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/786024
30 The Linguist Vol/56 No/1 2017 www.ciol.org.uk INSTITUTE MATTERS DIVISIONS & SOCIETIES February 'WALTZING THROUGH THE UN' Saturday 18 February The Priory Rooms, Birmingham, 10.30am-3pm Rodney Mantle FCIL will speak about the United Nations agencies in Vienna, with special reference to the linguistic challenges they face. There will also be a chance to discuss the BPG KEY DIVISIONS Business, Professions & Government: Interpreting: Translating: SOCIETIES Cambridge: German: Hong Kong: Lincolnshire: London: Midlands North West: Scottish: Spanish: BPG TD CAM GER LINC MID SCOT LON SP HK ID NW Ahem! Ahem! Clearing the throat and getting ready to speak clearly and precisely is what interpreters do at the start of every working day. Looking after your voice and avoiding potentially stressful situations was the subject of the Interpreting Division's seminar on 19 November, which seemed a well-chosen topic as the conference room at Novotel London City South was filled to capacity. Officially titled 'Voice and Stress Management for Interpreters: Optimising and protecting your voice – one of your most precious assets', the day began with a talk by Frances Parkes (pictured). The voice coach from maxyourvoice.com gave a fun, interactive presentation about how to relax and get the best from your voice. She had the room hanging, humming and haaaah-ing; not, perhaps, what everyone expected, but some useful exercises in treating your voice as the precious instrument it is and understanding it better. Frances gave an overview of the importance of voice quality and the way actors use breath, tone and timbre for different vocal effects. She also spoke of the potential benefits of spirulina (also known as 'blue-green algae'). Gabriela Bocanete MCIL is not only a multilingual conference interpreter but also a qualified yoga teacher. She broadened the scope from the voice to the whole body by demonstrating breathing and relaxation exercises to boost performance and reduce stress. Teaching participants Uddiyana Bandha, a yoga exercise to massage the internal organs, she discussed some quick fixes for interpreters who find themselves in cramped, stuffy booths or other conditions where the ergonomics are not conducive to good performance. This exercise focuses on the diaphragm, the most important muscle for relaxation and breath control. Gabriela also provided useful insights into using food to keep healthy, suggesting nuts, berries or fresh coconut at coffee breaks instead of sugary or starchy snacks. She also reminded us how important it is for interpreters, whose profession is so intellectual, to remember our bodies, and how to breath and occupy space. After a friendly, animated networking lunch, Joe Hudson, Founder of the Pronunciation Studio and author of The Sound of English, gave another fascinating presentation. Focusing on different aspects of English pronunciation and accent reduction, he ran through the 45 sounds of English (19 vowels and 26 consonants), and how we use stress and intonation to convey and vary meaning. Did you know that the schwa (ə) is the most common vowel in spoken English? And can you list the 12 ways of saying 'Are you from Germany?'. If not, Joe can explain (see pronunciationstudio.com). The Interpreting Division seminar was a great example of how much fun learning can be, and an enjoyable social occasion to boot! Nurturing voice and body MICHAEL WELLS RELAXES AT THE INTERPRETING DIVISION EVENT ON VOICE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT, AND LEARNS HOW TO PROTECT THIS PRECIOUS ASSET Members' Day 2017 includes workshops and seminars, the Threlford Memorial Lecture by Sally Fagan MCIL, a buffet lunch and the Institute's AGM. It will be held on 25 March at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster. See ciol.org.uk/events for details. MEMBERS' DAY & AGM