Recently, LINGVOBALT participated in an event hosted by Translating Europe Workshops 2023 at Vilnius University. It brought together language enthusiasts, scholars and industry professionals for an engaging exploration of EU language dynamics. The focus was “the Language of EU Documents” (“Eurolect”) and its intriguing impact on the Lithuanian administrative language.
The day commenced with warm welcomes from the representatives of Vilnius University and the European Commission Directorate-General for Translation, setting the stage for an engaging series of presentations.
Our linguists had the opportunity to delve into the complexities of Eurolect, where the meticulous work of translators takes centre stage. It’s crucial to note that style guides and linguistic resources allow limited room for creative translation. Additionally, the “once wrong, always right” concept emphasises the necessity for precision in translating EU documents from the outset.
Engaging with a Lithuanian presenter sparked an ongoing debate about the existence of Lithuanian Eurolect. While some believe it’s insignificant, others argue that its influence has shifted since Lithuania joined the EU, moving from the East to the West.
The impact of globalisation on the Lithuanian language is apparent. Lithuanian administrative texts are made of nouns by 50%, which is unusual for a language traditionally oriented toward verbs. In fiction, however, the noun frequency drops to just 25%, highlighting the distinctions between Lithuanian and English.
The event concluded with a lively discussion, where participants shared their insights. The LINGVOBALT team was delighted to reconnect with familiar faces from their university days, evoking memories of the beginnings of their translation journey. The event reinforced a key principle: EU documents primarily serve its citizens, not just the Member States, highlighting the emerging trends like plain language and clear communication, which are vital for reaching a wider EU audience.