The Linguist

Modern science has been yielding some fascinating discoveries in languages stretching back thousands of years. A DNA study conducted by researchers at Vienna University traced Indo-European languages back to a single population living in steppe grasslands 6,500 years ago. By analysing DNA samples from archaeological sites across Eurasia, they newly identified an ancient population in the Caucasus and the Lower Volga which is connected to all modern populations speaking Indo-European languages today. Meanwhile, researchers have digitally scanned and 'unrolled' charred scrolls from the Roman town of Herculaneum which were buried in burning ash during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Using cutting-edge X-ray imaging in the enormous Diamond Light Source synchrotron facility in Oxfordshire, they were able to produce a 3D scan "on the scale of a few thousandths of a millimetre". Powerful AI is then applied to identify the ink on the charred papyrus. As both materials are carbon-based it is extremely difficult to achieve, but early results have been promising. Stephen Parsons, the project lead, is "confident we will be able to read pretty much the whole scroll in its entirety". Early indications are the scroll is a work of philosophy – very apt! DNA and the origins of language 6 The Linguist Vol/64 No/1 ciol.org.uk/thelinguist NEWS & EDITORIAL In the media In the media PHILIP HARDING-ESCH A series of government cuts hit language- specific programmes hard this winter. SchoolsWeek reported on the announcement that the Department for Education (DfE) was scrapping its Latin Excellence Programme immediately, saying it would cause "significant disruption" to 1,000 pupils across 29 schools preparing to take their GCSE Latin in the summer. The publication also covered cuts to subject-specific 'hubs', including computing, science and languages. Funding for the flagship National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE) and its network of 15 Language Hubs was cut by a third. This prompted Oxford academic Marie K Daouda to critique multiple policies and societal prejudices in The Critic, arguing such a move undermines language learning and "reinforces privilege". Meanwhile, the education sector awaits the recommendations of the Curriculum and Assessment Review, which could have far-reaching consequences for the place of languages in our schools and colleges. The Telegraph published several articles criticising the provision of public service interpreting. As part of their 'Waste Watch' series, they ran a piece claiming that interpreters for benefit claimants cost taxpayers £27m with the alarmist headline that "the true cost is incalculable". Another story arose from the case of an interpreter in the Foreign Office accused of running 'Chinese propaganda' websites. But more nuanced reporting was published too. The Law Gazette ran several reports on the ongoing Lords Committee Inquiry into the procurement of language services in the courts. The committee was "so alarmed by what it has heard so far that it has taken the drastic step of urging the lord chancellor to halt a procurement process for new language services contracts until its concerns are addressed", a request the Ministry of Justice later 'rebuffed'. Philip Harding-Esch is a freelance languages project manager and consultant. meeting covering short-, medium- and long-term goals. One area the APPG sees as a priority is to ensure language is categorised as a 'strategic priority' subject, which would bring more funding. For institutions facing immediate cuts, including Cardiff, the hope must be that decision makers work with staff and stakeholders to agree a sustainable future that supports the strategic ambitions of the institution – to ensure they do not make the irreversible mistake of losing crucial scholarship in languages and culture. The experience at Aberdeen shows that this is possible to achieve. On 5 February, the Welsh Senedd approved a motion which called on the Welsh Government to "work with the UK Government to identify sustainable solutions for the future of higher education". Longer term, this must be the right way forward. Baroness Coussins, Co-Chair of the APPG ML and CIOL Vice-President, told The Linguist: "Universities have been under increasing financial pressure for several years and it is alarming to see modern languages often being targeted for cuts alongside other subjects. It is very short-sighted to lose linguistic expertise as the country's future requirements for diplomacy, security, trade and exports will become more complex." She continued: "It is imperative that a nationally strategic approach to languages provision in HE is achieved. Currently, universities are making decisions in isolation, which has already led to 'cold spots' in provision – both geographically and demographically. One area we would like to see urgent action on is securing category C1 funding for Strategic Priorities for languages." Manon Cadwaladr, Chair of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru (the Association of Welsh Translators and Interpreters), said: "The proposed cuts at Cardiff University are a shock. Languages and translation are essential for different nations to understand each other. Languages have commercial value as countries buy, sell, import and export. The loss of expertise in languages in our universities will lead in time to the loss of the ability to teach languages in our schools. We will all be poorer because of this. I call on Cardiff University to reconsider these cuts." There is a petition to support linguist colleagues at Cardiff, endorsed by UCFL, at https://cutt.ly/CUpetition. © VESUVIUS CHALLENGE CHARRED REMAINS: The Herculaneum scroll

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