3 Ways Government Translation Initiatives Are Shaping The World

Language can play an important role in politics, especially in multicultural systems that are composed of varying language minorities. The national government’s approach to language in these systems can have a serious impact on the affected populations. Three recent cases from the UK, Canada, and India highlight the importance of language and how government translation services and initiatives can affect the body politic of their nations.

 

Minority Language Recognition in the UK and Government Translation

In the next few weeks, the Identity and Language bill will be presented in Westminster. It will grant Irish official status in Northern Ireland, allowing the Irish language to be used in courts and making legal translation easier and more streamlined. In addition, two commissioners will be appointed representing the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages respectively. The job of these commissioners will be to oversee the newly created Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, which aims to protect the two languages and cultures. By granting official status to both Irish and Ulster-Scots, the British government hopes to improve cooperation and mutual understanding between the Ulster British and Irish populations of Northern Ireland. In a region of the world that has previously been racked with violence, language initiatives like this one can help maintain the peace that was implemented in the Belfast Agreement.

 

Government Translation in Quebec

On the other side of the Atlantic, in Quebec, another piece of legislation is generating great interest. Bill 96 passed in Quebec’s National Assembly. The bill makes serious changes to the status of the two official languages in Quebec, French, and English. Because of Quebec’s strong francophone tradition, the provincial government is seeking to expand the influence of the French language. New immigrants to Quebec must now interact with the provincial government entirely in French after six months. Opponents of the bill take issue with this part of the bill, arguing that there will be greater costs associated with immigration translation and immigration translation services. The legally mandated number of bilingual judges will now be decided by the justice minister, who happens to be responsible for French-language issues. The bill also includes many changes to academic translation and the education system vis-a-vis the influence of French and English. The bill is controversial, with supporters claiming it will protect the French language in Canada, while detractors argue that the bill is a case of government overreach.

 

Government-Sponsored AI And Tech Solutions To Language Barriers In India

Language plays a huge role in the governance of India; the country has 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of dialects/languages spoken across the country. In an effort to break down language barriers, the Indian government has sponsored a platform called “bashini” which will provide startups and tech companies with access to AI and natural language processing technologies. By creating an open-source forum for language technologies, the Indian government is hoping that its vibrant tech sector will create new solutions in the language translation service industry. In particular, better language translation and interpreting services could help bring Indians together and break down the language barriers that exist in an extraordinarily multilingual nation.

 

3 Ways Global Translation Is Changing The World

The world is growing more connected than ever through the internet; this interconnectivity provides interesting opportunities for global translation efforts. Around the world, various endeavors are being undertaken that utilize global translation services. Ranging from revealing propaganda in China to the halls of the New Brunswick legislative assembly, the following examples reveal the importance of global translation.

 

Unearthing Pro-Russian Propaganda In Chinese Media

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China has been put in a difficult diplomatic position. While Russia and China are erstwhile allies, China has not condemned nor condoned Russia’s invasion. To the outside world, China has managed to maintain a facade of neutrality; however, heavily regulated Chinese social media tells a different story. The Twitter account, “The Great Translation Movement”, is dedicated to the cause of translating and revealing the posts of influential and other state-sponsored actors on various Chinese social media platforms.

The account acts as a crowdsourced translation service. Anonymous individuals submit translations of posts in Chinese that are clearly pro-Russian or amplify pro-Russian conspiracy theories. Even though these individuals are at great risk, they continue to submit translations in an effort to increase the transparency of Chinese social media.

 

Google Translate Struggles With Translation For Medicine

A new study in the Journal for General Internal Medicine shows that, while GoogleTranslate’s medical translations have improved, they are still insufficient for providing healthcare translation services to patients who don’t speak English. Unfortunately, many doctors must resort to using Google Translate due to a lack of access to professional medical interpreting. The study found that for some languages, Google Translate was 80% effective. For others, the efficacy was ​closer to 50-60%. This level of accuracy is insufficient for the medical field. Mistakes in medical translations can lead to serious complications for patients. Hospitals are better off relying on the professional interpreting services of a translation service company for their medical interpreting needs.

 

A Global Translation, 15 Years Overdue

The legislative assembly of the Canadian province of New Brunswick has fallen quite behind on one of its constitutional requirements. According to the Canadian Constitution, all of the “statutes, records, and journals” of the New Brunswick legislative assembly must be published and printed in English and French. While the transcription of legislative proceedings has been kept, no translation exists for the years 2005-2020. Professional government translation services are in high demand, and provincial underfunding for this translation effort has led to a serious backlog. The 2022-23 New Brunswick budget has allocated $220,000 dollars specifically to fund translations. However, fully translating 15 years’ worth of legislative proceedings could cost up to $4.5 million.

 

 

5 Linguistic Divides in Separatist Movements of Today

Separatist movements around the world represent nations’ pursuit of self-rule, secession, and independence. In that process, their goal is to separate themselves politically from larger nations that have control over them. The reasons vary, but can all be traced back to feelings of subjugation.

A condition that aggravates relationships between linked nations is a discrepancy in language; especially if one of the means of subjugation is the prohibition of a minority language. Let’s take a peek at the nature of these linguistic relationships in a few principal separatist movements from around the world today.

 

1. Catalonia

Catalonia is currently a province of Spain, whose only official language is Spanish. For Catalonians, this can be a bit of a blow, because their language is not Spanish, but Catalan.

Most people around the world aren’t aware of the Catalan language. And if they are, their first assumption is that it’s a dialect of Spanish, since Catalonia is located in Spain. But the reality is that Catalan is a romance language just like Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian.

 

2. Flanders

Belgium is divided into the regions of Flanders and Wallonia, which are linguistically and culturally distinct from each other. The language spoken in Flanders is Flemish and in Wallonia, French.

Flemish, being a dialect of Dutch, is quite different from French. Additionally, you will find that the vast majority of political conservativism in Belgium concentrates among its Flemish citizens. From this movement stems the nationalism that begets the separatist movement in Flanders.

 

3. Tibet

Along with Mandarin Chinese, Lhasa Tibetan (or Standard Tibetan) is the official language of Tibet (or Tibet Autonomous Region – TAR). It is typically spoken by the formally educated dwellers of the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, and is one of three Tibetan dialects.

Mandarin and Lhasa Tibetan are both descended from the Sino-Tibetan language family, but are now two completely mutually unintelligible languages. Tibet fell into the hands of the People’s Republic of China in 1951, and has been vindicating their independence ever since.

 

4. Palestine

Because of the current war between Palestine and Israel, which began when the UN founded Israel in 1948, both Arabic and Hebrew are spoken in the region. Arabic, historically, was the local language, but that changed with the artificial revival of the Hebrew language in the 20^th century.

Arabic peoples in the Middle East have been working to obtain self-rule since the time they were subjects of the Ottoman Empire. In the case of Palestinians, that quest is not yet over.

 

5. Scotland

Scotland entered a formal union with England in the 18^th century, forming Great Britain and causing English to replace Scots as the local language. That said, the English spoken in Scotland has its own characteristics, causing it to be referred to as Scottish English.

Feelings of oppression from England have prompted Scotland to look to “home rule” since the 20^th century. This phenomenon culminated in 2014 with a very close result in a referendum regarding whether Scotland should secede.

 

Languages as Symbols of Resistance

In many cases of separatist movements, the minority side deliberately adheres to their language, even if it isn’t as useful to learn, in the name of preserving their culture. For this reason, the work of international translators and interpreters for small languages is vital, as their work advances that endeavor.

Through document translation in science, legal justice, and commerce, the relevance of a language persists. Conference interpreting and website localization (for nuanced linguistic distinctions) are also impactful measures to increase international awareness a language.

 

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

How the UN Is Structured and the Effect on Language Interpreters

For language interpreters and translators, working at the United Nations is a dream job. The responsibility of providing a linguistic bridge between the leaders of the world, as they contemplate issues that affect the fate of humankind, is regarded as the height of prestige in the business of language services.

That said, the UN isn’t just an annual meeting; it’s made up of six articulated parts. Let’s look at and define each one of these branches, culminating in how they affect the tasks of language professionals.

 

Branches of the UN

1. The General Assembly

This branch of the UN includes nearly all internationally recognized countries. Currently, the General Assembly is made up of a total of 193 member-states.

The Assembly takes place annually, in September. The purpose is to remedy pressing issues relating to international security and diplomacy.

Topics relating to defense and internal organizational management (for example new membership and budgeting), require a two-thirds vote. Most other issues only need a majority. Every country, regardless of size, gets one vote.

There are two permanent non-member observer states in the General Assembly: Palestine and the Vatican. They can’t vote, but are allowed to participate in debates.

In 2015, the General Assembly launched the Sustainable Development Goals. This is a conjoint plan in international development, to be accomplished by 2030. One of the underpinning principles is that no nation should be left behind, with the most vulnerable receiving priority.

 

2. The Security Council

This is the most powerful organ in the UN. The goal of the Security Council is to prevent large-scale conflict. To that end, members work to attain peace through negotiation and sanctions.

There are 15 members in the Security Council. Five of these hold their seats permanently: Russia, France, China, the UK, and the US. They’re known as the P5 and are all victors of the Second World War. The remaining ten seats represent regional groups that change every two years via election.

The P5 have veto power, whose application has caused much controversy, disappointment, and backlash. For example, the US has vetoed dozens of motions against Israel for illegal action in the Middle East.

The Security Council controls the UN’s military and police personnel. If the Council so chooses, it may deploy this force of 80,000 soldiers.

 

3. Economic and Social Council

Working to improve standards of living and defend human rights is the aim of this branch. The Council relies heavily on collaboration with specialized agencies like the World Health Organization and the High Commission for Refugees.

 

4. International Court of Justice

This is the judicial body of the UN. It is where international law violations are raised, debated, and prosecuted. However, countries with significant power often refuse to comply with court rulings.

 

5. Trusteeship Council

No longer operational since 1994, this arm of the UN had the purpose of helping budding nations become autonomous countries. The Council helped more than 70 countries gain independence.

 

6. The Secretariat

This is the branch of UN that oversees internal administration. It is responsible for compiling reports and communicating between the different councils. The Secretariat is headed by the UN Secretary-General. As of 2017, that is Portuguese politician António Guterres.

 

So, What Is the Effect on Language Interpreters and Translators?

Language Interpreter Prep

Professionals working in the UN Interpretation Service need to speak at least three languages. But, they also have an obligation to remain informed and up-to-date on relevant UN topics, both external and internal, in order to further ensure top translation quality.

 

Safety Net for Mistakes

UN interpreters are subject to weariness due to intense travel. And the relay systems they use in their work are cutting edge, but not perfectly foolproof. So, in the interest of accuracy, the UN only permits one intermediary language during its events.

For some nations, this is not enough. If allowed, they might go so far as to bring their own professionals to watch over interpreters as they work.

 

Rising Stars

Hindi, Portuguese, Bengali, and Turkish are seeing growing demand in conference interpreting. Because of this, many speculate they will someday feature among the UN’s official languages.

 

Language Interpreting Rhythm

A UN interpreter works in groups of two or three for each language pair. To fight exhaustion, the UN guides language professionals to work a maximum of seven to eight three-hour meetings per week.

 

Language Interpreters, Take Stock

Language interpreting, along with document translation, is intimately connected with the field of international development. For those who wish to contribute through the means of language, interpreter certification and language training are an indispensable step.

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

3 Ways Legal Document Translation Can Save Your Company Millions

Possibly the most complex and costly aspect of business is ensuring that your company adheres to the laws and regulations of your local government. Additionally, the complexity and price of legal affairs only compounds when your company is operating within foreign markets that possess different sets of rules and guidelines that must be followed. Here are three ways professional legal document translation can save your company millions of dollars in legality issues. 

 

1. Legal Document Translation Helps Your Company Avoid Breaking Government Laws

When crossing borders and operating in foreign countries, it is essential that your company evaluates the laws of your target country. Countries greatly differ in rules and regulations, especially when it comes to business. There are hundreds of nuances when it comes to taxes, distribution, pricing, marketing, ect., that vary from country to country. Something that is perfectly acceptable in one country could be extremely illegal in another. Because of this, if you do not use professional translation services and use a team of translators to translate the legal documents for business operations in a foreign country, you essentially go in blind and risk running into many issues that will cost your company millions of dollars down the road. 

 

2. Legal Document Translation Helps Diminish Lawsuits From Other Companies and Employees

Additionally, just as important as it is for your company to be able to read the laws of your foreign market, it is also vital that your company translates and professionally localizes your personal documents into the languages of your foreign markets. Miscommunication between and within companies is extremely easy when there are varieties of languages and cultures. Because of this, foreign employees and foreign competitors are far more likely to develop animosity towards your company if they feel they are being mistreated. This could result in hundreds of lawsuits directed at your company which could be detrimental to your success. 

 

3. Legal Document Translation Is Essential When Facing Foreign Legality Issues

In the event that your company does face legal issues from either the government, other companies, or foreign employees, legal document translation is essential to your company’s success in court. Your company needs to be able to understand the lawsuits and the issues at hand and be able to effectively communicate with the plaintiff. Without a solid team of legal document translators to translate and professionally interpret foreign legality issues could drag on for years draining your company in time, money, and attention. 

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

3 Reasons Why International Translation Services Can Benefit Your Company

In modern society, the internet is being rapidly integrated into more and more areas of our lives. Not only have these developments revolutionized our day to day lives, but they have also changed the way companies can do business. The internet gives companies the ability to fully operate anywhere in the world from one central location. By using international translation services your company will be able to effectively capitalize on the full potential of online services. 

 

International Translation Services Can Help Your Company Increase Revenue

The more people your company can effectively communicate with, the more potential customers your company has. The internet has given companies a way to perform global outreach to contact potential customers, but because these customers are from virtually anywhere in the world, effective communication will not be possible without translation services, interpretation services, and localization services to convert messages into various languages. International translation service providers have teams of professional translators and interpreters that are not only native speakers, but understand the various cultural nuances of your target market. With international translation services your company will be able to communicate with any foreign contact greatly increasing the chances of converting them to buying your product or service. 

 

International Translation Services Protect Against Competitors

The internet has created tremendous potential for rapid company growth. Regardless of the industry, more and more companies are adopting a hybrid or completely online approach. Assuming your competitors are able to successfully transition online, they are going to rapidly grow in size and power, which could be extremely dangerous for the survival of your company. International translation services can help ensure that your company is able to effectively utilize global outreach and not lose any positioning in your market. 

 

International Translation Services Help Facilitate Stronger Customer Loyalty 

Companies with a global outreach have a large amount of customers, but the majority of them have little to no investment in the company itself. In competitive markets and industries where there are not huge differences between your companies products and services and your competitors’, something as simple as a decreasing prices could sway your customers to choosing a competitor. Building customer loyalty prevents this vulnerability. Customers are far more likely to stay with a brand that they feel a strong connection to, which can be formed through amazing customer service. When operating globally, international translation services can not only help you communicate with foreign customers, but do so using the various cultural nuances that can help form a friendly relationship. Governments working can also invest in government translation services from a skilled government translation provider to aid their efforts to reach out to members of different language groups.

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

Why are Arabic Corporate Language Classes Key to Business Success?

Given its centrality to the international economy and foreign affairs, Arabic is one of the most dominant languages in the world. Taking this reality into account, it’s important for companies that regularly conduct business in the Middle East to seriously consider providing corporate language classes in Arabic for their employees

Providing Arabic Corporate Language Classes

The need for employee language training varies dramatically by country and industry. For instance, Arabic fluency is typically not necessary in the Gulf States of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates due to the culture of these countries. This is especially true of the United Arab Emirates, which attracts business from around the world. These regions satisfy the language needs of English business professionals by providing facilities with English-speaking workers. In other words, the UAE has created a culture of openness to English investment and commerce.

However, things are different in North African countries. In North African countries like Algeria, they’ve seen little English investment.  Therefore, they haven’t been exposed to English culture in the same way as the UAE.  In these countries, knowledge of Arabic becomes more important to business success.

The industry involved also plays a key role in determining whether or not companies decide to provide language training courses for business professionals. For example, NGOs who provide critical services for underprivileged communities and work closely with local populations obviously require employees fluent in Arabic.  In these cases, they must provide language training for employees who don’t speak the Arabic.

Benefits of Learning Arabic

Regardless of industry or country, businesses should seek out company language training solutions for to the innumerable benefits language training courses for business can offer. First, the U.S. government has actively tried to promote the learning of Arabic by offering language scholarships to motivated candidates in American universities. With these scholarships, students can travel abroad and immerse themselves in the Arabic language so they can obtain Arabic fluency.  Arabic fluency is a rare skill highly desired by government organizations such as the State Department. Second, learning Arabic can help to build bridges between business professionals from different linguistic backgrounds. Even if the understanding in a particular country is that English is the language of business, using Arabic phrases during a business meeting could demonstrate good will and build trust between parties in an international business deal. Arabic language classes for companies can facilitate career advancement and support better productivity and growth for employers!

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

How a Government Interpreter Can Capture History

Among the top high-pressure positions for a language professional is being a government interpreting services provider. The pressure mainly comes because a government interpreter’s work is a crucial part of cross-cultural discussions. Essentially, they are a combination of a corporate interpreter, a business interpreter and an international translator. Not only does a government interpreter have to be fluent in various languages, but they must constantly study new policy topics or other information related to the issue at hand—including such high stakes items as nuclear weapons, military strategy, and diplomatic relations.

 

 

Government interpreter memoirs

Throughout history there have been some celebrated works written by government interpreters such as: Memoirs of an Interpreter by A.H. Birse, an interpreter during Churchill’s talks with Stalin.  Another noted title is Translating History: 30 Years on the Front Lines of Diplomacy with a Top Russian Interpreter by Igor Korchilov, Mikhail Gorbachev’s interpreter.  “You Say Okjeryok, I Say Deterrent” was written by Tong Kim, who was an interpreter for Albright’s meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in 2000. According to Tong Kim, he spent days preparing for the meeting by reading books on nuclear bombs. Later on, he noticed they did not appreciate his South Korean accent, so he began perfecting his North Korean accent in order to build trust. Like these, there are many more incidents that have gone on record directly from interpreters who were there to witness and participate. This was the case of Stephanie Reigersberg, who led the interpreting division at the State Department and specialized in Spanish. In 1983, she was assigned to interpret for vice president George H. W. Bush. The assignment required her to accompany the vice president to a top-secret meeting with Salvadorian president Alvaro Magaña in the midst of the country’s civil war. As she recounts, the vice president basically cussed them out.  It was only after they left that she realized just how shocking it must have been for Magaña and his men to have a women interpreter use that kind of language.

 

Government interpreters in Literary Works of Fiction

In fiction, there are countless novels in which the storyline centers around a main character working as a government interpreter. Similarly, there are stories in which characters depend on a government interpreter to survive in a foreign country. Such is the case of novels like Shogun, written by James Clavell.  Set in 1600, the main character, John Blackthorne, is the first English pilot to reach Japan. Throughout the novel, there are various interpreters from Japanese to English and Portuguese to Japanese, as there is also an intense Portuguese presence in Japan. The story illustrates the importance of language skills. More importantly, it highlights the importance of trust and loyalty towards an interpreter given that they clearly have insight that not even the highest-ranking order can access.

On the other hand, “The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter” (part of the 56 Sherlock Holmes stories) centers around a Greek interpreter Melas.  Melas was called as an interpreter for business, only to find out later he is being forced to interpret for a kidnapper and his captive. In this case, the interpreter uses his linguistic advantage to gather more information on the captive.  He uses this info to save him, showcasing the interpreter’s vital role as a lifeline for another character.

How a Government Interpreter Helps Keep the Peace in a Chaotic World

 

Effective communication is critical to diplomacy. However, clear communication becomes even more important to diplomatic affairs when the parties involved do not speak the same language. Enter the conference interpreting services of the U.N. Interpretation Service. Born during the 1946 Nuremberg Trials when the sheer number of Nazi war criminals required efficient legal translation services to quickly move the proceedings forward, the interpretation services of the U.N. play a critical role in the perilous realm of global affairs. In a world dominated by major nuclear powers such as the U.S. and China, translation errors can lead to misunderstandings that increase tensions. One notable error occurred during the Cold War when a line from a speech by Nikita Khrushchev was literally interpreted by Western translators as “we will bury you” rather than the more figurative “we will outlast you”. Thus, the U.N. goes to great lengths to find the best government interpreter candidates for their Interpretation Service.

 

Becoming a UN Government Interpreter

 

Becoming a U.N. government interpreter requires calm under pressure, speed, and fluency in at least three of the six official languages of the U.N. (Mandarin, French, Russian, English, Arabic and Spanish). To ensure fast and accurate translation, interpreters use a relay system to quickly transform a speaker’s remarks into each of the official languages of the U.N. Under this system, 12 interpreters in 6 booths (for each official language) work in tandem, taking breaks in 20 minute intervals due to the taxing nature of the job. For instance, if a U.N. delegate is delivering a speech in Arabic, a government interpreter fluent in Arabic will translate the speech into English or French for other interpreters who specialize in the other official languages of the U.N.  These interpreters will then transmit to the delegates on the floor. This task can prove difficult for even the most experienced translators, especially when world leaders fail to speak in one of the official languages.  During one notable meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi spoke for over an hour and a half in a Libyan dialect of Arabic, causing his personal translator to collapse from exhaustion.

 

Interpreter Shortages

 

Understandably, the U.N. Interpretation Service is highly selective when it comes to hiring new interpreters; in 2009, only 10 out of 1,800 candidates for Chinese interpretation passed the U.N. language examination. In spite of the Service’s selectivity, in recent years, the U.N. has introduced new hiring initiatives to find interpreters fluent in critical languages such as Arabic, as many long-time U.N. interpreters have reached retirement age. Currently, the U.N. Interpretation Service employs 120 interpreters out of its total staff of 460 people.  This staff also includes professional linguists, who translate documents related to U.N. activities. Clearly, the U.N. Interpretation Service provides a crucial function for humanity by demonstrating the importance of global translation services to maintaining civil international relations between countries.

Language Training in the World of Intelligence

 

On August 25^th, 2011, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta delivered a landmark speech at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC). Yet instead of extolling the military capabilities of the United States and the virtues of diplomatic action, Panetta praised an important yet unsung aspect of American power: foreign language training. As a former congressman during the Carter administration for the Presidio of Monterey, home to the DLIFLC, Panetta recognized the importance of language and global translation services to national security early on in his career as a public servant and worked hard to secure funds for the DLIFLC, a critical part of the Marine installation at Monterey. As Defense Secretary during the Obama administration, Panetta continued his work in Congress by introducing new language initiatives to increase the number of government interpreter jobs within the State Department and raising salaries for those with language skills. Clearly, the United States has made language training a major priority in recent years.

Inside The DLIFLC

The U.S government offers a variety of language training programs for members of its intelligence community. However, the program at the DLIFLC is perhaps the largest. Founded in 1963, the DLIFLC offers language training services for members of the military and intelligence communities. At the center, students are required to study over 30 hours in the classroom and at home every week in preparation for the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). The duration of the program depends on the difficulty of the language. In order to classify languages by difficulty, the center separates languages into groups, with Group I languages being the easiest to learn and Group IV languages being the most difficult. According to the center, Group I languages like Spanish require 780 hours of instruction and practice to master while Group IV languages like Arabic require about 1,950 hours.

A Lucrative Career in Language Training

Despite the rigor of the coursework at DLIFLC, the program provides an indispensable service for the U.S. intelligence community by training language professionals to carry out U.S. foreign policy objectives. Students at the DLIFLC work in virtually every intelligence-related agency from the NSA to the CIA. Yet not all work as clandestine officers; in fact, many students end up working as open source officers who specialize in analyzing public media in foreign countries or as instructors at private language service companies. The NSA also hires many students of the center to provide government translation services, as much of its work involves combing the Internet for suspicious activity on American soil and abroad. Careers in this line of work can be very lucrative. For instance, the CIA offers a bonus of $35,000 for new hires; a figure that any professional translator would envy.