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/832824
A meme has been doing the rounds on social media; it shows a man dancing energetically on a crowded hillside, and how quickly the actions of this maverick dancer lead to an impromptu dance party. The point of the video is to show the importance of the 'first follower' in turning a 'crazed loner' into a leader starting a movement. On pages 18-21, Sally Fagan makes an impassioned plea for language professionals and enthusiasts to become leaders to motivate young people in particular, and society more broadly, to explore the possibilities languages offer. In a version of her inspiring Threlford Lecture, she outlines the qualities leaders possess and how they can use that potential. But it is important to remember also the value of those who support the leaders – the 'first followers' who encourage others to sit up and take note. We all have our part to play, whatever our skills and strengths. I worked with several natural leaders for this issue. At just 26, Mursal Hedayat has launched a social enterprise that supports refugees back into work by harnessing their language skills and motivating others to use their services (p.16). Margherita Laera led a project exploring 'foreignising' translations for the stage, which culminated in some fascinating performances developed by actors, directors and translators from diverse cultures (p.7). Students at Leeds University were given the opportunity to develop their management skills on an extensive translation project across two countries. Adam Dewhirst, who at 23 has recently joined The Linguist Editorial Board, reports on what they learnt from the project and the challenges they encountered on the way (p.13). Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/56 No/3 2017 www.ciol.org.uk NEWS & EDITORIAL CHAIR OF COUNCIL'S NOTES On 25 March, around 130 members came together for the AGM and our annual Members' Day, combined for the first time in several years. Members congratulated Carina Balbo, Alistair Bell, Rosa-Maria Cives-Enriquez, Judith Gabler and Jaquelina Guardamagna on their election to Council for their first three-year term of office, and James Farmer for his second. Both formal resolutions put to the meeting – on membership subscriptions for 2017-2018 and changes to the Rules – were adopted. Members acknowledged the contributions made by outgoing Council members Keith Moffitt, Reza Navaei, Adam Ramsey and Paul Shipman, as well as Vice Presidents Martyn Bond, Ann Corsellis and John Mitchell, and thanked them for their outstanding commitment, often over many years. Members' Day seminars ranging from literary translation to Chartership proved popular, as did Sally Fagan's excellent Threlford Lecture (see page 18). For members unable to attend, the presentations are available on the website, and there is an overview on page 30. Headline figures from the recent membership survey were presented on the same day. It is always encouraging to see positive findings: 90% of respondents were proud to be members of CIOL, but more pleasing still was to see the improvement in results since the 2014 survey. Many more members now believe that CIOL offers improved career prospects, professional integrity and membership of a professional community. The top words and phrases chosen to describe the organisation were authoritative, respected, informed, accessible, trustworthy and highly regarded. There were also sharp increases in members who see CIOL as member-led/focused, modern and good value for money. At the same time, there are things respondents told us we need to do better and Council will be working closely with the Membership Department to address these concerns. We will also follow up on constructive suggestions, e.g. for new benefits, and analyse the opportunities and threats identified by members as we plan for the future. New and existing members of Council met formally for the first time on 28 April. As always, the April meeting appointed all members of Council boards and committees, and we welcomed news from the Membership (previously Applications) Committee of a further increase in membership numbers, the introduction of online applications for all membership grades, and another two Higher Education Language Partners. Members of the IoLET Board joined us the following day for our annual strategy meeting, where we reviewed our vision as an organisation and planned how we will support, develop, accredit and represent the languages professions over the next three to five years. Work now begins on refining the ideas discussed for presentation to Council in July. Karen Stokes EDITOR'S LETTER It is always encouraging to see positive findings: 90% were proud to be members of CIOL