Babels - Languages In Movement 

APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEER INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS
- EUROPEAN SOCIAL FORUM 2004 -

    Born in September 2002 out of the needs of the European Social Forum (ESF) in Florence, Babels is an international network of volunteer interpreters and translators and has organised interpreters for both the 2002 ESF and the 2003 ESF in Paris as well as at the World Social Forum 2004 in Mumbai. 

Babels at the ESF 2004 -  http://www.fse-esf.org/

    The ESF is a multilingual space for big debates and meetings of all shapes and sizes on a variety of social, political, cultural and environmental issues such as globalisation, racism, poverty or sustainable development. Interpretation at the ESF is crucial to ensure mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue. This third ESF is being held in the spirit of the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre and tens of thousands of participants will come together to discuss alternatives to the existing system. 

We are looking for volunteer interpreters and translators for the
ESF 2004, which will be held in London from October 14th to 17th.
You can now register online at www.babels.org 

The Objectives of Babels

To affirm the right of everybody to express themselves in the language of their choice. 

To contribute to discussions on the part language plays in the mechanisms of cultural domination and in the circulation of ideas between the various social and citizens movements. 

To be an international network of volunteer interpreters and translators who want to use their skills and expertise for the benefit of those social and citizens movements that adhere to the charter of principles of the Social Forums; and to permit the sharing of their analyses and experiences and to coordinate their actions on an international level.

To propose, depending on the resources of the network and the needs requested of it, to participate directly in the organisation of Social Forums and anti-globalisation international events with which they are linked, organised by an international coordination. 

Interpretation at the ESF

    Whether you are a professional interpreter (experienced or just starting) or whether, though not an interpreter, you are fluent in at least one language apart from your mother tongue and you want to contribute to the success of social forums, join the Babels network! 

As part of the commitment of the ESF to increase the participation of people from Eastern and Central European countries, we are actively seeking interpreters and translators with the relevant language skills. We are also looking for sign-language interpreters to increase accessibility at the ESF. Travel costs will be covered, accommodation and food, whilst in London, are provided. 

Register online at www.babels.org 

Visit our online forum at www.babels.org/forum to find out more about the Babels network and take part in online discussions.