World Congress on Specialized Translation 2008: Languages and Intercultural Dialogue in a Globalizing World

Habana Libre Hotel, Havana, Cuba
December 8-13, 2008
cmte2008@unilat.org

Proceedings (pdf)

		Havana Recommendation Havana, Cuba, 13 December 2008

The participants in the World Congress on Specialized Translation, meeting in Havana from 8 to 13 December,

Considering that, in a resolution of 16 May 2007, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2008 International Year of Languages to promote multilingualism, unity and international understanding,

Recalling Decision No 1983/2006/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008),

Further recalling the Recommendation on the Legal Protection of Translators and Translations and the Practical Means to improve the Status of Translators, adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, meeting in Nairobi from 26 October to 30 November 1976, at its 19th session,

Noting that globalization and modern technology involve new challenges requiring innovative strategies and updated resolutions,

Observing the need to propose original and feasible ideas to improve translation training and to raise awareness of the practical and economic advantages of using specialized translation,

Emphasizing the essential participation of specialized translators in building a diversified world where all individuals may express themselves freely in their own language and thus communicate and obtain information,

Recognizing the importance of translation in the economic, social, political and industrial sectors, among others,

Underscoring the fact that dialogue between translators and representatives of the world of traditional, audiovisual and digital publishing is essential in terms of translators’ rights,

Desiring to propose solutions and make suggestions to bodies with influence at the international level regarding the promotion of specialized translation as a key driver of respect for linguistic diversity,

Recommend, following the presentation, analysis and discussion of the themes on the agenda:

1. That international bodies, depositaries of political power invested in them by citizens, take responsibility for using all the languages of the countries of which they are composed according to the needs of their representatives, and take the necessary political, administrative and legal decisions for that purpose;

2. That langue policy-makers promote the use of technology in translation and related disciplines, given the economic advantages of, in particular, the use of the Internet and free software and groupware, and thereby ensure equitable access to information and translation in all languages;

3. That, as recommended by the World Summit on the Information Society, international bodies and civil society promote at the global level free multilingual access to information on the Internet;

4. That those involved in the process of translation demonstrate the economic advantages of multilingualism and engage in its promotion;

5. That governmental and intergovernmental bodies encourage the establishment of a shared Internet site which would contain or provide access to available information and tools regarding translation;

6. That a multi-stakeholder forum be established with a view to developing a strategy for multilingualism, implementing the recommendations of this Congress, and encouraging governments and international bodies to give effect to these recommendations.

With the support of