Brexit is a political matter. Britain is exiting the European Union. It’s a combination of two words. “Britain” and “Exit” which becomes “Brexit”. But how does it impact the translation industry?
Brexit has its implications. Both good and bad. Even if Britain doesn’t leave on October 31st. This has left many industries uneasy. What does the future (post-Brexit) world have in store?
The post Brexit economy
Brexit has certain financial implications. One of the selling points of Brexit was getting financial freedom. Not having to worry about European policymakers.
However, analysts say this will take a few years to reveal itself. Some believe Brexit will have immediate economic impact. And not for the better. This will impact most businesses. Not just translation agencies.
However, once the economic impact becomes more favourable. Translation agencies will see the positive effects. Britain will hope to gain trade agreements with the EU.
Or EU nations. For translation agencies, this will see them translating content in non-European languages. Chinese, Japanese, Arabic etc. If the value of the pound decreases. The price for translations will likely increase.
Translation agencies will be buying Euros and Dollars. Not pounds.
More work for translators
Already, Brexit has created a paper trail. A paper trail that needs translating. French, Spanish, German etc. Many more will be needed once Brexit is over.
This means that the translation industry will likely rise. Simply due to the level of work that needs translating. However the translations will be difficult.
New regulations will come out as a result of a post-Brexit world.
Recruitment
Most translation agencies employ in-house native linguists. Due to the change in immigration policies. Translation agencies expect that this will cause a shortage. No longer will we be able to get native linguists from France, Italy, Poland or Germany.
No matter the regulations. It’s unlikely that EU citizens will want to live in a country that’s so hostile to them. Translation agencies rely heavily on EU citizens. Which will make it difficult for us to recruit and attract staff.
Impacts on language
There’s a question surrounding English’s official status in the EU. Will it remain? Or will it be abolished? Each EU nation retains the right to choose. Which language will they have all their documents translated into. ‘
The UK, obviously, chooses English. France, French. And Spain, Spanish. Britain is the only EU commonwealth nation to choose English. Ireland chose Irish Gaelic. Malta chose Maltese. Therefore, if English is removed as an official language.
There won’t be a need for English document translation. Which will affect the level of work for English translators.
Language learning in school is already suffering in England. It’s declining. After Brexit this could be made worse. Learning German has declined 16% since 2017. French by 8%.
Although it must be stated that it is still early days. And we cannot definitively say if these are related. But it can be said there is a possibility. Children may not feel the need to learn a language.