The Language Industry in Nova Scotia Melany Close Acadian Affairs Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage Government of Nova Scotia Saturday, October 25, 2014 Overview • The provincial public sector perspective – What do we translate? – Legislated obligations • The private sector perspective – Translation – Interpretation • Training opportunities • Networking opportunities The provincial public sector perspective • French-language Services Act – December 9, 2004. • First translator hired in January 2005 to help departments fulfil their new obligations under the Act. • Steady increase in workload; second translator hired in 2007 and third in 2009. • Workload shared with freelancers • Majority of work is EN-FR, small percentage FR-EN • Workload varies, mostly according to budgets. What do we translate? Departments must give priority to information to which one or more of the following applies : a) the information is of particular relevance to the Acadian and francophone community; b) the information pertains to French-language service delivery; c) failure to provide the information in French may compromise the health, safety or security of the public. Other legislated obligations • French-language Services plans • Communication with the public • Public consultations • Third-party services • Agencies, boards and commissions • The regulations do not limit the use of French or English outside of the application of the regulations. The private sector perspective • Language industry in Nova Scotia is very diverse • Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS) has 49 Certified Translators, 2 Certified Interpreters, and 17 associate members • Certified members work in a dozen different combinations other than official languages • ATINS is the main organization for translators and conference interpreters in the province, but membership / certification is not a requirement for practicing The private sector perspective (continued) • Diverse clients - from local, to national, to international • Steady workload • Certain sectors see the highest demand for translation, mainly health, legal and immigration services • The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia had their main information brochures translated into the 7 most common non official languages in Nova Scotia Community Interpretation • Nova Scotia is making great efforts to attract and retain skilled immigrants and families. • Increased demand for communicating with government, the court system, the health system, the community sector, etc. • Unpredictable workload, not a full-time job, but the demand is real and often immediate • Community interpreters have offered services for years, through various organizations NS Coalition on Community Interpreting • Collaboration of public sector, private sector, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations • Directions of the Coalition: – – – – Professionalization of the industry Certification of community interpreters Implementing guidelines and standards Training and professional development • Guidelines and Standards for Language Interpretation in Nova Scotia • Collaboration with ATINS as the governing body Training opportunities • Université Sainte-Anne – BA program with double major in French and English, and a certificate in translation • Acadian Affairs scholarship • Internship for Université de Moncton students • Interpretation – Foundation course for community interpreters (35 hours) – Specialization, for example medical interpreting (60 hours) – Court Interpreter Training Program (200 hours) Networking Opportunities • Increased collaboration is essential • Language industry as a whole • One governing body • Economic future depends on attracting immigrants • Translators, conference interpreters, community interpreters ALL play important roles QUESTIONS? THANK YOU!