Chartered Institute
of Linguists
NEWS
A shortened version of the keynote speech delivered by CIOL Honorary President Baroness Jean Coussins at Glasgow University, 9 May 2025
There has never been a better time to be a linguist, or to have a language as another string to your bow
The Linguist Editorial Board member Professor Binhua Wang invited several MA translation master’s students in Chinese to translate one feature article from each of the four issues of The Linguist in the past year. Each translation has been translated by one, then revised by another, and then proof-read by their translation tutor.
Binhua’s initiative seeks not...
We are pleased to announce that GCHQ has been awarded the prestigious CIOL Threlford Cup in the 2025 CIOL Awards. GCHQ is the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency. This is in recognition of the extensive work GCHQ do in championing languages and linguists in UK Government and nationally.
GCHQ, alongside their vital work in helping to keep the country...
By Michael Lynas, UK Country Director Duolingo
The Duolingo Westminster Language Challenge
“I, Michael Lynas, being the UK Country Director and Acting Returning Officer for the Duolingo Westminster Language Challenge, do hereby give notice that the number of lessons recorded for the candidates at the said Challenge is 65,000…”
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Which are the best free productivity tools for translators?
By Anna Rioland
AI-powered tools can significantly enhance a freelance translator’s workflow, boost productivity and even improve the quality of translations – provided they are used judiciously. They can help with many aspects of our business, from improving productivity and writing quality...
The European Space Agency (ESA) recently posted a job ad on CIOL’s jobs page. They were seeking a minute-writer to be based at their Paris HQ, an English native speaker with a thorough knowledge of French and German.
Applications are now closed, but do keep an eye out for further interesting opportunities here on our jobs page.
Explore further job opportunities at the ESA...
By Ana Ilievska Završnik MCIL CL
To be Macedonian is like being part of an epic tale, one filled with poets, revolutionaries, and dreamers who refused to let history forget them. It’s about carrying a legacy of resilience, wrapped in the warmth of traditions that make every home-cooked meal a feast and every gathering a celebration. Macedonian language? It’s a...
Chartered Linguist and Linguist Editorial Board member, Bokani Hart, wrote recently on medium.com on the ethics of translation, neutrality and engendering positive social change. Medium also hosts Global Literary Theory which Bokani recommends for more resources. An extract from her article is below, to read the full article click here.
In ‘Ethics’,...
By Chris Hughes
Very often, when we're asked to promote the learning of languages in school, the focus is on how languages benefit your career. And that's admirable and valid, of course. But learning another language is about so much more than that. There's a human side to learning languages that opens up full, genuine experiences, and brings benefits and...
By Dom Hebblethwaite, CIOL Head of Membership
The 2025 Chartered Institute of Linguists conference season in March brought together hundreds of language professionals for what I found a series of really energising and enriching events. With the in-person Translators Day and Interpreters Day held at the impressive Convene venue at 22 Bishopsgate (...