Language will not be a issue during the Beijing Olympics. Interpreters will be prepared to offer services in 44 languages by telephone around the clock for nearly two months.
On Monday Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) declared that the Multi-lingual Service Center for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games was launched at Beijing Foreign Studies University. It will be in operation from July 24 to September 21.
Volunteers at the call center will provide venues with interpretation services for 44 languages through hotlines or a remote translation system during the Summer Olympics, and for 9 languages for the Para-Olympics.
Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) An emergency interpretation team will also be available for media, reception, transportation and medical care whenever language support is necessary.
Some foreign teachers have also joined the center. Cem Aygun, a Turkish expert, who made a speech on behalf of foreign volunteers at the ceremony, cited a Turkish proverb reflecting his wish to contribute to the Beijing Olympics. "There is my salt in the soup" - however small anyone's contribution may be, it is important and valuable.
Mr. Aygun is impressed by the joint efforts of Chinese people in preparation for the Olympics. For example, the environment and transportation have improved. This will not only achieve a "Green Olympics,"but also benefit our life. "It is part of our Asian culture that we value the collective life and actions in concert," he said.
A book introducing Chinese culture to international visitors in English, Insights into Chinese Culture, was also presented to the BOCOG at the launching ceremony of the mulit-lingual center. The book gives readers a clear idea about Chinese philosophy, arts and folk customs using simple, short articles.
Brian Didier, a teacher from the US at the BFSU, said he loves China and the spirit of pursuing peace and harmony in Chinese people. "It is a good beginning when you speak those words, peace and harmony; and from that you can translate the words into practice," he said.
BFSU plays an important part in language service for the Beijing Olympics. It is one of the training bases for Beijing Olympic volunteers. It has provided training programs for nearly 30,000 volunteers and English language tests for more than 10,000 volunteer drivers. Some 3,000 teachers and students from BFSU will work as volunteers at nearly 30 Olympic venues.
By People's Daily Online
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