Languages and Translation
Headlines
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Up to 70,000 volunteers will be recruited for the Games
The language skills of London’s diverse local communities can be used as a strength to make visitors feel at home in 2012. The official Volunteering Programme is launched in 2010 and up to 70,000 volunteers will be needed during the Games in 2012. At the Sydney 2000 Games, 898 specialist language volunteers were recruited to assist in the interpretation and translation of 12 languages. Language skills will be in demand again in 2012.
References
- the National Centre for Languages, (CILT)
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Language skills will be required before and during the Games in media, venue, sales, operations and more
Many professionals working to support the Games will need language skills to improve their communication with customers and suppliers in everyday work. This could range from the operation of ticket sales through to front line staff at venues, corporate hospitality and even bus and taxi drivers.
There will also be a need to translate signage, visitor information and public announcements, and provide interpreting services to teams, coaches, the world’s media as well as the whole ‘Olympic family’.
References
- the National Centre for Languages, (CILT)
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The tourism industry, which will benefit from the Games, will need people with language skills more than ever
Games-related tourism is predicted to bring over 900,000 extra visitors to London alone in 2012. Language services will be vital not only during the events, but in creating a legacy for communities and employers in the years after the Games.
From 2013-17, a legacy effect worth £0.88bn is forecasted for London. This gain will be generated largely by the anticipated increase of visitors from emerging UK tourism markets (primarily from China, Hungary, India, Turkey and Russia), who may decide to visit London as a consequence of the media exposure generated by the Games.
References
- the National Centre for Languages, (CILT)
- Visit London, (2009)
- Regional Language Network London, Opportunities for linguists at the 2012 Games, (2007)
- Visit Britain / Visit London, the Value of the Games to UK Tourism, (2007)
Industry Profile
London is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural capital. Its resident communities come from over 90 countries and speak over 300 languages. Our city's cultural diversity means anyone who speaks more than one language can put their skills to use in a variety of real life situations.
During the 2012 Games, the capital's language experts will be on hand to improve the experience of spectators arriving from across the globe. Professional linguists can translate programmes, guides and visitor information; record voice-overs; produce foreign language versions of video and audio material; interpret for individuals, teams and the press; provide language and cultural training for customer service and hospitality roles; provide multi-lingual support to public services and assist with website globalisation and localisation for organisations. But it's not just about the Games. In our globalised world the public, private and third sectors will always need language skills to enable them to do everyday business.
To ensure a successful 2012 Games, it is essential that London's residents embrace the wide range of opportunities with languages. Visit Regional Language Network London's website to find out more.
For more information on the needs for languages within customer service roles, please visit this link to the 'Customer Service for 2012 and Beyond' report.
International student Anna Grabska is currently studying for a BA in Arabic and International Relations at the University of Westminster. She believes that Londoners should take advantage of living in the Capital where languages can be learned practically and hopes the Games will unite the melting pot of diversity in London.
Find our more about Anna's Story.