The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/288462
Vol/53 No/2 2014 APRIL/MAY The Linguist 5 A two-day conference looking at language issues in the Great War will be held in Antwerp and London in June. Among the presentations at the University of Antwerp, on 18 June, will be a panel discussion on the Language of Cultures at War, and talks on the First World War in French fiction and on slang and recruitment. At the British Library, on 20 June, there will be a similarly diverse programme, including talks on modes of communication on the Western Front and Italian war propaganda, and a panel discussion on Language Change and War. See http://languages-and-first-world -war.tumblr.com for details or to attend. Marking the First World War Free research platform launch The use of the Welsh language on packaging could boost the economy of Wales, a government task group has found. The report showed how producers have capitalised on Welsh culture and tradition through use of the language, with businesses such as the Pant Du vineyard in Gwynedd using it as a unique selling point. A group spokesperson said: 'Our focus has been on seeking positive outcomes in relation both to the language and fostering economic development.' Among the recommendations was the designation of 'special economic language zones' reflecting language usage in each community, and government grants for businesses that 'demonstrate an ability to provide a service bilingually'. The report comes as concerns grow over a decline in Welsh speakers between 2001 and 2011. Campaigners argue that the government is not doing enough to promote and protect the language, with one group chaining themselves to the gates of Welsh government offices in February. Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg are demanding that the government adopts six policies, including Welsh-medium education for all. For our article on the subject, see page 24. Business needs Figures released in January gave further evidence of the lack of language skills in UK business. According to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, employers find it hard to fill 17 percent of roles as a result. The latest from the languages world NEWS & EDITORIAL A peer-reviewed, open-access platform will give free access to research on modern languages to anyone in the world with an internet connection. Established by Liverpool University Press, Modern Languages Open (MLO) will adopt an interdisciplinary approach and a rigorous process of peer review. Praise for the concept came from several high-profile language academics. 'MLO looks set to be a bold initiative indeed,' said Professor Paul Julian Smith of the Graduate Center at CUNY (City University of New York). 'It may well prove to be a trailblazing and invaluable resource for scholars and students alike.' Professor Mike Kelly, Programme Director for Routes into Languages, added: 'Its flexible approach to timing and length of submission is particularly innovative, and its digital media-savvy features will appeal to a new generation of researchers.' See www.modernlanguagesopen.org. A demonstration in Belfast will call for Irish language rights to be protected by law across the island. Planned for 12 April, the protest follows a rally in Dublin to demand better Irish language provision for public services in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Thousands of people attended the rally in February, organised by the campaign group Conradh na Gaeilge, which promised a series of actions aiming to secure an Irish Language Act. Conradh spokesman Julian de Spáinn said the group would put pressure on the Irish government and Northern Ireland Assembly to recognise Irish language rights and ensure 'equality for the language throughout the island'. This would include Irish speaker recruitment quotas for the civil service, similar to police quotas in Northern Ireland, which have seen an increase in Catholic officers. Interest in Gaelic has increased in recent years, with a new Irish language centre opening this year in East Belfast to meet demand. Yet Foras na Gaeilge, the body set up to promote the language across the island following the Good Friday Agreement, is due to cut 'core funding' to 13 Irish language groups in July. All four of the Northern Ireland organisations will close, while only six will remain in Ireland. However, Foras confirmed that funding had been be protected for two Irish language resources in Belfast: Raidió Fáilte and an tÁisaonad, which provides educational materials in Gaelic. Welsh labels may boost economy CORE FUNDING Mural for Raidió Fáilte on the Falls Road (top) Calls for Irish Language Act © THINKSTOCK