Tamarind Linguists' Forum Nairobi Launch 6 March 2009

Tamarind Linguists Forum Nairobi Launch The Tamarind Linguists' Forum (TLF) was launched on 6 March 2009 by Tamarind Translations. The invitational event held in our office at Upper Hill, Nairobi was attended by 13 translators and interpreters while 10 others sent apologies. The interactive session was moderated by MD and veteran translator, Britt-Marie Seex. Participants, mostly freelancers, underscored the lack of structured forums for translators in Kenya and many parts of Africa with the exception of the South African Translation Institute. The following problems were identified as hindering the standards of translators - Limited training opportunities in local universities - Lack of accreditation and service pricing regulation - Quality issues as evident in complaints previously expressed by some international agencies - Policy problems especially in public service interpretation, low payment - Need for increased awareness of and access to translation software These issues were subjects of discussion at the recently concluded First Pan African Conference on Training of Translators, Conference Interpreters and Public Service Interpreters at UNON Gigiri. An Analysis presented by Project Coordinator Noel Muylle and a report of the conference to be availed to members. Members will also benefit from a free translators’ workstation to be established at our offices complete with Trados and related software in the future. The forum resolved to create a TLF online discussion group and to hold scheduled meetings to promote sharing. The TLF launch and the opening of the Tamarind Translations Nairobi office are part of the events organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the agency in Sweden. The branch office opening in Nairobi followed a study we undertook through the Swedish Trade Council that established a need for a professional translation and interpretation services in Nairobi. Thank you to all the linguists who came and to Forum member Nashon Tado who remembered to post this event on Translators Café. Our goal of building up a team of local translators and interpreters by enhancing their training and raising their status as a group of professionals. Let’s work together!