Translation firm seeks 'fluent Glaswegian interpreters'

This news item caught our eye last week. A London firm placed an ad in The Herald looking for 'speakers of "Glaswegian English" with knowledge of vocabulary, accent and nuances, to meet interpreting needs of clients who find it an unexpected challenge.'

I guess it proves that the rich variations in regional accents and slang throughout the UK can be difficult for people who don't speak fluent English - especially if the have not been exposed to it much. The translation company says it has had requests from visiting foreign business people for Glaswegian translators.

Earlier this year a bus driver was recognised for teaching his Eastern European Colleagues to understand Glaswegian slang. James Lillis said "When new employees come to Scotland and hear the Glasgow accent, it can be a problem. Drivers have to learn to understand what is meant when a customer says, for example, 'Gie us an aw day tae the toon' (Give me an all day ticket to the town)."