PHILIPSBURG – On Monday, Dr. Linda Richardson unveiled her latest written contribution, “Trilingual Terminology in Criminal Proceedings,” to Interim Premier Silveria Jacobs.
Based on decades of experience, this ground-breaking work serves as a guide for those who navigate the complex legal process and ensure a standard of translation and interpretation that upholds justice.
With more than half a century dedicated to the art of interpreting and translating, including more than 40 years rooted in the legal system from hearings to appeals, Dr. Richardson has an expertise that is unmatched. His views shed light on the profound impact of language rights on human rights, which he emphasized at the book’s official launch in October 2023: “Language rights are human rights”.
In a multilingual society like St. Maarten, Dr. Richardson’s book serves as a cornerstone in maintaining language standards and defending language rights. Dr. Richardson’s work provides accurate translations of Dutch terminology used throughout the criminal justice process, from police custody to appeals, bridging language gaps by translating Dutch terms into both English and Spanish.
Adopted and refined by the Caribbean Court through the late Justice Bob Wit, this invaluable reference text highlights its importance in safeguarding linguistic integrity in the judiciary.
Dr. Richardson’s dedication to language rights extends beyond academia; as a former minister of the Netherlands Antilles, he advocated the teaching of the mother tongue in schools. Today, his vision is manifested as English becomes the dominant Language of Instruction in areas such as St. Eustatius and Saba.
As a luminary in linguistics, Dr. Richardson’s advocacy for mother tongue teaching transcends academia. His ground-breaking program for court interpreters in the summer of 2021 has responded to the urgent need for qualified interpreters and planned additional cohorts in response to growing demand.
In conjunction with the celebration of Mother Language Day on February 20, Dr. Richardson’s presentation of his book to Prime Minister Jacobs marks a pivotal moment in promoting linguistic inclusion in the justice system. The support expressed in the Prime Minister’s foreword emphasizes the necessity of legal literature to resonate with the language of the people.
Both Interim Prime Minister Jacobs and Interim Attorney General Anna Richardson have championed this important work since its inception and highlighted its importance in the societal debate. “Trilingual Terminology for Criminal Proceedings” is now available at Van Dorp Bookstore and Adolphus Richardson Office Supplies, a milestone in the journey toward linguistic justice.
Inquiries about the book, training programs and services by email (email protected) or message via WhatsApp to +1721-554-6979.
Bron: Daily Herald