English native speaker? Prepare for challenges
David Graddoll's recent overview of the future of English noted that the influence of native speakers on global English is diminishing, while rising proficiency in English is blurring the distinction between native speakers and second-language speakers.
These trends have implications for English-native-speaker translators. They should expect their clients to become more assertive and demanding about English-language texts, and they should not be surprised to be bypassed, as many non-native speakers write directly into English - some even arguing that non-natives have linguistic rights to write English their way, rather than according to the norms of minority native speakers.
This presentation will urge translators to anticipate such challenges by capitalising on their special skills and learning new ones. I will report on some of the initiatives SENSE (Society of English-Native-Speaking Editors in the Netherlands) and MET (Mediterranean Editors and Translators) have taken to impart editing and negotiating skills to aspiring and established English translators and other English-language professionals on mainland Europe. Various training and networking opportunities offered by these organisations (some drawing on concepts from applied linguistics) are empowering translators and editors to deal with challenges from their clients. UK-based translators should take note.
Click to download Joy Burrough's paper (PDF: 1.58MB)