Fiona Woodford, Head of Language Services at leading translation and interpreting company Global Connects, has joined Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT) as an Advisory Board member. Fiona brings over 13 years’ language industry experience and is looking forward to working with the other Board members to further SCILT’s goal of developing and promoting languages in primary, secondary and higher education throughout Scotland.
SCILT works in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, Education Scotland, British Council Scotland and The Scottish Government and appoints members from a broad spectrum of industries, including engineering, education and government. Fiona is delighted to be welcomed into such a prestigious body, commenting, “I have always had a passion for languages, but when I was young there wasn’t much information about the benefits of learning a language and the important role that language has in so many different areas of the economy. I’m excited to be part of the promotion of languages in education and look forward to advising SCILT and making recommendations from a translation indu
“There are so many reasons for, and benefits of, learning a language, take a look at this short list for starters. For the public sector, effective communication with those who do not speak English is vital and, while it’s very enjoyable to speak a new language on holiday (during the pandemic, our sister company Lorca Spanish has seen a big rise in student numbers), the commercial value of languages lies in the increasing numbers of businesses trading internationally and seeking new markets farther afield. Over the next decade, as the world recovers from the Covid pandemic and countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America grow economically, those who can speak one or more key languages are likely to be well placed to have secure and prosperous jobs. I firmly believe it’s never too late to learn a language and use it in your career. Language is a powerful tool for good; let’s make sure everyone in education has access to it.”