Dutch Language Division Dutch is the native language for an

Dutch Language Division Proposal Incentive to create a new Division: Dutch Language Division Dutch is the native language for an estimated 23 million people worldwide. For another 5 million people it is their secondary language. Dutch is one of the official languages within the European Union, the Union of South American Nations (Unasur), and CARICOM (Caribbean Community). The language is a subject matter in 175 universities outside of the Dutch-speaking territories, with more than 400,000 students learning the language. During the 56th ATA Annual Conference in Miami, a group of Dutch translators and interpreters discussed the need and possibilities to establish a Dutch Language Division to provide a formal platform for Dutch linguists within ATA. The idea received ample support within the Dutch T&I community. Many Dutch translators and interpreters would benefit from the networking, terminology research, technology and professional development opportunities offered by a division for the Dutch language. The Dutch Language Division plans to provide a platform for all Dutch linguists to build their job skills and a language specific professional network. Adding this language division to the association will create added value for the ATA Membership. Objectives for the new division • Services offered will be consistent with the ATA Division Handbook, and the Governing Policy for Divisions Professional support • Peer-to-peer support through an online discussion group, and a blog Continuing Education • Identify ATA activities relevant to Dutch translators and interpreters • Recommend speakers for the ATA Annual Conference Career growth • Support members who are interested in or need to get a better understanding of Dutch translation and interpretation by providing a platform in the form of listserv on Yahoo groups to exchange knowledge and professional experience relevant to Dutch • Offer independent language professionals the possibility to grow their expertise as well as a job market • Increase general exposure for Dutch translators and interpreters Administration The Division will conform to ATA Policies, including: • Presentation of the division proposal to the ATA Board • Submission of a formal petition to request division status signed by the required 20 voting members to establish this Language Division • Election of officers every two years: Administrator, Assistant Administrator • Choose Leadership Council with approximately 4-8 contributing members for the roles like website manager, listserv (Yahoo groups) moderator, writers and editor for the newsletter and blog Core Services The Dutch Language Division will provide the following services for its division members: • Online discussion group (Yahoo! Group) • Website with relevant information and links • Blog with periodical articles • Possible Annual Conference sessions For questions or more information, please contact Leo van Zanten ([email protected]). Sincerely, Leo Leo van Zanten Dutch Translator ATA Voting Member