Why ioc french

Simultaneous interpretation SI is when an interpreter verbally translates the message from one language to another in real-time, helping to facilitate communication without disrupting the natural flow of the speaker.

Hundreds of translators and interpreters also accompany athletes and coaches to assist in communication with the judges and media, as well as to help Olympians to communicate with fans and other athletes. The host city also goes to great lengths to try to minimise language barriers for international visitors. On the streets, signage appears in different languages to try to avoid traffic accidents and confusion, whilst many restaurants supply translated menus to try to make it easier for customers to order.

The goal of the Olympics is to help build a better, more peaceful world through sport, and language is a vital component of that. Now you know what the three official languages of the Tokyo Olympics are, keep an ear out for the French, English and Japanese commentary the next time you tune in to watch the Aussies bring home Gold!

In fact, the charter suggests French has standing over English. French usage has been slipping in recent Olympics. It seemed to have disappeared altogether three years ago in Rio de Janeiro. Signage in French was nowhere. And to be fair, the organizing committee could barely afford to put up signs in the local Portuguese, or English — much less French. It all traces back to Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the Olympic Games at the end of the 19 th century when French was considered the language of diplomacy.

Interestingly, according to Rule 23 [correction] of the Olympic Charter, French is an official IOC language, alongside English, but should a discrepancy between a French text and an English one occur in any IOC document, the French text prevails, so in many ways it is the most important official Olympic language.

The Olympics, like most businesses, operates in a multi-lingual world where discrepancies are bound to occur.

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