The Impact of Enlargement
The KCI conference provided a platform to reflect on how the accession of 10 new Member States (Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) prepared for and adapted to the EU's approach to language services – and subsequently impacted on it. Each of these countries joined on the same day, leading to a revolutionary shift that necessitated significant upstream adaptations in translation and interpretation practices, sometimes years ahead of time.
Christos Ellinides, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Translation at the European Commission and Chairman of the Translation Centre’s Management Board, shared personal experiences from this period, highlighting the challenges faced by new Member States in aligning with EU standards. At that time, as Director of Technology at Cyprus Airways, he navigated the complexities of compliance and technological integration to ensure that air transport in Cyprus would be harmonised with European legislation in time for accession.
The Role of Education and Technology
One of the key themes that emerged during the conference was the essential role of education in preparing for this linguistic diversity. Universities needed to quickly adapt their curricula to meet the evolving demands of the translation and interpretation markets. Ildikó remembers that this transformation was akin to entering a ‘new galaxy,’ where both established and emerging languages and language combinations required skilled professionals capable of bridging the cultural divide.
New and unexpected opportunities opened up, including colleagues from the EU starting to learn Hungarian as a foreign language, which was novel! Teaching staff in Hungary became part of an international community, and research in the field of translation and interpreting was given a huge boost.
With technology advancing at an unprecedented rate, the discussion turned to how AI and digital tools can be harnessed to enhance language services. However, the human element remains vital, as ever. Ildikó noted that while technology is a powerful ally, it can never replace the nuanced understanding and linguistic and cultural expertise that skilled linguists bring to their work.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As we strive to maintain multilingualism at the EU level, challenges persist. The need for high-quality language education and resources is critical. Member States have specific responsibilities in this area, ensuring equal access to language learning from an early age. This investment is crucial not just for cultural preservation but also for economic competitiveness, as language skills are increasingly recognised as a valuable asset in the job market and for innovation.
The conference also provided an opportunity for young linguists to share their insights and queries. Participants echoed the importance of staying current with industry trends, embracing technology, and developing a diverse skillset. As demand for translation and interpretation services continues to grow, new profiles and professions are emerging, such as those specialising in language technology, and digital skills remain vital.
The event underscored that multilingualism is a bridge that fosters connections among diverse cultures within the EU. As Christos Ellinides noted, maintaining linguistic and cultural diversity is essential for the EU’s identity and future success. Yet, this comes with practical challenges—particularly financial constraints and the necessity for swift turnaround times in translation and interpretation.
Looking to the Future
The conference concluded with an optimistic outlook on the future of multilingualism in the EU. With a significant percentage of citizens advocating for language learning and the protection of regional languages – 86% believe everyone in the EU should speak at least one additional language and 84% think regional and minority languages should be protected – there is a clear mandate for action.
The language expert panellists’ participation in the KCI conference highlighted the ongoing commitment to fostering multilingualism within the EU. As we celebrate these two decades of linguistic diversity, it’s essential to continue working together – policymakers, educators, and industry leaders – to ensure that the next generation of linguists is equipped to thrive in a globalised world.
Let’s embrace this opportunity to build bridges across cultures and enhance the richness of our shared European heritage!