The advertising slogan of De Beers is “A Diamond is Forever.” A diamond’s timeless mystique and its alluring natural beauty are an integral part of the modern-day ceremony of love, engagement and enduring relationships…at least for those who can afford it!

Community interpreting is a means by which service providers can ensure that the same access to services is provided to all community members. Today, as a consequence of globalisation, millions of people are living outside their countries of birth or citizenship. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that speakers of non-native languages can communicate effectively.

Situations where community interpreters are necessary typical include medical, educational, housing, social security and legal areas. As the website of the Professional Interpreters Organisation AIIC reports, the clients of community interpreters are mainly immigrants, refugees of all age groups, migrant workers and their children. They are worried, afraid and sometimes illiterate, and they find themselves in strange surroundings.

Furthermore, the language level may be quite different from that of a diplomatic conference: regional variations and dialects can be a problem. Added to this difficulty is the fact that the professionals – the doctors, nurses, police officers, social workers, etc. – are usually in a hurry. Therefore, community interpreters need to not only have language skills, but they also need to understand the cultural implications of their interpreting work.

Thanksgiving is also called Turkey Day, because this bird is an essential part of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. There is a ceremony, called National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation, that takes place at the White House every year. During this event, the President of the United States is presented with a live domestic turkey, usually of the Broad Breasted White variety. Generally, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board are involved. Since 1989, when the first Thanksgiving of President George H. W. Bush took place, the president has granted the turkey a “presidential pardon” and thus spared the bird from being slaughtered.