Key Facts about UN Languages
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary reasons for the importance of multilingualism at the UN?

  • To create a dominant language within the organization
  • To foster effective communication among Member States (correct)
  • To limit the number of languages spoken at meetings
  • To reduce international travel costs

    • Which language is NOT one of the six official languages of the UN?

  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Italian (correct)

    • What role do interpreters play within the UN?

  • They oversee all peacekeeping missions.
  • They facilitate communication during meetings by translating spoken language. (correct)
  • They write the UN's official documents.
  • They provide legal advice on international disputes.

    • In which year were the six official languages of the UN established?

    <p>1945</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant benefit of multilingualism in the UN?

    <p>It promotes tolerance among Member States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the benefits of having UN Language Days?

    <p>They promote cultural diversity and appreciation of different languages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did the UN officially adopt its six languages?

    <p>1946</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the language days established by the UN?

    <p>To celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following occupations is NOT classified as a language professional at the UN?

    <p>Language teacher</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is the language day for Arabic celebrated at the UN?

    <p>18 December</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the role of language professionals considered crucial at the UN?

    <p>They help eliminate all language barriers in diplomatic negotiations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'language professional' encompass at the UN?

    <p>A range of specialized and interrelated occupations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which career option at the UN involves providing written translations of documents?

    <p>Translator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements regarding the UN's official languages is true?

    <p>All six official languages are equally used without preference.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Universities Outreach Programme at the UN?

    <p>To assist in language recruitment and planning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the significance of the UN logo and flag?

    <p>They identify the UN in areas of conflict and carry aspirations for peace</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the design description of the UN emblem?

    <p>A map of the world in equidistant projection inscribed in a wreath</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the UN manage speeches delivered in non-official languages?

    <p>They must have a written text or interpretation in an official language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of celebrating language days at the UN?

    <p>To inform and entertain while promoting respect for cultural diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the UN General Assembly mandate regarding the official languages?

    <p>To ensure equitable treatment of all official languages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following reflects a common misconception about UN language professionals?

    <p>Their roles are simple administrative tasks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do interpreters and translators play in UN communications?

    <p>They ensure clear communication across different languages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge does the UN face regarding language use?

    <p>A disparity between English and the other languages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the intended outcome of promoting multilingualism within the UN?

    <p>To reduce language barriers and enhance participation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Key Facts about UN Languages

    • The United Nations (UN) uses six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
    • These languages are essential for clear and concise communication on global issues.
    • Delegates can speak in any UN official language, with simultaneous interpretation into other languages.
    • Non-official languages require either interpretation or written translation into an official language.
    • The UN promotes multilingualism to ensure participation and effectiveness in its work.
    • The Department of Public Information sets minimum standards for multilingualism on the UN website.

    UN Language History

    • The six official languages were established at different times, starting in 1946, according to the Dag Hammarskjöld Library.

    UN Language Careers

    • The Department of General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) offers guidance on language careers at the UN.
    • The program provides information on language career options, training schools, and other relevant details.

    UN Language Professionals

    • The UN employs hundreds of language professionals in New York, Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
    • Regional commissions in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, and Santiago also employ language professionals.
    • UN language professionals include interpreters, translators, editors, verbatim reporters, terminologists, reference assistants, copy preparers, and proofreaders.

    UN Language Days

    • The Department of Public Information has designated a language day for each official language.
    • The purpose is to celebrate multilingualism, cultural diversity, and promote equal use of all official languages.
    • Each language day focuses on the history, culture, and achievements of the respective language, raising awareness and respect.

    Language Day Dates

    • Arabic: 18 December
    • Chinese: 20 April
    • English: 23 April
    • Spanish: 23 April
    • French: 20 March
    • Russian: 6 June

    The UN Emblem

    • The UN logo depicts an azimuthal equidistant projection of the world centered on the North Pole.
    • It is inscribed in a wreath of crossed olive branches, signifying peace.
    • The design was created by a team led by Oliver Lincoln Lundquist in 1945.

    UN Trusteeship Council

    • Established in 1945, the Trusteeship Council oversaw 11 Trust Territories administered by seven member states.
    • The council's role was to prepare the territories for self-government and independence.
    • All Trust Territories achieved self-government or independence by 1994.
    • The Trusteeship Council suspended operation in 1994.

    International Court of Justice

    • The International Court of Justice is the UN's principal judicial organ.
    • It is located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.
    • It settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions.

    UN Secretariat

    • The Secretariat is the UN's administrative body, led by the Secretary-General.
    • It includes tens of thousands of international staff members carrying out day-to-day work.
    • The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly for a five-year term.
    • UN staff members are recruited internationally and locally, working in duty stations and peacekeeping missions globally.

    The UN and Peacekeeping

    • UN peacekeeping missions are often dangerous, resulting in the loss of lives among staff members.

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    UN Quiz Bee - Reviewer PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge about the six official languages used by the United Nations. This quiz explores their significance, history, and the role of language in UN affairs. Understand how multilingualism is promoted for effective global communication.

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