Complexities of EU language work

Abstract

The article discusses some of the numerous parameters that must be taken into account in studies of language work at European Union institutions, let alone the European Union. Initially listing the central EU institutions, which in their totality constitute the international organisation with the largest language staff, the article proceeds to discuss diachronic and synchronic views of the language scene. Then it deals with the translation procedures employed, including simultaneous conference interpreting. It attempts to set up a distinction between two extremes, viz. simple and complex translational situations and concludes that even such a distinction is often inadequate. The use of core languages in much EU work, notably in daily work at the EU institutions is discussed in terms of their usefulness as repositories and records of a collective negotiation process as well as the fear that they may imply political domination, a view analysed from synchronic and diachronic angles. The article concludes with a general caution against generalising too much from individual studies.