Translation policy for indigenous languages of Latin America

What is it about?

The article looks at the place of translation policy in relation to language policy for indigenous people in Latin America. It finds that although translation and translation training for indigenous people happen in practice, there is not a well formalised translation policy with regard to indigenous languages such as exists for minority languages in the European Union, for example.

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Why is it important?

Recent studies of language policy for indigenous populations in Latin America do not necessarily take note of translation policy. Translation and interpreting between Spanish and the indigenous languages provides an important service that can help to allay infringement of human rights in public service settings such justice and healthcare. Engagement in the process of translation and interpreting on the part of bilingual indigenous people, provides them with an avenue to reinforce their status as professional workers in the field of language. As a trend, it is notable how translation policy emerges in practice and out of necessity, before it becomes formally institutionalised as a part of language policy.

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