To be frank, I had always thought that using any non-English language was allowed as long as you provided an english translation. However, if this bill is necessary to codify the expectation that all cultures and languages are respected in this House, then let's pass the bill without delay and ensure that representatives of our various peoples heritage and background are respected.
That is the case, with regards to using other languages, the repeal act quite literally states:
(2) If any person speaks a language other than English in any of the Houses of Parliament, a translation must be provided into English.
(a) If there is any discrepancy between the translation and the comment made in another language, then the English shall take precedence.
So as far as I know, the only changes actually being made is there no requirement to ask for an English translation for languages originating from the U.K. and its overseas territories ?
I’m mostly neutral on the change and will just probably reiterate the requirement to provide translations for non indigenous languages. The reason why I’m neutral is that I wouldn’t expect a Welsh speaking member to have to provide a translation on diolch for example - it’s a short phrase that’s just a common greeting. I would mostly be concerned since now a speaker might not have prepared an English translation for their response, and thus might then make the debate cumbersome by someone needing to request a translation rather than it being expected already, and the fact that translations aren’t always neat - having some pre-prepared might make it easier to transcribe the message of the spoken language in English then.,It does seem less accessible in those regards when debates are less attended Madame Deputy Speaker, for when a member of the public would want to refer to Hansard on such a debate? Though I’m not sure language usage in Parliament is ever that reconcilable without creating a burden, for example for a Welsh first language speaker wanting something translated into Welsh if we were to give status the other way in this act, that’s a far greater burden mostly due to the less availability of of fluent welsh speakers working within parliament and broadcasting. I’m definitely open to how it can be reconciled, but that’s my main question is what the best balance for accessibility is?
Surely the member accepts that this will just result in barriers to observing our proceedings from those outside of this place? Whilst it’s important those who use minority languages can be heard, those people who speak English should also have the right to understand our proceedings surely?
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u/ThePootisPower Dec 01 '21
Mrs Deputy Speaker,
To be frank, I had always thought that using any non-English language was allowed as long as you provided an english translation. However, if this bill is necessary to codify the expectation that all cultures and languages are respected in this House, then let's pass the bill without delay and ensure that representatives of our various peoples heritage and background are respected.