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/99426
FEATURES 50 years in print In the last of the series, Karen Stokes examines the increasingly professional focus of The Linguist The most obviously striking change in the most recent decade of The Linguist (20022012) came in with volume 45 (2006), with a dramatic redesign of the cover to include the now-familiar red banner and eye-catching photographs. A thorough redesign of the inside of the journal followed in volume 46 (2007), creating a more modern, professional feel. The same period saw our current Editor, Miranda Moore, step into the role vacated by Pat Treasure, with Miranda���s first issue (TL45,5) featuring articles on subjects as varied as the multilingual constitution in South Africa, the challenges of teaching Chinese in the UK and German spelling reform. This was the decade in which the Institute celebrated the granting of its Royal Charter, with the President, John Mitchell, noting that ���the award of the Charter also carries with it recognition of the linguistic profession as a whole��� (TL44,5). Reflections on professionalism are, in fact, a leitmotif of this period. Ross Smith, writing in 2003, lamented the ���belittlement of the translator���s trade��� (TL42,2) but was optimistic about the prospect of a Charter. Paul Wood���s article on translator status in 2004 (TL43,2) was similarly positive about the Charter, though it is somewhat disheartening to see a reference to the (2001) ITI rates survey suggesting that ���the average annual income for freelance interpreters and translators in the UK is around ��31,000���. If that figure sounds familiar, compare the findings of the 2011 joint CIOL/ITI survey: ���The median annual gross income for [���] fulltime translators and interpreters was in the region of ��31,000��� (TL51,2). With increasing numbers of practitioners working on a freelance basis, practical advice Vol/51 No/6 2012 abounds throughout the decade, from Cate Avery���s tips on ���Getting your CV Noticed��� (TL42,1) to the ���Going it Alone��� series for budding freelancers in vol. 46 (2007). In his article on marketing skills (TL47,3), Stephen Hackett writes: ���Lack of experience is difficult to counter, but you can mitigate its impact by stressing your selling points���. An eightpage feature on continuing professional development (CPD) in TL49,5, included Janet Fraser���s tips on reflecting on CPD activities: ���Be patient, keep at it, and above all, enjoy the process.��� The journal became increasingly outwardfacing and more inclined to reflect current events Articles on career opportunities in newer areas of translating and interpreting begin to appear more frequently in the second half of the decade, with features on computer game translation, remote interpreting and translating advertising material. The practical focus is also reflected in the regular Trade Secrets column and in articles on areas ranging from forensic linguistics to working in aid organisations. While the journal became increasingly outward-facing throughout the decade and more inclined to reflect current events, it retained its key role as a means of communication with members. It continued to record key events in the life of the Institute, including the 2010 centenary celebrations and paying tribute to one of its longest-serving contributors, Professor Peter Newmark, on his death in 2011. I would like to thank my past and present Editorial Board colleagues Tony Bell, Anne Marie Graham, Janet Fraser and Jeremy Munday for their contributions to this series of brief overviews of The Linguist in its first half-century. One element that emerges strongly is the journal���s ability to keep up with changes in the world of linguists and languages, thanks to the work of the two editors and successive chairs: Peter MelvilleSmith, Keith Moffitt and Piotr Kuhiwczak. The current Board is committed to continuing the trend and in that vein, we marked the start of our anniversary year by launching the first online issue of The Linguist. While a straw poll at this year���s Members��� Day confirmed our instinct that most members value their paper copy of the journal, the lower production costs of an online version open up exciting possibilities for special issues or compilations of articles on particular themes, not to mention the ability to retrieve and share items more easily. Finally, I hope members will be pleased to note that we have revived the practice of producing an annual index for The Linguist ��� look out for more news early next year. TL Karen Stokes is a freelance translator and visiting university lecturer in translation. She chairs the Editorial Board of The Linguist. DECEMBER/JANUARY The Linguist 13