UK: Translation of council papers 'undermining' English lessons

[Francis Hult]

The Guardian

 

Translation of council papers 'undermining' English lessons

 

Councils, health authorities and other public bodies should avoid "unnecessary and bizarre" translations, the government has advised, as it publishes new guidance reaffirming its emphasis on teaching people to speak English instead. 

 

Launching an advice pack yesterday, the communities secretary, Hazel Blears, said that translating too much public information undermined efforts to integrate non-English speaking residents into British society, and the current practice of widespread translation of everything from street signs to council leaflets meant some immigrants did not learn English.

 

Full story:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2224240,00.html

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