Chartered Institute
of Linguists

NEWS & VOICES

Category:
The Linguist

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...

Published on Thursday, 15 November 2018 - 3:25pm
Category:
The Linguist
Category:
The Linguist

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...

Published on Wednesday, 31 October 2018 - 11:40am
Category:
The Linguist
Category:
The Linguist

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...

Published on Wednesday, 3 October 2018 - 11:08am
Category:
The Linguist
Category:
Blog

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...

Published on Tuesday, 22 May 2018 - 10:05am
Category:
Blog
Category:
Blog

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...

Published on Thursday, 12 April 2018 - 12:04pm
Category:
Blog
Category:
The Linguist

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...

Published on Wednesday, 4 April 2018 - 11:37am
Category:
The Linguist
Category:
News
DPSI

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...

Published on Tuesday, 25 July 2017 - 1:48pm
Category:
News
Category:
The Linguist

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,...

Published on Tuesday, 27 June 2017 - 3:44pm
Category:
The Linguist
Category:
News
Language Show Scotland

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...

Published on Monday, 14 March 2016 - 4:05pm
Category:
News