Emma Gledhill
@linguistforsail.bsky.social
740 followers 930 following 610 posts
A translator that sails. FCIL, FITI, @CIOL_Linguists Council & membership cttee. RHBNC & Uni of Surrey alumna. Into Romansch, sax 'n' violins, amateur genealogy, books. Susceptible to rabbit holes. Posts are own views. Usually found up a Swiss alp.
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linguistforsail.bsky.social
On thinking about what I just wrote above, they’re also a breath of fresh air in today’s world where “just good enough” (to avoid complaints) seems to prevail. The latter may save some costs but to create that long-term value and loyalty? That’s precious
linguistforsail.bsky.social
One of my favourite accounts. To my shame, it’s only as an adult I appreciate the sheer quality of Ladybird books in every aspect - the writing, the artwork, the clarity, the format, the vast scope. I suppose that’s inevitable when they were just part of the environment growing up
linguistforsail.bsky.social
This is my cat.
This is not my balcony.

#catsofbluesky
Belated #caturday
An orange cat sitting on a wooden apartment balcony at the top of a cat ladder
linguistforsail.bsky.social
I don't know if you recall, but one referendum was annulled by the Swiss federal court a few years ago because the booklet didn't give clear information, and had to be re-run
linguistforsail.bsky.social
I think you underestimate an electorate that is familiar with the concept of regular referenda and is properly informed in plain language.

Now getting from there (UK situation) to here (CH situation) is another matter, but that doesn't mean it should be dismissed out of hand
linguistforsail.bsky.social
And I'd say direct democracy is just a matter of practice - we get plenty of that with 3-4 refs a year, and it certainly makes for a more engaged electorate. Of course people tend to vote with their wallets, but it distributes the power better
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Remind me in a couple of weeks or so - the next ref is on 30 November. I have all the details in the official app already (which contains all the info that is sent on paper by post), but screenshots are tricky.
When my voting papers arrive, I should be able to take some pics of the paper booklet
linguistforsail.bsky.social
I should try and post a Swiss referendum booklet sometime. Every (especially federal) referendum sets out the issue, the summary and deeper arguments for (by govt or initiators), against (by govt or opponents), the parliamentary vote result, the govt recommendation and the proposed legal text
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Is Chick Corea “Spain” out because it’s not a pun?
linguistforsail.bsky.social
As ever, lots of images there that are seared on my memory - thank you
linguistforsail.bsky.social
“Oh, I could charge you 50% more if you’d like?”
linguistforsail.bsky.social
You get a follow @avantgardening.pl just for the great handle 😉
(Also for being a linguist, but the handle’s really punny)
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Ah the wonderful sound of Greek - you never know whether people are having a huge barney or just passing the time of day. Or probably both 😉
Definitely has to be the next language I learn (long overdue)
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Likely another one for translators
linguistforsail.bsky.social
“What’s your best price?”

🤣 or 😡 or 😢
impavid.us
In honor of spooky month, share a 4 word horror story that only someone in your profession would understand

I'll go first: Six page commercial lease.
linguistforsail.bsky.social
(Granted you have to consider the manageability of numbers)
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Why not a commission that also incorporates a citizens’ assembly in its composition? If there are only appointed experts, then @jillongovt.bsky.social mentions the risk of stich-up perception. Incorporating a citizens’ assembly (in addition to the experts) then also covers “the will of the people”
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Thanks Rachel, I was looking for the ITI account and failing
linguistforsail.bsky.social
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Some people seem to have far too much time on their hands and far too many curtains to twitch
linguistforsail.bsky.social
Thank you to @creative-xl8.bsky.social for pointing me to Jonathan’s piece on the research behind the report

bsky.app/profile/crea...
linguistforsail.bsky.social
He really should talk to some translation researchers and shadow some pros (assuming he’s not been misquoted). Makes me question his other statements
linguistforsail.bsky.social
He’s also “an inaugural fellow at Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute”, so maybe not as impartial as Sky imply.

Would be interesting if you contacted him, Susan, academic to academic.

www.oii.ox.ac.uk/people/profi...
OII | Dr Fabian Stephany
Fabian is a Departmental Research Lecturer in AI & Work at the Oxford Internet Institute.
www.oii.ox.ac.uk