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/914406
Among the top news stories for languages this year was evidence of a further decline in language education in UK schools. Parents of primary-age children in Britain will be all too familiar with the impact of funding cuts, but there are now signs that language provision is being seen as an 'optional extra', as budgets and resources are squeezed (p.13). Increases in hate crime also continued to be reported, particularly in the wake of the EU referendum in the UK, and presidential campaign in the US. In October, Dr Lid King rose to the challenge of reversing this worrying trend, tackling the language of hate in CIOL's inaugural David Crystal Lecture (p.31). For those following developments in America, it has been difficult to keep up with the twists and turns of the new administration's immigration policies. Terena Bell tries to make sense of how the language industry might be affected on page 16, but in a precarious environment, clear conclusions remain elusive. However, it wasn't all bad news in 2017. In January, a new study discovered more cognitive benefits of being bilingual. Research from the Université de Montréal showed that bilingual people save brain power, thanks to greater connectivity in the visual-processing areas of the brain, reducing the impact of ageing on cognitive functions in later life. For other news from 2017 see our round-up of the year's events (p.18), covering everything from developments in education to the impact of Brexit – and don't forget to share your top stories on Twitter (@Linguist_CIOL) or via linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk. Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/56 No/6 2017 www.ciol.org.uk NEWS & EDITORIAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S NOTES As another year draws to a close, it is a suitable time to reflect on progress and achievements. Nowhere was that success more in evidence than at our recent annual Awards evening, where we recognise the achievements of our qualification candidates. Well over 5,000 individual exam modules were taken during the last 12 months, in more than 50 languages and language combinations in countries around the world. In the beautiful surroundings of the Law Society, and in the presence of our Patron HRH Prince Michael of Kent, interpreters, translators, language learners and professionals all received awards. Our heritage trophy, the Threlford Cup, was presented to an exciting government-led student mentoring project, which is making a real difference to the uptake of language GCSEs in Wales. Presentation ceremonies were also held at the Hong Kong Society Annual Luncheon and China Association AGM in November to celebrate local examination successes. Good news isn't always in evidence, as the decline in the number of university students on specialist language degree programmes continues, and the situation for interpreters working in public services shows little sign of improvement. There have, though, been things to celebrate at CIOL. Recruitment to our pre-professional grades has been strong and our membership has returned to growth, topping 7,000 members in September. Chartered Linguist registrations grew by 270%, and while we need to increase our number further in order to raise the 'voice' that we aspire to nationally and with government, it is a strong message of support for wider recognition for the profession. The improved Members' Area of our website, with new functionality to make applications and renewals easier, has gone a long way in helping us achieve this. Looking to the new year, we will be holding elections for Council in the spring and look forward to more new faces joining. We have a diverse range of experience and expertise around the Council table, and serving on Council is a great way of contributing to the future of CIOL and helping us to influence the development of the profession. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who has given of their time and energy this year to help and support CIOL. We rely immensely on the goodwill of our volunteers and members, who make a real difference to what we are able to achieve. Our late President, Nick Bowen, was very proud of our development and a staunch supporter of CIOL for many years. On pages 8-9 we recall and share our very fond memories of Nick, and our appreciation of all he has done for the Institute. Ann Carlisle EDITOR'S LETTER Share your views @Linguist_CIOL