University of Goroka hosts seminar on language translation

Dr Ellis Deibler addressing participants on translation work at the translation seminar held at the University of Goroka

By KATE GUNN of UOG

On Thursday May 13, 2010, the University of Goroka (UOG) Language and Literature Department hosted a seminar on language translation work.

The seminar was conducted as part of the department’s celebration of and participation in the United Nation’s proclamation on the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Guest presenter of the seminar was Dr Ellis Deibler, international professional translator with 20 years experience in Papua New Guinea and the Alekano and Yaweyuha languages.

The seminar was officially opened by the Acting Dean of the Humanities Faculty Dr Lynus Yamuna, who commented that the United Nation’s proclamation was timely for the Language and Literature Department of UOG as it focused on indigenous languages and cultures.

The seminar, aimed at staff, students and members of the community with interests in documenting their own languages, was well received by a large number of participants who enjoyed an animated presentation from Dr Deibler.

Dr Deibler highlighted to participants of the seminar: “Language is the shrine of a person’s soul, and to lose language is to lose your culture.”

Dr Deibler also commented on the problem in PNG today of children not learning indigenous languages from their parents.

Other topics covered in the seminar included: the meaning of translation; types of translations; reasons to translate; translation versus interpretation; and career opportunities available through the work of translation.

The gathering concluded on a high note with participants looking forward to Dr Deibler’s next seminar to be held at the University of Goroka on Thursday, May 27, 2010.