Tell me, how to say it right!

<< Background >>The Estonian and Czech Language Institutes identified critical needs within their respective language consultancy systems. Both institutes have well-functioning language consultation services but face a significant challenge: a lack of trained language consultants and a structured succession plan for the next generation. Researchers currently perform language consultancy as a side job without formal training, leading to inconsistencies in the quality of service and a lack of professional development opportunities.Moreover, the increasing globalization and the rise of foreign-speaking populations have heightened the demand for culturally sensitive and clear communication and correct use of the language. This has underscored the necessity for language consultants to be adept not only in their native languages but also in understanding cultural nuances. Addressing these gaps is crucial for maintaining the clarity and correctness of language use in official and public domains, which directly impacts societal well-being and administrative efficiency<< Objectives >>The objectives of this project were:To develop a Training Program for the language consultants - create and implement a need-based curriculum for language consultants enhance their soft skills, ensure professional succession, and help to popularize the role of language consultants.To conduct the first pilot training with participants from Estonia and Czechia to refine the training program and establish its effectiveness.To develop universally applicable standards for the operation of language consultancy systems, ensuring consistency and high-quality service across different regions.To build a network of language consultants to facilitate ongoing collaboration and support.<< Implementation >>First, a questionnaire was created to collect information on language consultancy systems in other countries. The information received from the questionnaire served as input for both the standard of the language consultancy and the training program.The standard of language consulting was created through international cooperation. The standard provides a framework that helps guide the consultation work more effectively, offering guidelines for both consultants and clients. It helps ensure the consistency and professionalism of language consulting, creates clarity in the presentation of questions and answers, and emphasizes skills in the service sector. The training program for the language consultants was created and pilot training conducted, focusing on counseling skills, communication techniques, cultural competence, ethics, and confidentiality concerns. Following the training, self-assessment questionnaires were created to assess the effectiveness of the training.Throughout the project, team meetings were held regularly to review progress and plan next steps and the online meetings brought together language consultants from different countries in order to encourage communication and create a network.<< Results >>Concrete outputs:The training program for language consultants: A needs-based curriculum for language consultants was developed and tested.The pilot training successfully conducted and trained 22 participants who now have improved counseling skills and a better understanding of the cultural and social dimensions of language counseling. Participants reported increased motivation and satisfaction with their roles and a greater understanding of linguistic and cultural diversity.A universally applicable language counseling standard was created.An international network of language consultants was established, with agreements to organize regular webinars on various topics and to discuss cooperation opportunities.The project led to an improvement in the efficiency and quality of language advisory services, benefiting many stakeholders, including translators, editors, teachers, and all those inquiring about language consultancy.