News
New Report Highlights Vital Role of Welsh Translation Sector in Wales
A newly published report by research company Arad offers a comprehensive insight into the size, value, and diversity of the Welsh translation sector in Wales. With financial support from the Welsh Government, the research was conducted through a combination of online surveys, interviews, and desk research. This is the first time such research has been carried out in Wales, and the findings provide a solid foundation for Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru to develop long-term, robust, and ambitious strategies.
You can read the full Welsh report here. Feel free to contact swyddfa@cyfieithwyr.cymru if you would like to discuss the report further.
Research into the translating and interpreting profession
- How many translators/interpreters are there in Wales?
- Where do they live and for who do they work?
- What is the contribution of Welsh to English and English to Welsh translation to the Welsh economy?
To answer these questions and more, Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, with the financial support of the Welsh Government, has commissioned research company Arad to investigate the profession.
BUT in order to undertake the research, it’s necessary to find all the translators and interpreters in Wales.
There are 400 translators and interpreters who are members of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, but we know that there are many more people who translate. Some translate at work – although it may not be part of their job description. A number of people volunteer to translate in the community in societies and chapels across Wales. Some translate text, some interpret at meetings and at religious services.
We need to hear from all of these to get the full picture.
Manon Cadwaladr, Chair of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, said: "Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru has been in existence since 1976, but has never undertaken this kind of research into the profession before. So that we as an association, educators and employers to be able to plan for the future, we need to know the shape and structure of the profession. I would encourage everyone who translates, be that full-time, part-time or on a voluntary basis, to complete the questionnaire so that we can properly understand the contribution of translation and interpretation to the Welsh economy.
So if you're a translator or interpreter, or know someone who is, please direct them to www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/arolwg-cyfieithwyr/ so they can have their say.
It's also important to hear from translation companies – so there's a special questionnaire for them www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/arolwg-cyfieithwyr_cwmniau/
And for public sector organisations, local government translation units, health boards, university and so forth www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/arolwg-cyfieithwyr_sefydliadau/
All answers will be anonymous, and no individual details will be shared with Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru or its Board members. To see Arad’s privacy notice follow this link arad.cymru/s/Hysbysiad-preifatrwydd-Arad-Privacy-notice-1.pdf
If you have any questions about this research, please contact swyddfa@cyfieithwyr.cymru
Appointment of Chief Officer
Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru is pleased to announce that Teleri Haf Hughes has been appointed as the association's new Chief Officer.
Teleri is from Amlwch, and after graduating from Aberystwyth University with a first-class honours degree in Welsh, she returned to teach at her old school, Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch. Teleri currently works as the Children and Young People's Editor with Gwasg Y Lolfa.
Announcing her appointment, Chair of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, Manon Cadwaladr, said: "I'm really looking forward to working with Teleri. She has a clear vision regarding the direction of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru and her enthusiasm and energy will surely take the association to the next level. I am also pleased that Teleri is able to work with Gwyn Williams, our current Chief Officer to ensure a smooth transition period. I would also like to thank the Welsh Government who are part-funding the position of Chief Officer."
Teleri said: "I am very much looking forward to the challenge of serving the members of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru and building on the foundations that have been established over the last 50 years”.
Teleri will take up her post in September.
Enillwyr gwobrau Wil Petherbridge a Berwyn
Mae Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru yn falch o gyhoeddi mae enillwyr gwobrau’r Gymdeithas am y gwaith cyfieithu orau yn arholiadau’r Gymdeithas yn 2024 yw Sarah Boyd a Rhys Ifor.
Sarah Boyd sydd yn ennill Gwobr Berwyn am ei gwaith cyfieithu o’r Gymraeg i’r Saesneg yn arholiadau’r Gymdeithas. Tra mae Rhys Ifor yn ennill Gwobr Goffa Wil Petherbridge am ei waith yn cyfieithu o’r Saesneg i’r Gymraeg
Roedd arholwyr y Gymdeithas yn ystyried gwaith pawb safodd arholiadau’r Gymdeithas yn ystod 2024 (Gwanwyn a Hydref) cyn dod i’w penderfyniad.
Cyflwynir Gwobr Berwyn i'r ymgeisydd mwyaf addawol am Aelodaeth Sylfaenol drwy gyfieithu i'r Saesneg. Mae'n anrhydeddu Berwyn Prys Jones a fu'n Gadeirydd y Gymdeithas am fwy na chwarter canrif ac yn arweinydd ysbrydoledig ar fyd cyfieithu yng Nghymru.
Cyflwynir Gwobr Goffa Wil Petherbridge gan Gymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru er cof am ei chyn-Ysgrifennydd ac arloeswr ym myd cyfieithu yng Nghymru. Mae’r wobr yn arwydd o werthfawrogiad y Gymdeithas o’r holl waith a wnaeth Wil, yn enwedig wrth sefydlu’r drefn arholi.
O Landeilo daw Sarah yn wreiddiol, gan raddio gyda gradd BA mewn Ffrangeg ac Eidaleg, ac yna MA mewn Astudiaethau Cyfieithu, o Brifysgol Caerdydd. Mae hi wedi gweithio i Business Language Services Ltd am dros wyth mlynedd ac erbyn hyn hi yw Uwch Swyddog y Gymraeg y cwmni.
Cafodd Rhys Ifor ei fagu yng Nghaernarfon gan dderbyn ei addysg yn Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, cyn symud i Gaerdydd i wneud cyrsiau BA Hanes ac MA Cymraeg ac Astudiaethau Celtaidd ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd. Mae o wedi bod yn cyfieithu ers bron i bum mlynedd gan gychwyn yng nghwmni Cyfieithu Clir cyn symud ymlaen i weithio yn adran gyfieithu Amgueddfa Cymru, ac erbyn hyn mae o’n gweithio fel Uwch-gyfieithydd yn uned gyfieithu Prifysgol Caerdydd.
"AI in translation and interpretation - the opportunities and the challenges"
A conference organised by Gymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru.
Monday 23 June, Aberystwyth University
Speakers:
Efa Gruffydd Jones, Welsh Language Commissioner, discussing Standards and AI
Dr Angharad James, Department of Law at Aberystwyth University, will discuss the legal confidentiality implications, of using AI.
Hanna Thomas, who works for an international IT consultancy, will talk about the possibilities of AI.
Ben Screen, author of " “Sylfeini Cyfieithu Testun: Cyflwyniad i Gyfieithu Proffesiynol”, the benefits of AI for a translator.
Alun Gruffydd, founder of Bla, will discuss the impact of AI on translation companies.
Mandi Morse, Senior Lecturer in Professional Translation Studies will discuss the implications of AI for educators.
and
Rhys Jones, Bangor AI, will horizen scan for "what's coming next?".
There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be available.
The Conference will be held through the medium of Welsh but with simultaneous interpretation available.
To register follow the link >>> https://forms.gle/DeDJgc9qzkngXyyU7
Proposed cuts at Cardiff University
In response to the proposed cuts at Cardiff University, Manon Cadwaladr, Chair of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, said:
"The proposed cuts at Cardiff University are a shock. Languages and translation are essential for different nations to understand each other. Languages have commercial value as countries buy, sell, import and export. The loss of expertise in languages in our universities will lead in time to the loss of the ability to teach languages in our schools. We will all be poorer because of this.
I call on Cardiff University to reconsider these cuts and tonight our thoughts are with the staff whose jobs are at stake.
Cynhadledd ar-lein y CIOL – 21.03.2024.
Diolch i’r Gymdeithas am gael treulio diwrnod difyr yn gwrando ar arbenigwyr iaith a chyfieithu o bob maes ac o bob cwr o’r byd yng nghynhadledd ar-lein y CIOL. Cawn ein hannog gan y Gymdeithas i fanteisio ar bob cyfle i ehangu ein profiadau proffesiynol a buaswn yn annog unrhyw un i gymryd cip ar y cyfleoedd datblygiad proffesiynol mae’r CIOL yn eu cynnig gydol y flwyddyn.
Er mai cynhadledd ar-lein oedd hi doedd hi ddim yn drwm o gwbl, gyda 6 sesiwn amrywiol. Roedd thema gyffredin gyda sawl un o’r siaradwyr yn canolbwyntio ar y datblygiadau mewn technoleg a phwysigrwydd parhau i ddysgu a datblygu ein dealltwriaeth o dechnoleg a sut gallai fod o fudd i ni yn ein gwaith.
Maha El-Metwally oedd yn agor y gynhadledd gan drafod yr heriau cyfoes a’r angen i barhau i ddysgu am ddatblygiadau newydd mewn technoleg a sicrhau bod llais cyfieithwyr yn cael eu clywed wrth i dechnoleg ddatblygu. Rhaid peidio â bod ofn cysylltu â’r cwmnïau mawrion i egluro sut gallen nhw wneud bywyd yn haws i gyfieithwyr medde hi!
Cawsom flas ar yrfa Guilia Lucania sy’n arbenigo mewn cyfieithu a llunio testun marchnata yn ymwneud â’r diwydiant bwyd a diod ac roedd hi’n sôn am bwysigrwydd deall cyd-destun diwylliannol yr hyn rydyn ni’n ei gyfieithu, yr angen i ddarllen yn eang a blasu digon o fwyd a gwin wrth gwrs.
Eglurodd Michelle Sheehan sut roedd hi’n denu myfyrwyr at ieithyddiaeth wrth i niferoedd sy’n astudio ieithoedd barhau i ostwng a Bozena Pajak wedyn yn egluro’r wyddoniaeth y tu ôl i ddysgu ieithoedd ar Duolingo. (Fe gadarnhaodd hi nad oedd bwriad diweddaru’r Gymraeg, dim ond cynnal beth oedd yno’n barod, a bod eu pwyslais nhw ar gynyddu’r ddarpariaeth Saesneg...).
Soniodd Adam Wooten am y llu o yrfaoedd oedd ynghlwm â ieithoedd gan nodi bod y gwasanaethau rydyn ni’n eu cynnig yn anweledig o ran eu natur, felly mae angen mwy o farchnata ymhlith gwasanaethau gyrfaoedd i ddenu myfyrwyr at y grefft. Amlinellodd y newidiadau ar y gorwel gan ddweud mai ni oedd yn y lle gorau i fynd i’r afael â nhw oherwydd ein bod ni’n ddiwydiant sy’n barod i ddysgu ac ymateb.
I gloi, cawsom wledd o hen eiriau anghofiedig gan Susie Dent (Dictionary Corner ar Countdown) wnaeth ein tywys ni drwy ei hoff eiriau sy’n gysylltiedig â theimladau ac emosiwn, gan gyfeirio at y ffaith bod y sawl sy’n gallu mynegi eu hemosiynau yn huawdl yn iachach ac yn hapusach eu byd.
Mae cynadleddau fel hyn a’r datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus sy’n bosib yn werthfawr iawn wrth i’r tirlun newid o flwyddyn o flwyddyn. Recordiwyd y sesiynau hyn ac maent ar gael i aelodau CIOL ar eu gwefan.
Nia Davies, cwmni Nico
Wil Petherbridge Award winner
Congratulations to Nia Morus-Lovelock winner of this year's Wil Petherbridge award.
The Wil Petherbridge Memorial Prize, named in memory of the Society's former secretary and a pioneer in translation in Wales - is awarded by the Society's Chief Examiner to the most promising candidate in the Basic Membership, translation into Welsh, examinations.
This year's winner Nia works for Bla Translation in Llangefni. Nia says "'Born in Anglesey, I worked as a primary teacher in south Wales for ten years, first in Pontypridd and then Barry, before moving back to Anglesey in 2002, where I worked as a supply teacher. I’d wanted to develop a career as a translator for a few years, and I got a job with Bla in 2021 and have just been appointed Senior Translator there. I have two daughters, Grug who is 22 and Annes who is 15."
Appointment of Chief Officer
Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru is pleased to announce that Teleri Haf Hughes has been appointed as the association's new Chief Officer.
Teleri is from Amlwch, and after graduating from Aberystwyth University with a first-class honours degree in Welsh, she returned to teach at her old school, Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch. Teleri currently works as the Children and Young People's Editor with Gwasg Y Lolfa.
Announcing her appointment, Chair of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, Manon Cadwaladr, said: "I'm really looking forward to working with Teleri. She has a clear vision regarding the direction of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru and her enthusiasm and energy will surely take the association to the next level. I am also pleased that Teleri is able to work with Gwyn Williams, our current Chief Officer to ensure a smooth transition period. I would also like to thank the Welsh Government who are part-funding the position of Chief Officer."
Teleri said: "I am very much looking forward to the challenge of serving the members of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru and building on the foundations that have been established over the last 50 years”.
Teleri will take up her post in September.
Wil Petherbridge and Berwyn Awards.
Following the Society’s exams in October, we’re pleased to announce that Nia Morus Lovelock and Owain Rogers have won the Wil Petherbridge and Berwyn awards.
The Wil Petherbridge Memorial Award, in memory of the Society's former secretary and a pioneer in translation in Wales - is awarded by the Society's Chief Examiner to the most promising candidate for Basic Membership for translation into Welsh.
This year's winner is Nia Morus Lovelock who works for Bla in Llangefni. Nia says "'Born in Anglesey, I worked as a primary teacher in south Wales for ten years, first in Pontypridd and then Barry, before moving back to Anglesey in 2002, where I worked as a supply teacher. Having wanted to be a translator for some years, I got a job with Bla translation in 2021 and have just been appointed as a Senior Translator there. I have two daughters, Grug who is 22 and Annes who is 15."
The Berwyn Award which recognises the immense contribution of Berwyn Prys Jones, who was Chairman of the Society for over a quarter of a century – is awarded by the Society's Chief Examiner to the most promising candidate for Basic Membership, for translation into English.
This year's winner is Owain Rogers who lives and works in Cardiff.
Both receive a cash prize of £150 and can attend 1 translation e-workshop at the Full level (worth £45) for free.