The United Nations (UN) is an international organization established in 1945 with the primary purpose of maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering social and economic development. With 193 member states, the UN relies on effective communication to carry out its mission. To facilitate communication and ease collaboration among its diverse member countries, the UN uses multiple languages for its official documents and deliberations.
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The Official and Working Languages of the United Nations
The UN recognizes six official languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. These languages are used in various official functions and documents, as well as in meetings of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council. The idea behind having six official languages is to ensure that every member state can effectively communicate and express its views.
Of these six, English and French are designated as the working languages used by the UN Secretariat. This means that English and French are used for everyday communication within the organization and by its staff. The working languages facilitate the smooth functioning of the UN, ensuring that all personnel can understand and contribute to its operations.
Language Services at the United Nations
To accommodate the use of these six official languages, the UN provides interpretation and translation services for various meetings and documents. This is achieved through a large number of professionals who work within the different UN bodies, such as interpreters, translators, editors, and proofreaders.
Interpretation services are provided during official meetings to ensure that participants can listen to the proceedings in their preferred language. Meanwhile, translation services cover a multitude of UN documents, from reports and resolutions to press releases and official correspondence, ensuring that they are accessible in all six official languages.
The Importance of Multilingualism at the United Nations
The use of multiple languages in the United Nations has the practical goal of facilitating communication and collaboration among its member states. However, it also serves as a symbol of the UN’s commitment to respecting cultural and linguistic diversity. By recognizing and accommodating multiple languages, the UN ensures that no member state is placed at a disadvantage, thus promoting equality and mutual understanding. This in turn contributes to the overall mission of the UN – maintaining international peace, promoting human rights, and fostering economic and social development around the world.
