JOB SPECIFICATION
Designation: Linguist
Accountable to: Pronunciation Adviser
Division: Finance, Prop, Bus. Affairs
Location: London
Grade: 6D
Ref: 55947
PURPOSE OF JOB
Responsible to Information & Archives' Online Services Manager for providing
an advisory service to BBC Broadcasters who seek assistance or information
on the problems of pronunciation, both English and foreign, occurring in
English language broadcasts.
CONTEXT
BBC Information and Archives (part of Finance, Property and Business Affairs
division) comprises the BBC's programme archives, Research Centres and
Online Services. The pronunciation linguists are part of the Online Services
team, which provides research tools and databases to BBC desktops via the
Research Central intranet portal. Linguists are responsible for the
management of the Speakeasy database of pronunciation advice in addition to
the mediated advice service to customers. Customers are BBC programme
makers, policy makers and some external customers.
DIMENSIONS
There are no direct reports.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Preparing pronunciation lists daily for News broadcasts and for scripts
submitted to the unit in advance of production. Maintaining the
pronunciation database. Assisting with the preparation of special lists of
pronunciations for ad hoc events such as sport fixtures, state visits,
elections
2. Assisting with the compilation of information and material on
pronunciation for publication. This can involve research into current and
previous usages and historical sources of information, the detection and
explanation of anomalies or differences of opinion, and exploration of
current usage within and outside the BBC
3. Advising and making decisions on pronunciation
4. Seeking information on the pronunciation of specific names from sources
within and outside of the BBC
5. Contributing to unit discussions on the policy of Anglicisation of
various languages, in which the Linguist may have special knowledge or
interest. Explaining the work of the unit to other parts of the BBC and to
outside interested parties, including foreign dignitaries and broadcasters,
informed bodies or persons and members of the general public
6. Monitoring, on a selective basis, the BBC's domestic output in order to
offer advice on implementing the BBC's pronunciation policy. Monitoring
reports of foreign correspondents and offering them special advice on the
pronunciation of foreign names, involving contact with sources in this
country and abroad and providing background information, recorded examples,
transcriptions into the international Phonetic Alphabet and then into the
BBC modified spelling
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
1. Qualification in phonetics and a knowledge of a range of modern language
- a thorough knowledge of at least one of these
2. Good linguistic ability
3. The ability to develop knowledge of direct sources of pronunciation
reference (e.g. libraries, universities, embassies etc)
4. Willingness to develop language knowledge through additional formal
training
5. Knowledge of MS Office applications
6. Interest in and knowledge of current affairs
7. Highly effective interpersonal, management and communication skills (both
oral and written), including the ability to establish good working
relationships and to be socially confident within a wide circle of contacts
Desirable:
1. Knowledge of the BBC's output
2. Familiarity with the use of a database
3. Relevant Information & Archives Competencies apply


Fola Tayo
Recruitment Consultant
BBC Recruitment

*       020 7765 1144
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