The Linguist

34 The Linguist Vol/65 No/3 ciol.org.uk/thelinguist OPINION & COMMENT Safira Amazan Safira Amazan is a cross- cultural communication specialist, university lecturer and general manager of Cultures Communicate. She specialises in translation, localisation, cultural competence training, and medical interpretation across French, English, Spanish and Creole. See p.26 Eyhab Baden Eddin Dr Eyhab Bader Eddin MCIL CL is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at Dhofar University, Oman. A scholar in translation and applied linguistics, he has a broad portfolio of research and publications. See p.12 Christian Elongue Christian Elongue is CEO of Kabod Localization Services, Chief Editor of Afrolinguals Magazine, co-founder of the Association of Language Companies in Africa, and founder of the Network of African Language Translators and Teachers, and the Marketplace for African Translators and Interpreters. See p.14 Charles Forsdick Charles Forsdick is Drapers Professor of French, and Co-Chair of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics, at the University of Cambridge. He is also Lead Fellow for Languages at the British Academy and won CIOL's David Crystal Award in 2026. See p.24 Sangi Gurung Dr Sangi Gurung is an experienced interpreting/ translation practitioner. A fervent advocate for the professionalisation of translation and interpreting, she writes on a wide range of related topics, informed by her academic expertise and research background. See p.22 Lakshmi-Raj Jesa Lakshmi-Raj Jesa is an author based in London. She studied History at SOAS and also holds a postgraduate qualification in International Relations of the Americas from UCL. See p.8 Sue Leschen Sue Leschen FCIL CL is a lawyer-linguist and the director of niche-market company Avocate Legal French Services. She is a member of various CIOL committees. See p.16 Azita Mottahedeh Azita Mottahedeh is a translator from Persian to English specialising in works about the Bahá'í Faith. Her translations include articles, talks, memoirs, poetry, and lengthy books of philosophy, history and theology. See p.10 Bahiyyih Nakhjavani Dr Bahiyyih Nakhjavani taught English literature and creative writing for four decades. She is the author of four novels and of essays about the Bahá'í Faith, and the co-translator of poetry by Forough Farrokhzad and Mahvash Sabet. See p.10 Anna Rioland Anna Rioland MCIL CL specialises in adult language education, language-related AI projects and translation. She currently designs and delivers language courses at City Lit. See p.28 Renata Towlson Renata Towlson holds a PhD in Education and is a qualified interpreter. She is a Senior Interpreting and Translation Services Innovation and Improvement Lead at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. See p.20 CONTRIBUTORS The saddest letter I have read in The Telegraph recently concerned a young man who had read Business Studies with Languages at university. Despite a good degree he did not even get an interview with either a leading British airline or the British branch of an international food company. The reason given: we are not interested in foreign languages as everyone speaks English. O tempora, o mores! William Hedley Hon MCIL A conversation can change a career. Every linguist remembers someone who opened a door, offered encouragement or shared valuable advice. Through CIOL Mentoring, you can do the same for someone else, helping them navigate challenges and better achieve their goals. The platform connects linguists at different stages of their careers, creating opportunities to share knowledge and build confidence. Mentors often tell us that they gain as much as they give, developing new insights, fresh skills and a deeper understanding of their own professional journey. If you can spare a little time and experience, your guidance could make a lasting difference to the next generation of linguists. CIOL members and affiliates can join CIOL Mentoring via our website: www.ciol.org.uk/mentoring Help shape the future Graduates on the scrapheap? Email linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk © SHUTTERSTOCK

• Cover