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/322362
4 The Linguist JUNE/JULY www.ciol.org.uk NEWS & EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S NOTES One year on from joining the Institute, at an annual meeting with examiners and moderators, I had the opportunity to reflect on our activities and achievements of the past 12 months. What stood out for me was that, against the backdrop of our everyday activities around membership and examinations, almost everything else had changed. We find ourselves in a new building, in a much improved office environment, with a new IT infrastructure, a new database, which is outperforming all our expectations and, in the case of the Diploma in Translation (the reason for our meeting), a newly formed team. As if to match, there are exciting developments in many areas of our work and in the larger languages community. In April, Dr Nick Bowen and I attended the official opening of the Defence Centre for Languages and Culture at Shrivenham, a new facility within the Defence Academy, following their relocation from Beaconsfield. Like the reopened FCO Language Centre, this sends a very strong signal from the heart of government about the importance of language learning and the development of intercultural skills. The Institute continues to support the Speak to the Future campaign, which met recently to consider its focus for the coming year. One area of concern is the gap created in the market for recognition and accreditation of home languages as a result of the withdrawal of Asset Languages qualifications. IoLET is an Awarding Organisation recognised by Ofqual and, as such, it is important that, alongside our high-level professional qualifications in interpreting and translating, we provide a pathway for non- specialist linguists who seek recognition of their language abilities. One of our priorities in the coming year will be to expand the range and levels of our qualifications in this area. The Institute has already started work on a new strategic plan (2015-2017), with Council and the Trust Board holding a very positive away day to jointly consider future directions and priorities. This followed engagement with Institute staff, whose collective views and ideas formed part of the basis for discussion on the day. A further half day took place to review the details prior to final approval, which we aim to achieve in July. As I write, our new website is imminent. This new 'face' of the organisation will present a very different image of the Institute to the world. It is modern, bright and easy to access, with excellent functionality that will benefit members, candidates and virtual visitors. Ann Carlisle We find ourselves in a much improved office environment, with a new IT infrastructure, a new database and a newly formed team EDITOR'S LETTER Two thought- provoking stories in this issue focus on life-and-death interpreting scenarios. A military interpreter offers an inside account of his crucial work in Afghanistan (p.14); while Dr Marilyn Sephocle argues that a lack of Creole interpreting may have cost lives following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti (p.10). In a less perilous but nevertheless challenging setting, Newcastle United's French interpreter outlines his high-pressure role (p.18). Analyses of the 2011 census results have been publicised widely in the UK, and we look at the implications for government policy on page 22. One service that may be affected is public service translation, and I was interested to find out why this emerging field is currently experiencing such growth (p.24). Language education will soon be compulsory in England for children aged 7-11, and it is encouraging that the 14-16 languages curriculum is being revised now to take this early-years learning into account. We look at the likely changes to the GCSE following the recent publication of a government consultation document (p.16). I would like to thank Karen Stokes, who stepped down as Chair of the Editorial Board in April, for her dedication and invaluable support during seven years on the board and four as Chair. You recently identified The Linguist as your number one membership benefit (p.8), and Karen has played a major role in raising the quality and scope of the magazine. Her successor, Ken Paver, has already had substantial input as a member of the board and in his first weeks as Chair, and I am grateful to him for taking on this voluntary position. Miranda Moore