« Francopho-what?”
As the name suggests, “francophonie” refers to all persons and institutions that use French as their mother tongue, language of use, administrative language, language of instruction or chosen language, and so on. You get it.
“La francophonie” can also refer to all French-speaking countries as well as to all the countries or regions that are members of the “Organisation internationale de la francophonie,” which are not necessarily those where French is most frequently used or officially recognized. The organization comprises 88 member states and governments; of these, 54 states and governments are full members, 7 are associate members and 27 are observers.
If one of your languages of use is French and you wish to improve your language proficiency, this article will definitely speak to you.
1. What is the World Congress?
Created in 1955, the BKVT (Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters), aims to bring together individuals working in all professions directly related to translation or interpreting, in order to improve professional knowledge through continuing education, to develop the prestige of the professions covered by the statutes and to defend the collective professional interests of its approximately 550 members. Ever since 1955 and each year (well not this year because of, you know), they’ve been meeting up in Belgium in order to improve the profession of translator/interpreter and to refine their working methods. Every time with new exhibitors, new topics and an unchanged goal: do better, do what you like and look good doing it.
The BKVT holds this congress in order to bring together the professional actors in the field of translation into French around a large-scale event, which offers both opportunities for exchange, interventions by renowned speakers, and high-level training possibilities. Indeed, such an event has never been organized in the past.
Their aim is to make this world congress a recurring event in the French-speaking world, in association with the professional associations that are members of the ITF (International Translators Federation). This congress is organized with the support of the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), the European Commission (DGT – French language department), the French Ministry of Culture (General Delegation for the French language and the languages of France) and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (Directorate for the French language).
If you’re looking to improve your language skills, you should definitely check it out.
2. The world congress and translation skills
The role of language in the developing world is materialized through « translating, » and since critical language study is concerned with the processes of producing and interpreting texts and with the way these cognitive processes are socially shaped, it can be considered as an alternative approach to translation studies.
The world is becoming smaller and smaller as systems of communication and information are developing and becoming more and more sophisticated. In the process of such a rapid exchange of information and for the purpose of improving cultural contacts, one thing is inevitable, and that is « translating. » This is why there is a need for competent translators and interpreters.
The translator’s task is to create conditions under which the source language author and the target language reader can interact with one another (Lotfipour, 1997). The translator uses the core meaning present in the source text to create a new whole, namely, the target text (Farahzad, 1998).
Bearing these facts in mind, the question is: what skills are needed to promote translating skills? And how can you become a good translator?
According to the Pacific International Translation’s website, a good translator requires many skills:
– Advanced language knowledge
– Excellent writing skills
– In-depth cultural knowledge
– Sound research skills
– Having a good translation routine
– Mastering computing and CAT tools
During this event, you’ll have many opportunities to get closer to perfecting your own skills. It is crucial for a translator to be open-minded and to always question oneself.
3. Topics covered in this event
Over the two days, partner stands will welcome participants throughout the congress to provide information and/or offer them advantageous discounts on software, dictionaries and books.
As an aspiring professional translator, or someone looking to perfect your techniques, you might have a lot of questions unanswered sitting in your head, such as
What is the impact of linguistic standardisation in French? What are the consequences of standardisation for French-speaking translators around the world? Do translation professionals really have to conform to Paris French, as is sometimes claimed? Is there such a thing as European French? A UN French? An international French, like English has its Globish. What about Belgicisms, Quebecisms and other regionalisms, are they really to be banned? In all circumstances? But by whom? And in what context?
What is the linguistic approach of the various French-speaking countries to the norm? Does this standard accurately reflect the realities of our modern societies, particularly in terms of gender equality? What do the specialist books say? How is an official term chosen? How are neologisms formed?
These are just some of the questions that we will try to answer during this conference.
A lot of topics are covered throughout these two days, here’s a quick insight into what topics can be covered during this event.
- Topics in today’s context such as
« No, the masculine does not prevail over the feminine »: expressing ourselves without sexism, a goal within our reach presented by Éliane Viennot;
Translation: a tool for precision in an increasingly approximate world presented byStéphane Lopez.
- General topics on grammar:
« Grammar: « Caution, danger! Ten common mistakes in French translation.” presented by Michèle Lenoble-Pinson.
- And of course, topics about translation:
“Training translators: what for, why, how?” presented by Nicolas Froeliger.
“Translation practice: « Depersonalization, the royal road to effective translations” presented by François Lavallée.
These presentations are a good opportunity for you to exchange about language, to ask all the questions you can have, and to interact with people who are in the same field as you. Many big names in the translation world are present and you should take advantage of this opportunity.
If you’re a student, the entrance fees are free for you, but if you wish to become a member of the congress, it will cost you about 250 €.
As a student, you should enjoy your status while you can. So, do yourself a favor and go check out the congress!
LY Jonathan
La Traduction de A à Z 