- Arabic: Language of Middle Eastern and some African Communities, but also learned by Muslims to enable them to read the Qur'an
- Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi: Languages of the South Asian Community (eg,Pakistani, Indian)
- Cantonese, Hakka, Mandarin: Languages of the Chinese Community
Often people will speak one of these languages but may not necessarily be able to read it.
Additionally information for Gypsy Traveller communities, who in the majority speak English, needs to match the communication needs of the community. Many Gypsy Travellers do not have high levels of literacy, and may need information provided in audio format, or explained face to face. Plain English documents might also be suitable, free of jargon and complicated sentences.
Interpretation and translation are important elements of communicating effectively with BME communities. Click on these links for more information.
The Council has a contract with Language Line Ltd to carry out 24 hour telephone interpreting. Information on this service is available here.
For a list of translation and interpretation organisations click here
For some helpful advice on arranging meetings with ethnically diverse participants, click here
For useful contact details for Black and Minority Ethnic organisations click here
Supporting Publications/Information
Good Practice Guidelines, The Scottish Translation, Interpreting and Communication Forum, 2004.
Available on the Scottish Executive Website
Scottish Accessible Information Forum
Scottish Interfaith Council
Shap Calendar of Religious Festivals, Shap Working Party on World Religions in Education, annual.
Available from:
The Shap Working Party
Po Box 38580,
London,
SW1P 3XF
020 7898 1494
E-Mail: shap@natsoc.c-of-e.org.uk
Website
Translation, Getting it Right: a guide to buying translations, Institute of Translation and Interpreting, 2003.
Available on the Institute of Translation and Interpreting Website
