UK: Translation of council papers 'undermining' English lessons

[Harold Schiffman]

Forwarded From:edling at lists.sis.utsa.edu


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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