University of Westminster & Ministry of Defence Languages Examinations Board

University of Westminster & Ministry of Defence Languages Examinations Board

Diploma Dutch March 2003

Reading Task 1 Task 2

Military Journal Newspaper Article

Time allowed 60 minutes

Candidates should attempt all the questions. All answers must be written in English. All notes, rough work and answers must be written in the booklets provided. Do not turn this page over until instructed to do so.


DutchDIP0303 Page 1 of 27

Task 1 Military Journal Your task is to translate the following text. Your translation should convey both the content and meaning, as well as reflect the tone and register of the original passage. The article is about violence at the polls in Papua New Guinea

Het leger van Papua Nieuw Guinea werd vorig jaar ingeroepen om het geweld, dat de algemene verkiezingen in het land achtervolgde, de kop in te drukken. Legertroepen werden aangevlogen om de politiemacht in de uiterst onrustige regio, waar naar verluidt twee mensen tijdens een poging de stembussen te verdonkeremanen waren gedood, te versterken. De stemming had op 29 juni moeten eindigen maar werd met nog eens twee weken verlengd vanwege de wijdverspreide onrust en chaos. Het is voor het eerst sinds de onafhankelijkheid van Australië in 1975 dat het leger van Papua Nieuw Guinea werd gevraagd, om afgezien van logistieke steun, een rol te spelen bij de verkiezingen van het land. Tenminste 16 mensen zijn tot nu toe gedood bij het geweld omtrent de stemmingen, waaronder een kandidaat, die door aanhangers van een zittend lid werd beschoten,. Er heerste ook chaos in andere districten waar aanhangers van concurrerende kandidaten in bewapende bendes stemburos barricadeerden. Er werd gezegd dat de plaatselijke bevolking met voedseltekorten te kampen had omdat winkeliers bang waren hun winkels te openen. Na de sluiting van de stembussen was de voornaamste taak van het leger het waarborgen van de veiligheid tijdens het tellen van de stemmen. Politie commissaris, Joseph Kupo zei: “ Het beleid om al dan niet in te grijpen werd vooral gekenmerkt door veel geduld en tolerantie.” Het leger, dat verdeeld is door twee opstanden in de afgelopen vijf jaar, kan niet rekenen op het vertrouwen van de bevolking. Er zijn bindingen met verschillende stammen en regios, maar ook heerst er een rivaliteit onder de oudere officieren in het leger. Veel officieren kunnen buiten hun eigen bataljons om geen respect afdwingen en dit geeft geruchten over



Task 2 Newspaper Article Your task is to translate the following text. Your translation should convey both content and meaning, as well as reflect the tone and register of the original passage. The article is about a controversial dam proposal in Iraq.

De oude stad Assur lag ooit in het hart van een machtig rijk dat zich uitstrekte van Egypte tot aan de Persische Golf. Het dreigt nu door een dam onder water te worden gezet. Het grootste gedeelte van de ruïnes van de stad, die 4000 jaar geleden werd gesticht en meer dan 1300 jaar lang als hoofdstad van Assirië diende, zal door een 35 kilometer lang reservoir, gecreëerd door de Makhoul Dam in de Tigris Vallei, ten noorden van Baghdad, onder water worden gezet. Toestemming is al gegeven en het werk aan de funderingen van de dam is al begonnen. Dr Stephanie Dalley van de universiteit van Oxford zegt: “Gezien vanuit het idee dat het een erfgoed van wereldformaat, is het een ramp. De meeste dingen daar zijn gebouwd van stenen gebakken van klei die in het water oplossen – door ze onder te laten lopen zullen ze totaal vernietigd worden.” Vorige week drongen Irakese ambtenaren er bij de rest van de wereld op aan een ander oplossing te vinden voor het tekort aan water in het land. Het regime beweert dat het na drie jaar droogte gedwongen is de dam aan te leggen omdat Turkije water uit de rivieren de Eufraat en de Tigris vasthoudt. Op een verzoek om hulp werd echter met minachting gereageerd door tegenstanders van Saddam Hussein. “Deze dam past precies in het straatje van Saddam Hussein, die in de afgelopen tien jaar zodanig levens en veestapels heeft vernietigd dat één man en zijn handlangers tenminste 6000 jaar beschaving om zeep heeft geholpen”, zei een dissident. “Ik voel me verdrietig, verslagen en moedeloos maar niet wanhopig want de tijd voor verandering is aangebroken. Saddam moet weg.”





Listening Task 1 Task 2 Task 3

Radio Discussion News Item Military Briefing


Candidates should attempt all the questions. All answers must be written in English. All notes, rough work and answers must be written in the booklets provided. Do not turn this page over until instructed to do so.



Task 1 Radio Discussion Your task is to identify the major issues in a discussion on a civilian topic and summarise in writing the views of the two speakers, one of whom is male, the other female. You will hear the discussion twice. There will be a silence of three minutes on your CD between broadcasts and a further five minutes at the end after the second recording. You may take notes during the recordings and the three-minute silence, and you must complete the task during the five-minute silence after the second recording. The discussion is about youth curfews.

Task 2 News Item Your task is to write the gist of a radio news item. You will hear the passage once only, after which there will be a silence of 10 minutes on your CD. You may take notes during the recording, and you must complete the task during the 10minute silence on your CD. The news item is about British soldiers contracting malaria after serving in Afghanistan

Task 3 Military Briefing Your task is to summarise a number of points from a military briefing. You will hear the briefing twice. There will be a silence of one minute between briefings and a further ten minutes after the second recording. You may take notes during the recordings and the one-minute silence, and you must complete the task during the ten-minute silence after the second recording. The areas to be summarised are: • • • •

Deployment Reasons for this operation Specific countries mentioned Long term plans




Diploma Dutch March 2003 Tapescripts Task 1

Radio Discussion (English Version) Radio Discussion (Dutch Version)

Task 2

News Item (English Version) News Item (Dutch Version)

Task 3

Military Briefing (English Version) Military Briefing (Dutch Version)



Task 1 Radio Discussion (English Version) A: B:

We, er, we got a real; problem – drugs! Come on Jack, kids ‘ve always –

A:

Pat - I not talking soft drugs – not smoking marijuana – I’m talking , yeah, kids of, maybe twelve/ thirteen, kids mainlining on real hard drugs: you know heroin, coke… But – So where - how do they get the money? Crime. Violent crime. So a whole lot of cities have introduced a juvenile curfew. It’s not punishment, it’s prevention. But hang on, it doesn’t work – it’s not effective – What do you mean, not effective? When is the curfew? Ten o’clock? Half past ten? Jack there’s, um, there’s been research done. Between er, about three in the afternoon and say eight in the evening.- that’s when, juvenile crime, it happens then. Like, between the time the kids finish school and their parents get back from work – Now you’re talking. There you’ve got a point. You agree? Well – Sure yeah – often, parents they’re the problem.. They let their children stay out way after dark. And what happens? I’ll tell you -There’s an accident maybe – some drunk hit-and-run driver. Or they fall in with teenage gangs – these become their role models… Hang on – .Wait - They copy them, they smoke, they drink, they take drugs. And to finance the drugs they. You any idea how many, er, under age prostitutes – Hang on! Hang on! Kids out late, they’re not all prostitutes, or um, drug addicts. A tiny, yeah a really like small proportion of children commit offences. Yeah and citizens’ rights – Hey! What – what’s this – These children are citizens. They are, yes sir, they are. And well, curfews infringe their basic rights. Children have a right to meet and, I don’t know, wander around. They’re contrary to the liberty of the individual. Mmnn.. Pat, we’re talking children here. Young children they are, er, they’re vulnerable in, in so many ways. They shouldn’t be out late. Parents, well, they shouldn’t let their kids out alone late at night. That’s not liberty - that’s neglect. And why is it curfews tend to be imposed in ethnic ghettos? On the poor areas of inner cities? Because unfortunately that’s where the crime is, that where the drugs are, that’s where the gangs are. Curfews, well they keep ‘em away from all that. Like I said these curfews aren’t about punishment they’re about prevention. But they are about punishment! Oh yes they are! In - more kids, in the USA, more get charged with curfew offences than any other crime. So they get a criminal record. Their criminal record means what? It means they can’t get a job. Which, my friend, leads to social deprivation and desperation which in turn breeds crime and drug abuse. No sir, the curfew surely doesn’t stop kids becoming criminals and drug addicts.

B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B: A: B:



Task 1 Radio Discussion (Dutch Version) A: B:

Drugs is echt een problem! Ach kom nou, Jack, kinderen hebben toch altijd…

A:

Pat, ik heb het hier niet over soft drugs, niet het roken van marijuana of zo - ik bedoel, kinderen van misschien twaalf/dertien jaar die echt aan de hard drugs zijn, heroine, cocaine enzo… Maar… Ja, en waar halen ze het geld vandaan? Criminaliteit, geweldadige criminaliteit. Daarom hebben een groot aantal steden een uitgaansverbod aan de jeugd opgelegd. Dat is niet om te straffen maar uit preventie. Ja, maar wacht eens even, dat werkt niet – dat is niet effectief. Hoe bedoel je, niet effectief? Hoe laat gaat het uitgangsverbod in. Tien uur? Half elf? Er is, uh onderzoek gedaan en uit dat onderzoek bleek dat tussen ongeveer drie uur ‘s middags en zo’n uur of acht ‘s avonds, uh, de meeste jeugd criminaliteit, plaats vind. Dus de tijd vanaf het moment dat de kinderen uit school komen en de ouders van het werk komen. Dat bedoel ik dus. Dat is een belangrijk punt. Je bent het met mij eens? Dus… Natuurlijk, ja - vaak zijn de ouders het probleem. Ze vinden het goed dat hun kinderen na het donker buiten zijn. En wat gebeurt er dan? Dat zal ik je vertellen – Misschien gebeurt er een ongeluk, een dronken chauffeur die iemand aanrijdt en dan gewoon doorrijd. Of ze komen in aanraking met jeugdbendes – en die worden dan een soort van schoolvoorbeeld. Ja maar,… Nee, wacht even… Ze doen die bendes gewoon na. Ze roken, ze drinken, ze gaan aan de drugs. En om hun drugsgebruik te financieren gaan ze… Heb je enig idee hoeveel, uh minderjarigen zich prostitueren. Ja maar, niet alle kinderen die tot ‘s avonds laat buiten zijn prostitueren zich, of zijn aan de drugs. Echt een heel kleine gedeelte van de kinderen pleegt een misdrijf. Ja, en dan het recht van de burger. Wat bedoel je? Die kinderen zijn ook burgers. Dat zijn ze wel,hoor! Ja en, zo’n uitgaansverbod gaat tegen hun natuurlijk instinct in. Ze hebben er recht op elkaar te ontmoeten op van die hangplekken. Het hele idee gaat tegen de vrijheid van het individu in. Mmmm… Pat we hebben het hier wel over kinderen, hè. Jonge kinderen, die zijn, uh, kwetsbaar op, op zoveel verschillende manieren. Die horen niet laat buiten te zijn. En de ouders, ja, die zouden hun kinderen niet alleen ‘s avonds laat naar buiten moeten laten gaan. Dat is geen vrijheid maar nalatigheid. En waarom is het dan zo dat uitgaansverboden vaak worden opgelegd in wijken waar vooral etnische minderheden wonen? Of in de armere gedeelten van de binnenstad? Omdat dat helaas de plaatsen zijn waar zich de criminaliteit voordoet. Waar de drugs zijn en waar de bendes opereren. En die uitgaansverboden zorgen er in ieder geval voor dat ze daar niet mee in aanraking komen. Zoals ik zei de verboden zijn geen straf maar een preventie. Maar het is nou juist wel een straf! Echt wel – steeds meer kinderen in Amerika wordt overtredingen op het uitgaansverbod ten laste gelegd. Meer dan welk ander misdrijf dan ook. En zo krijgen ze dan een strafblad. En wat betekent zo’n strafblad? Dat ze geen baan kunnen krijgen. En dat leidt dan weer tot sociale achterstand en wanhoop. En dat leidt tot criminaliteit en drugsmisbruik. Nee, zo’n uitgaansverbod weerhoudt die kinderen er niet van crimineel of drugsverslaafde te worden.

B: A: B: A: B:

A: B: A:

B: A: B: A: B: A:

B: A: B:



Task 2 News Item (English Version) Doctors in Britain have been warned to look out for malaria in British service men and women coming back from Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence has alerted doctors after six soldiers were found to have contracted the disease. Four of the group were serving with the international security assistance force in Kabul and two had been in an army camp at an airfield north of Kabul used as a base by British commandos. A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that one case was of a particularly virulent strain but said that the patient was responding to treatment and none of the cases was severe enough to need hospital treatment. All six soldiers have now returned home All British troops are issued with anti-malarial tablets containing proguanil and chloraquine before they are sent to malarial zones, and they are warned that they must take these tablets to protect themselves. Because malaria is spread by mosquitoes whose parasites enter the blood stream, all military personnel forces are also provided with mosquito nets and insect repellent The ministry of Defence spokesman said that it was possible that the six may have stopped taking their tablets. He admitted that it was difficult to make sure everyone took them in battlefield conditions Doctors have been told to look out for soldiers who complain of fevers, flu-like illnesses or other unexplained symptoms. Malaria is easily treatable if diagnosed early but if not it can be a killer and nine people died from malaria in Britain last year. Although it’s a long time since there have been any cases of malaria being contracted in Britain itself around 2,000 cases are diagnosed here each year. About ten per cent of these are holidaymakers and even some business travellers, the rest are people of African or Asian origin returning from visiting their families. Eight of the nine people who died in 2001 had not taken any anti-malarial pills at all and the other one had stopped taking them. Which explains why the Ministry of Defence is so adamant that all soldiers should take their tablets. And yet for all their efforts 34 cases of malaria were diagnosed in the armed forces last year. Meanwhile the ministry is anxious for doctors to identify any other cases among troops returning from Afghanistan.



Task 2 News Item (Dutch Version) Doktoren in Groot Britanië zijn gewaarschuwd waakzaam te zijn wat betreft Britse legermannen en -vrouwen die uit Afghanistan terugkeren vanwege het feit dat ze malaria zouden kunnen hebben. Het Ministerie van Defenise wees doktoren hierop nadat bleek dat zes soldaten de ziekte hadden opgelopen. Vier van hen waren in dienst van de internationale veiligheidstroepenmacht in Kaboel en twee van hen waren gestationeerd in een legerkamp op een vliegveld ten noorden van Kaboel dat door de Britse commandos als basis werd gebruikt. Een woordvoerder van het Ministerie van Defensie bevestigde dat er in één geval sprake was van een bijzonder hardnekkige vorm van malaria maar zei dat de patient goed op de behandeling reageerde en dat geen van de gevallen ernstig genoeg waren dat behandeling in het ziekenhuis nodig was. Alle zes soldaten zijn inmiddels naar huis teruggekeerd. Alle Britse soldaten hadden malariatebletten met proguanil en chloraquine uitgereikt gekregen voordat ze naar zones gestuurd werden waar malaria voorkwam en ze waren ervan op de hoogte gebracht dat ze de tabletten moesten nemen om zichzelf te beschermen. Omdat malaria wordt verspreidt door muggen wiens parasieten de bloedbaan binnenkomen, werd al het militair personeel ook uitgerust met muskietennetten en insekten-afwerende sprays. Een woordvoerder van het Ministerie van Defensie zei dat het mogelijk was dat de zes gestopt waren met de tabletten. Hij gaf toe dat het moeilijk was ervoor te zorgen dat iedereen ze innam tijdens een gevechtssituatie. Er is doktoren gevraagd waakzaam te zijn bij klachten over koorts, griepachtige ziektes of andere onverklaarbare symptomen. Malaria is gemakkelijk te bestrijden als er vroeg een diagnose gesteld wordt maar als dat niet het geval is kan het dodelijk zijn. Negen mensen overleden vorig jaar in Groot Britanië aan de gevolgen van malaria. Alhoewel het lang geleden is zich dat de laatste gevallen van malaria in Groot Britanië zelf hebben voorgedaan, worden er elk jaar zo’n 2000 gevallen van malaria vastgesteld. Ongeveer 10 procent daarvan zijn vakantiegangers en zelfs een aantal zakenreizigers. De overigen zijn mensen van Afrikaanse of Aziatische origine die terugkeren van familiebezoek. Acht van de negen mensen die in 2001 aan malaria overleden hadden helemaal geen malaria tabletten ingenomen en de andere was er vroegtijdig mee gestopt. Dit verklaart waarom het Ministerie van Defensie erzo op gesteld is dat alle soldaten hun tabletten innemen. Maar ondanks al haar pogingen werden vorig jaar in het leger 34 gevallen van malaria vastgesteld. Het ministerie dringt er bij doktoren ernstig op aan bij de troepen die uit Afghanistan terugkeren ook eventuele andere gevallen te identificeren.



Task 3

Military Briefing (English Version) Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. I am here to make a statement about the deployment of troops to Africa and the Middle East. We will be sending an extra 400 elite troops to help in the hunt for suspected terrorists. They will join 800 troops, including special operations forces, who have already been stationed at a military headquarters in Djibouti for several months. The 400 marines will set up the command centre in Djibouti. It will initially operate from a Navy ship in the Red Sea, the amphibious USS Mount Whitney, for the 60 to 90 days which will probably be necessary to build a command post ashore. The ship will leave its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia on the 12th of next month, with a crew of 560. However, it is unclear whether all the Marines will be on board next week, or whether they will embark later. The 800 troops already in Djibouti will join the new Combined Joint Task Force Eastern Africa, along with forces expected to be contributed by coalition partners. Eastern Africa turns out to be a fairly busy place in terms of the flow of troops and other instruments of war. There have been intelligence reports of trade in weapons, explosives, and some as yet unconfirmed reports of deals in material for weapons of mass destruction, specifically for making a dirty bomb. This means that the US has to review its security relationships and its ability to deploy troops in countries such as Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen. The Yemen is of particular interest. We can confirm that six alleged members of alQaeda, including one of the organisation’s top operatives. We cannot confirm that the operation was CIA sponsored, or that an unmanned US warplane was used. Our analysts and experts are also of the opinion that al-Qaeda operatives could regroup in Somalia. We have been in contact with the transitional government in that country, and we are pleased to say that they have promised to cooperate with the US war on terror. Djibouti, because of its geographical location, is a strategic point in the region. The small mostly desert country of 600,000, has long been used as a military base by the former colonial power, France, which has more than 2,000 troops base there. We are planning eventually to have three regional headquarters, each with its own responsibilities. As well as the new command centre there is one at Bagram air base in Afghanistan, we are looking into the logistical possibilities of a third base in the Gulf. A major command post exercise begins in Qatar in the next few weeks, and equipment and military staff could stay on in the area after the exercise is over. Other US troops are stationed aboard navy ships in the Red Sea and will remain so for the foreseeable future. And with that I will take any questions.



Task 3 Military Briefing (Dutch Version) Goedenmorgen dames en heren, Ik ben hier om een verklaring af te leggen inzake het uitzenden van troepen naar Afrika en het Midden Oosten. We zullen 400 extra elitetroepen sturen om te assisteren bij het opsporen van mogelijke terroristen.

Ze zullen zich bij de 800 manschappen voegen,

waaronder zich een speciale operationele macht bevind, die al een aantal maanden in het militaire hoofdkwartier in Djibouti zijn gestationeerd. De 400 mariniers zullen een commandopost in Djibouti opzetten. Er zal om te beginnen gedurende 60 à 90 dagen, de geschatte tijd nodig voor het opzetten van zo’n commandopost op het land, geopereerd worden vanaf een marineschip in de Rode Zee, het amphibivoertuig de USS Mount Whitney. Het schip zal de thuishaven in Norfolk, Virginia, op de 12de van de volgende maand verlaten met aan boord 560 manschappen. Het is echter nog onduidelijk of alle mariniers volgend week al aan boord zullen zijn of dat zij zich later inschepen. De 800 troepen, die al in Djibouti aanwezig zijn, zullen zich samen met de manschappen, die verwacht worden van de coalitie partners, voegen bij de nieuwe Combined Joint Task Force in Oost Afrika,. Bewegingen van troepen en ander oorlogs-materieel in oost Afrika blijkt intensief te zijn. Rapporten van de inlichtingendienst melden handel in wapens en explosieven en er zijn onbevestigde berichten over handel in onderdelen voor massavernietigingswapens, in het bijzonder voor het maken van een ‘vieze’ bom. Dat betekent dat de Verenigde Staten haar veiligheidsbetrekkingen en de mogelijkheid haar troepen in te zetten in landen zoals, Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti en Yemen, zal moeten herzien. Yemen is in het bijzonder van belang.

We kunnen bevestigen dat daar zes

vermoedelijke leden van Al-Qaeda, waaronder één van de topmannen van de organisatie, onlangs zijn gedood. We kunnen niet bevestigen dat de operatie door de CIA geleid is of dat er een onbemand Amerikaans oorlogsvliegtuig is gebruikt. Onze analisten en experts zijn het erover eens dat leden van Al Qaeda zich kunnen hergroeperen in Somalië. We hebben contact gehad met de tijdelijke regering in dat land en kunnen met tevredenheid melden dat ze hebben ingestemd met de Verenigde Staten samen te werken op het gebied van het bestrijden van terrorisme. Djibouti is, vanwege de geografische locatie, een strategisch gebied in de regio. Het land, dat voornamelijk uit woestijnlandschap bestaat, telt 600.000 inwoners en wordt al lang gebruikt als militaire basis door de voormalige kolonisator, Frankrijk, die er op dit moment meer dan 2.000 manschappen gestationeerd heeft.





Writing Task 1 Task 2

Social Letter Translation of a Report


Candidates should attempt all the questions. All notes, rough work and answers must be written in the booklets provided. Do not turn this page over until instructed to do so.



Task 1 Social Letter You are engaged in a multi-national peacekeeping mission. A poster in Dutch was seen in town: below is the English translation you have made and given to your CO. Your CO wants to write to the local Festival organiser/Mayor (L2 equivalent) with his comments. Read the poster and comments, and then draft your letter, which will be delivered by hand later that day. You are advised to spend approximately 30 minutes on this task. Note: In your answer to this question, you must show that you have referred to all the points made in the comments. New Moon Festival Music, Food and Dancing for all! Next Sunday from 1700 until the midnight moon! Everyone invited – bring the children, bring the donkey, bring Granny! 1700 – 1745 1800 – 1930 1800 – 2000 2000 – midnight moon! 1900 – midnight moon!

1.

Parade of Folk Costumes with music Dress up and win a prize Choir competition Sing out and win a prize Children’s Playtime Festival Swings, roundabouts and skipping fun for all the children Dancing Food festival begins Bring your own local dish and taste your neighbours’ special dish!

Address the Festival Organiser/Mayor [L2 equivalent] on this. Tell him we wish the community well for this – good time for all etc.

2.

Hope that everyone includes us: we would like to join the community.

3.

Offer any or all of these: •

prizes of chocolates or biscuits [or L2 appropriate item]

•

rides for children [adults?] in an APC

•

a multi-national choir

•

our Scottish lads in kilts for the competition.

4.

Ask how else we can help – Tents? Refreshments? Labour? Transport?

5.

Let them know that we are here for peacekeeping and want to help develop the community; close contact will help all the community.

6.

Say you, the writer, will call tomorrow at 0900 to make arrangements if required. Be friendly.



Task 2 Translation of a Report Prepare a draft translation of the following report. Your report should accurately convey the content of the text. You should include headings as suggested by the notes and your report should be culturally appropriate. You are advised to spend approximately 60 minutes on this task. Report on Briefing on Changing Role of UK Military 1. Main Aspects of Changes. (a) The most striking development is the intended use of pilot less (Robot) aircraft. (b) This however is only one aspect of a major multi-million pound overall of all the armed services. (c) The rationale behind these changes is to develop a force capable of deploying rapidly in distant battlegrounds against small but highly mobile enemy forces. (d) One important innovation will be the establishment of new elite rapid response units equipped with: i. Apache Assault helicopters ii. Armed drones (pilot less aircraft) capable of seeking out enemy without risk to aircrews 2. Origins of Changes (a) MI6 had access to material from American ‘Predator’ pilot less aircraft used in Afghanistan. (b) These aircraft proved successful in this conflict and were credited with a number of successes. (c) In consequence MI6 made representation to the ministry of Defence for Britain to have its own squadron of these aircraft. 3. Multinational Aspect (a) In future all British military equipment is to be made more compatible with that of Britain’s allies. (b) Groups hostile to Britain’s increasingly close military ties with the USA will view these developments with concern. 4. Changes in Focus (a) Existing British forces were designed to combat threats arising in Europe and the Middle East. (b) In the future they must be equipped to work in remote corners of the world used as terrorist havens. (c) UK military chiefs are aware that in the future Britain is likely to be involved in conflicts where: i. There is no declaration of war. ii. British forces will be obliged to locate and destroy an enemy hiding among a civilian population. Quote from ‘military source’: “We saw in Afghanistan how Al-Qaeda had colonised a country”.



5. Effect of Changes (a) These changes will not involve an expansion of Britain’s existing forces (b) Instead there will be a reworking of current strength. New units will be formed at the expense of: i. Tank regiments. ii. Traditional infantry personnel. (c) Up to 5,000 men will be assigned to a new air assault brigade. (d) This unit will work in tandem with the existing 16 Air Assault Brigade set up in 1999 and incorporating: i. Paratroops. ii. The Army Air Corps.





Speaking Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4

Transacting Business General Conversation Consecutive Interpreting Situational Interpreting

Time allowed 55 minutes Task 1 Preparation Transaction Task 2 Task 3 Task 4

10 minutes 5 minutes approx. 10 minutes approx. 10 minutes approx. 10 minutes approx

The use of dictionaries, glossaries, or any other reference material (whether printed or personal) is not permitted during the preparation phase or at the oral examination board. Mobile phones must be handed in at registration. If you take any reference materials or notes into the preparation room, please make this known to the invigilator immediately.



Task 1 Transacting Business Candidates’ Brief You are playing the role of a British liaison officer. Some soldiers from your unit are rumoured to have been captured by rebel forces. A local journalist claims to have seen them. Your CO has sent you as the only Dutch speaker to interview the journalist and conduct the business outlined below. You have 10 minutes to prepare before the meeting. After the meeting you have five minutes to report the outcomes back to your CO (played by the Service Colleague) in English. FROM: The CO TO: You Ref: Hostages A local journalist has arrived in town claiming that he was taken to the rebel base and has seen members of our unit who were taken hostage. Could you interview him and report back to me as soon as possible? In particular we need to find out: •

how he was taken there

•

any clues as to the location of the camp

•

the condition of our men

•

any demands that the rebels are making or might make

•

whether we can gain access to our men

•

what sort of relationship this journalist has with the rebels

•

if he is willing to act as a go-between for us.

Do not promise anything at this stage. We need to check the authenticity of his reports. Obviously show that you believe everything he says. We don’t want to put him off and we need as much information as possible from him. Report back to me immediately on your return.




Diploma Dutch March 2003 Examiners' Pack Speaking Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4

Transacting Business General Conversation Consecutive Interpreting Situational Interpreting

Time allowed

55 minutes (maximum)

Task 1 Preparation Transaction Task 2 Task 3 Task 4

10 minutes 15 minutes approx. 10 minutes approx. 5 minutes approx. 10 minutes approx.

Contents Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9

Cover Sheet Task 1 Transacting Business – Examiners’ Brief Task 1 Transacting Business – Service Colleagues’ Checklist Task 1 Transacting Business – Candidates’ Brief Task 1 Transacting Business – Comparison Sheet Task 2 General Conversation – Examiners’ Brief Task 3 Consecutive Interpreting – Examiners’ Brief Task 4 Situational Interpreting (English Version) – Service Colleagues’ Brief Task 4 Situational Interpreting (Dutch Version) – Examiners’ Brief



Task 1 Transacting Business Examiners’ Brief You are playing a local journalist who was taken to a rebel camp to see soldiers that have been taken hostage. The British liaison officer needs to find out information about your visit. Be as helpful as you can. Candidate I understand you have been in touch with the rebels who are holding the hostages. Could you give details about when and where you saw them? Have you any idea how long you were travelling for? That might give an approximate location? Could it have been their main camp?

Examiner I was taken to their base two days ago. I was blindfolded so I really can’t tell you where it was

Service Colleague Check details 1.Taken to base two days ago 2.Blindfolded so does not know where it was

It took an hour and a half to get there. I assume you know their main camp is in the farming region about 60 kilometres north of here So it’s possible- what do you think? One of them had bruises and cuts on his leg, but they told me they were being adequately looked after. They looked all right in the circumstances.

Check location of rebel camp 1 90 minutes journey away 2.Confirms main camp is 60 kilometres away in agricultural reason. 3. Therefore possible location

What do the rebels want? What demands did the leaders make? Who did you talk to?

I was taken there by a couple of ordinary soldiers. I saw no leaders. I just talked to the soldiers. They said nothing

Is it possible for us to gain access to them? We would like to communicate with them

No. The soldiers made it very clear that they would only talk to me – and the other local journalist of course. All they wanted was more accurate reporting. We offered to print their side of the story. I resent your suggestion that we paid money!

Check what he knows about demands 1.He only talked to the soldiers who brought him in. 2.He has no knowledge of the leaders demands as he did not meet them Check possibility of gaining access 1.Access is denied 2. The rebels will only communicate with the journalists Check relationship between journalist and rebels 1.Rebels felt they were being falsely reported. 2.The deal was that the papers would print their side of the story 3.No money was paid. Check if he will act as intermediary He wants some incentive because of the risks involved

What condition were the men in? Were any of them injured? Are they being looked after properly?

How did you get in? Was a deal struck between your newspaper and the rebels that allowed you this access? Did you pay them money? Supposing we came to a deal would you be prepared to act as an intermediary for us if we need it? I will report to my CO and see what he decides on. Thank you for your time

That would depend on what you offer. It would be a risky business. I wouldn’t go in without some incentive. You’re welcome


Check condition of men 1.One has cut and bruised leg 2. They were being looked after quite well 3.They were as well as might be expected.


Task 1 Transacting Business Service Colleagues’ Checklist For reference you have in this set of papers the Examiners’ Brief, the Candidates’ Brief, and on page 5 a Comparison Street with the cues for the candidate, for the native speaker, and for you as Service Colleague. Your task in the examination is to check in English the information, which the candidate brings back from a dialogue with the native speaker examiner. On completion of the transaction you will receive a 5-minute brief from your Dutch speaker. The scenario is a debriefing of a journalist who was taken to a rebel camp, where he saw some British hostages. Check the following information: •

Circumstances of his visit to the camp

•

Details of the location of the camp

•

Condition of the men

•

What demands the rebels are making

•

The possibility of gaining access to the camp

•

The relationship between the journalist and the rebels

•

Whether the journalist is willing to act as an intermediary



Task 1 Transacting Business Candidates’ Brief You are playing the role of a British liaison officer. Some soldiers from your unit are rumoured to have been captured by rebel forces. A local journalist claims to have seen them. Your CO has sent you as the only Dutch speaker to interview the journalist and conduct the business outlined below. You have 10 minutes to prepare before the meeting. After the meeting you have five minutes to report the outcomes back to your CO (played by the service colleague) in English. FROM: The CO TO: You Ref: Hostages A local journalist has arrived in town claiming that he was taken to the rebel base and has seen members of our unit who were taken hostage. Could you interview him and report back to me as soon as possible? In particular we need to find out: •

how he was taken there

•

any clues as to the location of the camp

•

the condition of our men

•

any demands that the rebels are making or might make

•

whether we can gain access to our men

•

what sort of relationship this journalist has with the rebels

•

if he is willing to act as a go-between for us.

Do not promise anything at this stage. We need to check the authenticity of his reports. Obviously show that you believe everything he says. We don’t want to put him off and we need as much information as possible from him. Report back to me immediately on your return.



Task 1 Transacting Business Comparison Sheet You are playing a local journalist who was taken to a rebel camp to see soldiers that have been taken hostage. The British liaison officer needs to find out information about your visit. Be as helpful as you can. Candidate I understand you have been in touch with the rebels who are holding the hostages. Could you give details about when and where you saw them? Have you any idea how long you were travelling for? That might give an approximate location? Could it have been their main camp?

Examiner I was taken to their base two days ago. I was blindfolded so I really can’t tell you where it was

Service Colleague Check details 1.Taken to base two days ago 2.Blindfolded so does not know where it was

It took an hour and a half to get there. I assume you know their main camp is in the farming region about 60 kilometres north of here So it’s possible- what do you think? One of them had bruises and cuts on his leg, but they told me they were being adequately looked after. They looked all right in the circumstances.

Check location of rebel camp 1 90 minutes journey away 2.Confirms main camp is 60 kilometres away in agricultural reason. 3. Therefore possible location

What do the rebels want? What demands did the leaders make? Who did you talk to?

I was taken there by a couple of ordinary soldiers. I saw no leaders. I just talked to the soldiers. They said nothing

Is it possible for us to gain access to them? We would like to communicate with them

No. The soldiers made it very clear that they would only talk to me – and the other local journalist of course. All they wanted was more accurate reporting. We offered to print their side of the story. I resent your suggestion that we paid money!

Check what he knows about demands 1.He only talked to the soldiers who brought him in. 2.He has no knowledge of the leaders demands as he did not meet them Check possibility of gaining access 1.Access is denied 2. The rebels will only communicate with the journalists Check relationship between journalist and rebels 1.Rebels felt they were being falsely reported. 2.The deal was that the papers would print their side of the story 3.No money was paid. Check if he will act as intermediary He wants some incentive because of the risks involved

What condition were the men in? Were any of them injured? Are they being looked after properly?

How did you get in? Was a deal struck between your newspaper and the rebels that allowed you this access? Did you pay them money? Supposing we came to a deal would you be prepared to act as an intermediary for us if we need it? I will report to my CO and see what he decides on. Thank you for your time

That would depend on what you offer. It would be a risky business. I wouldn’t go in without some incentive. You’re welcome


Check condition of men 1.One has cut and bruised leg 2. They were being looked after quite well 3.They were as well as might be expected.


Task 2 General Conversation Examiners' Brief Conduct a general conversation with the candidate. The conversation should last approximately 10 minutes and revolve around topics of current interest. The exact nature of the topics will be decided on the day of the exam. Below are boxes for you to make notes for your own guidance. Social or cultural matters at local or regional level

National or regional issues

International issues



Task 3 Consecutive Interpreting (from English into Dutch) Examiners' Brief Instructions (given by Service Colleague) Your CO is speaking to a press conference about the logistics of a ceasefire operation. You take over the interpreting duties at this point in the talk. Listen to everything, and then interpret the whole message. You should take notes while the CO speaks. The ceasefire will enter into force as of 13.00 hours on Thursday 21st. This is the date on which the United Nations verification mechanism shall be in place with a full operational capacity, The process must be completed in no more than 60 days, with the demobilisation of approximately 3,000 rebel combatants. The United Nations is asked to deploy its personnel and equipment in order to verify the ceasefire. During the ceasefire military observers will be present in designated military units and at fixed assembly points for purposes of verification. Any alleged violation of the ceasefire is to be investigated, verified and reported by military observers.



Task 4 Situational Interpreting (English Version) Service Colleagues’ Brief Instructions to Candidate by Service Colleague Meeting between officer and local government official to discuss behaviour of soldiers insulting the regime in the country where they are billeted Officer:

I understand you have received some complaints about the conduct of some of my men.

Gov. Official: I have had some disturbing reports about what your soldiers get up to in their free time. Officer:

I am surprised. All personnel are confined to barracks except when on duty.

Gov. Official: How then do you explain reports of them arriving drunk in the town market place and singing songs and making an general nuisance of themselves? Officer:

If you are referring to the incident of two weeks ago, that matter has been investigated and those involved have been dealt with.

Gov. Official: I am pleased to hear it, but what is more worrying is the general attitude of some of your soldiers. I am getting reports about soldiers insulting our new government by making insulting comments about our customs and leaders. This is most disturbing. Officer:

This type of humour is part of British culture.

Gov. Official: I think you need to understand that there are those here who understand enough English to know what these soldiers are saying. It is also not part of our culture to ridicule public figures as it may be in your country. Officer:

I’ll see to it that all our personnel are made aware of that fact.

Gov. Official: In the interests of a good working relationship I hope you do. I cannot imagine how some of our more passionate supporters might react. Officer:

Of course. It would be regrettable if any incidents were to occur. I guarantee that the appropriate steps will be taken.

Gov. Official: Thank you. Goodbye.



Task 4 Situational Interpreting (Dutch Version) Examiners’ Brief Scenario: Meeting between officer and local government official to discuss behaviour of soldiers insulting the regime in the country where they are billeted.

Officer:

Ik heb begrepen dat u klachten heeft ontvangen over het gedrag van een aantal van mijn mannen.

Gov. Official: Ja, ik heb verontrustende berichten ontvangen over wat uw soldaten in hun vrije tijd doen. Officer:

Dat verbaast mij. Al het personeel mag zich niet buiten de kazerne begeven tenzij ze dienst hebben.

Gov. Official: Hoe verklaart u dan de berichten dat een aantal van hen zich dronken en zingend op het marktplein begaven, en daarmee anderen lastig vielen? Officer:

Als u het heeft over het incident dat twee weken geleden plaatsvond dan kan ik u verzekeren dat die zaak is onderzocht en de betrokkenen zijn aangepakt.

Gov. Official: Ik ben blij dat te horen maar waar ik me meer zorgen over maak is de houding van een aantal van uw soldaten in het algemeen. Ik krijg berichten binnen dat soldaten onze nieuwe regering voor gek zetten door beledigende opmerkingen te maken over onze leiders en onze gewoonten. Dat is zeer verontrustend. Officer:

Dat soort opmerkingen zijn onderdeel van het Britse gevoel voor humor.

Gov. Official: Ik denk dat het belangrijk is dat u inziet dat er mensen zijn die voldoende Engels begrijpen om te weten wat uw soldaten zeggen. Het is ook niet gebruikelijk in onze cultuur om mensen met een openbare functie voor gek te zetten. Officer:

Ik zal er voor zorgen dat al het personeel hiervan op de hoogte wordt gebracht.

Gov. Official: Het is belangrijk voor het samenwerkingsverband dat u dit doet. Ik kan niet voorspellen hoe sommige van onze meer radicale aanhangers hierop zouden kunnen reageren. Officer:

Natuurlijk. Het zou betreurenswaardig zijn als er zich andere incidenten zouden voordoen. Ik kan u garanderen dat er adequate stappen zullen worden genomen.

Gov. Official: Dank u zeer. Tot ziens.



University of Westminster & Ministry of Defence Languages Examinations Board

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