Translators, interpreters and philologists with a royal distinction

The Belgian Translators, Interpreters and Philologists Chamber (Chambre belge des traducteurs, interprètes et philologues / Belgische Kamer van Vertalers, Tolken en Filologen, CBTIP / BKVTF) is a non-profit translators association founded in 1995.

On the 23rd May 2006, the organisation was awarded the title of Royal Association.

The CBTIP is governed by several organs. The General Assembly is the supreme board of this translation association. General policy is determined by its members. The Administration Board, composed of seven to 15 members, is elected every two years by the General Assembly. It is its responsibility to watch over the association’s daily routine.

The Belgian association has two instances aimed at regulating conflicts. One of them is the Arbitration Committee, in charge of regulating conflicts of a professional nature between members themselves or between members and their clients. There is also a Discipline Council dedicated to taking care of problems concerning infractions committed by the association’s members related with the constitution, the code of ethics, etc.

Other than these organs, the CBTIP has many regional branches spread all over the country. In their words, they are “CBTIP’s local aerials”. These organs are responsible for organising regular meetings, open to all members.

According to 2009 figures, the CBTIP has 334 members, between translators, interpreters, terminologists, professional philologists and people who have an interest in the profession. Over 150 translation professionals who are members of CBTIP are sworn translators.

To be a member of the Belgian translators association, you must have a university degree in a linguistic subject or having gone through the test aimed at providing evidence of people’s professional experience (4 years at least working mainly as a translator).

CBTIP is responsible for the publication of Le Linguiste, a quarterly magazine aimed at both members and interested people. It contains articles about the world of translation, news from abroad, practical reviews of new dictionaries and translation manuals, software, internet, etc. It also provides insight on the association’s activities.

Other than this, CBTIP publishes a yearbook, and the association’s newsletter. It consists of an electronic information bulletin, sent to members every three months. It provides information on the activities organised by regional branches, national activities, current projects and members’ initiatives.

As far as events are concerned, the Belgian association organises seminars and meetings that allow its members to follow the evolution of the profession. Past issues have focussed on themes like the commercial and financial aspect of the profession, new useful technologies for translators, CBTIP’s 50th anniversary, the future law applicable to sworn translators, amongst many others. These events are equally open to non-members.

Moreover, there are regular coaching sessions and workshops. They are usually organised by one of the association’s members or a guest who is an expert on the matter. The workshops aim at providing translation professionals with knowledge gathered throughout the years. Themes such as translation memories, email, scanners, have already been studied.

CBTIF’s website allows people to search for a translator or an interpreter. It displays information details which are up-to-date about the association and its activities, as well as a useful list of links.

The Belgian association maintains close relations with all Belgian and foreign institutes that teach translation and interpreting. Belgian students can sign up for the Best Memory Prize, awarded every two years by CBTIF. Schools, together with the association, organise recycling courses about subjects of interest to members.

International cooperation is also one of the organisation’s concerns. CBTIF has established close links with several interpreters and translators associations from other parts of the world, particularly concerning the French-German combination and the French-English as well.

Keep in mind that there are three official languages in Belgium. Dutch is spoken by almost 60% of the population. Even though it’s identical to the language spoken in Netherlands, it is usually referred to as “Flemish”. French is the second most spoken language (nearly 40%) and German is the third, with only 1%. Belgium has around 11 million inhabitants.

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