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/641937
Theo Merz Theo Merz is a journalist with Agence France-Presse and is currently based in Hong Kong. He was previously a staff writer with The Telegraph in London, and is a former member of The Linguist Editorial Board. See p.24 Angeliki Petrits Dr Angeliki Petrits FCIL is a Language Officer at the European Commission's Directorate- General for Translation and worked previously at the EU representation in London; angelique.petrits@ ec.europa.eu. See p.20 Ramon Pils Ramon Pils ACIL is a translator and project manager based in Vienna. A member of Universitas, the Austrian Interpreters' and Translators' Association, he was the recipient of the IoLET 2014 Fred Brandeis Trophy. See p.12 Assia Rolls Dr Assia Slimani-Rolls is Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics and Education, and Head of Research and Professional Development at Regent's University London. Adult second language acquisition is among her research interests. See p.14 34 The Linguist Vol/55 No/1 2016 www.ciol.org.uk INSTITUTE MATTERS I have been working at the Institute for more than 10 years. My key responsibility as Exam Supervisor, alongside the other supervisor in the team, is to ensure the effectiveness and quality of our examination materials. I have to make sure that deadlines are met at all levels and coordinate with all the people involved in the process. My background is in interpreting: I obtained the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) French Law in 1999 and practised as a freelance legal interpreter. When I joined the Institute, I studied part-time at Middlesex University for the Interpreter's Trainer Postgraduate Certificate. I have provided legal interpreting training courses to various organisations, including the continuing professional development (CPD) workshops at the Institute, for many years. My interpreting and training skills are an advantage in my job, as I mainly work with the DPSI examination. I apply these skills most specifically when dealing with the oral exam at the preparation stage (setting) and post-examination stage (conduct of oral examination). The work requires solid administrative skills, a keen eye for detail and, most interestingly, cultural awareness and sensitivity to culture. I communicate on a daily Carla Avenia Koency Carla Avenia Koency MCIL is a language consultant and conference interpreter based in Buenos Aires; linguaboutique.com. See p.16 Brendan Cole Journalist Brendan Cole has worked for the BBC, Channel 4 News and, currently, The International Business Times. He has also worked as a translator. See p.18 Magdalena Herok-Broughton Magdalena Herok- Broughton MCIL runs her own language services business, based in the UK, providing translation and interpreting. See p.22 Rosie Jacob Rosie Jacob is Acting Head of MFL at St Ursula's School in London. Her interests include building music, film and literature into the curriculum. See p.10 Rebecca Maina Dr Rebecca Maina is a Lecturer in Law at Southampton Solent University. She researches on human rights and public health issues. See p.8 CONTRIBUTORS Bringing a mark of quality , Olga Vital MCIL on her role as Exam Supervisor for the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting and Certificate in Bilingual Skills basis with freelancers from about 40 languages and countries. We have strict deadlines, so negotiating the delivery of an assignment requires meticulous planning and creative tact. My job is multi-faceted. I perform other duties, such as participating in the Language Show and giving talks about the DPSI exam at universities and colleges. I facilitated a two-month work placement programme for a French university student, and attended a school open day to talk about my work as a linguist, which was a memorable experience. My most recent assignment was to create a template and select the content material for our new Certificate in Languages for Business (CLB) exam. I also put together the team of setters, proofreaders and moderator for the three languages offered. I am pleased with the external feedback and look forward to growing into this new role. I miss the courtrooms, police stations, solicitors' firms and all the dynamics surrounding the world of interpreting, but my work with the CIOL has allowed me to view public service interpreting from different angles. I was introduced to the DPSI as a candidate, became a professional interpreter and trainer, and I am now involved in the production of this examination.