Multilingualism: Training and capacity building Dr Mariëtta Alberts Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB)

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Outline of talk: Introduction Language policy, planning and implications Multilingualism Terminology development Terminology management Terminology training Multilingual terms for the HLT virtual network Conclusion

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Introduction The language policy of a country influences language development. The language policy of a country determines the number of languages to be developed, e.g. Eastern Africa: Kiswahili (various national languages) Namibia: One official language (English), 16 national languages South Africa: 11 official languages (with special emphasis also on the development of South African Sign Language and Khoe and San languages)

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Language Policy, Planning and Implications Section 6 of Chapter 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) declared Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Sesotho, Siswati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa and IsiZulu as official languages. “… the state must take practical and positive measures to elevate the status and advance the use of these languages”.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 The language policy promotes the equitable use of the official languages. It accommodates linguistic diversity. It provides a regulatory framework to facilitate the effective implementation of the constitutional obligations concerning multilingualism. Government documents “shall be made available in all 11 official languages”.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 In cases where this is not feasible, national government departments “shall publish documents simultaneously in at least 6 official languages”: Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English One from the Nguni group; one from Sotho group. Result to aim for: Enhanced communication between government and citizens. National Treasury concluded several years ago that it is possible to implement a multilingual language policy. The expenditure is relatively small compared to overall departmental budgets.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Multilingualism The concept “multilingualism” is very complex. In Europe a different connotation is attached to the concept “multilingualism” than in Africa, i.e. Belgium three languages (Flemish, French, German) but spoken in distinctly different regions. Belgians may be fluent in all three languages – personal choice. Multilingualism could also just mean that the European Union caters for more than one language. In Africa several different languages are spoken within the same political and geographical areas. It is impossible to be conversant in all these languages.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Governments need to recognize standard varieties spoken by majority groups to be declared official languages. Languages foreign to Africa such as European languages are being used as lingua franca between the indigenous African communities. Some of the official indigenous languages are totally neglected and left to die a natural death. In South Africa the multilingual dispensation allows for languages to develop.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Terminology as a discipline is governed by the language policy of the country; at the service of the language policy of the reigning government, e.g. monolingual, bilingual or multilingual. Compare South African situation: previous dispensation: bilingual technical dictionaries and term lists present dispensation: multilingual term lists

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Terminology development Terminology is a strategic resource and has an important role in a country – especially in a multilingual country. Effective economic, scientific and technical communication skills of the citizens of a country are developed through the use of correct terminology. Although terminological and terminographical activities are not always cost-effective, they are of invaluable cultural, social, historical, functional, academic and scientific importance.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 The availability of multilingual polythematic terminology is an indicator of development. Specialized communication has a central axle or hub in terminology. Standardized terminology contributes to quality of translations, interpreting and subject related communication Streamlined translation and interpreting services provide competitive advantages. BUT: Language services need terminology!!!

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 The African languages can (like any other language) create terms for any concept, in Science, Technology, Economy, etc. Polythematic terms are available in the African languages, but these terms are not documented and therefore not standardized. Unfortunately several term variations exist for the same concept. Cooperation is needed. Language offices should work together on similar projects – contact TCS, NLS or PanSALB for information on ongoing projects.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Terminology management Trained terminologists should Excerpt source language (SL) terms from relevant material (translated texts; text books; subject-related journals, …) Explain concepts in context; define terms Supply relevant terminological information Supply target language (TL) equivalents Compile a draft term list for discussion by working group consisting of subject specialists and linguists (e.g. NLBs) Change database according to feedback Request National Language Bodies (PanSALB) to verify and authenticate terms Disseminate terminology to end-users (subject specialists, language practitioners, laypeople…) through term lists, CD-ROM, Intranet, Internet, …

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Client Head of Terminology Office System Development & Research Needs assessment, prioritization Terminography Section Excerpt SL terms Define SL concepts Data management & Publication Print dictionary SL & TLs Terminology Section Supply translation equivalents in TLs Natural Sciences Life Sciences Human Sciences Commercial Sciences IsiXhosaTshivendaSesothoAfrikaans isiZuluXitsongaSesotho sa Leboa IsiNdebeleSetswana Siswati Consultation - Source LanguageConsultation - Target language(s) Subject specialists Linguists Language Users Multilingual terminology list (SL + TLs) Subject specialists Linguists Language Users

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Terminology management Dedicated software is needed for terminology management The compilation of a terminology list is a time-consuming task It is a specialized task that needs commitment and devotion from subject specialists trained terminologists language practitioners, linguists (e.g. NLBs) End-result: enhancement of subject area better / exact communication development of languages into functional languages

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Terminology Training There is an urgent need for trained terminologists. Terminology training is presented at SA universities as modules for lexicography or translation studies. In-service training is needed to equip language practitioners (terminologists, translators, editors, interpreters, …) PanSALB provides terminology training to interested individuals, institutions, government departments, … Basic principles and practices underpinning terminology and terminography are included in the training sessions. The training assists with capacity building of employees.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Individuals, Institutions, Government departments

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 Multilingual terms for the HLT virtual network SA Government has approved the development of a human language technology (HLT) virtual network. All lexicography and terminology endeavours will be part of HLT virtual network - multilingual terms will be supplied to HLT virtual network. Information on governmental issues will be available to end-users (subject specialists, students, language practitioners, general public) in all official languages.

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008

In conclusion  Terminology development goes hand in hand with language development.  Terminology plays a pivotal role in multilingualism – but we need trained terminologists!  A language can only become a functional language in all spheres of life if first language speakers would use their language where and whenever possible – i.e. in the working environment.  Functional official languages will enhance multilingualism!

Dr M Alberts, DPLG Conference on Multilingualism and Capacity Building Cape Town, June 2008 THANK YOU! Dr Mariëtta Alberts PanSALB Private Bag X08 Arcadia 0007 Tel: Fax: