London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
From formal interpreting during official ceremonies, to volunteers who can say a few words of welcome to visitors in their own language, languages are vitally important to the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They are needed during the Games to feed the world's media with news and information, to give directions and public information, and for medical and security purposes. It is the perfect opportunity to develop your language skills to support tourism and customer servicein the UK.
Tourist attractions and businesses have been urged to brush up on their language skills in a report from the VisitBritain tourism agency which claims venues face a bonanza because of the spotlight the Games will turn on the UK. Figures from a recent survey carried out by the National Brands Index cite one third of people questioned in 35 countries were more likely to visit the UK because of the Games.
Languages are a part of planning at many different levels:
Professional linguists
Professional interpreters and translators are needed to ensure that the competition is staged efficiently, with respect for all the nations coming together. There is a need for multilingual signs, visitor information, public announcements, and interpretation facilities for teams, coaches, the media and the whole ‘Olympic family’, not only at the Olympics venues in London and elsewhere in the UK, but also around team training venues.
Other professionals
Many professionals working to support the Games will also need language skills, to overcome practical communication barriers they face in their day to day work. This will range from ticket sales to risk assessment, from caterers to lawyers. In London the police and security services, emergency and health services use languages skills already to help communication with the public.
Volunteers
The Games Volunteer Programme plans to use the language skills of London’s local communities as a strength to make visitors feel at home. The official Volunteering Programme is launched in 2010.
Building the infrastructure
There will be ‘hundreds, if not thousands’ of contracts, with opportunities for all businesses, who are being advised to ‘get into shape now’ in order to pitch successfully. Many will need to build a strategy for languages within their planning in order to succeed.
Tourism
The Games are expected to deliver a £2 billion boost to Britain’s international visitor economy. Games-related and Games-motivated tourism will mean over half a million extra visitors in London alone in 2012, but most of the growth will be achieved in the 4 years following the Games - if we can use the opportunity to upgrade the quality of service tourists receive. If we want the Games to leave the lasting legacy of a thriving, innovative tourism industry, one key change to make is to be able to communicate with people in their own language. The Sector Skills Council People 1st have already identified a demand for languages from their employers.
Customer service
GoSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport, is leading on customer service issues relating to the Games and has already conducted research showing the need for transport workers to possess language and cultural skills as well as other skills like health and safety awareness, crowd control and first aid. London Underground, which already serves a large multilingual customer base, is taking a keen interest in this, and starting to include languages in training and recruitment policies.
The arts and culture
Languages also have a role to play in the arts and in making the Games a truly global celebration. Music, dance and drama have the power to bridge cultures and make ideas in other languages accessible. We can share and celebrate the world’s cultures, with entertainment and educational and projects aimed at different age groups and audiences.
Facts and figures
- An estimated 70,000 volunteers, including language experts are needed during the Games;
- Languages are identified as one of the top 10 skills areas requiring volunteers;
- People with language skills are needed in all Games roles not just interpreting and translating.
Resources
There are already a number of websites with resources and ideas for schools looking to give students a taste of the Olympics and an idea of how they can play a part.
The On your marks website is a London 2012 education resource which has been created for young people, parents and teachers. With an introduction from Daley Thompson, the site is available in English and Welsh.
The Teaching ideas area is by teachers and helps colleagues integrate themes from the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games into their teaching. Resources are grouped according to age group: 7-11 and 11-14.
Welcome to the World: Vision for our Multilingual Capital 2012 was developed by Regional Language Network London and Comenius London, supported by CILT. Take the opportunity to pledge your support or to read the messages of support from celebrities. Our aspirations for languages and the Games must go beyond our capital, to ensure the whole country benefits from this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity.
The DCSF website has an area dedicated to the Games, outlining its aims and ideas for 'ensuring a legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games for young people and learners.' The DCSF has produced two leaflets for use in schools, which can be downloaded from the teachernet website.