CAN CUTTING SPEND ON TRANSLATION EVER BE BENEFICIAL?
I was simply appalled at the news today regarding Ed Milliband’s (Leader of the Labour Party) speech. I am totally in agreement with him that people working for local councils and local governments should have a good proficiency in both written and spoken English; however I think that that this should apply to all people regardless of whether they are immigrants. What is absolutely ridiculous is the idea that the Council and local governmental organisations should cut spend on translation. For example when a patient leaves a hospital, their speed of recovery is aided by understanding what drugs to take, frequency of taking said medication and what they should and shouldn’t do. If you don’t translate this into their language then it is more likely that they will not recover as quickly, or even worse, return to hospital. Therefore the miniscule amount spent on that information sheet will be more than lost by the patient having to return for further treatment, which could have been avoided if the person had understood the instructions.
In schools where there are high levels of immigration, letters and notices to parents regarding their children’s education are translated. If we want children of immigrants to be successful, then cutting this communication in their parent’s language will not help the next generation. This will surely have negative consequences for everybody. I personally find it hard to identify any political party to support but this seems a very cheap trick. What we need to do is help immigrants and indeed all people living in Britain to speak and use the English language by being able to communicate with each other. The more that we communicate well with each other, the better our society will be. As Ed Milliband is the grandson of an immigrant, he should be ashamed of himself.
I have to tell you that I am so proud of the work that we are involved in and through translation and interpretation, how thebigword interpreters and translators help save lives, in hospitals and other institutions. I am very proud of how the UK government, both this one and the past labour government try to reach out to limited English speakers. This really does relieve the pressures and frustrations of people who feel misunderstood and marginalised.
I’m really proud of the work we’re doing in the UK and equally as proud of our US operation. Their model of providing interpreters for schools has had a substantial effect on immigrant children whose parents have limited English, in cutting down truancy and ensuring homework assignments are met. In turn, this means that those children of immigrants have a greater opportunity to obtain jobs and contribute to their communities.
On a brighter note, it’s been another great week here at thebigword, where we won some really great contracts that have been on-going for a long time. Our research shows that from an enquiry or RFI (Request for Information) to making a sale is on average- for the larger contracts -some 14 months. This takes an enormous amount of time and resource for the company so it is exciting that this week we have had so much success.
Have a great weekend!
Larry
In schools where there are high levels of immigration, letters and notices to parents regarding their children’s education are translated. If we want children of immigrants to be successful, then cutting this communication in their parent’s language will not help the next generation. This will surely have negative consequences for everybody. I personally find it hard to identify any political party to support but this seems a very cheap trick. What we need to do is help immigrants and indeed all people living in Britain to speak and use the English language by being able to communicate with each other. The more that we communicate well with each other, the better our society will be. As Ed Milliband is the grandson of an immigrant, he should be ashamed of himself.
I have to tell you that I am so proud of the work that we are involved in and through translation and interpretation, how thebigword interpreters and translators help save lives, in hospitals and other institutions. I am very proud of how the UK government, both this one and the past labour government try to reach out to limited English speakers. This really does relieve the pressures and frustrations of people who feel misunderstood and marginalised.
I’m really proud of the work we’re doing in the UK and equally as proud of our US operation. Their model of providing interpreters for schools has had a substantial effect on immigrant children whose parents have limited English, in cutting down truancy and ensuring homework assignments are met. In turn, this means that those children of immigrants have a greater opportunity to obtain jobs and contribute to their communities.
On a brighter note, it’s been another great week here at thebigword, where we won some really great contracts that have been on-going for a long time. Our research shows that from an enquiry or RFI (Request for Information) to making a sale is on average- for the larger contracts -some 14 months. This takes an enormous amount of time and resource for the company so it is exciting that this week we have had so much success.
Have a great weekend!
Larry
