Talking Across Languages
Current status, dynamics and politics of translation and interpretation in Sri Lanka
Sasanka Perera
A language right is a major issue in countries with multiethnic societies. Such countries need a tailor-made language policy addressing the local needs. Promoting bilingualism is a core tool to promote co-existence among different communities and to safeguard the right to speak one’s own language. The multiethnic and multicultural Sri Lankan society is highly divided due to the mono linguistic nature. The ethnic or religious based, segregated school system has restricted interaction among different communities.
Majority of the people cannot speak the language of the other community or English which could be a common link language. It is a widely recognised fact that the multilingual policy adopted by them has significantly contributed to the economic, political and social success of Singapore. English is the official language in Singapore, in addition three other languages. It also has a compulsory multilingual education system which has resulted in making a multilingual society.
Sri Lanka, due to lack of a holistic national level effort, has failed to create a bilingual or multilingual society and public officers. In this context there is an immense need for translation and interpretation services. This is a unique field and needs proper training. The importance of the teaching of translation is felt very much, globally.
In this context, the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and National Integration, has requested FLICT’s input to the draft bill to set up a ‘National Institute of Language Training.’ As a result, FLICT commissioned a review on existing ‘Translation and Interpretation Services in Sri Lanka’ (2006). In addition to the objective of contributing to the Ministry’s draft bill, FLICT also used this study to develop a strategy and identify appropriate project interventions, in this area of work to be undertaken by partners and supported by FLICT.
This publication is a condensed version of the more detailed research study exploring the available translation and interpretation training services in Sri Lanka.
