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Home > Event-related > European SF > FSE-ESF 2004 > Languages - ESF2004 Languages at the ESF(Date: 7 August 2004)
Paper presented to the UK ESF Committee, regarding the replacement of the concept of "official" languages, with "represented" languages (01/04/04) Languages and the 2004 ESF, to take place in London in October Background The Babels network was formed in the runup to the 2002 ESF in Florence, and For the 2003 ESF, the total budget for Babels’ activities, such as expenses The average travel cost per interpreter was about €230. One of the objectives When considering the costs of providing interpretation using volunteer Liaising with ESF working groups At the 2003 ESF, the language requirements for the plenaries and seminars were not known until a relatively short time before the ESF itself, while Babels expects to have at least one representative at the programme group Languages and the ESF At the 2003 ESF, there were five “official” languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian) and an attempt was made to provide interpretation in at least four of these languages in each session. A number of other languages were used in addition to these, but these were widely viewed as “supplementary” languages. At the 2004 World Social Forum in Mumbai, the concept of an “official” language was broadened, and there were around 15 languages classed as “official”. For some of these, it is thought that this increased the number of attendees who spoke a particular language. The current thinking within Babels regarding the choice of languages reflects the principles below. However, Babels does need more time before coming up with a detailed proposal. In the meantime we welcome your input and suggestions. – 1 The abolition of the distinction between “official” and “unofficial” languages – 2 More languages to be represented more often and a better match of languages offered and needed than was possible at the 2003 ESF – 3 Better representation of eastern European languages in line with the ESF’s desire to attract more speakers and delegates from eastern Europe – 4 Discussion of the role of languages from immigrant communities and to what extent Babels can provide interpreters in these languages – 5 Discussion of the role of sign language and to what extent Babels can provide sign language interpretation – 6 Following these points, the recognition that the choice of languages available can shape the ESF in terms of origins of delegates and speakers (as was the case at the WSF in Mumbai) – 7 Given the financial constraints for the 2004 ESF, Babels will aim to find as many interpreters from the London are as possible (their travel and accommodation demands should be minimal). However, we would aim to bring interpreters from eastern European countries as a priority over western Europe: this proposal needs more discussion within Babels. Of course, given the financial constraints already referred to, a balance will need to be struck between inclusivity, practicalities, and cost when recruiting interpreters. It appears that the 2004 ESF will have a reduced number of plenaries and seminars compared to the 2003 ESF. This will result in fewer interpreters being required (and consequently a lower level of overall related expenses), although it is too early to give an exact number. (John Street - Babels UK) |
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