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Modern Languages Blog

Archive for May, 2007

Appeal for sign language experts

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An appeal is being launched to find and train sign language interpreters on the Isle of Man as part of National Deaf Awareness Week.

There are no qualified interpreters but it is hoped that people with some experience may come forward to be trained up.

The Isle of Man Hearing Impairment Partnership says there are many deaf or hearing impaired people on the island.

The charity says in areas such as law or medicine precise translation is needed.

Find out more on the BBC website.

Bank offers Poles language option

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A Polish-language banking service has been launched by Lloyds TSB at branches in Suffolk.

Read more on the BBC website.

Bible translated for Aborigines

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The Bible has been translated into an Australian Aboriginal language for the first time.

The Anglican Church has launched the first entire Bible in Kriol, the most widely-spoken indigenous language in the country.

The task has taken almost 30 years, and involved more than 100 linguists.

Read this article on the BBC website.

Chinese study centre opens

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The Scotsman reports that a new centre to promote links between China and Scotland has been launched at Heriot-Watt University. The Scottish Centre for Chinese Urban & Environmental Studies, will develop research partnerships with Chinese institutions, and organise exchanges. It will be based at the university’s School of the Built Environment.

Read this story on the Scotsman website.

IPTV for deaf people takes off

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The BBC website reports that a new web-based television service, or IPTV, for British Sign Language (BSL) users has recently launched in the UK.

VeeSee TV airs news and other programmes in BSL and is available 24 hours a day. The channel can be viewed on a computer or via a set-top box and is the brainchild of BSL interpreter Susie Grant. She said she launched VeeSee TV in frustration at mainstream TV’s inability to cater for deaf viewers. VeeSee is the first dedicated channel for BSL users which also includes an interactive forum and user-generated content.

Read this story on the BBC website.

Ape gestures ’show human links’

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Researchers in the US say they have firm evidence that apes communicate using gestures – shedding light on the development of human language.

The team analysed the way bonobos and chimpanzees used hand and limb gestures to make themselves understood. The scientists found that the apes used gestures more flexibly than the way they used facial and vocal expressions.

They say the findings support the theory that human language developed through the use of hand gestures.

Read this article on the BBC website.