How a seemingly simple public service interpreting assignment can get dangerous. A cautionary tale by Sue Leschen
Here’s what can happen when an interpreting job suddenly goes off piste. I was booked to interpret for Social Services after concerns were raised about the father of a French-speaking family, who had allegedly been beating his children. Attendees at the child safeguarding...
Jemina Napier reports on developments in sign language research, and why deaf people are finally being heard
There are still common misperceptions about signed languages, so it is worth busting some myths. The ways in which language tends to be discussed do not (typically) take signed languages into account. The terminology is fundamentally phonocentric: the very word ‘language’ alludes...
Adriana Hunter on the challenges of translating the most recent book in the pun-laden series, and the pressures of following in the footsteps of its much-loved translator Anthea Bell
In January 2017, Adriana Hunter was approached “very discreetly” by Hachette Children’s Books about the possibility of translating the next Asterix book. Anthea Bell, who had worked on the previous 37 books...
Guest blog by Lucy Williams
The translation industry can seem like a crowded marketplace. Within your language pair, you may find there is a lot of competition. How can you stand out from the crowd as a professional translator? Here are seven ways to look the part as a professional translator.
1. Get a qualification
Anyone can claim to be a translator. There are no entry...
Written by Fiona Baillie and Anna Binning, CIOL Student Affiliates, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
Embarking on a new career is both exciting and daunting. After deciding to change careers and immerse ourselves in the world of languages (German and Spanish), we joined Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University on two of its postgraduate Masters programmes accredited by CIOL: translation for...
Countdown’s Susie Dent talks to Miranda Moore about sharing her passion for language, and the comforts of speaking German
On Fridays, the German Bakery van comes to Oxford, selling traditional baked goods as it weaves its way around the city. For lexicographer, etymologist and Countdown favourite Susie Dent, it has become a regular fixture – as much part of her weekly routine as her...
IoL Educational Trust (IoLET) is a specialist languages Awarding Organisation. The IoLET DPSI has its origins in the 1980s when legal and language specialists came together with the aim of providing robust and reliable interpreting services for legal, health and local government contexts. With an established reputation over 30 years, the IoLET DPSI has a record of accrediting the very best...
By Miranda Moore
Originally published in The Linguist 39/6, December 2000
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter publication, we are pleased to reproduce an article from The Linguist in December 2000 on the challenges faced by translators of JK Rowling's bestselling books, now translated into over 60 languages.
Nieves Martin and her husband,...
The Language Show Live opened its doors for the first time at the weekend in Scotland, and CIOL was among the exhibitors at the inaugural show north of the border.
CIOL’s Head of Membership Jane Galbraith and Business Development Manager Matthias Postel were there to speak to visitors about membership and professional qualifications and how together they can enhance the careers of...
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), Incorporated by Royal Charter, Registered in England and Wales Number RC 000808 and the IoL Educational Trust (IoLET), trading as CIOL Qualifications, Company limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales Number 04297497 and Registered Charity Number 1090263.