Chartered Institute
of Linguists
NEWS & VOICES
By Anita van Adelsbergen
Anita van Adelsbergen considers the many challenges of specialising in canine and equine translation
When you are working on a translation and can鈥檛 find a certain word, Google will usually find your answer. But as an interpreter in the middle of a field, arena or paddock, that is a bit more difficult. And when it comes to equine interpreting, just...
Frank Gardner tells Miranda Moore how his passion for Arabic drives his work as BBC security correspondent
Frank Gardner talks about languages the way an explorer might talk about his most exciting voyages. To him, they are the start of an adventure: 鈥渢he wardrobe that leads to Narnia鈥� the door to someone else鈥檚 world鈥�. It鈥檚 not just that the renowned Arabist found his passion for...
As 好色tv launches a new mentoring platform, translator mentor Helle Gulowsen considers why people mentor and how it benefits them
When 好色tv launched its mentoring platform earlier this year, the decision to sign up was an easy one. Partly, of course, in the hope that the knowledge and experience I have built up over many years working as a freelance translator could be of some benefit to...
An Intelligence Analyst* in the RAF Specialist Recruitment Team explains why language skills are so vital to the work
An Intelligence Analyst (Linguist) or Int An (L) plays a vital role in protecting the security of domestic, national and international interests by interpreting, analysing and disseminating intelligence through the interception of foreign voice transmissions using state-...
How a seemingly simple public service interpreting assignment can get dangerous. A cautionary tale by Sue Leschen
Here鈥檚 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 鈥榣anguage鈥� 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 鈥渧ery discreetly鈥� by Hachette Children鈥檚 Books about the possibility of translating the next Asterix book. Anthea Bell, who had worked on the previous 37 books...
Countdown鈥檚 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 鈥� as much part of her weekly routine as her...
By Miranda Moore
Originally published in The Linguist聽39/6, December 2000
In celebration of聽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聽books, now translated into over 60 languages.
Nieves Martin and her husband,...