Terminology trainees on a mission in Strasbourg

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On a grey, rainy Tuesday last week terminology trainees set off bright and early on a three-day mission to Strasbourg, with faces brimming with excitement for their upcoming adventure. The journey felt lengthy, but all roads are long that lead toward one’s heart’s desire. Around midday, the double-decker bus, filled to the brim with budding terminologists, translators and linguistics enthusiasts, finally pulled in outside the drenched, but nevertheless spectacular amphitheater of European politics. A quick tour of the imposing maze of corridors, a minute to admire the astonishing gravity-defying plants growing four floors up in the vast expanse of interlinked floors, and the trainees were equally excited to head to the canteen for a bite of the best food that the European Parliament had to offer. For the moment at least, their taste buds had to content themselves with an offering slightly removed from the delicious and plentiful Alsatian cuisine: a splendid mix of French and German influences. Having battled for a table in the buzzing canteen, and devoured their food in record time, the trainees got to taste delights of another format.
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The design of the European Parliament building was particularly impressive

On the agenda: a talk with Estonian interpreter of the European Parliament – Ms Hanna Liisa Tamm. ‘This was perhaps the talk I enjoyed most’ reflected Silvia Morani, communications trainee at the Terminology Coordination Unit. ‘I’ve always been fascinated by the world of interpretation and I have always wanted to find out more about interpreters’ working tools and strategies.’ The hour-long presentation covered the different demands which interpreters face in committee meetings, political group meetings and plenary sessions – from the extremely technical discussions covering up to 15 different specialized topics, to more informal political dialogues where members may refer to each other by their first name and use hard-to-translate inside jokes, to rapid, short pre-prepared speeches which most severely test the interpreters’ promptitude and linguistic abilities. ‘I found it useful to learn about the rhythm of the work, the difficulties, and the groundwork of the interpreters in their daily life’, concluded Francesca Bisiani, terminology trainee. In an institution where each MEP has the right to speak in their mother language, or to attempt their skills at one of the ‘big three’ in European affairs: English, French or German, the interpreters have to be constantly on their toes to understand, polish, translate, and make accessible, the work done by the European Parliament for all members of the European Union. ‘Ms Tamm made clear that curiosity is the driving force of the interpreter’, continued Francesca. She stressed the importance of preparation: be that an interest in politics, knowledge of names and acronyms, public speaking skills, or the focus on specific and technical terminology. A proud moment indeed for terminology trainees: to feel like a very important cog in the wheel of the well-oiled interpreting machine of the European Parliament.

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Terminology Coordination Unit trainees in Strasbourg

Contented and inspired, the trainees then headed to what was to be perhaps the main event of their mission to Strasbourg: the plenary sitting. This was an ‘unforgettable experience’, according to Silvia, an unparalleled opportunity to observe first-hand the immense work done by the interpreters, to coordinate the fascinating fast-paced multilingual exchange by MEPs from various countries, into a format accessible to the lesser polyglots and the general public. ‘I could get a clear idea of how the European Parliament works, and it felt completely different from what you see on the TV!’ Whilst deeply intrigued by the political discussion concerting the financial situation in Greece and the effect it has on ordinary citizens, the linguistic enthusiasts could not help but admire the efficiency with which interpreters of various language combinations switched with each 60 second speech to deliver an impressive rendition of its meaning straight into the listener’s ear.

However, further wonders awaited them in Strasbourg, though for now outside the walls of the European Parliament. The evening brought excitements of its own, with an opportunity to sightsee the wonderful Alsatian city, which for centuries has walked a tight rope between France and Germany, and between looking back to its medieval past and heading daringly towards a progressive future. ‘Walking around Strasbourg, I had the feeling of being in three places at the same time: it was equally a modern place and an ancient one, particularly around Petite France, and also an incredibly multicultural environment’, reflected Ana Bennasar, one of the terminology trainees. ‘I enjoyed getting lost in the Little France, getting to know the other translation trainees and eating amazing Alsatian food’, added Raluca Caranfil, a communication trainee. Having eventually found their way to bed, they had it all to look forward to all over again, starting at 8:30 a.m. sharp the following day.

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The awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral

To ease into the day after an evening of cultural and culinary exploits, the trainees were met with the highly entertaining Mr Pavel Cernoch, who briefed them on the work and role of the European Parliament through his engaging and idiosyncratic presentation. With his background in history, Mr Cernoch was able to trace the progression of Europe, from the ancient centers of civilization, through the mythical legend of the kidnapping of Europa by Zeus, and into the trading society which formed the basis of the Europe we have come to know today. He discussed the barriers which still prevail today, be they linguistic, mental or political, and explained how the European Union has grown together over time, experiencing both a change in its focus (with certain issues such as agriculture becoming less relevant to its work), and many unforeseen issues which the institution has had to debate and resolve – such as the financial crisis in Greece or the upcoming referendum on ‘Brexit’ – the United Kingdom’s proposed leaving of the European Union. He painted a picture of a remarkable and essential institution, which nonetheless requires our sustained belief and commitment to help deliver it from the doubts which have unjustly plagued it from various national angles, and preserve it for the future generations to come.

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Medieval architecture in Petite France

Next, the trainees had the honor of meeting a Czech MEP – Ms Martina Dlabajova, from the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE), who described her work in trying to reduce youth unemployment within the countries of the European Union. Ms Dlabajova explained her commitment to bridging the gap between education and the workplace, and the possible steps which the EU, national policy makers, educators and businesses could take to ensure that young people are equipped with the right skills for the jobs available both today and in the future. She also outlined her personal initiative in the Czech Republic, to link motivated young people with top businesses in enriching traineeships, and thus promote the power of motivation in influencing a person’s future professional life.

Following this, the trainees got to experience the voting part of the plenary sitting, and observe all the MEPs pour into the hemicycle. The latter part took perhaps longer than the vote itself, the whole thing being over more quickly than one can say ‘European Ombudsman’ – such was the topic of the next presentation by the principal adviser Mr Gerhard Grill. For many, this was an opportunity to learn about this curious and previously unheard of office – which considers citizen complaints against the European Union. Mr Grill explained how the office examines the work of the administrative strategies of European institutions, and the transparency of governmental procedures. His presentation included many case studies and allegories, ranging from the serious issues which the Ombudsman has helped to resolve, to the funny complaints which have been lodged in the past. ‘It was interesting to discover the communication strategies that each body of the EU employs in relation with the general public, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to ask questions not as a tourist, but as someone from inside, a trainee’, Raluca reflected on the event.

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The Council of Europe focuses on promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law

Finally, a meeting with the acting Director-General of DG Translation, Mr Valter Mavric helped to dispel any rumours or inaccuracies about becoming a translator or terminologist within the European Parliament, and to inform trainees further on the workings of the department. For those hoping one day to work permanently for the European Union, or wanting to know more about the work of a translator or linguist in the largest language service in the world, his presentation was a gold mine of vital information and an insight into this thrilling profession. ‘I found it very motivating to be part of an organized visit, and to be informed about the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) and its database of traineeships and jobs available with EU institutions, as well as the selection procedures and tests’, declared Ana. Feeling thus enthused and motivated, the trainees could enjoy their second night in the beautiful, if rainy, city of Strasbourg.

The third and final day saw the terminology trainees explore the Council of Europe – the oldest European political organization, founded shortly after WWII to ensure peace and stability in Europe. There they learned about the political bodies of the institution, which is not formally linked to the European Union, and its role in the protection of human rights through drafting legislation and the enforcement of protective laws in the European Court of Human Rights. The role of this institution, charged with safeguarding peace through human rights, democracy and the rule of law, was discussed from the point of view of one of its translators, who outlined the importance of translation in the process of democracy – allowing anyone to voice their concerns and thus exercise their human rights. ‘I was also very impressed to find an important Romanian sculpture, The Prayer by Constantin Brancusi, in the Council of Europe,’ said Raluca. The statue commemorates a young Romanian lawyer, Petre Stanescu, and is seen by many to be the turning point in modern European sculpture, a movement towards representing the essence of things, rather than the outer form. It is undoubtedly a fitting and resounding message for this sanctuary of justice. Such was the conclusion of a thrilling three days, learning about the various building blocks of the European Parliament, most exciting of all – the aspect of linguistics and translation and the immensely important role they play in these quintessentially European institutions.

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Constantin Brancusi, The Prayer, 1907

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and the eight trainees, having tasted the flavour of European democracy, had to return to their daily job – ensuring a smooth ride for all the translators and interpreters of the European institutions through their backstage work: facilitating terminology research and management by updating and promoting IATE, the EU terminology database. Having piled back into the bus which was to take them to Luxembourg, there was just time for a few more reflections. ‘It was an enlightening experience’, commented Maurizio Fusillo, a communication trainee, ‘to have the occasion to observe a parliamentary assembly, as well as to be able to visit and get to know other European Institutions. It gave me a precious insight into how Europe works and how much effort there is behind things that we take for granted.’ ‘The trip motivated me to continue working with languages, as I liked learning about the multicultural work in different bodies, not only at a regional level, but also focusing on international affairs,’ concurred Ana. Without a doubt, they all agreed, it was a highly rewarding three days, and an experience to remember!

Written by Iweta Kalinowska iveta

Communication Trainee at TermCoord