Speed Reading — Level 4 — 300 wpm 

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The European Parliament has asked politicians to speak more slowly and to use their own language instead of English. Many interpreters are having problems because politicians are speaking too fast. In addition, politicians who use English and not their native language make things more difficult for translators. A spokesman for the parliament said: "If the politicians speak a foreign language, the quality of interpretation goes down."

The European Parliament has 24 official languages. It employs around 330 interpreters to make sure everyone understands each other. There are an additional 1,800 freelancers. If everyone had to use their native language, only British politicians could speak English. Many politicians like to use English so they do not confuse people with many interpreters. The parliament spends $50 million a year on interpreters.

Back to the interpreters lesson.

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