To ensure that language remains accessible for all, means investing a great deal of time, money and effort into language translation and localization services. Although we see examples of translation localization on a daily basis, it is most noticeable in public areas like airports. As of 1944, every airport was mandated to have all signs written in English and their country's official language. Which has definitely helped reduce misunderstandings in high traffic areas. But does this consider all people, everywhere?
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Language Access & Its Impact In A Democratic Society
Language access is a term that describes all of the public services available to everyone with a Limited English Proficiency (LEP). It is a practice of designing society so that everyone in any community, is able to access the same information; regardless of language fluency or handicap. It describes all of the services and all of the government agencies that help people overcome language barriers. According to the Census Bureau, over 21% of United States residents- or 65 million people- report speaking a language other than English at home. Furthermore, approximately 8.6% or 33 million people report having a Limited English Proficiency (LEP). But when we talk about concepts like language access, or large numbers like 30 or even 60 million, the average person may struggle to understand what that means. And it is fair to assume that they also struggle to understand how those big concepts apply to them, specifically.
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Language Interpreters And Their Role Amid Disaster Relief
If there is one thing that can be said for disasters, they highlight issues with infrastructure and services. Just looking at the areas affected by hurricane Milton, there isn't just one primary language. In fact, more than 130 different languages are spoken in Florida alone. So what exactly is the role of language interpreters during disaster relief? And are the lessons we can learn from hurricane Milton?
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Bilingual Interpreter Training & Celebrating Thanksgiving
And if you are a bilingual adult looking for a career change, you are blessed with an incredible gift. Because you have the ability to connect people who otherwise wouldn't be able to. You get to highlight your language abilities in a new career that connects people from different backgrounds and builds bridges between them. It is true that Thanksgiving is typically a tradition only in the United States and Canada. But the spirit of Thanksgiving, and the connection it brings, is very similar to essence of language interpreting. Here's 3 things bilingual interpreter training has in common with Thanksgiving...
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