I started my event list blogs at the end of 2015. The posts snowballed
in 2016 in response to popular demand. I moved from an annual post to monthly
posts. As London gained its first Muslim major in Sadiq Khan in 2016, I noted
how it was possible to make my event lists an example of cultural diversity
and inclusion.
Original intention
My original intention was simply to bring together a wide
range of sources for my own diary. I could see the benefits of sharing my
efforts with others. I was amazed at how many events take place within the
translation industry. I was also conscious that many were not keen to promote
the activities of rival organisations.
Active, Energised Sector
I saw the benefits of promoting an active and energised
translation sector to potential clients and the outside world. It is not
possible to attend every event. We can consult the programmes and gain an awareness
of what is happening in our industry. Good ideas are shared by other colleagues and countries.
Change
When I started out as a freelancer many within the
translation industry regarded marketing and social media somewhat dubiously. It
has been interesting to see others actively promote themselves and their
organisations in similar ways.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
As cultural competence is so important to good translation,
I started including more and more cultural events. Along the way, it has become
a labour of love motivated by my firm beliefs in cultural diversity and inclusion.
Remaining Connected
Brexit came as a huge shock. It became more important to
stress a desire to remain European and globally connected.
Access to Multicultural Events
My modest contribution has simply been to include events
from varied cultural backgrounds beside each other. My London base gives me
access to a wide range of free multicultural events. I have shared my
experiences on Twitter or in blogs.
Shared Customs
When we respect another culture’s festivals, we realise that
have a lot in common and much to admire. The Bonfire Night firework display at
Alexandra Palace mixed celebrations from different cultures. I noted how many
festivals have their roots in customs adopted from earlier civilisations. Sometimes
the true origin of a custom is disputed, confused or claimed by another
country.
Merry Christmas again
Britain is traditionally a Christian country. It was
interesting to note that this year, we could say ‘Merry Christmas’ more easily
- rather than the PC ‘Season’s Greetings’ or ‘Happy Holidays’.
British religious
tolerance was very hard to win over centuries. It is a pity that there is no
short-cut for other nations. We should all guard against any deterioration
in British religious tolerance.
Inclusive Celebrations
London celebrates a wide variety of festivals for its
multicultural communities. I remember Chinese
New Year, Easter, Eid, Diwali, Holi Festival of Colours, the Sikh festival of
Vaisakhi and Hanukah. We had the Irish St Patrick’s Day Parade, Days of Poland,
Hungarian Culture Day, a Malaysian day and the Japanese Matsuri festival. There
was the Pride parade too. I have also deliberately highlighted events that
consider accessibility for the visually impaired, deaf and disabled. I fear
that I may have left many excellent events out.
Closer Communities
My 2017 wish is for London’s various communities to mix more
readily. 2016 has been a worrying year for terrorism and extremism. The
terrorists are a minority. I believe that allied with increased security to
protect honest, law-abiding citizens, London has a good recipe for
bringing its diverse communities closer together.
I share my hope for
peaceful, inclusive communities in London with Paris, Nice, Brussels, Berlin
and the world in 2017. Let's welcome 2017 with renewed hope.
I wrote the above before the terrible events in Turkey. My condolences to all the bereaved and injured. My hopes for 2017 remain and are redoubled.
