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In Touch Multilingual Project

The In Touch Multilingual Project offers key information and services for those who are neither familiar with computers nor literate in English or their first language. It addresses the desperate need for non-English speakers from ethnic minority backgrounds to access vital information that others take for granted, such as how to call a doctor or how to seek advice on housing issues.

The pilot for the Sylheti-speaking community was launched at COLC's access point at 82 Akeman Street by Anne Campbell MP and Cambridge Mayor Evelyn Knowles on 30 June 2000. This service has been extended to a second access point at the Indian Cultural and Community Association. A third access point was opened in May 2001 at the Community Wing of St Andrew's Junior School on Nuffield Road, Cambridge.

Straightforward delivery of meaningful information across both language and culture is a real challenge. Initial research determined the information of greatest interest to the relevant local communities in Cambridge. Material was then meticulously assembled using specially designed software.

Users of the service are welcomed by video clips of a member of their community speaking Sylheti. These clips explain the screen's buttons and guide the user through every stage of accessing key information and advice. Multimedia delivery offers video, audio, photographic and illustrative material; it is entirely text-free, and both sequence and choice of topic are under the control of the user. A direct internet link offers access to information beyond what is stored on the computer. At the touch a button on the screen, users can record a verbal enquiry, leaving a phone number to which a reply can be directed. Qualified interpreters will support meaningful access to wider professional services.

This project was funded principally by Cambridge City Council's PDP (Priority Development Programme) resources. The partners in this exciting venture are CINTRA (Cambridgeshire Interpreting & Translating Agency), Cambridge Online City, and TBA (Terry Brownbill Associates). Other organizations that have provided vital support have been the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum, Lifespan Health Trust, and Cambridge City Council Community Development.

To contact the In Touch Multilingual Project, please send an email message to [email protected] or phone Terry Brownbill on (07775) 511058

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