Breaking Barriers: Simultaneous Interpretation in the Danish Parliament

In the realm of Danish politics, the term "historic" is often overused. However, today truly marked a historic moment at Christiansborg.

A Milestone in the Danish Parliament

For the first time in history, simultaneous interpretation took place in the Folketingssalen as Greenlandic Member of Parliament Aki-Matilda Høegh-Dam from the Siumut party spoke and asked questions in Greenlandic during the question time with the Prime Minister.

The Struggle for Language Rights

This significant event follows a prolonged battle by Høegh-Dam to speak Greenlandic in the chamber, sparking debates and conflicts along the way. She was previously denied the opportunity to ask and answer questions during the opening debate if she did not also deliver her speech in Danish.

Embracing Diversity

However, Høegh-Dam has now succeeded in gaining permission to speak and respond in Greenlandic, a move that was applauded by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S).

• "Thank you to Mrs. Aki-Matilda Høegh-Dam for pioneering in this area and pushing for the necessary development of democracy in the parliament," stated the Prime Minister.
  

  The Experiment of Simultaneous Interpretation
  

  Today’s simultaneous interpretation was an experiment initiated after a majority in the Folketingets Præsidium, the parliament’s leadership, decided to test simultaneous interpretation between Greenlandic and Danish.

  A Resounding Success
  

  The experiment received high praise from the Speaker of the Parliament, Søren Gade (V).

• "I believe it can be classified as a success," he remarked.

  In a video clip, viewers can witness a snippet of Aki-Matilda Høegh-Dam’s speech being simultaneously interpreted.

  Conclusion
  

  The groundbreaking use of simultaneous interpretation in the Danish Parliament represents a significant step towards inclusivity and recognition of linguistic diversity within the political sphere. This momentous occasion sets a precedent for future engagements and highlights the importance of accommodating different languages and cultures within the parliamentary setting.

  FAQ
  

  What is simultaneous interpretation?
  

  Simultaneous interpretation is the real-time translation of spoken language into another language, often used in multilingual settings such as international conferences or, in this case, parliamentary sessions.

  Why is simultaneous interpretation important?
  

  Simultaneous interpretation plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and inclusivity, allowing speakers and listeners to engage across language barriers. In the context of the Danish Parliament, it facilitates the participation of Greenlandic representatives and promotes cultural diversity.