Volunteer interpreter service in Govanhill will help translate coronavirus lockdown information

Recently, a survey of the area showed more than 85 languages spoken with 80% of residents speaking more than one language - and some even speaking three or more.

Now Govanhill Community Development Trust (GCDT) has put out a call for multilingual volunteers to translate short pieces of text for local organisations.

Bosses said just days after releasing the call for volunteers, the project team was inundated with offers of support from residents of Govanhill and further afield looking to share their language skills and give back to the community.

While this is a long-term initiative to harness the language skills of the community, it is especially timely in the face of rapidly changing lockdown restrictions.

It is hoped the scheme will help to ensure that everyone has equal access to key information.

Annie Macfarlane, Govanhill Housing Association chairwoman who sits on both the Thriving Places and GCDT committees, said: “A recent Thriving Places survey found that there are more than 85 languages spoken in Govanhill.

“This unique and wonderful element of our community means that there is a need to find effective ways to reach everyone.

“GCDT and the Association are fortunate to have staff who speak multiple languages, something that can be out of reach for smaller groups.

“We hope that this project will harness the skills and expertise of the local community in the spirit of co-operation and solidarity during a time when communication is so vital.”

Annie MacFarlane Picture: Colin Mearns

The need for accessible information in multiple languages was highlighted during community consultations held in Govanhill under the Thriving Places strategy to inform the Locality Plan for the area.

The project seeks to support local organisations who wish their services to be accessible to a wider range of people in the neighbourhood, many of whom speak languages other than English.

Organisers said that by tapping into this “incredible resource”, the project seeks to provide opportunities for volunteers to enhance their skills, gain confidence, and improve their employment prospects.

Ibrahim, an Arabic speaking volunteer translator, said: “I applied to volunteer as a translator because I want to gain experience in this field.

“I want to apply to Glasgow City Council or Cordia as an interpreter, but first I want to get more experience to become an expert and to get an idea of what the work as an interpreter would be like.”

Hannah Mackintosh, The People’s Panty Co-Ordinator from Govanhill Baths, said: “Having information about The People’s Pantry in different languages is vital to making it an inclusive and welcoming space, and we are hugely grateful to GCDT and their team of volunteer translators for their generosity and support with this.”

The abundance of languages of Govanhill will also be celebrated during the Bhasha Glasgow Language Festival from February 21 to 27.

The festival, founded by Bangladesh Association Glasgow, celebrates the International Mother Language Day, which promotes awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity.

The programme will include language taster sessions, quizzes, talks, street art, multilingual song and poetry, and more.

To get involved, go to the Glasgow Language Festival page on Facebook.