I've watched the Hausa-speaking debacle at the press conference. I shook my head at most of it.
Let me tell you a short story.
When I worked at this place in South Africa, there was always certain high profile news sources. You always had to go with two journalists. Why? Well...
Let me tell you a short story.
When I worked at this place in South Africa, there was always certain high profile news sources. You always had to go with two journalists. Why? Well...
They could decide to speak Afrikaans. Or Xhosa. Or Sepedi.
Did they understand English?
Perfectly. Were they discussing national issues? 100% - with even GLOBAL consequences.
Why did we adapt? They were within their rights to prioritise official, national languages, not English
Did they understand English?
Perfectly. Were they discussing national issues? 100% - with even GLOBAL consequences.
Why did we adapt? They were within their rights to prioritise official, national languages, not English
This place was Reuters.
The country was South Africa.
I learns big lessons:
A newsmaker is under no obligation to suit your colonial language preferences, or even lessen their own preference.
They do have their reasons - to prevent loss of context, serve their constituency.
The country was South Africa.
I learns big lessons:
A newsmaker is under no obligation to suit your colonial language preferences, or even lessen their own preference.
They do have their reasons - to prevent loss of context, serve their constituency.
No newsmaker, including a president owes you a choice of language.
You're better off doing your job & researching likely languages for any conference, instead of expecting newsmakers to suit your colonial leanings.
After missing scoops?
Reuters started sending 2-3 reporters.👏😂
You're better off doing your job & researching likely languages for any conference, instead of expecting newsmakers to suit your colonial leanings.
After missing scoops?
Reuters started sending 2-3 reporters.👏😂
Forgive my 2 typos...just about to have coffee 😭💀
Good morning. ❤
Good morning. ❤
To spell it out?
What I learnt at Reuters is, if you must do a conference:
1. Research all likely languages that might pop up. Even when newsmakers speak English, they can switch and stay there. So, ask. Google.
2. Get reporters/translators to the presser.
3. Get your scoop👊
What I learnt at Reuters is, if you must do a conference:
1. Research all likely languages that might pop up. Even when newsmakers speak English, they can switch and stay there. So, ask. Google.
2. Get reporters/translators to the presser.
3. Get your scoop👊
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