Abstract
The language barrier in the dissemination of scientific information is felt more and more nowadays. Owing to increasing international contacts and co-operatin, and the on line use of databases, the influence of the language barrier makes itself felt twice. Firstly, it may impede the search for literature, and secondly, it may hinder the user from getting acquainted with the literature concerned. Three general solu tions to the problem of the language barrier are briefly discussed. Some solutions in relation to on-line searches are mentioned. Translating is the only way to get acquainted with a document written in a language of which one has no command. The increasing role of the computer in the process of translating is discussed. The need for clearinghouses for existing translations is advocated. Objectives and organisa tion of the International Translations Centre are described. Attention is paid to the World Transindex database and publication, and the publication Journals in Translation. The need for international cooperation providing access to litera ture, inaccessible because of the language in which it was published, is stressed.
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