Historically the UK has been a liberal and progressive country which respects and welcomes cultures from around the world. It is one of the features of this country which makes it so great.
The UK has, for longer than many people realise, been a haven for immigration which played a crucial role in the building of this country. Being an island with only a tiny stretch of water between us and the continent of mainland Europe makes the UK an attractive destination for many Europeans and other cultures which connect to Europe.
Furthermore, for hundreds of years London has been an economic juggernaut. It is a place where people’s fortunes can be made or asylum can be found. Under the British Empire people from all over the world arrived here to better their lives and achieve their dreams, some just to escape persecution or to feed their family back home, and this still happens today.
The UK is arguably the world’s most culturally diverse country and it is not because of the EU and its latest member countries as some might try to argue. It is because of hundreds and hundreds of years of history and the natural migration of people over time.
To get an idea of the impact immigration has had on the UK examining the Milton Keynes Community Language Service centre is a good example. Since the year 2000 the number of translators has increased from 20 to 300. The centre, part of Milton Keynes Council, now offers services in 84 languages rather than the original 12.
Twi, the second largest language in Ghana, Teluga, spoken in India, and Yoruva, used in Nigeria, are included on the centre’s list. English to Arabic translation has consistently been in demand around the UK as well as eastern European languages. More exotic languages are now being spoken which makes the translation industry very exciting in the UK.
The centre provides a free 24-hour service to immigrants helping them understand housing, health, police and legal matters in Milton Keynes, Luton, Bedford and Northampton.
The staff is currently in the process of recruiting a further 20 interpreters and plan to add Pashto, and the Afghan language, by the end of the year.
Gloria Drew, co-ordinator for the centre, said the services were in ”great demand” and the nature of users had changed significantly over the years.
She said: ”We have definitely seen a large increase in demand for our services and for different languages. When we first started we were helping those who were highly educated with professional jobs such as doctors.”
”Now their relatives have arrived and they are not as highly educated and need our help more. Milton Keynes is a very multi-cultural and welcoming city with people from all over the world who speak many different languages living here.”
”Our services are in great demand and we are often needed to help at health centres, various areas within the council, hospitals and law courts.”
”The interpreters all have a six day training assessment which is very intense because they have to learn all the terminology for social services, health and housing.”
