Chartered Institute
of Linguists
NEWS
John Worne, CIOL CEO, writes: we often hear ‘bad news’ stories about languages in the UK - fewer young people studying languages at GCSE and ‘A’ Level, languages ‘dying out’ in UK Primary schools and Language Departments closing in Universities etc. But...
It's not all bad news
Look beneath the surface and there is a huge reservoir of linguistic talent in...
Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru (the association of Welsh language translators and interpreters) are researching the Welsh><English translation and interpretation profession.
The work is being carried out by professional research company Arad. They have prepared a short questionnaire – it takes around 10 minutes to complete. If you do any Welsh><English...
As the number of translated novels by female authors increases, Helen Vassallo asks which women are being translated, and how activists can be more inclusive
For several years, a growing number of voices in both academic and industry contexts have drawn attention to the imperative to address diversity within publishing, where recent reports suggest that...
When one chooses which language to learn, they will often choose it based on how many native speakers there are of that language across the globe. However, what one often fails to consider is how many people can speak the language as their second, third or even fourth.
By Emily Boaler
Languages as a network for communication
English is my native...
By Gillian Morris
I never know what to tell people when they ask me what I do for a job. A few years ago, I would have proudly and unhesitatingly announced that I was a translator, but more recently, the lines have become blurred. Am I really a translator now? My working hours are increasingly dominated by other language-related pursuits.
A shortened version of the keynote speech delivered by CIOL Honorary President Baroness Jean Coussins at Glasgow University, 9 May 2025
There has never been a better time to be a linguist, or to have a language as another string to your bow
The Linguist Editorial Board member Professor Binhua Wang invited several MA translation master’s students in Chinese to translate one feature article from each of the four issues of The Linguist in the past year. Each translation has been translated by one, then revised by another, and then proof-read by their translation tutor.
Binhua’s initiative seeks not...
We are pleased to announce that GCHQ has been awarded the prestigious CIOL Threlford Cup in the 2025 CIOL Awards. GCHQ is the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency. This is in recognition of the extensive work GCHQ do in championing languages and linguists in UK Government and nationally.
GCHQ, alongside their vital work in helping to keep the country...
By Michael Lynas, UK Country Director Duolingo
The Duolingo Westminster Language Challenge
“I, Michael Lynas, being the UK Country Director and Acting Returning Officer for the Duolingo Westminster Language Challenge, do hereby give notice that the number of lessons recorded for the candidates at the said Challenge is 65,000…”
...
Which are the best free productivity tools for translators?
By Anna Rioland
AI-powered tools can significantly enhance a freelance translator’s workflow, boost productivity and even improve the quality of translations – provided they are used judiciously. They can help with many aspects of our business, from improving productivity and writing quality...