FIT EUROPE
REGIONAL CENTRE EUROPE OF THE
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRANSLATORS
To whom it may concern
Re: Proposed repeal of Translatørloven 1988
Dear Sir/Madam
FIT Europe is the European regional centre of the global
Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs
and represents the interests of practising translators and interpreters in its 52 member associations
across Europe.
We are writing today in support of the three Danish associations of professional translators and
interpreters, Translatørforeningen, Kommunikation og Sprog and Danske Translatører regarding the
proposed repeal of Translatørloven 1988, which we utterly oppose.
Denmark has long been a bastion of an open and fair society with pioneering social structures that
are the model and envy of countries all over the world. The visionary Translatørloven of 1988
preceded Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September
2005. The proposed repeal of the Act for the authorisation of translators and interpreters therefore
causes us considerable disquiet. We believe it is not only a step in the wrong direction but a fully
counter-productive step.
More so than in many countries within Europe, the Danish government and the people of Denmark
have for many years enjoyed the benefits of the reliable and professional translation of documents
into and from Danish. This was thanks to the vision of this Act and the work and dedication of the
authorized
members of the three aforementioned professional associations.
The Danish government and the people of Denmark are rightly proud of the quality of the
translation and interpreting services provided by the Danish
authorized
translators and interpreters.
Rather than repealing this Act, efforts should be concentrated on safeguarding the existing standard
of translation and interpreting, not to mention protecting the Danish language and ensuring the
implementation of Danish law. This would help to maintain and enhance the reputation of
Denmark, its translators and the Danish language itself, and may we add, at minimal cost to your
taxpayers.
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