paul Hughes, a number of compelling and important panel sessions and themed presentations, and a powerful public policy 'state of the nation' from CIOL Vice President Baroness Coussins. The day was crowned by our patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, joining us to warmly congratulate our wonderful CIOL Award winners – the best candidates in our CIOL Qualifications exams, as well as outstanding people and programmes that have made a big difference to languages in very different communities and networks. On day two I got to talk to author, lexicographer and linguist Susie Dent; indulge two personal passions (perfectly combined) by learning about food translation from Josephine Murray; and get some key pointers on the dos and don'ts of emoji and emoticon use around the world with Dr Holly Silvestri. A short version of her keynote is on page 10; 'take care' is the summary! We chose to focus on coming together physically this year – and we chose to do that in London, which is our headquarters and home. Despite the perfectly legitimate concerns many will have had about travel and Covid, Conference drew in international delegates, members of all ages and stages, and the support of sponsors Websites for Translators, Memsource and RWS Trados, as well as valuable contributions from NRPSI and APCI. A personal highlight for me was the chance to meet Susie Dent, and all the more so, as she turned out to be so wonderfully kind and generous with her time – not only speaking with Conference for an hour on a Saturday, but also patiently posing for photos with her many fans among CIOL members, staff, sponsors and delegates. We covered etymology, current affairs, fun stuff, her book Word Perfect, language evolution and more. After her session, we invited Susie to become an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute, and she was visibly delighted to accept. It was a particularly happy moment, but just one among many over the two days. The whole CIOL organising team was delighted that so many members, delegates and friends were ready to come: to speak, to network, and to connect and re-connect. Talking to CIOL Chair Judith Gabler on the final day, we both said how humble, grateful and privileged we felt to be in a room full of linguists and language lovers again; a really wonderful two days in our CIOL lives. John Worne EDITOR'S LETTER Share your views: linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk

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