May 2003 Volume XXXII Number 5 The

Chronicle A Publication of the American Translators Association

in this issue agencies, bureaus, and companies PROFESSIONAL Visit atanet.org

DICTIONARIES FOR YOUR COMPUTER

CLINICAL ASSISTANT/ ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Find the right OF TRANSLATION CENTER FOR FOREIGN word – quickly LANGUAGES AND TRANSLATION School of Continuing and easily! and Professional Studies (Search Re-Opened) Why a bookshelf, when Seeking a professional for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track position to begin Fall 2003. you can have access to This appointment provides academic service to the Master of Science in Translation, a new pro- all dictionaries on gram of online instruction preparing students for legal and financial translation into English from your computer? French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Span- ish. The successful candidate will have experi- ence in translation from at least two of the source Save time languages listed above. In addition to teaching Always the right word three courses online each semester, this position advises students, assists with curriculum plan- Advanced search options ning, program development, and faculty recruit- Flexibility ment. Qualifications: Advanced degree, teaching and professional translation experience required. Diversity – more than Ph.D. and familiarity with online education pre- 100 dictionaries ferred. Please send vitae with cover letter and three professional references by May 15, 2003 to: NYU School of Continuing and Profes- READ MORE AND ORDER AT www.wordfinder.com sional Studies, 25 West Fourth Street, Room 202, Box 103C, New York, NY 10012-1119, WordFinder Software International AB • P.O. Box 155 • SE-351 04 Växjö, Sweden Attn: Human Resources. Phone: +46 470-70 00 00 • Fax: +46 470-70 00 99 NYU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. E-mail: [email protected] • Internet: www.wordfinder.com

Ah summer. . . a time to relax, reflect and register

ATA’s 44th Annual Conference November 5-8, 2003 Phoenix, Arizona

See page 61 for details about fees and hotel accommodations. May 2003 Volume XXXII in this issue Number 5

Features

A Publication of 17 ATA in the News: More Media Coverage of the Translation and Terrorism Forum the American By Alexandra Russell-Bitting Translators The terrorism forum is just one example of the kind of media coverage that can be Association obtained by intensifying public relations and using the services of a professional. Editor 18 Making Mentoring Meaningful Jeff Sanfacon By John P. Shaklee [email protected] ATA’s Mentoring Program is well underway, but help is still needed. Proofreader 19 Translation Company Division Progress: Margaret L. Hallin Best Practices and Quality of Service By Evan Geisinger Design/Layout The Best Practices Committee of ATA’s Translation Company Division has worked for Ellen Banker/Amy Peloff almost four years to develop an organizational framework to encourage reliability, Advertising clarity, and fairness in relationships between translation companies, their suppliers, and Drew MacFadyen clients. McNeill Group Inc. 22 Viewpoints: Opinions from the Field dmacfadyen@ Why Companies Can Be Better Than Agencies mcneill-group.com By Richard Gray (215) 321-9662 ext. 37 The translation industry is dominated by the freelancer-agency structure. But is it a Fax: (215) 321-9636 good structure? Would it be better if more companies employed in-house translators? Executive Director 25 Viewpoints: A Second Look Walter Bacak Companies and Agencies, Two Sides of the Same Coin? [email protected] By Linda Gauthier Professionalism is not to be judged by the company you keep. It is rather the agency of Editorial Advisors quality. R. Michael Conner, Leslie Willson, Mike Stacy

Membership and Columns and Departments General Information 5 Display Advertising Index Maggie Rowe 7 From the President [email protected] 8 From the Executive Director website: www.atanet.org 9 From the Treasurer 11 Letter to the Editor 12 Conferences and Events 13 International Certification Study 49 Onionskin 51 Dictionary Reviews 55 The Translation Inquirer 57 Humor and Translation 59 Marketplace 60 New Active and Corresponding Members

American Translators Association 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590 • Alexandria VA 22314 Tel: (703) 683-6100 • Fax (703) 683-6122 E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.atanet.org 2003 Chronicle The Editorial Calendar A Publication of the American Translators Association Chronicle 1999 FIT Best Periodical Award Winner January Focus: Social Sciences The ATA Chronicle Submission Guidelines Submission Deadline: November 15 The ATA Chronicle enthusiastically encourages members to submit articles of interest to the fields of translation and interpretation. February 1. Articles (see length specifications below) are due the first of the month, two months prior to the Focus: Literary Translation Submission Deadline: December 1 month of publication (i.e., June 1 for August issue). 2. Articles should not exceed 3,500 words. Articles containing words or phrases in non-European March writing systems (e.g., Japanese, Arabic) should be submitted by mail and fax. Focus: Marketing 3. Include your fax, phone, e-mail, and mailing address on the first page. Submission Deadline: January 1 4. Include a brief abstract (two sentences maximum) emphasizing the most salient points of your article. The abstract will be included in the table of contents. April 5. Include a brief biography (three sentences maximum) along with a picture (color or B/W). Please Focus: Client Education Submission Deadline: February 1 be sure to specify if you would like your photo returned. Do not send irreplaceable photos. 6. In addition to a hard copy version of the article, please submit an electronic version either on May disk or via e-mail ([email protected]). Focus: Agencies, Bureaus, 7. Texts should be formatted for Word or Wordperfect 8.0. and Companies 8. All articles are subject to editing for grammar, style, punctuation, and space limitations. Submission Deadline: March 1 9. A proof will be sent to you for review prior to publication. June Focus: Professional Standard Length Development/Outreach Letters to the editor: 350 words; Opinion/Editorial: 300-600 words; Feature Articles: 750-3,500 Submission Deadline: April 1 words; Column: 400-1,000 words

July Focus: Science and Technology Submission Deadline: May 1 An Easy Reference To ATA Member Benefits

August Your ATA membership has never been more valuable. Take advantage of the discounted programs and Focus: Medical Translating services available to you as an ATA member. Be sure to tell these companies you are an ATA member and and Interpreting refer to any codes provided below. Submission Deadline: June 1 Business Owners Insurance Life and Disability Insurance September National Professional Group Mutual of Omaha Focus: Interpreting (888) 219-8122 (800) 223-6927 • (402) 342-7600 Submission Deadline: July 1 www.ata-ins.com www.atanet.org/mutual.htm October Focus: Legal Collection Services/Receivables Overnight Delivery/Express Package Service Translating/Interpreting Management UPS Submission Deadline: August 1 Dun & Bradstreet Reference Code: C0000700415 Mike Horoski (800) 325-7000 November/December (800) 333-6497 ext. 7226 www.ups.com Focus: Training and Pedagogy (484) 242-7226 Submission Deadline: [email protected] Professional Liability Insurance September 1 National Professional Group (888) 219-8122 Credit Card Acceptance www.ata-ins.com Moving? Find an Program/Professional Services Account NOVA Information Systems Retirement Programs error with your Reference Code: HCDA Washington Pension Center address? (888) 545-2207 • (770) 649-5700 (888) 817-7877 • (301) 941-9179 We’ve done everything possible to MasterCard Website Development ensure that your address is correct. But MBNA America Two Rad Technologies sometimes errors do occur. If you find Reference Code: IFKV [email protected] that the information on the mailing label (800) 847-7378 • (302) 457-2165 is inaccurate or out of date, please let us www.atanet.org/radtown know. Send updates to: The ATA Chronicle • 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590 • Alexandria, VA 22314 ...And, of course, as an ATA member you receive discounts on the Annual Conference registration fees and ATA publi- Fax (703) 683-6122 • cations, and you are eligible to join ATA Divisions, participate in the online Translation Services Directory, and much [email protected] more. For more information, contact ATA (703) 683-6100; fax (703) 683-6122; and e-mail: [email protected].

4 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 28 Security and Safety Issues for the 21st Century Office By Thomas G. Mansella How can I secure my computer against a virus? How can I protect my client’s documents against snooping? This article will explore some of the issues related to The ATA Chronicle (ISSN 1078-6457) is published information/computer security, and suggest a list of best practices focused on reducing monthly, except bi-monthly the risks associated with today’s networked environment. in November/December, by the American 32 Sex, Wolves, and Elvis Translators Association. Localization: There’s a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On By Hans Fenstermacher Reprint Permission: We must confront our biggest challenges head-on: corporate machinations that obscure Requests for permission to the value of localization and our own fragmented, confusing localization industry. It’s reprint articles should be sent to the Chronicle editor time for us to leave our “club,” move into the environment of the possible, and generate at [email protected]. a cultural and institutional transformation in corporate corridors. The subscription rate for a member is $43 (included in 35 The Magic of Mastermind Groups the dues payment). The U.S. By Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D. subscription rate for a non- A mastermind group provides a way to freely share ideas, ventures, and personal and member is $50. Subscribers in Canada and Mexico add professional issues. $25; all other non-U.S. sub- scribers add $45. Single 36 Solving Puzzles of Grammar and Context in Japanese-to-English Translation copies are available for $5 By James L. Davis per issue. Second-class Absorbing the flow of ideas may be considered by some people to fall outside the Postage rates paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and realm of the translator’s responsibility, but it is precisely this grasp of ideas, and not additional mailing offices. merely a grasp of words, that distinguishes a high-quality translation from one that is

merely adequate. Postmaster: Changes of address 40 An Interview with Bob Feron should be sent to The ATA By Tereza Braga and Ines Bojlesen Chronicle, 225 Reinekers An interview with Bob Feron, head of Language Services at the Brazilian Embassy in Lane, Suite 590, Washington, DC, and a former political officer with the U.S. Foreign Service. Alexandria, VA 22314. The American Translators Association (ATA) was 43 Strategies for the Certified Translation of Semiotic Items in the U.S. established in 1959 as a By Lúcia de Almeida e Silva Nascimento not-for-profit professional Using a descriptive approach when rendering stamps, logos, seals, and other nonverbal society to advance the signs in certified translations in the United States. standards of translation and to promote the intel- lectual and material inter- ests of translators and Display Advertising Index interpreters in the United States. The statements It pays ... made in The ATA Chronicle do not neces- to keep your listings updated in sarily reflect the opinion 21 Austin Community College ATA’s online or judgment of the ATA, www.austincc.edu/taltaner its editor, or its officers or 31 Bowne Global Solutions Directory of Translation and directors and are strictly www.BowneGlobal.com Interpreting Services and those of the authors. 27 ClearSonic Manufacturing, Inc. Directory of Language Services www.clearsonic.com Companies 2 NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies • www.nyu.edu 64 TRADOS Corporation www.atanet.org www.trados.com 2 WordFinder www.wordfinder.com

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 5 About Our Authors...

Ines Bojlesen is a full-time freelance Hans Fenstermacher is London and, in 1996, set up RGFT, which Portuguese translator and interpreter founder and president of now has offices in London, Madrid, and based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She ArchiText Inc., a U.S. Paris. Contact: [email protected]. translates legal, marketing, medical, and localization and globaliza- software/hardware texts, and does confer- tion services firm, and the Thomas G. Mansella is an ATA-accredited ence, community, court, and telephone founding chairman of the (English→Spanish) freelance translator interpreting. She has T&I proficiency board of the Globalization and Localization and the coordinator for translation diplomas from the Alumni Association in Association (GALA). Contact: services for Arlington County Public São Paulo, and a B.A. in industrial design [email protected]. Schools in Arlington, Virginia. He has from the University of Mackenzie in São worked in the field of translation and Paulo. She started her T&I career in 1968 Linda Gauthier is a translator, certified from multicultural training for the last 25 years, working for the U.S. consulate and U.S. English-to-French by Quebec’s professional specializing in social sciences, education, corporations in São Paulo, and was order, the Ordre des traducteurs, termino- canon law, business, and technology. He appointed a sworn translator for the State logues et interprètes agréés du Québec. She also works as a consultant for of São Paulo in 1979. She has been living is the co-founder and chief operating officer www.secnsaf.com.ar, an Argentine-based in the U.S. since 1998, and is now an of BG Communications International Inc., information/technology security firm. active member of ATA and the Northwest now one of the largest translation compa- Contact: [email protected]. Translators and Interpreters Society. She nies in Canada, which provides language is the treasurer of ATA’s Portuguese services in over 150 languages, employs 15 Lúcia de Almeida e Silva Language Division, and serves as the people in-house and over 900 subcontrac- Nascimento has been a assistant editor of the division’s tors worldwide, and has been the Gold certified public translator newsletter, the PLData. Contact: recipient for two years’ running of the for the past 14 years in [email protected]. Consumers’ Choice Award. She also chairs Brazil. She is a doctoral the Jury Committee for the Babel Bursaries, candidate at the Tereza d’Avila Braga, based in Dallas, which recognizes excellence in translation Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina in Texas, is a full-time freelance translator and at the university level throughout Quebec, Brazil, where she conducts research about interpreter working with Brazilian and is a committee member of Compagnie certified translations. She spent the Portuguese. She translates legal, mar- F, a community-based organization helping 2001–2002 academic year at the keting, advertising, and technical texts, and women establish themselves in business. University of Massachusetts in Amherst. does conference interpreting. She is a She is the newly appointed administrator of Contact: [email protected]. native of Brazil and is ATA-accredited ATA’s Translation Company Division. (English→Portuguese). Her career includes Contact: [email protected]. Alexandra Russell-Bitting nine years as a trade officer with the has been a staff translator- Brazilian consulate in Dallas. She is also a Evan Geisinger is the chief linguist and reviser at the Inter- contractor with the U.S. Department of chief quality officer at Elanex Inc., and is American Development State, the Organization of American States, the current chair of ATA’s Translation Bank in Washington, DC, and Bowne Global Solutions. She is the Company Division’s Best Practices for 15 years, working from administrator of ATA’s Portuguese Committee. Contact: [email protected]. French, Spanish, and Portuguese into Language Division, and serves as editor of English. She has worked freelance for the PLData, the division’s newsletter. Dr. Barton Goldsmith is other international organizations such as Contact: [email protected]. an international speaker, UNESCO, the Pan American Health author, and consultant Organization, and the Organization of James L. Davis is associate professor who is considered an American States, as well as for the U.S. and director of the Technical Japanese expert on leadership. He is Department of State. She has taught Program in the Department of Engineering a contributing author to translation at Georgetown University and Professional Development at the numerous books and publications, the Université de Paris VIII. She is an University of Wisconsin-Madison. A including The Los Angeles Business active member of ATA, a regular contrib- licensed professional engineer, he has Journal. Contact: utor to the ATA Chronicle, and a member worked as a chemical engineer in www.bartongoldsmith.com. of ATA’s Public Relations Committee. industry, has conducted research as a Contact: [email protected]. Fulbright Graduate Fellow at Kyoto Richard Gray is owner and University, and has been teaching tech- CEO of Richard Gray John P. Shaklee is a full-time telephone nical Japanese at the University of Financial Translations interpreter (Spanish↔English) for Wisconsin-Madison since 1990. He (RGFT) Ltd., a company Language Line Services. He earned his M.A. served as administrator of ATA’s Japanese that specializes in financial in translation from the Institute for Applied Language Division from 1993-1995, and translations. He started his Linguistics at Kent State University. He is a is ATA-accredited (Japanese→English). translation career in a Madrid stockbroking regular contributor to the Northeast Ohio Contact: [email protected]. firm in 1989, and subsequently worked as Translators Association, and is the co-chair a freelancer for some of Spain’s leading of ATA’s Mentoring Task Force. Contact: financial institutions. In 1995, he moved to [email protected].

6 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Thomas L. West III From the President [email protected] A Wealth of Opportunities

ever have there been more oppor- www.ata-divisions.org/PLD/ May 17-18: ATA Accreditation tunities to improve your transla- 9_PLD_Meeting.htm; Committee Language Chairs Meeting N tion and interpreting skills. From (Alexandria, Virginia). the last week of April through June, April 26-27: ATA Spanish Language www.atanet.org; you can choose from over a dozen Division Conference (San Antonio). translator- and interpreter-specific www.ata-spd.org/SanAntonio2003/ May 17-18: IJET-14, International events. It is truly exciting to see this san_antonio.htm; Japanese/English Translation Conferrence wealth of opportunity. Unfortunately, (Dublin, Ireland). www.jat.org/ijet/ijet-14; the downside of such an embarrass- May 2-4: ATA Legal Translation ment of riches is that there is some Conference (Jersey City). May 18-21: Society for Technical overlap between the events. Overlap www.atanet.org/legal; Communication’s 50th Annual was unavoidable because Easter, Conference (Dallas)—while not Passover, Mother’s Day, Memorial May 3: Annual New England Trans- directly related, STC has an Day, and Father’s Day also occur lators Association Exhibition and International Technical Communi- during this time period, and in general, Conference (Weston, Massachusetts). cations Special Interest Group that groups try to avoid having a meeting www.netaweb.org; frequently addresses T&I matters. coincide with a holiday. As we move www.stc.org; forward, it will become more and more May 3-4: Mid-America Chapter of important for all groups in our industry the ATA Science and Technology May 23-24: 24th Annual National to work together to try to keep con- Conference (Kansas City). Association of Judiciary Interpreters flicting dates to a minimum. www.ata-micata.org; and Translators Meeting and Here is a snapshot of the events Educational Conference (Nashville). that I am aware of: May 1-4: Fourth Latin American www.najit.org; and Congress on Translation and Inter- April 24-27: Swedish Association pretation, Argentina (Buenos Aires). June 17-21: ATA/TermNet Summer of Professional Translators Annual www.traductores.org.ar; Terminology Academy (Kent, Ohio). Meeting (Gothenburg). www.sfoe.se; http://appling.kent.edu/ResourcePages/ May 15-18: Fourth Annual ATA TSAWeb/TerminologyAndLocalization April 25-26: ATA Portuguese Translation Company Division home.html. Language Division 9th Spring Annual Conference (Montreal). Meeting (Miami). www.ata-divisions.org/TCD/index.htm; Continued on p.10

Attention Exhibitors American Translators Association 44th Annual Conference

Phoenix, Arizona • Pointe South Mountain Resort • November 5-8, 2003

Plan Plan now to exhibit at the American Translators Association’s 44th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, Now! November 5-8, 2003. Exhibiting at the ATA Annual Conference offers the best opportunity to market your products and services face-to-face to more than 1,300 translators in one location. Translators are con- sumers of computer hardware and software, technical publications and reference books, office products, and much more. Face-to-face selling, as you know, is the most effective and successful method of mar- keting. The ATA Annual Conference is the perfect venue, and you are assured of excellent visibility. Exhibit space is limited, so please reserve your space today. For additional information, please contact Drew MacFadyen, McNeill Group Inc.; [email protected]; (215) 321-9662, ext. 37; Fax: (215) 321-9636.

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 7 Walter Bacak, CAE From the Executive Director [email protected] Recent Board Activities and Recognition

ere is an update of recent amendments must be approved by a directories online. He is also involved Board activity since the March two-thirds vote of the voting mem- with many other aspects of running the H Board Meeting. bers of the association. association, from various conference- related activities to formatting and Bylaws Amendment. The Board June Board Meeting. The next producing the annual Membership passed a motion recommending to the Board meeting is set for the Directory. On top of all this, he is membership that the bylaws be Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, June always generous with his time to help amended to change the name of 28-29. As always, the meeting is open in whatever comes up. (He joined ATA ATA’s credential from “accreditation” to the membership. when there were around 3,000 mem- to “certification.” As ATA President bers, whereas we finished 2002 with Thomas L. West III commented, “We Roshan Pokharel. ATA’s Information 9,000 members.) While doing all this, translators and interpreters—of all Systems Manager Roshan Pokharel cele- he avoids the limelight. people—should be using terminology brated his 10th anniversary with ATA The Board and staff are very much correctly. By mislabeling our pro- on April 1. Roshan’s work ethic and aware of Roshan’s contributions. In gram ‘accreditation,’ we have been insatiable curiosity have made ATA the recognition, the Board unanimously sending a confusing message to the strong association that it is today. passed a resolution thanking him (see general public, who would assume Roshan, who is originally from Nepal, the copy below). On behalf of the that it refers only to institutions.” established ATA’s web presence with association, thanks Roshan for all the Since the term “accreditation” is used our first website (as well as the second, great work and dedication. throughout the bylaws, the bylaws third, and the upcoming fourth genera- will have to be amended to reflect the tions of the site); he overhauled the change in terminology. All bylaws database system; and he got ATA’s

Proposed ATA Middle Eastern Resolution honoring Roshan Pokharel Languages Division for 10 years of service to the Association During ATA’s 43rd Annual Conference in Atlanta, a group Whereas, Roshan Pokharel has served 10 years with the American of attendees met to discuss the establishment of a new ATA Translators Association as of April 1, 2003; and Whereas, Roshan’s division, the Middle Eastern Languages Division (MELD). As its efforts with the development of the database, the establishment of the acronym suggests, MELD will be designed to serve as a nonpolitical online directories and ATA website, and his integral support in many forum that welcomes participation from all translators and inter- other areas in the administration of the Association have contributed preters working in the languages directly to ATA’s success and growth; Therefore, be it resolved that the of this region. For more informa- tion or to volunteer with this effort, American Translators Association thanks and honors Roshan Pokharel. please contact Haleh Vakhshori, MELD coordinator, at [email protected].

8 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Jiri Stejskal From the Treasurer [email protected] July 2003 – June 2004 Budget Approved

s I pointed out in my last report in the January issue, the budg- Summary of ATA’s A eting process has shifted by six July 2003 – June 2004 Budget months and the Board now approves the budget in March. Currently, we (in thousands) find ourselves in the interim six- Professional Development Seminars month period, which will end on June $82.5 3% Publications 30, 2003. In July, we will begin a full $21 Accreditation 1% $170.8 fiscal year, the budget for which was Other Revenues 8% $12.5 Chronicle 1% $128.7 approved unanimously at the Board 6% meeting held in Alexandria, Virginia, on March 7-9, 2003. The new full-year budget is bal- anced at $2,206,792 for both revenues and expenses, an increase of $270,167 Conference $435.6 compared to the last full-year budget 20% for 2002. The budget structure follows the usual pattern, with membership Membership $1,181.9 dues being the main source of rev- 53% enues followed by the annual confer- Divisions ence. For the complete picture, please $154.8 see the accompanying graph. 7% Highlights of the new budget Investment Revenues $20.1 include the addition of the Medical 1% Revenues Division and a new line item for a public relations firm, which was selected by ATA’s Public Relations Volunteers & Governance Committee and subsequently $217.4 Accreditation 10% $245.5 approved by the Board. We have pro- Publications 11% $29.9 Professional 1% jected a conservative increase in Development Seminars $104 membership growth of 3.8%. In 5% keeping with our conservative Membership Services approach when budgeting revenues, $159.4 we lowered the projected conference 7% Chronicle registrations. This decision was driven $501.2 Membership Directory 23% by the current economic and political $83.8 4% situation, and was also based on the fact that attendance at the Atlanta con- General & Administrative ference was lower than projected. $161.3 While the books for 2002 are cur- 7% rently being audited—we have the Divisions association’s finances reviewed each $226.5 10% year by an independent auditing Conference $477.6 firm—we know we finished with a 22% Expenses* loss. Once I have the official results of the audit, I will share that information with the membership through ➡ * Figures adjusted to include estimated overhead (rent and salaries).

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 9 From the Treasurer Continued my column and at the conference. In response, we have taken several steps From the President Continued from page 7 to economize, which I will describe in greater detail in a separate report This list does not include the 18 (!) months are October (most popular), after the annual audit is completed. exam sittings and the regularly sched- April, and May. In our profession, we As a translator, I have been put off uled chapter and other local group tend to have a lot of events in on a number of occasions when trans- meetings that are taking place, or will September as well. lating annual reports of companies be, over these two and a half months. This jam-packed calendar is just small and large, in which the CEO While things may slow down over another sign of the growth of the pro- used superlatives to describe the the summer, you can be sure that they fession. As always, I encourage you company’s achievements while the will pick back up in the fall. By the to participate in as many of these accompanying figures testified to the way, this pattern is very typical of the professional development opportuni- contrary. Keeping this in mind, I meeting business. I have learned from ties as you can. Thank you for your would like to assure all of you that my ATA Annual Conference planning support of these industry events. the association is in good financial experience that the prime meeting health despite the recent setbacks, and that ups and downs are a natural course for nonprofit organizations trying to find the right balance Attention Judiciary Interpreters and Translators between offering a growing list of products and services and operating Don’t Miss without losses. In my next report, we 24th Annual National Association of Judiciary will take a look at the financial Interpreters and Translators Meeting and results for 2002 and review several Educational Conference areas in which we can streamline the May 23-24 • Nashville, Tennessee association’s operations in order to www.najit.org operate more efficiently.

Publication Date: March 2003 New from Chambers Harrap Publishers, Ltd. Hardback, 704 pages Harrap’s French Business Dictionary ISBN: 0245 60714 5

This new edition of Harrap’s French Business Dictionary covers everyday business language, as well as the more technical language of, for example, finance, insurance, computing, marketing, and the stock exchange. Examples are included throughout to show the language in use, in addition to hundreds of boxed quotes from the English and French business press. Includes a two-color supplement incorporating: exten- sive French and English communication guides; articles on French and English meeting protocol; tips for business people working with translators; information on nations of the world and administrative divisions; and explanations of French and English financial statements. A practical everyday guide for anyone using French in a business context!

Over 40,000 references Extensively enlarged and updated See www.harrap.co.uk for more details and pricing!

10 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Letter to the Editor

A Question of Probation described by the legislature of the sentence and probation validates the This is in response to Madeline State of California. Section 1203(a) translations of condena condicional Rios’s letter that appeared in the states, “As used in this code, ‘proba- or libertad a prueba. Although I per- January 2003 issue of the ATA tion’ means the suspension of the sonally believe that condena condi- Chronicle, in which she wrote a imposition or execution of a sen- cional is a much better option for response to my article, “English- tence…under the supervision of a suspended sentence than the latter, it Spanish Dictionaries on Probation,” probation officer.” Bingo! And thank may not make sense to do so in published in the October 2002 issue. you, Ms. Rios, for leading me down California. Upon further reading of First, I would like to clear some- the California highway. As it turns Section 1203(a), we find, “As used in thing up about what Ms. Rios wrote out, not every jurisdiction in the U.S. this code, ‘conditional sentence’ with regard to my conclusion on conforms to the standard of probation means the suspension of the imposi- using the term probación for proba- as a sentence. tion or execution of a sentence… tion. She mentioned that “Legal ter- I took it upon myself to further without the supervision of a probation minology…shuns such irritating and “analyze” this interesting quirk. (I officer.” Therefore, I believe that, for incomprehensible Anglicisms,” and hope that Ms. Rios or any of your California, it would make sense to use that probación “is never used in Latin other readers don’t mind if I briefly condena condicional for conditional America to refer to the U.S. system display my findings.) It turns out that sentence and libertad a prueba for of probation.” Yet, I cited three Latin- one of the main reasons probation probation, since both terms in Spanish American references in my article became a sentence in and of itself (in have been codified to mean sus- that demonstrate the opposite. One of most of the U.S.) is because judges pended sentence. those references clearly demonstrated would often predicate probation For the majority of the U.S., how- this in its title: Bases para el desar- upon “suspending” or “deferring” an ever, I still contend that it is important rollo de un sistema de Probación en offender’s sentence. A former histor- to differentiate between probation (as Venezuela (Bravo Dávila, 1981). ical necessity, this practice often gen- a sentence) and a suspended sentence. Ms. Rios also mentioned that she erates confusion because the language The New Jersey Code of Criminal was left with the impression that I can mean either suspending imposi- Justice highlights this distinction in “was a victim of over-analyzing the tion of some incarceration term or Section 2C:45-1, conditions of sus- subject at hand.” However, she fur- suspending an imposed term’s execu- pension or probation, and states: ther cited a standard court document tion. Accordingly, The American Bar “When the court suspends the imposi- from California that associated pro- Association urged semantic distinc- tion of sentence on a person who has bation with a suspended sentence to tions to be dropped and that “proba- been convicted of an offense or sen- refute my contention that probation is tion be viewed as a sentence just like tences him to be placed on proba- now a sentence in and of itself and no any other sentence” (ABA Standards tion….” To say, “le impone una longer associated with a suspended Relating to Probation, 1970). condena de condena condicional” or sentence. In my opinion, such docu- Whether California will ever “libertad a prueba” would be a con- ments should only serve to corrobo- change its meaning of probation tradiction of terms, and laws. To say, rate legal terms or to verify colloquial remains to be seen. For the time “le impone una condena de usage thereof. Nonetheless, Ms. being, however, California state inter- probación,” I admit, is not great, but, Rios’s citation inspired me to consult preters and translators must view pro- in my opinion, it is the lesser evil of the California Penal Code. From this, bation as a suspended sentence, not any other option to date—for said rea- I was able to confirm that the cited because it appears in a court docu- sons and the ones cited in my article. court document was not referring to ment, but because it is the law of Sandro Tomasi probation colloquially, but, rather, it California. Ms. Rios suggested that [email protected] was referring to probation as it is the association between suspension of

ATA Members Professional Liability Insurance Retirement Programs Be sure to take advantage of National Professional Group Washington Pension Center your benefits of membership (888) 219-8122 • www.ata-ins.com (888) 817-7877 • (301) 941-9179

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 11 Conferences and Events

Washington, DC Athens, Greece Lisbon, Portugal Translators Discussion Group Choices and Difference in Translation European Society for Translation Studies Borders Books and Music Conference 4th Congress 18th & L Streets, NW University of Athens "Translation Studies: Doubts and Meets the second Wednesday of each December 3-7, 2003 Directions" month from 6:30-8:00 pm at Borders. For An awareness of what features might con- Faculty of Letters, University of Lisbon more information, please contact Borders stitute linguistic/cultural identity is signifi- September 26-29, 2004 at (202) 466-2152. cant in modern culturally interactive soci- A platform for critical debate and an eties, in that it contributes to intercultural opportunity to discuss current relevant Chicago, Illinois understanding. Papers that raise ques- problems and possible future develop- Global Websites and eCommerce tions on linguistic and interdisciplinary ments in translation studies. Abstract pro- Conference issues in the context of translation are posals for papers welcome (send to June 9-11, 2003 particularly welcome in the following [email protected] by October 31, This conference will bring together global areas: news and media translation; trans- 2003). Information: www.fl.ul.pt/EST2004. website managers from a broad spectrum lation at the upcoming Olympic Games; of industries, including IT, travel, financial scientific and/or environmental studies Plan translation; translation and the EU; adver- services, publishing, and others for an Now! ATA’s Annual opportunity to discuss recent develop- tisement translation; literary translation; ments, strategies and tools, and to and theater and film translation. Conference exchange information about how to effi- Information: Phoenix, Arizona www.cc.uoa.gr/english/C&D/C&D1.htm. ciently manage global websites and November 5-8, 2003 eCommerce. Cost is $995 (preconference seminars not included). Information: www.localizationinstitute.com.

NOTIS Directory of Translators and Interpreters Online!

The Northwest Translators and Interpreters Society’s Directory of Translators and Interpreters is now online, enabling trans- lation and interpretation users to find the right professional for the job. Go to www.notisnet.org (click on “Need a Translator or Interpreter?”), and be sure to share the link! The NOTIS website hosts a wealth of client education information, from “beginner” education to payment practice reminders. White papers on our letterhead (in PDF format) are ready to send to your clients as is, or you are welcome to use some of our text to incorporate into a letter to the editor. Just click on “About Translation & Interpretation.”

Call for Papers 7th San Jerónimo International Translators Day Annual Conference of the Organización Mexicana de Traductores (OMT) • Guadalajara, México Alliance Française de Guadalajara • September 26-28, 2003

Proposals (must be submitted in Spanish or English) are invited in the following areas: Community-based Interpretation; Professional Ethics; Literary Translation; the Future of Translation; Tendencies in Simultaneous Interpretation; Translation and Environmental Issues. Suggestions for additional topics are welcome. Deadline: June 30, 2003. Send proposals to:

Organización Mexicana de Traductores, C., Avenida Vallarta nº 1525-304, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México; Fax: (52) 33-36-31-01-82; E-mail: [email protected] See www.omt.org.mx for more information.

12 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 International Certification Study: The Arab Countries

By Jiri Stejskal

n the last issue we examined the situ- Lebanon ([email protected]); behind that of practitioners of profes- ation in the Netherlands and Belgium, and sions established through strict cre- Iand now we will take a look at the ¥ Mohamed Boukhir, third vice- dentialing procedures, such as that of certification of translators and inter- president of the Association des CPA in the United States. preters in the Arab countries. Collecting Traducteurs Agréés près les With an estimated 186 million information on the credentialing proce- Juridictions, graduate of King native speakers, Arabic ranks sixth on dures in the Arab-speaking area proved Fahad School of Translation the list of world languages arranged to be quite a challenge, and the infor- Tangiers ([email protected]). by the number of speakers, following mation below may not represent the Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, English, and actual situation with the desired degree Bengali, respectively. It is not without of accuracy. I would like to express my “…In countries without a interest that among the five leading gratitude to the following individuals languages, only two, Spanish and for the support I received when col- rigorous certification English, have a recognized form of lecting materials for this article: system and education of certification for translators and inter- preters. Arabic is spoken in 22 coun- ¥ Moustafa Gabr, translator the public about the tries2, and, therefore, there are many training consultant working in T&I profession, the Arabic dialects. Classical Arabic, the the State of Kuwait, Fellow of the socioeconomic status of language of the Qur’an, was origi- Institute of Linguists, author of nally the dialect of Mecca in what is several books and articles on translators and now Saudi Arabia. An adapted form translation and translator training interpreters lags far behind of Classical Arabic, known as Modern ([email protected]); Standard Arabic, is used in the media, ¥ Mustafa Askari, translation man- that of practitioners of mosques, and in communication ager, HORIZONS Media & professions established among Arabs from different Arab Information Services Corporation through strict credentialing countries, as well as in communica- ([email protected]); tion with the outside world.3 ¥ Nina Behrens, Arabic conference procedures…” In this series, we have described translator/interpreter working in three basic types of linguistic qualifica- the Washington, DC, metropolitan tion, where translators and interpreters area, graduate of the School of The socioeconomic status of can be certified by a government, a pro- Translators and Interpreters in translators and interpreters in the fessional association, or by an aca- Beirut, Saint Joseph University Arab countries is quite similar to that demic institution. All of the above are ([email protected]); of the T&I professionals in the available to linguists in the Arab world; ¥ Stephen H. Franke, certified as a United States. Moustafa Gabr points however, there are certain limitations. military Arabic linguist by the out that throughout the Arab coun- Academic credentials appear to be the U.S. Army ([email protected]); tries, “contributions made by the most readily available throughout the ¥ Viviane Sacy Tannoury, M.A. in translator, though essentially signifi- region. Certification by the government conference interpreting from cant, are hardly appreciated,” and that is available in only a few of the 22 ETIB (Arabic, French, and lack of financial, moral, institutional, Arab-speaking countries, and, finally, English), ATA member and legislative support “leaves the certification by professional associa- ([email protected]); door open for every Tom, Dick, and tions is in its early stages of develop- ¥ Zenab Khouder, Arabic Harry to join the profession and dis- ment and only time will show whether translator/interpreter working in credit the output and, therefore, the any such programs will become Austin, Texas, member of the image of the translator.”1 It is quite widely recognized. Austin Area Translators and apparent that in countries without a Interpreters Association and ATA rigorous certification system and Academic Institutions ([email protected]); education of the public about the T&I The certification program offered ¥ Hassan Sleem, secretary of the profession, the socioeconomic status by the Arabic and Translation Studies Sworn Translators Association in of translators and interpreters lags far Division of the Center for Adult ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 13 International Certification Study: The Arab Countries Continued and Continuing Education at the reported that they had not received UN conferences to prepare the stu- American University in Cairo, which any further training in translation dents for work with international offers nondegree professional certifi- after graduation. The remaining four organizations. The school is also cates in translation, was described in claimed that they attended a transla- offering courses on the use of the detail in the September 2001 issue of tion course at the Community Service latest translation tools. Recently, the this magazine. Moustafa Gabr, a trans- Center at Kuwait University, but that Saint Joseph School of Translation lation teacher at the American it was no different from the other and Interpreting introduced a Ph.D. University in Cairo, paints a bleak pic- courses they had attended as under- program and continuing education ture when it comes to academic cre- graduates. Interviews were also con- seminars, with guest speakers coming dentials for translators and interpreters. ducted with 12 Syrian translators, from different parts of the world in His observations concerning several who expressed similar dissatisfaction order to share their expertise in their academic programs appear below. with the translation education they respective fields. Further information A survey conducted at the received in Syrian universities.4 on ETIB is available, in French, at Department of English Language and The School of Translators and www.usj.edu.lb/form/inst.htm. Other Literature, Faculty of Arts, at Ain Interpreters of Beirut at Saint Joseph Lebanese institutions of higher edu- Shams University in Cairo (the University, a member of the Inter- cation offering programs in transla- second biggest national university in national Federation of Translators tion and interpretation include the Egypt) to explore the adequacy of the (FIT) and the International Associ- University of Holy Spirit in Kaslik- translation program being conducted ation of Conference Interpreters Jounieh, Lebanese University (public) there, showed the following findings: (AIIC), is one of the first translation in Beirut, Islamic University in schools in the Middle East, estab- Beirut, and American University of ¥ 63% of the respondents expressed lished in 1980, known in French as Technology (also in Beirut). dissatisfaction with the translation the “Ecole des Traducteurs et Inter- Another school in the Arab world program conducted at the under- prètes de Beyrouth” or ETIB. Before that is also a member of FIT is the graduate level; 17% expressed no then, specialized schools for training King Fahd Advanced School of opinion; 20% expressed satisfac- translators did not exist in the Arab Translation in Tangier. Established in tion with the program. world. ETIB follows the European 1986, it is the sole institution in ¥ All departments of English offer schools of translation model. The lan- Morocco dedicated to translator translation courses at the under- guages of the school are Arabic, training. The school aims to train graduate level as a compulsory French, and English. Eligibility translators and interpreters to a high subject, but what is actually offered requirements, which also apply to level of professional competence. is quite arbitrary and depends other private universities in Lebanon Through contracts already established almost entirely on personal initia- offering similar programs, are report- with translation centers in Europe, the tives on the part of teachers. edly quite strict (i.e, applicants Middle East, and the U.S. and ¥ The relevance of what is being should rank among the top 30 candi- Canada, the school further aims to offered in these courses to actual dates in a very selective linguistic and provide conference and seminar facil- market needs is virtually nonexistent. general knowledge test). The training ities together with research opportuni- varies from three years to get a B.A. ties in related fields. In addition to its In another survey conducted in the in languages and translation, and five teaching activities, the school has State of Kuwait, the views of 50 years to graduate with a M.A. in hosted conferences in the field of Kuwaiti translators on the translation translation and conference inter- translation in conjunction with education they received at their col- preting. The curriculum includes lin- AUPELF and FIT. The school offers leges were explored. Some graduated guistic courses, general and technical “Cycle Normal,” leading to a diploma recently; others have been translating translation, global issues, law, eco- in translation. In the future, the school for many years. All of them, without nomics, history, geography, business will offer “Cycle Supérieur” (more exception, expressed deep dissatis- writing, and the study of religious advanced training), leading to a higher faction and frustration with the trans- texts. The curriculum at ETIB also degree in translation or interpreting. lation classes they attended at their includes specially tailored courses Languages now available at the colleges. A total of 46 translators that focus on the terminology of the school are (in the 2002-03 academic

14 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 year): Arabic, English, French, however, it turns out that the level of members of the Arab Translators Spanish, and German. Further infor- awareness concerning this certifica- Network are eligible to take the test mation is available, in French, at tion program is close to zero, and (there is a $25 testing fee). Copies of www.etudiant.ma/esrf.htm. many express skepticism. It is of translated passages, with the name of The University of Jordan in interest here, however, because ATN the candidate removed and replaced Amman offers M.A. courses in describes the eligibility requirements by a code to ensure neutrality, will be English↔Arabic Translation. Further and grading procedures needed for sent to three graders. The graders will information is available, in English, at certification, and even though this par- grade the test with a “PASS” or www.ju.edu.jo/faculties/index.htm. ticular program currently might be in “FAIL,” not a score. Graded sheets Other possibilities for T&I degree the realm of wishful thinking, it does may be mailed to the candidate at his and certification programs include offer a glimpse into what direction any or her request. Translators and inter- Yarmouk University in Irbid and the future efforts might take. The primary preters certified through ATN can use community college system in Jordan objective of the ATN is, as per the a stamp, “Arab Translators Network and Saudi Arabia. Each community organization’s website,5 “to enhance Certified Translator,” if such a claim college is sponsored and supported the skills and efficiency of Arab pro- does not conflict with any rules or by a major national university. Some fessional translators through transla- regulations in the particular linguist’s of the national universities (governed tion training courses, computer country. Queries concerning ATN and by their respective Ministry of Higher training courses, interpreter on-the-job its certification may be addressed to Education) in Saudi Arabia and UAE training, certification tests, diction- [email protected]. offer academic programs for B.A.- aries, glossaries and other tools.” ATN level degrees in translation and inter- allegedly offers certification testing in Government Certification preting. Among such institutions are: the following languages: English, In Syria, the Ministry of Education French, German, Spanish, Italian, and the Ministry of Higher Education ¥ King Saud University (KSU) in Russian, and Turkish, all both into and are primarily responsible for the certi- Riyadh, College of European from Arabic. fication of sworn translators. To Languages and Translation (CELT); A written test will be adminis- become a sworn translator in Syria, ¥ King Abdulaziz University tered by ATN’s representative candidates have to be tested and (KAAU) in Jeddah; nearest to the candidate’s location.6 attend training classes organized by ¥ King Fadh University of Petro- The purpose of the test is to assess the respective ministry. The Ministry leum and Minerals (KFUPM) in the candidate’s ability to translate of Justice makes frequent competition Dhahran; from and into the selected language announcements for this purpose, and ¥ United Arab Emirates University combination. The candidate will be any university graduate can partici- (UAEU) in Al-Ain,Abu Dhabi, UAE; permitted to use a computer, diction- pate in this competition, regardless of ¥ Higher Colleges of Technology aries, glossaries, and other reference his or her specialization. Successful (HCT) system, a multi-campus materials in order to simulate his or candidates are certified as sworn network in UAE; and her actual working environment. The translators and are authorized to open ¥ Saudi Arabian National Guard candidate will be expected to com- their own offices and work as (SANG) Interpreter and Translator plete the test in no more than four “approved” translators. Training Program for training hours. A certificate of accreditation In Lebanon, according to translators working with the Saudi will be issued to the candidate who Lebanese law, any translator who Military. successfully completes the test. desires to act as a sworn translator Successful candidates become certi- must be at least 25 years old and must Certification by Professional fied members of the Arab Translators hold a university degree in translation Associations Network, and the “ATN Certified” or interpretation, English language For certification of translators and mark can be placed on his or her and literature, or any relevant interpreters by a professional associa- “member business card.” Such a diploma accepted by the jury. Sworn tion, the Arab Translators Network person will also be recommended to translators in Lebanon are certified (ATN) is currently an option. When any party contacting ATN in search by the Ministry of Justice based on querying professional Arab translators, of a translator. All registered their qualifications and the ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 15 International Certification Study: The Arab Countries Continued market’s needs. In order to practice as Successful candidates in the com- ¥ Sworn Translators Association in a sworn translator, the candidate must petitive examination have to com- Lebanon; obtain a license from the Ministry of plete one year of training in a sworn ¥ Association des Traducteurs Agréés Justice, the sole authority entitled to translator’s office (one having at least près les Juridictions (ATAJ); and issue such licenses. Successful candi- five year’s seniority) and pass the ¥ Association de l’Amicale des dates’ names are then published in the end-of-training test. Anciens de l’ETIB. Official Gazette. The commission of a The certification body in Morocco sworn translator is valid for a period is the Ministry of Justice. The certi- Before the Act No. 50-00 came into of five years, and can be renewed fying committee includes the fol- effect in July 2002, Moroccan certified based on a new oath taken before the lowing members: translators were organized in the High Appellate Court. Each sworn Association of Sworn Translators- translator is held responsible for the ¥ A representative of the Ministry of Interpreters of Morocco (Corps des accuracy of his or her translation. The Justice, who serves as the chair; Interprètes-Traducteurs Assermentés Sworn Translators Association in ¥ One first president of a court of du Maroc, or CITAM). After Act No. Lebanon, established on August 9, appeal and one general prosecutor 50-00 became effective, the profes- 2000 by virtue of a government to a court of appeal, designated by sional nonprofit Moroccan Translators decree, serves as a professional the Ministry of Justice; Association (Association des Traduc- organization for translators who work ¥ The president of the Translators teurs Agréés près les Juridictions, or not only in English, Arabic, and Association or his or her represen- ATAJ) was founded on October 24, French, but also in other languages, tative; and 2002 in an attempt to comply with the including Greek and Farsi. ¥ One certified translator, desig- recent reforms in the Moroccan judicial In Morocco, the first Act on the nated by the Ministry of Justice institutions and to keep pace with the conditions for registration in the list upon the proposal of the president ever-changing world environment. of translators and interpreters was of the Translators Association. Under the same Act, all translators cer- passed 80 years ago, on October 17, tified for work with the Moroccan 1923. The Act was subsequently The committee has the following tasks: courts must be members of ATAJ. amended by the Acts of June 22, ATAJ is the sole representative of trans- 1928, and March 30, 1960. Act No. ¥ To organize the competitive exam- lators before the public authorities and 50-00, relating to certified translators ination and end-of-training test; Moroccan and foreign bodies regarding and interpreters for the courts, was ¥ To study the applications for regis- any translation issue. passed on June 22, 2001 and became tration on the list of certified The ETIB Alumni Association was effective in July 2002. translators; created less than 10 years ago, and is Pursuant to the above-mentioned ¥ To update the translators list; and currently trying to establish quality Act No. 50-00, candidates for certifi- ¥ To exercise disciplinary power. standards in the T&I market in cation have to fulfill the following Lebanon. The association’s objective eligibility requirements (inter alia): Professional Associations is to become a union which would Apparently, there aren’t many pro- defend the rights of T&I profes- ¥ To be a Moroccan or a national of fessional associations for translators and sionals. The Syndicate of Translators a state which has concluded an interpreters in the Arab countries; in any of Lebanon is another group for those agreement with Morocco allowing case, they currently do not have a web who work in translation, but do not nationals of both countries to presence. Of the six organizations listed have any academic training. practice translation in each other’s below, only the Jordanian Translators’ The International Certification territories; Association is a member of FIT: series is nearing its conclusion. In the ¥ To hold a translator diploma7, next issue we will look at the creden- awarded by a Moroccan university, ¥ Association des Traducteurs dans tialing possibilities for translators or an equivalent recognized degree; l’Union des Écrivains Arabes; and interpreters in the United States. ¥ To be at least 25 years of age; and ¥ Iraqi Translators Association; As the editor of this series, I ¥ To have passed the competitive ¥ Jordanian Translators’ Association examination and end-of-training test. (JTA); Continued on p.21

16 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 ATA in the News: More Media Coverage of the Translation and Terrorism Forum

By Alexandra Russell-Bitting

everal weeks after the Translation and Terrorism S Forum was held during ATA’s Annual Conference in Atlanta, the Washington Post published a story entitled “Help Still Wanted: Arabic Linguists—Agencies Rushed to Fill Void, But Found Screening New Hires Takes Time” that featured a number of references to our association. Splashed across “The Federal Translation and Terrorism panelists (from left to right): Glenn Nordin, Ronald Wolfe, Kevin Hendzel, Page”—the subsection of the Post Richard Brecht, and Margaret Gulotta. devoted to U.S. government news— and illustrated with a photo of panelists This article is just one example of he turned on the news. Imagine his sur- Richard Brecht of the National Foreign the kind of media coverage that can prise when he saw himself on TV! Languages Center and Margaret be obtained by intensifying public The video continues with clips Gulotta of the FBI, the article was cer- relations and using the services of a from local Atlanta network stations tain to grab readers’ attention. professional. Hendzel and fellow PR NBC, CBS, and FOX, which reported In it, staff writers Susan Schmidt on the event at their respective news and Allan Lengel describe the gov- times. The CBS report took a particu- ernment’s efforts to recruit linguists “…The PR Committee will larly creative approach by showing in the aftermath of the September 11 ATA audience shots interspersed with attacks. New hires, they report, have enhance the image of our interviews with members speaking slowed from an expected “gusher” to profession and consolidate different foreign languages. a “small but steady stream.” The main ATA’s position as the top After running locally, these stories obstacle has been the extensive back- were syndicated to 21 cities, where ground investigations necessary for authority for the local stations in Boston, New York, jobs that require a security clearance. translation industry…” Dallas, and San Diego picked them ATA is cited in the story as “trying up. The video also includes a radio to help the government recruit speakers segment from the ABC Radio show of Arabic, Urdu, Pashto, Farsi, and Committee Co-Chair Chris Durban “Perspective” on public affairs, for other Middle Eastern languages.” ATA had hired PR expert Wendy which Kevin was interviewed. Public Relations Committee Co-Chair Greenwald of The Solution, a pre- Wish you could see it? Come to the Kevin Hendzel is quoted several times, mier media relations and PR firm. Annual Conference in Phoenix, where including this incisive comment on Wendy’s personal contacts with one the PR Committee will have a VCR training: “Heritage speakers are of lim- of the Post reporters, among other set up so that all attendees can view ited value. Kitchen Urdu is not the journalists, were decisive in placing the results of our activities to enhance same as how to make a bomb Urdu,” he numerous stories in the Atlanta local the image of our profession and con- told reporters. “The best intelligence press and on national networks. solidate ATA’s position as the top recruits are academically trained and The PR Committee has put together authority for the translation industry. have lived abroad.” a 19-minute video collage of most of The article also notes that an ATA the coverage, starting with the two-and- survey of U.S. colleges found only a-half-minute segment that aired at least 614 students studying Pashto, Dari, four times on CNN Headline News Associations Farsi, and Uzbek. The remainder of about two weeks after the conference. Make A Better the article describes FBI efforts to Translation and Terrorism panelist Glenn World recruit Arabic speakers from the Arab Nordin happened to be traveling that day American community. and after checking into his hotel room,

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 17 Making Mentoring Meaningful

By John P. Shaklee

he ATA Mentoring Program has “The mentoring relationship was totally mentee-driven. He set up been a membership benefit works like this: one mentor plus one our monthly telephone meeting T since its introduction at the mentee. If there are many more schedule, prepared a list of items to 2001 ATA Annual Conference in Los mentees than there are mentors, then discuss at each meeting, and even Angeles. The structure of the pro- it’s impossible to match all mentees arranged to come from the Midwest gram is simple. First, potential men- with mentors. This is why I to “shadow” me for a couple of days. tors and mentees participate in a encourage everyone who has some- It was my mentee’s contention that three-hour training session at the thing to offer to volunteer a bit of since he was the one picking my Annual Conference. After this, men- their time to help someone else, so brain and experience, he would also tors are matched with mentees (or that we can then have more suc- be the one who had to make the they match themselves) in a working cessful matches.” greater effort. Little did he know that relationship designed to last one year. I was gaining as much or maybe even The Mentoring Task Force is more from the relationship. I encour- pleased to announce that there will “…I encourage everyone aged him to get involved and he did. soon be a regular column in the ATA He joined the Espalista listserv, wrote Chronicle to address questions about who has something to for Intercambios (newsletter of ATA’s the program. Issues to be discussed offer to volunteer a bit Spanish Language Division), did a include tips on how to achieve a suc- of their time to help presentation at the Atlanta confer- cessful and meaningful mentoring rela- ence, and now he is preparing an tionship (for example, what do you do someone else…” article for the ATA Chronicle. My when your mentoring relationships only input in all of that was to say: seems to be faltering?). We will also ‘Go for it!’ Basically, I lucked out. I publish a list of trained ATA mentors “A few things changed about the had an excellent mentee. who are available to work with poten- program after the first pilot year, one I signed up again in Atlanta to take tial mentees. It is our hope that mem- being that mentees are now given on a mentee this year, but the two of bers who are not currently participating some initial training and then encour- us have just not connected. For some in the program will also read this new aged to look for and approach poten- reason, we haven’t yet found the column and be inspired to get involved. tial mentors on their own. Many chemistry to make things work. But To that end, here are some quotes mentee-mentor relationships have I’m not giving up. I want it to work. from current mentors and mentees been formed this way. There are quite In both cases, I had mentees in my that were recently posted on ATA’s a few people who did not sign onto own language pair, but it does not Spanish Language Division listserv, the program initially, but became have to be that way. It does not nec- Espalista: mentors once they were approached essarily have to be a help-me-with- by a mentee who had received the this-term relationship (Espalista does “I did the mentor training last training.” that much better than any one August and ‘adopted’ a mentee imme- person), but just a sharing of experi- diately. We have had a very successful, “I was a mentor for the first year ences, sources, and strategies that mutually beneficial relationship ever and had a terrific experience (in fact, have worked and not worked.” since. There are definite boundaries to I continue mentoring my mentee out- the relationship, so it does not take up side of the ‘official’ program).” Send your queries about the a lot of our time; mostly we e-mail Mentoring Program to John P. back and forth. Nonetheless, we both “My first year as a mentor was Shaklee at [email protected], and have gotten a lot out of the relation- outstanding. I was assigned a mentee we will try to answer them in our next ship, so I highly recommend the pro- who re-taught me that you get out of column. gram, both to potential mentors and to the program as much as you are potential mentees.” willing to put in. Our relationship

For complete membership information, visit atanet.org today!

18 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Translation Company Division Progress: Best Practices and Quality of Service

By Evan Geisinger

ince ATA is at heart a profes- and how, and in relation to pay- have ideas they’d like to see imple- sional organization of skilled ment terms, etc.). mented. The principal project of the S practitioners, the Translation committee so far has been to complete Company Division (TCD) has been a 3. Product quality (i.e., translation its formalization of QoS components 1 special group from the very start. fidelity and fitness-for-purpose, and 2, by establishing standards Many members are translators who appropriate formatting and designed to address the many complex have “crossed the divide” to found delivery method, etc.). scenarios encountered by companies their own companies, often because providing translation and other “value- they wanted to bring their craftsman- To address these three different aspects, added services” such as DTP and soft- ship and professionalism to bear on a a number of projects were undertaken. ware localization. wider range of work than they could First, a company-oriented document, Through the first four years of its when they were sole proprietors and the TCD Code of Best Practices, was existence, Suzanne Robinson chaired freelance contractors. ATA corporate created as an adjunct to ATA’s Code of the Best Practices Committee, nur- members are also participants in the turing the TCD Quality Standards TCD, and any company that sends through seven different drafts. Along representatives to ATA is clearly the way, she gathered input and serious about contributing to the state “…one of the key goals of sample texts from company owners in of our art and to the improvement of the European Union of Associations the standard of service in our the TCD has been to set of Translation Companies (EUTAC), industry. The purpose of the division out standards and the head of technical policy at the is to encourage reliability, clarity, and definitions for “quality”…” British Standards Institution, and fairness in relationships between from the American Society for translation companies, their sup- Testing and Materials (ASTM). In the pliers, and clients. Having members course of these activities, and through from the variety of backgrounds that suggestions from ATA Board mem- we do is therefore a core strength. Professional Conduct and Business bers and conversations at TCD Since its formation in 1998, one Practices, and was adopted at the 2000 summer conferences, it became clear of the key goals of the TCD has been TCD annual meeting. That document what roles our quality standards to set out standards and definitions set out the basic ethical framework for should play. Responses from ATA’s for “quality” in the ways a transla- fairness and honesty according to attorney, who reviewed the standards tion or interpretation company pro- which any “quality” translation or document in the fall of 2002, made vides its services. Such Quality of interpretation company should operate. things even clearer. Service (QoS) consists of three prin- This was a first step towards formal- When it is completed, the draft cipal subcomponents: izing QoS components 1 and 2 above, will be adopted as an official publica- but the TCD’s ambitions extended tion of ATA’s TCD. However, ATA is 1. Clarity and professionalism in cus- further still…. not a certification organization of the tomer relationship management sort that does site visits and external (i.e., making explicit commitments The Best Practices Committee and audits for standards compliance, nor that are consistently delivered on, the TCD Quality Standards does it intend to become one. (Not and maintaining a service-oriented The TCD’s Best Practices only is such policing not a core com- relationship with the client in order Committee has no explicit mission petency of a professional organization to handle the unforeseen situations other than that which can be inferred like ours, but doing so would bring that inevitably arise in ways that from its name: to codify and promote untenable liability exposure and cor- assure customer satisfaction). the adoption of those “exemplary” respondingly exorbitant insurance practices through which businesses can premiums. Moreover, most small 2. Clarity and professionalism in do the most to improve our industry companies would probably find the contractor/employee relationship as a whole. This leaves room for a administrative overhead and the audit management (i.e., clear communi- great deal of creativity and personal application fees prohibitive). Instead, cations on who does what, when, involvement by TCD members who companies that agree to abide by ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 19 Translation Company Division Progress: Best Practices and Quality of Service Continued the TCD Quality Standards would be ties, and that this situation is not several written “formality registers” of authorized to use a specifically worded unique to the United States. An effec- Japanese (e.g., “-de aru” vs. “-desu/- statement of their voluntary adherence, tive balance recognizes value in the masu” form) to use. Conversely, when which they could then use on their scholarship, relevant experience, and I’ve subcontracted out work accompa- websites and marketing materials. The linguistic capabilities of the language nied with explicit details, it has made a goal is to build a meaningful docu- specialist, as well as the business noticeable difference in the level of ment: “to provide a set of procedural expertise, complex project manage- quality my colleagues have provided in guidelines that companies can adopt in ment skills, and added value services return. Moreover, even when I’ve had order to indicate to their clients their provided by a quality-oriented com- to say “I don’t know” regarding a basic professionalism and seriousness of pany. A valid industry quality stan- job requirement fact, I have still purpose, in a way that is explicit, yet dard should capture all of these received occasional compliments from not prohibitive in terms of administra- aspects in its definition of the transla- colleagues saying how refreshing a tive overhead and associated cost. tion/interpretation process, allowing change it was for them to have access More specifically, it should also be sufficient flexibility to encompass to all of the same information as the lightweight enough for even a well-run unusual situations.” She said that the project manager. sole proprietorship to implement.” effort has presented her with a great There is clearly a great deal that At the TCD annual meeting in opportunity to grow professionally— can be done to ensure that communi- Atlanta, I volunteered to take on the both through insightful meetings with cations between clients, companies, responsibility of continuing this and translation company owners in and practitioners are structured to other Best Practices Committee proj- Europe and with our counterpart support QoS. As a one-time Internet ects under new TCD Administrator committees in the Association of communications engineer, I have Linda Gauthier. Suzanne Robinson Canadian Corporations in Translation always been interested in the possi- was kind enough to volunteer her con- and Interpretation and EUTAC. bilities of standardizing the corre- tinued mentorship and participation, This enticing picture matched well spondence that goes into excellent and half a dozen TCD members with my own quality-centered inter- customer service, so that these expressed interest in joining the com- ests. For Suzanne, it was a background aspects of quality and consistency mittee or continuing their ongoing in journalism that led her to appreciate eventually become semiautomatic. involvement. This group represents a compelling, creative expression and After, or in parallel with, the comple- good mix of “fresh blood” and partici- accurate representation. As for myself, tion of the TCD Quality Standards pants who are familiar with the history I spent a number of years translating in document, I hope to interest the com- of the TCD Quality Standards effort. Japan, working with clients who were mittee in creating corresponding Through them, we will continue the surprised and pleased when I checked technical components (e.g., XML procedure of eliciting suggestions, back with them to disambiguate a and human-readable content defini- evaluating all comments, working phrase, or to obviate an error or omis- tions for translation job orders and them into new drafts, and posting sion in their source text. Authors and translation deliveries). Ideally, we major revisions on the TCD website clients rarely get an indication of the could then use ATA’s influence to (www.ata-divisions.org/TCD/index.htm). level of attention and in-depth thought educate the market. Perhaps, several Our goal is to submit a semifinal ver- translators put into understanding their years from now, most of our clients sion to the division at the next ATA texts. Therefore, having these stan- will learn that “you haven’t ordered a conference. The result, after approval dards in place represents an opportu- translation unless you’ve specified X, by ATA’s attorney and Board, will nity for translation companies to give Y, and Z.” After that, the final and become official. an added impression of care/quality most interesting hurdle will be to for- Suzanne explained that she and to improve their client relation- malize vocabulary and quantitative decided to devote herself to the TCD ships. Another area where clear com- criteria for the evaluation of transla- Quality Standards because: “It is munication can improve quality is in tion fidelity. While many aspects of clear that the intrinsic, competitive the job initiation process. For instance, the definition of “a good translation” atmosphere of the relationship Japanese translators often complain will not be accessible to computers between freelancer and translation that they are not even told who the until/unless full artificial intelligence company is detrimental to both par- target audience will be, or which of the becomes a reality, a number of other

20 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 aspects can be clarified—to help our both sides of the freelancer/company continues to welcome participation industry “speak in the same lan- relationship, we are truly a rarity. No from all who are interested (contact guage” about what has so far been group anywhere is better positioned Evan Geisinger, committee chair, at vague and seemingly ineffable. It is to improve the quality standards of [email protected]). Discussion is also only through using consistent defini- our industry than is ATA’s Translation welcome in the Members-Only sec- tions that we can assure that the gen- Company Division. Through the tion of ATA’s website: post messages eral level of quality in the completion and adoption of the TCD on the TCD forum with headlines marketplace will improve over time. Quality Standards, and beyond that to starting “BP-QS” (for Best Practices Doing so is a principal duty of any the undertaking of whatever ambi- Committee-Quality Standards). professional organization. tious projects we address next, we With members who are able to look forward to your help and sup- consider the issues we address from port. The Best Practices Committee

International Certification Study: The Arab Countries Continued from page 16 encourage readers to submit any rele- and the Arabic Interpreter” by vant information concerning certifi- Aziz El-Nasser Ismail (August cation or similar programs, as well as 2002 ATA Chronicle). comments on the information pub- lished in this series, to my e-mail 4. Excerpts from “The Challenges of address at [email protected]. Translation in the 3rd Millennium: A Bifocal Approach.” The text is Notes not a verbatim quotation—it has in cooperation with 1. “The Challenges of Translation in been modified slightly by the Localisation Research Centre the 3rd Millennium: A Bifocal author of this article and then of the University of Limerick Approach,” a paper presented by approved by Moustafa Gabr. Moustafa Gabr at an international announces conference held in May 2002, at 5. www.arabtranslators.net Notre Dame University in International Lebanon, on the challenges of 6. The description of the ATN certifi- translation in the third millennium. cation program was taken directly Localization from the ATN website and modi- Summer School 2. The Arab-speaking countries are: fied slightly to conform to current Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, U.S. English style. June 18,19, and 20 in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Austin, Texas USA Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, 7. Currently, the “translator diploma” Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, is awarded by the King Fahd Contact Bob McGoldrick Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Advanced School of Translation. Program Coordinator Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen. About 70% of the sworn translators 512.223.7662 practicing in Morocco are graduates [email protected] 3. For more information on the lin- of the King Fahd Advanced School or visit guistic and cultural varieties of of Translation. www.austincc.edu/taltaner Arabic, see “Cultural Awareness

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 21 Viewpoints: Opinions from the Field Why Companies Can Be Better Than Agencies

By Richard Gray

Note: The following editorial and the trous results. I would return transla- have at any given time, and also what one following on page 25 reflect the tions to the translator with corrections type of capacity. It has more control authors’ personal thoughts, not those highlighted and a friendly and con- over the translator’s learning and of the association. structive note to the effect that they preparation. A junior in-house trans- should carefully read over the changes lator is more likely to take to heart n this article, I argue the case for for the next time. But when the next feedback from a senior colleague than translation companies, defined time came, the same mistakes a freelancer is from an agency (if the I here as companies that employ occurred. I realized two things: 1) that agency gives it at all). And within an full-time translators and editors, and I was way down on this freelancer’s employer-employee relationship, a against translation agencies, defined list of business priorities (and why company is likely to command greater here as companies that only use free- shouldn’t I be?); and 2) that it would loyalty and dedication from its trans- lancers. I argue this case from two be impossible to teach them anything lators (and so get better service). So, perspectives: 1) a business perspec- from a distance. When I came to set up on balance, in terms of quality and tive—a translation company can be reliability of service, an in-house more effective at producing good option looks better than a freelancer translations, and so be more suc- “…The freelance-agency option, and so should make for a more cessful, than an agency; and 2) a structure, and the robust business model. broader industry perspective—that This said, certain highly special- the translation business would be, and resulting image, is partly ized jobs that are received by an would be perceived as being, a more responsible for the agency may require the highly spe- professional industry, producing cialized skills of a particular free- better work, if it were made up of relegation of our lancer. But that freelancer (if they more companies and fewer agencies. profession to the category really are highly specialized) will Before I start, I should say that I of a clerical activity…” probably have their own end clients, run a translation company, Richard and so may not often be available for Gray Financial Translations (RGFT) agency work. This is also the reason Ltd., that currently employs 35 in- my own company, I remembered these why the in-house model is best suited house translators. We also aim to use experiences and decided I would have to a specialist business model (e.g., freelancers for about 30% of our to have in-house colleagues if I financial translations). The narrower work. This structure was created by wanted my company to do a good job. the range of subjects the company design, by putting into practice some Of course, at that time I had no covers, the narrower the range of of the ideas I set out in this article. I idea how to manage freelancers, and skills required of its translators. should also say that I am a translator, probably went about the job very I’ve heard the claim that agencies and worked seven years as a free- poorly. Getting good, reliable service take care of marketing and client lancer before setting up my company. from freelancers is an agency’s core relations, and so allow the freelance When I was a freelancer and started competence and something a lot of translator to focus on translating. But getting more work than I could agencies do very well. But freelancers there’s more to being a freelancer handle, I faced the dreadful prospect are free to be unavailable whenever than marketing and client relations. of having to turn down assignments. they want, they can disappear at An agency doesn’t do the freelancer’s Rather than do this, I asked my fellow inconvenient times, and an agency has invoicing, their accounts, IT mainte- freelance translators if they could help no idea if they will be in a fit state to nance, supplies procurement, etc. A me out. In effect, I became a mini- work at any given time. Agencies company does. And so this allows the agency, with the difference being that have very little control over their in-house translator more time to I would proof and edit my colleagues’ training and preparation and cannot focus on translating. So, the “special- work. I usually out-sourced my work (at least under most legislations) com- ization of labor” argument favors the to translators who I knew could do a mand a freelancer’s full-time atten- in-house over the agency model. good job. But sometimes I fell into the tion or loyalty. By contrast, a However, one task that an agency trap of sending work to translators I company enjoys the certainty of does take off the freelancer’s hands is didn’t know very well—with disas- knowing how much capacity it will dealing with clients. Freelancers that

22 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 work through agencies are usually think I should have to argue in any Knowledge-sharing has been not allowed to speak to the client—in detail here. I take it as self-evident made a lot easier by TM software. case they steal their business. And that you (as a professional in the TM is probably one of the most sig- yet, talking to a client (often the translation industry) agree that the nificant technological advances that author of the source text) is often key more a translator knows about their has been made in the translation to understanding a text, and therefore subject and their languages (source industry in the last decade. But the crucial to doing a good translation. and target), the better the translation focus of TM’s benefits has been on More broadly, interaction with clients they will produce. the cost savings realized by effective is probably the single best way that The importance of knowledge in translation recycling. Few people translators can improve their skills the translation process also under- seem to realize the knowledge- and, in so doing, improve their trans- pins another aspect of having an in- sharing capabilities of TM tools. lations. Understanding is key to house team that is the source of With TM, an in-house team of trans- doing a good translation, and the significant value for a translation lators can effectively “look into each author of the source text is the person business. When translators sit next other’s minds.” Say three translators who understands the source text to each other in the same room, they in an in-house team, Aidan, Gillian, better than anyone else. If the author can speak to each other. In partic- and Julia, have to split up a text in can pass on some of their under- ular, a key relationship within a team order to meet a ridiculously tight standing to the translator, the transla- of in-house translators is between deadline. When Gillian encounters tion will benefit. By blocking the native speakers of the source text the term “compte à terme” on page 7, freelancer’s contact with the author, and native speakers of the target she will see how Aidan translated it an agency destroys a major source of text. The casual consultation that on page 2, and when Julia is trans- value for the translation process. happens in a translation office lating the report summary on page What’s more, the unfettered inter- between target speaker (i.e., the 15, the TM tells her that Aidan has action of translator and author is also translator doing the translation) and already translated an entire paragraph an excellent way of educating clients. source speaker has enormous value. the author lifted from the Executive Such interaction gives the client a These two translators may even have Summary on page 1. In this way, the better understanding of the trans- translated the same sorts of texts in TM allows teams of translators to lator’s work and problems, many of opposite directions, in which case increase their consistency when doc- which can be eased with the client’s the information they can exchange uments are split up. And let’s say cooperation. Commercially also, a will be even more valuable. that, six months later, the client sends relationship in which supplier and Yes, freelancers can phone and an update to the report with a less client talk to each other will probably e-mail each other and post questions ridiculous deadline. However, be more resilient over time. Of on websites, but the fact of the matter Aidan’s on holiday and Gillian and course, a project manager can discuss is that they don’t exchange as much Julia are all busy on something else, a text with a client after prompting by knowledge as they would if they were so a new member of the in-house the translator. But the project manager in the same room together. By pooling team, Charlotte, has to translate the will not have read the client’s text as their knowledge, each translator in a report. By using TM, she will be able closely as the translator, and so the team will build up more knowledge to use her colleagues’ translations of interaction between project manager than if they had been working in iso- the terminology. In this way, TM and client will be diluted and will lation. This may sound like a bla- allows consistency within a team, but release less value. So, these are three tantly obvious point, but I think its also consistency over time. It also more ways in which a translation importance for the translation process works as an excellent training tool for company enjoys a stronger business tends to be underestimated. Aside new team members, who are able to thanks to in-house translators. from the general importance of team- dip into the wealth of past transla- Underpinning this view that inter- work, translators working in close tions produced by their more senior action with clients releases a lot of proximity to one another, especially colleagues. value for the translation process is the on large translations or projects that These knowledge-sharing advan- belief that translation is a knowledge- need to be divided up, will probably tages afforded by TM can be lever- driven skill. This is a belief I don’t do a better job. aged a lot more effectively by ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 23 Viewpoints: Opinions from the Field Continued in-house teams. Although with a lot capacity. I can’t prove it, but I would other, but at the end of the day the of careful TM memory, management, suggest that the risk is worth the extra relationship will always be quite and sharing, an agency could benefit return (i.e., the extra quality of ephemeral. This situation makes for a from some of these advantages, it service as set out above). As transla- climate of low visibility, which in would find it more difficult than a tion customers become more sophis- turn makes it more difficult for both company. An agency might also be ticated and translation quality agency and freelancer to plan ahead. reluctant to share TM memories with becomes more important to them, Freelancers may be discouraged from freelancers because, as already men- perhaps translation companies will taking time out to do research that tioned, freelancers are free—in this start viewing in-house translators as a could improve their work, and they case, free to work with other agencies “risk” worth taking. may never have a consistent enough and even end clients. So, although My second broader argument in stream of work in a particular area to sharing knowledge through TM favor of companies over agencies is be able to build up specialized knowl- might have undoubted benefits for that the translation industry would edge. And yet this precarious rela- the translation process, an agency be a lot more professional, and be tionship is what binds the translation might prefer to pass them up for fear viewed as such, if more companies industry together. that freelancers might share those employed in-house translators. For My last point is that this structure benefits with competitors. the reasons I have already suggested looks bad to the outside world—a So, there’s the case for an in-house (better educational experience, world made up of our potential model producing a better translation more client interaction, and more clients. Intermediaries are not gener- product than an agency: it’s more knowledge-sharing), I think transla- ally liked. Think of property agents, reliable, it enables valuable interac- tors become better translators when employment agents, brokers of all tion with clients, and it releases a lot they work in-house. And better trans- kinds, and many other middlemen. of value through knowledge-sharing. lators would obviously make for a The suspicion is that they don’t do So why aren’t there more translation better industry. How do freelancers much for their money, that they just companies employing in-house trans- improve their skills when they switch envelopes and take a cut. lators? One reason is because many receive little feedback on their work Their challenge is always to show agencies aren’t specialized enough. or support from agencies, when they that they add value. For a translation As mentioned earlier, if you offer to cannot talk to the authors of the texts agency, this would take the form of cover a broad range of services, you they translate, and when there is little proofing and editing and then need a broad range of skills. The opportunity to share knowledge with returning the finished translation to question of whether a company should fellow professionals? In short, the the client and the translator, thus specialize or not is another issue alto- freelancer-agency structure seems adding more value by improving the gether. But it doesn’t seem to be the designed to minimize the opportuni- translator’s skills for the next time only reason that translation businesses ties for the industry-wide improve- (and proving that they added value in do not employ in-house translators. It ment of translation skills. the translation for the client as well!). is very cheap and easy to set up shop This structure is bad for other rea- To the outside world, the translation as a translation agency with so many sons. The relationship between an industry is made up of agents and, ready and willing freelance translators agency and a freelancer is quite unseen behind them, an army of free- making themselves available. In- loose. It is entered into easily and is lancers who actually do the work, but house translators represent a heavy broken easily. If the agency finds a whose identity is shrouded in secrecy. overhead for a business and so better freelancer for the same price, It is seen as an industry that handles increase the risk, while freelancers or of the same quality but cheaper, it rather than does. Imagine how you represent capacity that can be tapped will switch. Similarly, freelancers would feel if you hired the services of whenever necessary with a much take the best-paid work they can get, a law firm and found out your work lower risk. Exactly how risky the fixed and have no great loyalty to agencies. was being subcontracted to a name- cost of an in-house team of translators As far as the employment legislation less lawyer, with whom you weren’t is for a business varies from country in their home countries allows, agen- allowed to have direct contact? How to country, but clearly a company cies and freelancers will each do their tries to avoid underutilization of best to engender loyalty in each Continued on p.27

24 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Viewpoints: A Second Look Companies & Agencies, Two Sides of the Same Coin?

By Linda Gauthier

Associate yourself with men of good shovel the entrance to my igloo.) that the comments of someone left shell- quality if you esteem your own repu- subcontractors do not review com- shocked after some unfortunate expe- tation for ‘tis better to be alone than ments and ignore phone calls seems riences, and perhaps a lack of in bad company. to stem from a bit of bad luck. We forethought. To that, I have but three George Washington (1732-1799) have wonderful long-term relation- words: contract, contract, contract. ships with our regular subcontractors, Generalizing is a slippery slope and, The quality of a person’s life is in some of whom place our requests for in this case, rather insulting to ATA direct proportion to their commitment work as priority and consider our members and the translation commu- to excellence, regardless of their comments carefully when we do have nity at large. (Does anyone want fries chosen field of endeavor. some to make. with those burgers? One moment, Vincent T. Lombardi folks, while I cut myself a chunk of ice from the igloo wall for my drink.) ew since last November to the “…There are clients for Of course, dishonest people exist in position of administrator of every kind of language any industry, but at the risk of being N ATA’s Translation Company service provider out called a Pollyanna, I’d like to think Division, I feel it necessary to present that the greater majority has strong a different view on the matter of com- there…we are only as values and a solid code of ethics. panies versus agencies. To presume good as the translators That said, anyone with a modicum of unilaterally that agencies are not legal experience will tell you that any worth their salt and that companies that we contract with, business relationship, and that reign supreme is akin to saying that whether as employees or includes an agency with its subcon- all Americans live off cheeseburgers subcontractors…” tractors, deserves to be governed by a and that all Canadians live in igloos. contract. One of the first things we Our company, BG Communi- did when we launched BG was draft cations International Inc., could be Obviously, one of the perks of the contracts we would use with our considered a hybrid. The most pop- freelancing is the ability to say no. subcontractors and clients, among ular languages are handled in-house, One can be unavailable, out of town, others. Over the years, these have reflecting the company model, while out of commission, or simply taking a served us very well. Perhaps we’ve projects for other languages are han- day off on occasion. By the same been lucky, or perhaps we were dled through our subcontractors, as token, we can smell the coffee as well simply well prepared. Furthermore, demonstrated by the agency scenario. as anyone; if a freelancer were to say we’ve found that most translators Sitting on the fence, as it were, I am no every single time, we’d eventually take great pride in rendering pol- in a good position to expound on the manage to forget his or her number. ished, solid documents. Our free- industry from various points of view. That is why it behooves a project lancers are professionals; some of In any case, whether you are a com- coordinator to have a broader base of them have been honing their craft for pany, agency, or freelancer, you are only freelancers per given language com- more than 20 years and have better as good as your end product, however it bination, additional resources to get sense than to send out shoddy work is produced. By extension, we are only more if need be, and a great deal of (as if they’d be capable of it in the as good as the translators that we con- resourcefulness. Project coordination first place). They truly are a pleasure tract with, whether as employees or is not a job for the faint of heart or to work with. Of course, over the subcontractors. It stands to reason that simple-minded. Our project manager years we may run across someone or an agency absolutely needs to validate often compares herself to a goalie a company whose quality does not the competency of its subcontractors. during a practice session, with five meet our standards. Things can Phone interviews, resumes, verification hockey players shooting pucks into happen. That’s why quality control of certifications and degrees, and testing the net at the same time, or to a pro- procedures get implemented. will all contribute to increasing an fessional juggler. For her, being The company scenario certainly agency/company owner’s comfort level. nimble is a good thing. has its advantages. Of course, the The generalization (Cheeseburgers, To say that all freelancers will interaction between translators can be anyone? Please excuse me while I go attempt to steal clients sounds like quite beneficial for the end ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 25 Viewpoints: A Second Look Continued product and parries the isolation that while if it loses one of those clients, for smaller companies/agencies and freelancers often feel. Financially, as it will lose 50% of its revenues at most freelancers. I would also not put having solid translators on the payroll once. Bankers will look more favor- it in the hands of junior translators makes more sense in general, pro- ably on a company with the same until they get at least a few years of vided that their performance is yearly sales figures that has 10 clients experience under their belts. Fuzzy optimal. However, when the market bringing in $100,000 apiece. If it matches are sometimes too fuzzy, and collapses and work disappears, pay- loses one client, it will only lose 10% vigilance is required to make sure roll can ultimately jeopardize the of its revenues. Similarly, a special- that today’s document is truly reflec- company’s viability and cause layoffs ized translation company is limiting tive of the source text. It is simply too to ensue. its potential market. easy to accept proposed sentences or I tend to disagree with the idea As for consulting clients, if yours paragraphs and forego the usual in- that in-house teams should be highly are amenable, you are indeed very depth analysis. Strong critical specialized. On the contrary, we see lucky. As translators, our work thinking remains essential to produce documents from all sorts of industries requires a deep understanding of the quality documents, a faculty which relating to nuclear plants, cosmetics, source language and mastery of the juniors need to develop over time. pharmaceuticals, weight loss prod- target language, while our clients’ How do translators improve their ucts, contracts, mutual funds and expertise usually lies elsewhere. skills? By attending industry-specific other financial products, software They are attorneys, accountants, bio- seminars and courses, doing research manuals, engineering assessments chemists, businesspeople, engineers, during downtime, and interacting and project descriptions, pipelines, scientists, software developers, man- with colleagues at ATA events. Just human rights, retail franchises, agers…and while some do write like other professionals, we (at least advertising, processed foods, and on beautifully, their documents are those of us who are bound by a pro- and on. In our case, we tend to sub- often not the greatest prose. fessional order) have the obligation contract the highly technical docu- Obviously, it does occur to us that to stay current in our given fields of ments that are beyond the knowledge we need to clarify an ambiguous expertise and to continue to learn, base of our generalists. statement or get an explanation for a which most people who are intellec- A firm that is specialized in a term shrouded in mystery. We call tually curious would tend to do given industry can therefore only and send e-mails, and once in a anyway. Translators do not neces- tender proposals in its field of while, when the planets are aligned I sarily get better simply because they expertise, thereby effectively cutting suspect, we get an answer. Some are in a company. They improve itself off from the rest of the market. clients do get irritated when asked because they mature as individuals If its market shifts or is battered by too many questions. Nowadays, the and gain experience, which will all be economic eddies, the company may get-it-done urge that seems to drive reflected in their work. want to look outside the box and our North American society cer- There are clients for every kind of diversify. Its highly specialized per- tainly drives our clients—they want language service provider out there. sonnel would then have to handle their work done right, on time, with Some will lean towards the larger documents from less familiar sectors, no whining (a client’s word, not firms because of their one-stop-shop and would become less effective in mine). They feel that they pay for capabilities if they need several lan- the process. As a general rule, the our expertise, so they shouldn’t have guages on a regular basis, as well as narrower your client base, the more to do the work. consulting services, narration, affected you will be by market trends. As for the use of translation videos, etc. Others will prefer smaller Those of you with business degrees, memory software, I think it’s the best firms or freelancers because their please bear with me while I make a thing since the advent of word pro- needs are on a smaller scale, or basic point. Generally, a company cessing (I shudder at the thought of because they appreciate the famil- with a yearly sales figure of one mil- retyping all those pages at every set iarity of dealing with the same indi- lion dollars (regardless of the of corrections). It allows for termino- vidual for the long term. By the same industry sector) that relies on two logical cohesion and improves per- token, there are freelancers (I know a clients, each bringing in $500,000 of formance. However, the cost of most few personally) that prefer working business, will be scrambling for a products could be rather prohibitive only with agencies/companies that

26 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 they trust, since they will get a reg- couldn’t simply write someone’s our profession and demand the ular stream of work while main- written word into the other language. respect we are due. I probably cannot taining their independence, without We all know different. We have all appreciate the intricacies of the need to chase payments, adver- had to explain to someone that even designing a large architectural struc- tise, do mailings, and so on. though everyone can write letters, that ture, but I will be able to appreciate I believe that the clerical image of does not make everyone a contender its beauty once built. Our clients do our industry has more to do with for a Pulitzer or any other prize. Yes, not appreciate the intellectual people’s mistaken perception that the industry is changing slowly and process behind translation (nor since anyone can write a letter, if you will continue to do so as ATA, compa- should they need to), but most will happen to speak another language, nies/agencies, and translators con- appreciate our work. then there is no reason why you tinue to dispel misconceptions about

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Viewpoints: Opinions from the Field Continued from page 24 would you regard this law firm? translations as a commodity that can More or less professionally than a be bought cheaply and sold with a law firm with in-house teams of pro- margin. And the freelancer-agency fessionals? The result is that the out- structure in our industry makes it easy side world doesn’t take us seriously, for them to do this. Their bulk-buying and so doesn’t feel it should pay us power means they can squeeze the very much. prices of their freelance suppliers. But This structure, and the resulting I take comfort from certain trends that image, is partly responsible for the rel- are being seen in the marketplace. egation of our profession to the cate- Translation is a relatively young gory of a clerical activity, one where market and buyers of translations are product quality matters little and becoming increasingly sophisticated where it is thought to vary little, and and, with the help of actions to edu- where the focus is on adding value cate them about translations, are through customer service and pack- increasingly aware that quality can aging. But it is a structure that is being vary considerably and that it can be actively cultivated in our industry. very important to them. Some of the leading agencies view

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 27 Security and Safety Issues for the 21st Century Office

By Thomas G. Mansella

ow can I secure my computer modification of data, interception of succumbing to a “domestic,” rather against a virus or a worm communications, breaches of security than foreign enemy.3 H attack? How can I protect my barriers, or the introduction of mali- data? How can I protect my client’s cious code. Information/computer Availability documents against snooping? security can be summarized with three In other words, what will be the Most professionals working with concepts: integrity, availability, and impact of your computer, worksta- computers and networks will ask confidentiality. tion, or network going down? Just themselves the same questions every one day after the September 11th day. And every day they will search Integrity attacks in New York, the electronic for new answers, since yesterday’s As homes and businesses become trade center of a first-line bank was may no longer be useful. increasingly networked environ- up and running at 75% capacity. The The electronic age that has brought ments, the question of information next day, they were operating at 98% us computers, Nintendo¨, cellular integrity—that is, reliability of availability…in a redundant location phones, the Internet, PDAs, and innu- data—emerges as a major issue. across the river in Jersey City. merable other gadgets has also pro- Obviously, this is asking too much duced its own scourge: computer from freelance translators or agen- hacking, cybercrime, and a new “…It is up to all of us to cies. However, the next best thing is a industry as well—information and weekly or even daily data backup. I computer network protection services! become active and skilled cannot imagine calling one of my The idyllic era (if such a time ever custodians of our customers and saying, “A virus ate existed) of the computer as the tool to desktops, laptops, home your file. Can you send me another help humankind save trees, reduce copy? And, by the way, ask the judge workload, and create a happier work- and office networks, and for a continuance!” Data availability force has suddenly given way to Spy the cyberhighways to is key to ensuring a business’ profes- Ware, hoaxes, Trojans, malicious sional success. hackers, faulty software, and careless which we connect through users—all helping to turn our dreams our modems…” Confidentiality and ideals into nightmares. An often-forgotten factor in data “Annual losses from security events security is the protection of your, as continued their sharp upswing, Malicious hackers and cyber crimi- well as your client’s, data from clocking in at $456 million in 2001, up nals may not be interested in obtain- prying eyes. Confidentiality is threat- from $378 million in 2000 and sharply ing the latest translation of The ened by advances in information up from $100 million in 1996.”1 The Pilgrim’s Progress into Sanskrit. technology, which create powerful Vectec Electronic Business Research Rather, they are seeking financial capabilities that are exploited by Center at Christopher Newport data (bank account numbers, names, hackers and cyber criminals. “Simson University in Virginia estimates that or credit card numbers) that can be Garfinkel, [a] privacy expert and MIT the cost of security-related downtime found in accounting programs and grad student, recently bought 158 old over the past 12 months could be as other similar files. hard drives on eBay as an experiment high as $1.39 trillion.2 Moreover, Many organizations and profes- with fellow student Abhi Shelat to although most users would find it diffi- sionals focus almost exclusively on see how much data was recoverable. cult to grasp the global effects of intrusion protection, even to the point Their findings: more than 5,000 cybercrime, many have experienced of ignoring internal security. Internal credit card numbers, financial and firsthand the anger, anguish, frustra- risks range from insider attacks by dis- medical records, personal e-mail, and tion, and even guilt that only a virus- contented employees to the installa- pornography were easily obtainable infected computer can produce. tion of a file-sharing program (Napster on the drives.”4 Could Garfinkel have and Gnutella, for example) by an found one of your client’s files with Protecting Information enterprising teenager. It is believed patent, medical, or proprietary infor- Attacks on information systems that former CIA Director John Deutch mation? From time to time, Spy Ware may include unauthorized access and lost his security clearances by software designed to track your

28 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 browsing habits is added to “free” comfortable pair of shoes. However, catastrophic consequences of a com- screensavers, videos, or other “trial” hackers and cyber criminals know puter virus or worm attack. No one programs. The same tool can easily how to exploit the documented vul- who is going through the painful be used to read any data residing on nerabilities of old software. process of losing a day’s or month’s your hard drive. Industrial espionage Agencies, contractors, clients, and worth of work, glossaries, diction- is a thriving activity, and those who translators should carefully consider the aries, the precious bookmarks, prof- are knowledgeable are hunting for impact of rock-bottom prices that make itable clients, and all the junk we love highly proprietary and profitable it all but impossible to invest in state-of- to collect in computers, can doubt the information. Many know that patents the-art equipment and software, placing need for a change of operating proce- need to be translated into English or themselves, customers, and colleagues dure. The $50 saved today by not pur- other languages. How do you know at risk. No business can thrive or even chasing a good anti-virus or firewall that your computer or network has survive without investment. Computer program, or renewing the license for not been compromised? security and reliability concerns require one that’s already installed, always that, somehow, the final equation make turns into the hundreds of dollars Know Thyself: Measuring Your Risks sense for all concerned. you’ll need to spend in technical sup- Today, securing a personal com- Are you safe or at risk? An excel- port for the recovery of lost data. The puter or a network is a constant battle lent and simple resource to help you costs of down time, the probable loss against an ever-evolving enemy. Hot rate your risk as a computer user can of a customer, or the wreck of a from the box anti-virus software will be found at www.staysafeonline.info/ promising relationship with an be outdated by the time it is installed. selftest.adp. agency or a top-notch translator A newer program that promises to do It is important to note that Mac should be convincing evidence of the away with old security problems will users are not home free. Experts need to invest in computer security. only be good until malicious hackers agree that the Mac and its software find new holes in it. It is a never- have received quite a lot of attention Good Business Practices ending process requiring users to from hackers and cyber criminals. Good business practices are based keep investing time, energy, and Since many Mac users tend to believe on relationships of mutual trust. A money in nonproductive costs. that their computers are immune to number of major corporations that The translation industry has not viruses or attacks, sometimes they do can afford to spend millions on been immune to such problems. Both not properly secure their systems. market research have come to an agencies and translators are at con- As in many other facets of modern important but oft-ignored conclusion: stant risk. Having understood that life, in the continuing struggle to customers buy from people they typewriters and computers are vastly defend the integrity of information sys- know and trust. Satisfied customers different devices, some translators tems, the “weakest link” is the human are repeat customers. Every time you migrated gracefully from one to the factor. Unfortunately, we cannot bid return to the same restaurant or other. Unfortunately, others have “G’ by” to computer operators or users. department store, you prove this missed the point that a computer needs Security is about trust, and further tech- point. And even in this day and age, more care than occasionally replacing nological advances are not panaceas. when customer loyalty is waning, it is a ribbon, thus opening themselves, Thus, in many ways it is up to all of us, more likely than not that customer and those who receive their product, the users, to become active and skilled care will provide a competitive edge. up to unnecessary and costly risks. custodians of our desktops, laptops, Remember that it is less expensive to Pirated software that can’t be home and office networks, and the keep a customer than win a new one. updated is a breeding ground for cyberhighways to which we connect problems, and one that is regularly through our modems. The Devil Lurks Behind the Cross: exploited by malicious operators. The Hardware, Software, and Users use of outdated software by those Knowledge is Power: Why Should from Hell who cannot afford newer versions You Care? Hardware opens up other areas of vulnerability. Self-preservation How many users would let a com- Getting rid of familiar software is as Many users have experienced for plete stranger access their computer? difficult as throwing away a worn but themselves the almost always None? Well, think again. ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 29 Security and Safety Issues for the 21st Century Office Continued

Strangers are not sitting at your desk, Registry Access; and Windows If you use a high-speed Internet con- happily hacking away. They are simply Scripting Host. And, although it’s not nection, even for one computer, a router using 802.11b wireless network cards, listed by SANS/FBI, many experts adds an additional layer of security. which is about the same thing. Since I acknowledge that without proper con- live in an 80-year-old house, wireless figuration, Windows XP¨ may present Users networking seemed to be just what the substantial security and privacy risks. Computer users continue to be doctor ordered. There was no need to Some of these concepts and risks may duped by false virus alerts persuading worry about expensive wiring, the seem arcane to the average user, and them to delete harmless—but some- whole family could enjoy easily con- some may not. The problems related times vital—files, and then forward figured and fast Internet access—what to Internet Explorer/Outlook have the hoaxes to their friends. The pro- else could I ask for? Fast and simple been widely reported. However, a liferation of Internet worms, viruses, access…therein lay the problem! My quick look at the statistics for my and hoaxes proves, repeatedly, that teenager was able to access my wire- own website shows that 4% of the unsophisticated users and network less network, but so was my neighbor. Internet Explorer browser users still administrators are largely responsible And any hacker or cyber criminal utilize version 4.0, 67% use version for the havoc created by hackers, can…actually, they do. Although the 5.0, and just 22% use version 6.0. cyber criminals, and rogue users. latest equipment and software have Astonishingly, I even had 37 visitors People who do not update their oper- improved security features, first gener- using version 3! A major source of ating system or e-mail software ation equipment is easily penetrated vulnerability for computer users is almost certainly will not update their and is actively exploited by rogue having outdated, buggy software in anti-virus program either. The users. According to IBM security con- their systems. What software is in problem with these users is that they sultants, 70% of wireless networks your computer? pose a risk not just to themselves but “have little or no security protection; In many ways, Windows XP¨ is also to their customers, friends, and often even the most basic wireless more resilient and secure than employers. Have we reached the encryption software is not installed, Windows 2000¨ or Windows 98¨. point of seeking enactment of a and many users do not change their However, and in order to facilitate con- “reckless computing” statute? default factory passwords.”5 Agencies nectivity and ease of use, many default and translators are at risk, not neces- settings may place unwary users at No Pain, No Gain: What Can You Do? sarily in terms of the information some risk, especially in combination Hardware stored in their computers, but in terms with a home network or high-speed Computer equipment is constantly of offering an easy access point to Internet connection. To begin with, the changing. Just as we can’t buy a $15,000 malicious operators. Many countries, default setting for all the folders in the car that will last for 25 years, we can’t and many more companies, are now computer allows sharing of their con- buy professional hardware that will last thought to be actively targeting U.S. tent. This is exploited by NETBIOS indefinitely. Professional hardware must proprietary information and critical attacks. Remote assistance and remote be replaced every two to four years. This technologies. Are you making it easy registry allow a technician to remotely is a factor to be considered by translators for them? access a computer and fix any software and agency managers. Naturally, problem. However, this setting poten- everyone expects to extract the last drop Software tially allows any rogue user to hijack of profit from any investment, but tech- According to the SANS Institute the computer or access stored informa- nology, like living language, is continu- and FBI, among the top 10 vulnerabil- tion. Exhaustive discussion of the issue ally evolving. Users need to consider ities to Windows systems6, 5 are found is beyond the scope of this article. the tax advantages of appropriately in most home and small businesses Suffice it to say that there are many depreciating or leasing computer equip- computers: NETBIOS (unprotected Internet sites devoted to this topic. You ment. But the era of 25-year-old type- networking shares); General Windows might want to read the National writers is gone, never to return. Authentication (accounts with no Security Agency (NSA) declassified passwords or weak passwords); pros and cons and instructions for using Software Internet Explorer (and its companion XP in a networked environment Update, update, update! An e-mail tool, Outlook); Remote (www.nsa.gov/snac/winxp/). important, if not the major, factor in

30 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 switching to a high-speed Internet Windows Media Player¨, Intuit¨) that ¥ Never, ever open attachments that connection is the ease of updating from time to time seek independent you are not expecting, even if they software. Yes, being able to search connections to the Internet. come from someone you know. It Google¨ for an elusive concept, seek is worth contacting whoever sent advice from another professional, or Operations them to you to confirm that he or deliver a translation to a distant cus- Become computer literate. Be she intended to send you the tomer is important, but impossible if savvy. Today’s complex software and e-mail. Remember to clean up the computer or network is down. Shy hardware, coupled with sophisticated your trash folder! E-mails and away from buggy software that needs threats, require more than just profi- other deleted files may contain to be patched over and over again. Use cient operation of a word processor, viruses that can cause problems. only anti-virus programs certified by browser, or translation memory pro- ICSA Labs (www.icsalabs.com/html/ gram. Do you know why and how to ¥ Do not open any files with a double certification/index.shtml) or other rep- disable Virtual Basic Script (VBS)? file extension, (e.g., freeoffer.txt.vbs; utable and independent organizations. If you use a high-speed connection, myflowers.doc.exe; agenda.ppt.com; How to protect your client’s pri- do you know if your computer is safe Microsoft.update.dll). Under normal vacy? Several commercial grade from prying eyes? Why do you need circumstances, you should never “file-shredders” are available. Rather to migrate to IE5.5 or IE6? Are need to receive or use them. than deleting files, such programs Netscape¨, Eudora¨, and Opera¨ any will “shred” a folder or a file by over- better than Internet Explorer¨? Do Continued on p.34 writing it several times with binary you know how can you best protect data to make sure that the content is your customers’ privacy? Investing in not recoverable. These programs will a computer security audit will pay off not protect a computer indefinitely in the long run. from the FBI or NSA, but are more than sufficient for most purposes. He Who Cannot Obey Cannot However, it is important to make sure Command: Best Business Practices "Professional interpretation in that the program at least complies ¥ Do not use pirated software. It is over 250 languages" with the U.S. DoD 5200.28-STD illegal and cannot be updated. standard. Another layer of security Bowne Global Solutions, can be added by encrypting your ¥ Be picky about the software you Interpretation Services, is looking files. There are several programs that use. Free software and shareware for qualified bilingual individuals encrypt-decrypt files “on-the-fly,” but are great for nonessential utilities. interested in working with us on a you should not try to use them unless However, a mom-and-pop outfit freelance basis. Applicants must be you have a really fast processor and does not have the resources either U.S. Citizens or permanent plenty of memory. Of course, you can needed to update anti-virus defini- residents (green card holders). encrypt-decrypt files in a batch tion tables and software with the Those interested should process, but then you will need to add speed and strength that sophisti- contact us at a file-shredding program to destroy cated attacks require. [email protected] the unencrypted files. Firewalls will not only protect ¥ Update, update, update! 1- 888-241-9149 ext. 170 your computer or network from intru- Fax to: (202) 331-7630 sion, but will also make sure that ¥ Secure access to your computer. rogue programs (Spy Ware) don’t Bowne Global Solutions, send outgoing messages. Most pro- ¥ Do not run, download, or forward Interpretation Services grams can connect directly to the any unsolicited executables, docu- Attn.: Interpreter Recruiter Internet without opening a browser. A ments, spreadsheets, and so forth. 1730 Rhode Island Ave NW, firewall is especially useful for Anything that runs on your PC Ste 308, Washington DC 20036 reining in Windows XP¨ and many should be virus checked and other programs (e.g., Real Player¨, approved first.

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 31 Sex, Wolves, and Elvis Localization: There’s a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

By Hans Fenstermacher

lobal business is being under- argued that we view groups too sim- Ambassadors, too, adamant in our mined by tottering world plistically because we divide them into conviction that the more integral G economies. Governments are cults and clubs, dismissing the former localization is to product develop- gripped by political turmoil and mis- for their insularity, the latter for their ment, the more market share compa- communication. High-tech and other banality. A cult is a place where, cut off nies will gain, and the more globally committed companies, who from your peers, you become insane. A profitable they will become. stand poised to renew their commit- club is a place where, surrounded by Most great political ambassadors ment to international commerce, and your peers, you become feckless. Yet, face challenging environments armed who represent the only true possible by combining both notions—the right with a portfolio of knowledge, solution to economic and cultural kind of insularity with the right kind of authority, and credibility. Some, prosperity, are underserved and frus- homogeneity—you create an “environ- unfortunately, are ambassadors trated. Blame Saddam Hussein or ment.” And environments are where without portfolios, lacking the con- Enron, North Korea or the European great ideas are possible. solidated support and strength so des- Union; the truth remains that our perately needed for success. Because industry is missing a precious oppor- we cannot afford to be the latter, we tunity. With a world in crisis over “…We need a new, must confront our biggest challenges better communication and integration illuminating visual and head-on: corporate machinations that of global business efficiencies, we’ve obscure the value of localization and neglected our roots. verbal vocabulary that our own fragmented, confusing local- Last year, I helped found the presents a clear, unified ization industry. Globalization and Localization message to global What are some of the internal cor- Association (GALA) on the belief porate challenges? that our industry can, and must, foster business: Get local or get ¥ Sales. We must find a way to ele- innovative ways to raise our visibility lost…” vate the effectiveness of a com- and offer our clients unique, collabo- pany’s sales force by giving them rative value. It started with 15 local- a new unequivocal arsenal to reach ization companies from 12 countries The conclusion bears our attention and influence global markets. on 4 continents, and now some 60 and demands our response. There has GALA companies are projecting a been no better time for our industry ¥ Product Development. We must joint—more powerful—voice within to consolidate its influence, propa- convey the importance of integrating the industry. But is it loud enough? gate its know-how, and step up as localization in the process from the Unless companies in our business leaders and world citizens. Amid start. (Internationalization is finally find a way to unite in a collective global political and commercial tur- getting through to engineers, but cause, to take up the global gauntlet moil, now is the time for localization what about content creators?) for localization, and to champion our to leave its “club,” move into the industry’s role in enduringly suc- environment of the possible, and gen- ¥ Purchasing. We must answer the cessful global business, the answer is erate a cultural and institutional eternal question, “How much did a resounding “no.” If we fail, in par- transformation in corporate corridors. you say?” ticular, to prompt corporate America We are ambassadors of the highest to do the same, the question itself kind. A sexy notion, indeed. We are ¥ Information Systems. We must will be moot. We have to get serious. Corporate Ambassadors who innately change processes and incorporate We have to get, well, sexy. understand—though it’s notoriously things like workflow automation, A recent New Yorker piece by difficult to prove—that money content management, and transla- Malcolm Gladwell discussed how, his- invested in localization more than tion memory. torically, revolutionary thinking has validates its expense. We are Cultural always come from groups—from Ambassadors, driven by the under- ¥ Marketing. We must make sure people getting together to explore standing that doing business in the client marketing campaigns, collat- ideas, argue theories, elevate intelli- world today means more than setting eral, and web efforts stay focused gence, and broaden knowledge. He up a website. We are Language on the right goals—branding,

32 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 product image, and the advantages clients will rely on us to take care of and echoing warnings about the bleak of localized messaging. it for them. Smart clients aren’t future that awaits all companies that buying that, though, and have taken fail to see the importance of localiza- ¥ Management. We must explain many tasks upon themselves (the jury tion. We have allowed ourselves to be and prove (and explain again) the is still out on the ROI of that relegated to the realm of glorified influence properly localized prod- approach, however). data processors, discounted to the ucts have on global marketshare. Because our output is basically point where our output is secondary Did somebody say Return on inscrutable to our clients, our serv- to our cost. Ironically, what we pro- Investment (ROI)? ices have a great deal of trust and vide, it turns out, is not very expen- intuition built into them. But trust can sive at all. Common Sense Advisory, ROI is the elusive “timber wolf” of be uncomfortable, as in those therapy Inc., a business research and sales the localization industry. In the great sessions where you fall anxiously consulting company, has reported and widely approved effort to con- back into the arms of strangers. that our clients are getting an serve its population, we have to prove Logically, trust is the opposite of extremely generous “bang for the that it still exists, measure its num- strategy and the antithesis of business buck ratio.” bers, and nurture a supportive acumen. It’s impossible to measure, How can we effect real change? “ecosystem” for it to flourish and pro- and usually is not convincing on its Let’s start by changing our persona, create. Oh yeah, and keep it from own. And its homely stepsister, intu- debunking the false notion that all we killing the sheep. There is an intrinsic ition, has a negligible place in the do is cobble together a network of challenge in the term itself. It’s too business world. If trust and intuition dubious data-processors. Let’s take the trendy. When money-holding man- come into play, many managers lead on our own image, much like the agers hear the term ROI, they instinc- argue, it’s probably because every IT profession that managed to change tively clutch their wallets. To them, other avenue has been exhausted. its portrayal as Dorito¨-eating, socially ROI means “someone wants me to The corporate attitude toward inept geeks to invaluable, indispen- dump some significant money into localization doesn’t help matters sable (and highly paid) cornerstones of something.” (At Enron that “some- either. It’s rather like the way the successful corporations. If we’re a thing” was far too often an offshore curator of the Museum of Modern Art commodity, then let’s start acting like a bank account.) The manager who uses might evaluate a velvet painting of hot commodity. Let’s manage risk, the beleaguered term ROI shoulders Elvis: with a mixture of condescen- improve processes, craft credible mes- the burden of proof of convincing an sion and reluctant acceptance. sages, and guarantee quality. The UPS already skeptical corporate leader- Trouble is, people actually like Elvis (United Parcel Service) people are ship, and perhaps even the occasional in velvet; all across America, he doing this well—painting the world congressional subcommittee. adorns walls behind countless vinyl brown in anticipation. Before we can win the ROI battle, sectionals. All the sighing and rolling Let’s create our own public rela- we must deal with the fundamental eyes in the world won’t change that tions monster. Remember Oscar weaknesses of our industry. Locali- fact. In the same way, people want to Wilde: “The only thing worse than zation, still, is virtually invisible— read things in their own language, being talked about is not being talked a provocative statement for a and insisting “they all speak English” about.” It works for all the right causes multibillion-dollar industry that theo- won’t change that fact, either. and even many dubious ones. To do retically affects every company on We can’t afford to keep making this, we must dispense with the same the globe. How can something so the same mistakes we’ve already stale verbiage that is met with stares, obviously valuable to all of us garner committed as an industry. We’ve pro- as Raymond Chandler said, “as so little attention outside our circles? moted our software tools and prod- shallow and glazed as the surface The reality is that localization is ucts in the quest for long-term veneer of a cafeteria tray.” (Chandler’s still confusing and intimidating. acceptance and exclusivity. We’ve books may rank with velvet Elvis Why? In part because our industry made up our own “localization- paintings, but any localization com- itself wanted the clients to perceive it speak” to sound impressive, but we pany would give its eyeteeth to have that way. If localization is compli- can’t even agree on it amongst our- that kind of colloquial power.) We cated and costly, goes the argument, selves. We keep touting our benefits need a new, illuminating visual ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 33 Sex, Wolves, and Elvis Continued and verbal vocabulary that presents a industry off the scrap heaps of disas- clear, unified message to global busi- sociated vendors to a seat at the ness: Get local or get lost. global corporate banquet table, as we ATA Members We must unite to create (finally!) a rise out of basement bidding wars, let compelling value proposition for our us eliminate complacency and Check out Life and Disability Insurance industry, and glitz it with highly visible become global leaders. through promotions. Global business consumers A few years ago, the Wall Street Mutual of Omaha need to eat, drink, and sleep localization Journal called localization the “sex- the way they do Burger King, iest” aspect of the translation business. 800.223.6927 402.342.7600 Heineken, and Hilton. Service and It’s time we started living up to it. information that is priceless. Passionate Like I said, “There’s a whole lotta’ www.atanet.org/mutual.htm value and return on investment. shakin’ goin’ on.” As we move the localization

Security and Safety Issues for the 21st Century Office Continued from page 31

¥ Do not download executables, you do at the office. and Internet addresses that had unknown Word¨ documents, or been accessed by Deutch and videos from the Internet. These are ¥ If you run an agency or subcon- members of his household though often used to spread viruses and tract work, do not risk the security an America Online account.” Spy Ware. of your network. Inquire not only Retrieved February 28, 2003 from about language proficiency, but http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us ¥ JPG, GIF, and MP3 files seem to be also about software updates and /DailyNews/cia000202.html. immune to virus infections. Still, even computer literacy. You risk viruses can be disguised as these file losing more than a job. 4. “Erased” hard drives can bite you. types. Jokes, pictures, graphics, Retrieved March 1, 2003 from screensavers, and movie files should ¥ If you run an agency or subcontract www.usatoday.com/tech/news/ be treated with the same degree of work, recognize and reward those 2003-02-05-drive_x.htm. suspicion as other file types. professionals who invest their time, talent, and money to upgrade and 5. “Wireless networks: Avoid security ¥ If possible, use Rich Text Format keep their systems updated. exposure, defend your investment.” (RTF) instead of DOC files, which Retrieved February 28, 2003 from can harbor macro viruses. You can Notes www-1.ibm.com/services/strategy/ automatically save all of your 1. Verton, Dan. 2003. Virus Forecast e_strategy/security_exposure.html. Word documents as RTF by for 2003. Retrieved February 27, selecting Tools/Options/Save, and 2003 from www.pcworld.com/ 6. “The Twenty Most Critical choosing RTF as the default news/article/0,aid,108961,00.asp. Internet Security Vulnerabilities.” format from the drop down menu. Retrieved February 27, 2003 from 2. Security (2003). Retrieved March www.sans.org/top20/#W10. ¥ Unless you are signed up with an 3, 2003 from www.vectec.org/ official virus alert service, under researchcenter/. no circumstances should you for- ward virus warnings without con- 3. “CIA investigators studied data firming their authenticity. on the hard drive of the home com- Associations puter used by [former CIA boss Make A Better ¥ If you work at home, make sure you John] Deutch and were able to World follow the same procedures there as identify various pieces of e-mail

34 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 The Magic of Mastermind Groups

By Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D.

ave you ever wondered how suc- personal agenda from subconsciously presented the issue. If this is done right, cessful business people became directing the group. It also leaves the everyone benefits. HGreat Leaders and Captains of members free to participate in (rather Another primary benefit of the mas- Industry? My research on how the than lead) the meeting. Professional termind group is that it gives the entire greats in business, the arts, politics, and facilitators who lead these groups are membership the ability to get schooled life got there revealed that they had one experienced in business, the psychology in other businesses without having to thing in common. They were all mem- of group dynamics, presentation skills, work in them for a decade. Many “Best bers of some type of mastermind group. and one-to-one coaching. Their skills Practices” are discussed and members Where do leaders go to deal with are needed to assure that the meetings walk away with information they can problems that only present themselves do not become superficial. They are put to use immediately. Mastermind to the top dog? The old saying that “It’s responsible for, and experts at, groups also hold one another account- lonely at the top” can be resolved able for achieving stated goals. It’s very appropriately in a top-flight master- easy to let goals slide when no one is mind group where there are other “…It’s very easy to let looking over your shoulder. people to talk with who understand goals slide when no one is There are a number of business mas- what it’s like to be in your position. termind groups around the world. Did you know that Thomas Edison, looking over your Perhaps the best-known groups are the Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, shoulder…” Young President’s Organization (YPO), and Harvey Firestone were all mem- The Executive Committee (TEC), The bers of a mastermind group? This Council of Growing Companies, and group of leaders knew something many achieving deeper levels of communica- CEO Clubs. Each has its advantages. of us do not. They knew they couldn’t tion. One of the best facilitators in the For example, YPO is great for net- create in a vacuum, and relied on each world is Trygve Duryea from Santa working and TEC offers well-trained other for feedback, ideas, and account- Barbara, California. He has run, res- facilitators. The Council is comprised ability. They were the closest of friends cued, and rebuilt a number of compa- of very high growth companies, and and met several times a year, calling nies, as well as led mastermind groups, CEO Clubs provides great speakers. themselves the Wayfarers. They also and knows the process inside out. He You may have an idea to form your controlled much of the industry in our can be reached at [email protected]. own group to assure that you get country for many years. The one-to-one coaching aspect is exactly what it is you want, but be In a business framework, a master- not available, or advisable, in nonfa- careful that you are not reinventing the mind group acts as an informal board cilitated groups. Its purpose is to wheel. Choosing the right mastermind of directors/advisors. Most are com- uncover and resolve deeper issues, as group does require some research. For posed of CEOs, business owners, and well as to discover topics that would a list of CEO and executive master- executives from 12-15 noncompeting be better discussed within the group. mind groups, send an e-mail with the businesses. The reason the members When these issues are presented prop- word “Groups” in the subject line to are noncompeting is simple: partici- erly, both the presenting member and [email protected]. If you pants want to be able to share sensitive the entire group grows from the dis- would like to discuss creating your information in a safe and secure envi- cussion. A “coach” can also be uti- own group, you may call my offices at ronment where everything is confiden- lized to facilitate issues within your 866-5-BARTON. tial. Occasionally, members do own company. This is a distinct I have been involved in mastermind business with each other, but it is best advantage and a great tool. groups for over a decade, and they have to keep business out of the group in Issue presentation is a key activity in been instrumental in my success as a case something occurs that could a good mastermind group. In the best businessman and a human being. If it’s damage the relationship between par- cases, this is a three-step process. First, something you’ve thought about, I ticipants. This way, the members are a member presents an issue to the challenge you to take the risk of able to share ideas, ventures, and both group. Next, is the discovery phase looking further. I promise you it will be personal and professional issues freely. where members ask questions to clarify well worth the investment of your time The best groups are led by a profes- the issue. Finally, the members present and money. sional facilitator. This precludes any solutions to the member who has

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 35 Solving Puzzles of Grammar and Context in Japanese-to-English Translation

By James L. Davis

his article will present four (Many Japanese words consist of sev- take the form of a list of nouns, broad categories for the kinds eral characters, which have been selected from a potentially longer T of errors that are frequently combined to express a complex con- list of objects, or they might take the made by people translating a cept.) Another common problem is form of representative actions, any Japanese document into English. the inability to reconstruct the orig- of which could satisfy the require- After introducing examples from sev- inal word when an abbreviated form ment presented in the text. The eral categories, I will offer a scheme of the word is used. The latter failure to correctly determine which for organizing the categories and will problem occurs both with words actions are alternatives and which then draw several conclusions. composed of kanji characters and represent consecutive steps in a Although the specific examples have with words composed of (phonetic) sequence, or the failure to correctly been taken from the translations of kana symbols. group nouns within a list, can lead students working from Japanese into to a translation that strays quite far English, the conclusions are relevant from the writer’s intended meaning. to professionals (even those who “…Acquiring a suitable A second issue is the question of work with other languages) in the cause and effect. Usually, either the early stages of their careers. balance between clause that states the purpose of an Knowledge of Japanese is not neces- knowledge of the source action or the clause that states the sary to understand the key points pre- reason for the action ends with a sented here. language and knowledge “conjunction” that not only links of the content of a one clause with the other, but also Categories of Errors document should be indicates the role of the clause in For the past 13 years, I have been question. Similarly, a clause that teaching technical Japanese at the central to any translator’s introduces a condition or a con- University of Wisconsin-Madison plan for professional straint usually ends with a word that (http://metj.engr.wisc.edu/). One of indicates the function of this clause the goals of our program is to teach development…” in the overall sentence. If students professionals (primarily engineers misunderstand the meaning of such and businesspeople who work with a “conjunction,” they produce trans- Japanese counterparts) and students 2. Grammar lations in which the reason, the pur- (principally, but not exclusively, Even advanced students are occa- pose, and the condition or constraint engineering students) how to trans- sionally fooled by the position in a assume roles different from the ones late into English the Japanese tech- Japanese sentence of certain key words intended by the writer of the source nical documents that they might that indicate the relationships among text. As a consequence, the meaning encounter in the course of their work. individual words or clauses in a com- of the translated sentence is dramat- I would like to discuss some of the plex sentence. Such “pivotal words” ically altered. common errors that are made by and certain specific verb forms can be advanced students—students who used as indicators when attempting to 4. Flow of Ideas have completed more than three years fathom the writer’s intended meaning A student who lacks experience or of Japanese language study at the col- from a list of possible meanings for a who has little confidence in his or her lege level. Most of these errors can specific phrase or clause. When stu- own judgment is often too literal in belong to one of the four categories dents overlook these grammatical his or her translations, and may fail to described here. devices, important information is lost, recognize a figurative interpretation and the accuracy of the resulting trans- for a term or an expression. In a sim- 1. Terminology lation invariably decreases. ilar vein, an inexperienced translator Most of these errors result from often suffers from literary “myopia,” incorrect identification of (ideo- 3. Sentence Structure and translates each sentence of a doc- graphic) kanji characters or from the One difficult aspect of a Japanese ument in relative isolation without selection of an incorrect meaning for sentence is the expression of alter- making use of hints or clues from a particular character in a word. natives. These alternatives might preceding or subsequent sentences.

36 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Such hints or clues often clarify trical losses, it is important to have the ‘off’ state. It is also important to potential ambiguities in nearby sen- low resistance.” have low resistance in the ‘on’ state tences. The failure to make use of this in order to reduce power losses.” information frequently leads to incor- The Japanese term consists of rect references or to inconsistencies the kanji (“TAI”), which generally Example 2 (Grammar) within the translation. carries the meaning of “enduring” or In the same paper, a student was “resistant to ...,” and the kanji confronted with sentence given in Sample Errors (“ATSU”), which is usually associ- Example 2. In this sentence, the Upon reviewing the four categories ated with “pressure” or the concept of writer considers one aspect of the presented above, one realizes that the “overwhelming.” The focus of this “scaling principle,” which is used in scope of the error widens as we move paper was the fabrication of high- the design of semiconductor devices. from category 1 (a localized problem frequency electronic devices using The student translated the sentence in that appears in only one word) wide-bandgap semiconductors. Thus, this way: through category 4 (a global problem in this particular context, the kanji that could affect the integrity of an was actually used as an abbreviation “If we consider the scaling prin- entire document). The severity of the for (“DEN-ATSU”), which liter- ciple, since it is necessary to keep error is a separate question, since the ally means “electrical pressure,” but a fixed electric field strength mistranslation of a single key term actually refers to “voltage.” Thus, the internal to a semiconductor, the could be just as damaging to the kanji compound (or ) power source voltage, relative to overall document as a missed allusion refers to “the property of enduring the element size, is also reduced.” or a jumbled figure of speech. /resisting voltage.” The student made the leap from “resisting + voltage” to The important relationship in this Example 1 (Terminology) the concept of electrical insulation, sentence is that between the In a paper taken from a profes- which, of course, does prevent current (“DEN-GEN-DEN-ATSU”), sional journal, a student encountered from flowing in an unintended direc- which represents the “power source the sentence given as Example 1 tion. However, in the context of such voltage,” and the (“SO- below. The student offered the fol- devices, a better choice for this term SHI sa-i-zu”), which stands for the lowing translation: is “withstand voltage.” Thus, the “size of the (semiconductor) device.” translation for this sentence might The verb in the final clause is “In these cases, it is important to read as follows: (“TEI-KA sa-se-ru”), have good high-voltage insulation which means that “(we) cause (some- when in the off state. When in the “In these cases, it is important to thing) to decrease.” The use of the on state, in order to have low elec- have a high withstand voltage in particle (“mo”) in this clause indi- cates that we “also” decrease the Examples 1 and 2 noun that precedes . In this instance, that noun is . The remaining portion of the final clause, Example 1 (“ni HI-REI shi-te”), is an example of what we at the University of Wisconsin-Madison call a “noun-following expression.” This particular expression functions Example 2 in an adverbial manner to link the noun that precedes the expression ( ) with the verb that fol- lows the expression ( ), and it carries the meaning “in propor- tion to...” The original translation could be modified, as follows: ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 37 Solving Puzzles of Grammar and Context Continued

The first sentence could be trans- phone that “incorporates a display “Based on the scaling principle, lated in this way: “It will be extremely with superior performance.” since it is necessary to maintain a difficult to reduce the price of a TFT To determine what the writer has fixed electric field strength display below that of an STN display.” to say about such a cell phone we internal to a semiconductor, the The student offered the following turn to the predicate (“ka-n- power source voltage is also translation for the second sentence: ga-e-ru”), which in this case means reduced, in proportion to the size “we think (that)” or “it is expected of the device.” “Consequently, concepts for cel- (that).” The details of the expectation lular telephone products have appear in the remaining clause, Thus, if a device designer were to inevitably moved toward quality, decrease the by 10%, this including a high-performance, (“HITSU-ZEN-TEKI-ni sentence tells us that the quality display.” ha-i-gu-re-e-do TAN-MATSU ni na- must also be decreased by 10%. The ra-za-ru [w]o e-na-i”). The adverb use of the particle to insert the As we move from the first sen- means “inevitably,” and the concept of “also” reinforces the con- tence to the second, the writer’s focus phrase is a some- clusion that both parameters must be shifts from cost to performance. what literary expression that gener- decreased by the same percentage. However, the second sentence con- ally means “must turn out to be ...” or The student’s translation implies that tains several specific terms and “cannot help becoming ...” The term for the present example, the expressions that must be rendered has an interesting history. In the must be decreased by a value greater correctly in the given context in order days when a computer lab consisted than 10%. In this instance, misunder- for the writer’s true message to be of many “(dumb) terminals,” which standing of a grammatical pattern led conveyed in the translation. were connected to a “(smart) main- to the production of a translation that The topic of this sentence is frame,” the term was used to was factually incorrect. (“KEI-TAI- identify a “terminal.” These days, the DEN-WA no SHOU-HIN ko-n-se- term can be used for almost any Example 3 (Flow of ideas) pu-to”): “the product concept for a type of device that downloads a For this example, it is necessary to cell phone.” Presumably, this “con- signal from a server or relay station. explain the context in some detail. cept” revolves around issues such as Once a cell phone has been equipped The student was translating a paper what the user will do with a cell with a superior display, the potential that dealt with organic electrolumi- phone or how (s)he will use the for reading text or viewing graphics nescence. In a section that focused on product. In this sentence, the writer is dramatically increases, and the requirements for the displays that are interested in a particular kind of cell product itself may be seen as entering incorporated into cell phones, the two phone. The phrase the realm of a “terminal.” Thus, a sentences in Example 3 shown below (“SEI-NOU- could be a “high- appeared in a paragraph dealing with TEKI-ni su-gu-re-ta di-su-pu-re-i grade terminal.” cost and performance for thin film [w]o SAI-YOU su-ru”) indicates that The writer’s real message finally transistor (TFT) displays. the writer is thinking about a cell emerges. The primary purpose of the handset in a cell phone has tradition- Example 3 ally been to support voice communi- cation. Consequently, once the basic features have been provided, there is great incentive for manufacturers to improve profits by reducing costs. In this instance, if the incorporation of a new display does not allow the man- ufacturer to reduce costs, the com- pany must emphasize new features in order to justify the price. Thus, the concept of a handset as a device

38 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Table 1 a particular term, it also indicates which topics or concepts might reason- Knowledge of Source Language Knowledge of Content ably appear somewhere in the text. In that sense, the context helps the trans- Grammar Terminology lator make “educated guesses” in those situations when the grammar and the Sentence structure Flow of ideas sentence structure allow for the possi- bility of multiple interpretations. primarily for voice communication cessful translation, it quickly becomes 2. Field-specific knowledge is will be replaced by the concept of a clear that knowledge of the content of indispensable. handset as a device that is capable of the document, or at least some famil- Under the heading of field- sending and receiving information of iarity with the topics under discussion, specific knowledge, I include not various types. Combining the specific is an equally valuable asset. Acquiring only the “nuts and bolts” of scientific, meanings of the individual pieces of a suitable balance between these two medical, or financial knowledge, but the sentence with an understanding of forms of knowledge should be central also the commonly accepted lan- the context, we could offer a transla- to any translator’s plan for profes- guage of the field. In our classes, I tion such as this: sional development. My most enter- frequently find myself saying some- prising students have learned to thing like, “Yes, the dictionary gives “Consequently, it is expected that engage in some form of research or the meaning…, but people in the field the (product) concept for a cellular background reading either before or usually say….” Even if a translator phone that incorporates a display during a translation assignment in a cannot—or chooses not to—perform with superior performance must specialized field (technology, busi- the duties of an engineer, a physician, inevitably move toward that of a ness, politics, etc.). This recognition or a financial analyst, (s)he must at high-grade terminal.” of the need to acquire knowledge least be able to write like one. about the topic, as well as knowledge The original translation completely of the source language, bodes well for 3. Translating what is not stated can missed the idea that improvements in their future careers in translation. be just as important as translating display performance will lead to a In this discussion, I have ignored the what is stated. change in the concept of what kind of question of the translator’s ability to The examples here indicate the a product a handset might be. This is express concepts in the target language, need, in some situations, for the trans- simply one example of the degree to since most of the students in the lator to recognize what must be added which an understanding of the flow of Technical Japanese Program at the to the information present in the source the writer’s thinking can improve University of Wisconsin-Madison are text in order to make the translation as translation accuracy. translating into their native language meaningful to the target-language and have already taken courses in tech- reader as the original document was to Conclusions nical writing as part of their engi- the source-language reader. This con- At the beginning of this article, I neering curriculum. The ability to write cept of producing a document that is introduced four types of errors that well in the target language represents “equally meaningful” lies at the heart occur frequently when advanced stu- one of the three essential elements of of the translation process. Adherence dents of technical Japanese translate the translation process, but I do not to this concept practically requires the Japanese documents into English. consider that issue in detail here. Based translator to fully understand the con- After examining the specific examples on the examples presented above, I tent, or at least the context, of the presented here, it may be reasonable to offer the following conclusions. source document. group these four types of errors, as shown in Table 1. 1. Context is everything. 4. The translator must look forward Although it is obvious that knowl- The context of a document not only to develop expectations regarding edge of the source language (and its guides the translator when selecting unique features) is essential for suc- among several possible translations for Continued on p.48

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 39 An Interview with Bob Feron

By Tereza Braga and Ines Bojlesen

Note: The following first appeared in you or at least know who you are. You that was virtually inconceivable the PLData (volume XII, issue 1, Feb have contributed a great deal to our before the early 1990s. 2003), newsletter of ATA’s Portuguese community through the Trad-Prt My own occasional contributions Language Division. e-mail list forum and the various over the years have been mere drops presentations you have given at our in a bucket floating on a vast flood of ob Feron is the head of the Office annual PLD meetings. As the admin- useful information posted to Trad-Prt of Language Services at the istrator of the PLD, I take this by others. For several years now, I’ve BBrazilian Embassy in Wash- opportunity to thank you for being tried to restrict my own participation ington, DC, and is also in charge of the associated with our division, as in Trad-Prt to offering infrequent embassy’s translation apprenticeship well as for your many contributions suggestions that are unlikely to be program. He has translated numerous as a tremendously reliable and posted in precisely the same manner speeches and articles for three Brazilian resourceful translator and mentor. by anyone else. Also, both through presidents, as well as a wide variety of Trad-Prt and my periodic presenta- other Brazilian government documents, tions at translators’ gatherings, I have including laws, treaties, diplomatic “…I have consistently consistently tried to encourage all notes, trade policy texts, macroeco- tried to encourage all translators of Portuguese to move nomic analyses, presidential letters, towards the long-term goal of human rights cases, art exhibit cata- translators of Portuguese building a stronger spirit of true pro- logues, and a few books. He has been to move towards the long- fessionalism among Portuguese the official interpreter for meetings term goal of building a translators worldwide. involving many high-level Brazilian visitors to Washington, including two stronger spirit of true We have provided your mini-bio as justice ministers and quite a few gover- professionalism among the introduction for this interview, nors, senators, and congressmen. but we’d still like to ask you to Bob grew up in England, Israel, Portuguese translators expand a bit on it. Why did you live Poland, and Switzerland, and studied worldwide…” in so many countries when you political science at the Massachusetts were growing up? Institute of Technology. He joined the I grew up overseas because both U.S. Foreign Service as a political Thank you for the kind introduction. my parents were journalists and my officer in 1983, serving at the You and your predecessors deserve our father was a foreign correspondent American embassies in Ottawa (two thanks for directly contributing to the for the New York Times. We attended years) and Brazil (three years). He continued success of the PLD. British schools, a godsend for which also served four years at the State The growth of the Internet revolu- I am eternally grateful. The British Department in Washington, DC, tionized translation terminology grade school curriculum still teaches working on issues involving Brazil research techniques and Trad-Prt, classical English writing and editing and other South American countries. which, as I recall, was first skills, two sides of the same coin, Following that, he served a year as “launched” at a PLD meeting in which are immensely useful to trans- program director of the Institute of 1995, was one of the earliest mani- lators. As a child, I was fairly fluent Brazilian Business and Public festations of this new mode of online in both French and Modern Hebrew, Management Issues at The George terminological research. Renato and briefly studied Latin. Washington University School of Beninatto’s truly inspired idea of cre- Management. He has been the senior ating an international online commu- How did you get involved with the translator at the Brazilian Embassy nity of Portuguese translators has Portuguese language to begin with? since 1994, and head of the Office of greatly matured and become better On what criteria did the U.S. Language Services since 1998. You organized in recent years. Specialized Foreign Service base their decision may contact him at [email protected]. e-mail lists such as Trad-Prt facilitate to send you to Brazil as opposed to instantaneous consultation among London, Vienna, or Tel Aviv? Did Bob, most of us in ATA’s Portuguese professional translators scattered you speak any Portuguese at that Language Division have already met around the world, which is something point in your life?

40 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 I was just over 30 when I was sent of some episodes of “West Wing” Good transition for my next ques- to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) on TV. Would a high-level visitor tion. Just before this interview, we to learn Brazilian Portuguese prior to from Portugal or Brazil, for learned that President Lula travels my assignment to Brazil as a U.S. example, be authorized to bring his with his own Brazilian interpreter. diplomat. The most junior U.S. diplo- own interpreter during official Does the State Department (Office mats are traditionally sent only to visits to the U.S.? of Language Services) have to be countries they know nothing about, Presidents and foreign ministers involved during events in Wash- partially as a litmus test to see often travel with their own interpreters ington? Is the traveling interpreter whether or not they are adaptable when needed, but senior government also authorized to work into English enough to be suitable for the Foreign officials also rely heavily on their local for the benefit of U.S. hosts? Service. In early 1985, I knew embassies to provide any additional President Lula’s personal inter- nothing about Brazil, which meant I needed language services. The senior preter is highly skilled and is capable was fully qualified. Six months of official directly involved on each side of doing whatever Lula requests, in full-time study at FSI was sufficient usually decides how it will be done. either direction. Each host govern- to learn to speak and understand ment is usually well organized to pro- Portuguese at a professional level. vide language services, and the State Department is no exception. In very How old is the Office of Language formal high-level meetings, each Services at the Brazilian Embassy? interlocutor’s remarks are typically Did it exist before you came on interpreted consecutively by his own board? Does every embassy have interpreter. At lower levels and in one? more informal settings, such as meals, Most major embassies have quite many senior officials prefer to have a few fluently bilingual diplomats their own interpreters whisper contin- and locally hired staff, some of whom uous simultaneous interpretations in have professional translation experi- their ear, which facilitates a much ence. The hiring competition (con- more lively and natural conversation. curso) through which I joined the embassy’s staff reestablished a full- How many languages is the time translator position that had embassy equipped to work with? existed previously, but was then How are your translation appren- vacant. Initially, I ran the embassy’s tices hired? Do they have to be Bob Feron “Translation and Editing section,” but trained at the embassy? we changed the section’s name to In the case of President Lula’s With texts, I typically work only “Language Services” in 1998 preinaugural December 2002 visit to from Portuguese into English, but because I was no longer the only Washington, for example, Marcia once in a blue moon we have trans- translator, and we were increasingly Loureiro and I translated Lula’s lated from Spanish into English when being assigned to do high-level lengthy prepared public remarks, translating coordinated multilateral simultaneous interpreting and vast after which our translation was care- texts on regional issues. My col- amounts of editing. Overall, “lan- fully reviewed, word by word, by two league Marcia Loureiro translates in guage services” is probably the most senior diplomats and two members of both directions. Almost everyone on accurate description of what we do. Lula’s official party, including his the embassy’s staff is fluently bilin- personal interpreter. At the National gual, and we all use both languages in What role do the embassies have in Press Club, where these formal performing our daily jobs. Our trans- securing interpreters for high-level remarks were delivered, it was Lula’s lation apprentices are accepted government meetings? In books personal interpreter who provided the through the embassy’s internship pro- and movies we often see the State simultaneous interpretation, relying gram, and the training they receive is Department providing interpreters heavily on the translation we had pre- mainly in the form of detailed feed- when the need arises. I’m thinking pared in advance. back on the work they do. ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 41 Interview with Bob Feron Continued

What would you say is the most lower prices, but I continue to believe Brazil, where the cost of living is important quality that an embassy they should do everything in their now so much lower. translator or interpreter should have? power to maintain and sustain their Improved and expanded client This is a truly difficult question. I prices. Towards this end, I believe all education efforts are urgently needed. think there are several essential quali- professional translators and inter- All major translation clients world- ties. First and foremost, advanced preters should seek truly effective wide need to fully understand that bilingual fluency. Second, is an unwa- ways to develop “niche” specialties purchasing translations is analogous vering dedication to accuracy and pre- and markets well suited to their pro- to purchasing legal or medical ser- cision. Third, skill and experience at fessional skills and experience. It is vices, but is quite different from pur- differentiating those meanings and within such carefully cultivated chasing wheat or bananas by the nuances that truly matter from those “niche” markets that the highest bushel. There are a surprising number that don’t. Fourth, lightning-fast prices can be charged without much of translation clients who haven’t fig- advanced terminological research risk of losing one’s best clients. ured this out yet. skills and relying heavily on the web, dictionaries, glossaries, and personal We have news of ATA members Have you ever had to make a living contacts, often including phone calls. leaving for other careers, alleging as a freelancer? Do you know Last, but not least, a fluently bilingual that they can no longer find work many Portuguese translators who command of the key concepts, poli- here in the U.S…. are making a very good living as cies, philosophies, ideologies, technical The global trend towards increas- independents? terms, acronyms, and abbreviations ingly relying on bidding competitions to I’ve never yet worked solely or in a wide array of international and contract out technical translations, as primarily as a freelance translator, public policy arenas is truly essential though they were merely “commodi- but one never knows what the future for anyone who wishes to provide ties,” where competition is based may hold. In the last year, I’ve done professional language services in an mainly, or solely, on price and deadlines, much more freelance interpretation international public policy setting is one of the main factors contributing to work, and I’ve enjoyed it. I have such as an embassy or international instability and revenue loss in the trans- dozens of friends who are full-time organization. lation industry. The virtually inevitable freelancers, so I hear about market In my experience, a sophisticated side effects have included a dramatic conditions all the time. Market differ- familiarity with key aspects of many loss of accuracy, precision, quality, entiation of language services is a different public policy realms is most idiomaticity, and translation income. fact of life today, so we need to adapt easily acquired, and maintained, by Personally, I have always argued better and learn to deal with it. reading high-quality weekly news that the best route to long-term success Clients who are willing to pay a magazines and newspapers in both in the freelance translation market is high premium for accuracy, preci- (or multiple) languages. This can for freelancers to thoroughly under- sion, and reliability can often be quickly become a time-consuming stand and promote market differentia- found in predictable places, such as proposition, so perhaps this type of tion, both as individual professionals at law firms and investment houses, daily terminological research in the and when acting collectively, such as where virtually all translation and print media is not for everyone. through ATA and the PLD. editing costs can be passed on to third I strongly suspect that those free- parties. Similarly, they can frequently Let’s now leave diplomacy aside lance translators who are now having be found in those places where the and talk business. You have always the most trouble may include most of client is far more concerned about the encouraged independent contrac- those who, in the past, have tried to potential costs arising out of a trans- tors to “stick to their guns” and compete mainly on the basis of price lation error than the potential cost of never lower their prices. Would you and deadlines. It’s simply not pos- the translation itself, as is so often still stand by this advice, notwith- sible for freelance translators based true when translating high tech- standing the instability in the trans- in New York or Los Angeles to com- nology patents, for example. It is lation market? pete solely on the basis of price and often still possible for highly skilled I don’t recall having ever called on deadline against translators (or trans- translators and interpreters to “never” lation firms) based in Argentina or Continued on p.48

42 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Strategies for the Certified Translation of Semiotic Items in the U.S.

By Lúcia de Almeida e Silva Nascimento

he following study is part of a Most translators doing certified motivated. The researcher’s job, then, larger research project which translations in the U.S. are not con- according to this descriptive perspec- T seeks to investigate the norms strained by written rules or standards tive, is to classify these choices, or governing a number of specific fea- that indicate how certified translations norms, as regular translational tures related to certified translations should be done. However, some iso- behavior, and not to establish or pre- both in Brazil (done by the so-called lated efforts have been made to stan- scribe rules for “good” translations. “tradutores juramentados” [certified dardize and control the quality of In this article, emphasis is given to translators]) and the U.S. It reports certified translations. For instance, the how translators deal with a specific some preliminary findings on how Translation Center at the University of aspect of certified translations: semi- intersemiotic translation in “certi- Massachusetts at Amherst has issued a otic items found in source texts. In fied” translation is handled by 15 document that establishes some guide- Brazil, certified translations have tra- translators working in the United lines for its translations. Yet, it does ditionally included not only a lin- States. In Brazil and the U.S., certi- not mention any specific guideline guistic rendering, but also a fied translation refers to translations concerning the translation of semiotic description of the document being used for official purposes, such as items, the focus of this article. translated. Any distinctive feature those presented to any governmental found in the source text should be or judicial authority.1 described by the translator. Hence, a Certified translators in Brazil have “…Translators operate large number of paraphrases and to follow a number of rules for car- metatranslations are expected to be rying out certified translations. first and foremost in the found, since such features are Sometimes these rules are based on interest of the culture into “inherent features of certified transla- established norms of language usage, tion” (Aubert, 17). As Aubert states, for instance, those stated in Normas which they are this practice is carried out by various para a Elaboração de Traduções translating…” means, including: descriptive paren- Públicas (Norms for Certified (Toury, 19) theses, such as “Bottom left corner of Translations) issued by the Santa page 1: golden seal of the Notary Catarina State Association of Office”; notes or brief comments, Certified Translators. Sometimes such as “illegible signature”; or these rules are derived from tradi- Definitions translator’s notes (ibid., my transla- tional practices among translators Two concepts underlie this study: tion). All these formalities are under- (such practices have been discussed translation norms and intersemiotic stood to be essential in translations in by experienced translators within the translation. Each is discussed sepa- Brazil, given that such translations Internet discussion group Forum-Jur rately below. are to be “legally recognized as a and in the news bulletin from the The term “translation norm” is not faithful reproduction of the original” Association of Certified Translators used in its usual prescriptive sense (to (Aubert, 14, my translation). These of the State of São Paulo). indicate rules or guidelines), but formalities are also important since Unlike Brazil, there is no govern- refers to “regularities of translation translations are expected to produce mental agency that certifies transla- behaviour within a specific sociocul- the same legal effects in the target tors in the U.S. Any translator or tural situation” (Baker, 163). In this community as they produced in the translation service company can pro- context, some current approaches to source community. duce a “certified” translation by translation studies focus on the inves- It must be emphasized that the swearing under oath that the transla- tigation of regularly repeated lin- recipient of a certified translation is tion is a true, accurate, and correct guistic features which are recognized usually a government agency rendering of a text in one language as legitimate to a certain community employee or a school or bank official. from another. A Certificate of at a certain period of time, and which Given this fact, the recipient should Accuracy, signed before a notary impose behavioral constraints on be provided with information that she public or commissioner of deeds, is translators. As a consequence of such or he needs to know in order to be attached to the translated text for that recognition, the choices translators convinced of the authenticity of the purpose (see Bierman, 161). make are regarded as being socially original document. ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 43 Strategies for the Certified Translation of Semiotic Items in the U.S. Continued

The second concept informing this made available by the Translation was an initial concern that the data article is that of intersemiotic transla- Center at the University of Massa- could be falsifiable, a preliminary tion. This type of translation was first chusetts and by members of ATA’s analysis of the data revealed that described by Jakobson (1959, 232) as Portuguese Language Division. The there were also some inconsistencies “an interpretation of verbal signs by Translation Center was chosen due to in the procedures used by a single means of signs of nonverbal sign sys- the high concentration of Brazilian translator, even within the same tems.” According to Augustine (Deely, and Portuguese immigrants living in translated text. For instance, this 18), “a sign is a thing which, over and Massachusetts who request transla- translator was found to use different above the impression it makes on the tion services. Thus, the Center is rep- procedures when coming across offi- senses, causes something else to come resentative of the translation activity cial stamps in the original text: they into thought as a consequence,” or, in carried out in that region, since the were sometimes described, some- Deely’s own words, “anything that translators participating in this study times translated, and sometimes makes present in awareness something work for the Translation Center on a simply omitted. Second, the time besides itself.” freelance basis and are not the Center’s span for data collection at the Expanding on both definitions, employees. The data collected Translation Center was long (five intersemiotic translation includes not includes all of the translations into years), which allowed this particular only the conversion of a verbal into a and from Brazilian Portuguese found translator to change procedures. nonverbal sign, but also the translation in the Center’s files (1998-2002) that When facing these facts, a decision of any visual sign, such as a stamp or have been used for official purposes. was made to include all of the trans- illustration, whether it includes verbal The corpus for this research includes lations collected at the Center. signs or not, into a verbal sign. It is translations done by Brazilian and As for the translated texts sent by believed that the signs found in the American translators only. translators from other states, each original documents reveal other fea- As for the second source of data, translator was asked to contribute tures, such as, for example, their legit- with the help of ATA’s Portuguese only one sample from as many text imacy as official documents (often Language Division, translators types as they wanted (e.g., one birth signaled by the imprinting of a signa- working in the U.S. were invited to certificate, one contract, etc.). As par- ture or stamp thereon). Hereafter, we participate in this research project. ticipation was expected to be low, will refer to such signs in the source ATA was chosen because it is the this procedure was used to avoid a text as semiotic items. nation’s largest organization for situation in which one translator translators/interpreters, and its mem- might send a large number of similar Purpose of this Study bers are considered representative of translations of the same text type. The following investigation is carried the country’s translator community. The translations collected vary out within the line of research known Translations were generously sub- in length (from one to seven pages) and as Descriptive Translation Studies mitted by translators from various type (school reports, police record cer- (DTS), as proposed by Toury (1995), parts of the U.S. in 2002. A require- tificates, birth and marriage certificates, Chesterman (1993), and Hermans ment for participating translators was affidavits, etc.). They widely represent (2000). In this context, the study takes to submit texts that were going to be the kind of documents translators deal a descriptive perspective, as opposed to used for official purposes. with in their daily practice when doing any prescriptive view or assessment Two procedures were followed certified translations. concerning the matter under investiga- when collecting data. As reported tion. Thus, it seeks to investigate how above, the translated texts collected Methodology semiotic items are dealt with in certi- from the Translation Center at the As suggested by Baker, “one iden- fied translations and to describe the University of Massachusetts included tifies norms of translational behav- norms reconstructed from the corpus. all of the translations into and from iour by studying a corpus of authentic Brazilian Portuguese found in the translations and identifying regular Corpus and Procedures for Data Center’s files. Similar texts were col- patterns of translation, including Collection lected, that is, more than one sample types of strategies that are typically The corpus collected in the U.S. is of each text type. This was done for used by the translators represented in comprised of 154 certified translations two reasons. First, although there that corpus” (164).

44 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 In this study, translational One illustration of this strategy is Strategy 6: The sign is mentioned. behavior is identified by investigating found in the reproduction of symbols This strategy can be illustrated as the authentic data described in the such as [✄] and “&,” which appear follows: [official stamp]; [signature]. section entitled “Corpus and in the translation exactly as they are Procedures for Data Collection.” The used in the source text. Strategy 7: The sign is mentioned regular patterns of behavior investi- and reproduced. gated concern the strategies used by Strategy 2: The sign is translated In this case, the sign is reproduced translators to deal with all semiotic into words. exactly as it is in the original, and its items found in source texts. These This strategy can be exemplified nature as a sign is mentioned ([logo]: included: coat of arms, seals, stamps, by the use of the conjunction “and” in ISENAT). signatures, logos, illustrations, sym- place of “&,” and the use of “jovem” bols, photographs, and fingerprints. (young man/lady) as a substitution Strategy 8: The sign is omitted To achieve this, the investigation for the internationally used female altogether. included the following steps: sign. Although strategies 1 and 8 are not 1. Attribution of a number to each Strategy 3: The sign is translated consistent with our definition of specific translation for the purpose and described. intersemiotic translation (see of identification; For instance, a note is used (such Definitions), they have been included 2. Identification of semiotic items in as [Trans note: The following stamp because of the high number of occur- all of the source texts (STs); appears twice, once near the top and rences found. 3. Visual display of this information once near the bottom of the page.]), by means of a table containing followed by a translation of the Summary of the Strategies Used each instance and the total number stamp’s content. Another example The treatment given to semiotic of occurrences for each ST; runs as follows: [round stamp in items can be summarized in Table 1 4. Investigation of the treatment every page] Centro Universitário de on the following page. given to each occurrence in each Jaraguá do Sul – UNERJ – Director Table 1 shows that omitting the translated text (TT); of Academic Records. sign was the most frequently used 5. Visual display of this information strategy. Since the signs mentioned in a table containing the strategies Strategy 4: The sign is translated help identify the source text as an used by the translator; and and mentioned. official document, this result can be 6. Description and analysis of find- In this case, the sign is simply men- considered highly unexpected. On ings in terms of regularities of tioned (for example, [Seal]), followed the other hand, in several cases translational behavior. by a translation of its content (Federal translators opted to mention the sign Republic of Brazil). Another example and to call the receptor’s attention to Most original texts contained at is the following: [Stamp: Office of the its existence in the original. Very least one type of semiotic item, and Civil Registry, Titles and Documents, few translators decided to mention many had two or three items. In the Antonio de Araujo, Officer, Assis and reproduce the sign or describe analysis below, emphasis is given to Chateaubriand District, Paraná]. and translate it. This may be an indi- describing the regularities found in cation that translators do not con- translational behavior. Strategy 5: The sign is described, sider it necessary for receptors to be but not translated. informed about the existence of the Analysis and Discussion of Findings: An illustration of the use of this semiotic item in the source text, but Strategies Used strategy is the following translation only to be informed about its con- The analysis of occurrences of a stamp in which much more infor- tent. Some other conclusions can revealed the recurrent use of the fol- mation was provided: [Stamp of Prof. be drawn: lowing translation strategies: Moacyr Campos High School]. Other examples of description include 1. Logos, illustrations, and coat of Strategy 1: The sign is reproduced [illustration of car] and [Mercedes- arms were almost always omitted exactly as it is in the source text. Benz symbol]. from translated texts; ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 45 Strategies for the Certified Translation of Semiotic Items in the U.S. Continued

Table 1: Strategies Identified for the Treatment of Semiotic Items

Occurrence Reproduced Translated Translated / Translated / Described Mentioned Mentioned / Omitted Total Described Mentioned Reproduced Coat of arms 1 12 6 27 46 Seals 6 8 7 17 38 Stamps 1 27 4 24 11 4 6 77 Signatures 6 5 76 42 129 Logos 6 3 1 6 1 21 38 Illustration 1 2 1 9 13 Symbols 4 9 215 Photo 11 Fingerprint 11 TOTAL 18 42 4 30 38 101 2 124 358

2. Symbols were rarely omitted A Brief View of Translators’ Behavior 65). At other times, the translator and frequently reproduced or Towards Semiotic Items described and omitted signatures translated; Table 2 shows that sometimes the (see 24) or described and men- 3. Photos and fingerprints seldom same semiotic item was given different tioned signatures (see 125); appeared in the data under treatments in the same translation. The analysis, but in the two cases in numbers in each column refer to the 2. Stamps were by far the signs which they did appear, two dif- number given to specific translated receiving the most varying treat- ferent translators gave them the text, as explained in the Methodology ments from different translators. same treatment: they were men- section (strategy 1.) on page 45. In most translations, their content tioned as nonverbal signs. Some conclusions can be drawn is translated without any mention from Table 2: to the fact that the text appears as Overall, evidence reveals that part of a stamp. In many transla- keeping the semiotic item was the 1. Inconsistency was found in the tions, their content was translated most frequent translational behavior translation of seals. For instance, after their nature as a stamp had in the corpus investigated. In other in translation 68, seals were some- been mentioned. In comparison to words, in 191 of 358 occurrences of times mentioned, sometimes the treatment given to other signs, semiotic items in the source text, the omitted. The same can be said few translations omitted the translator opted to signal the exis- about the translation of stamps stamps found in the source text. tence of the sign, as opposed to 167 (omitted and translated/described instances in which the sign was in translation 62; omitted and Conclusion simply translated or omitted. That is translated in 80; and mentioned It is believed that the amount of to say that although omitting the item and omitted in 69). The inconsis- data collected from the U.S. to date was the most frequent strategy used, tency in behavior becomes more does not yet warrant the reconstruc- when the strategies that signal the evident in the treatment given to tion of norms of translational existence of a semiotic item are con- signatures (and initials) in the behavior in the American community. sidered together (strategies 1, 3, and source text. For instance, some- Nor does it indicate the use of any of 7), a clear preference for informing times the translator mentioned the the strategies as being socially moti- the receptor about the existence of signature and sometimes omitted vated, as it is the purpose of DTS to the semiotic item is revealed. she/he (see translations 18 and investigate. However, the data col-

46 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Table 2: Inconsistent Translational Behavior in the Treatment Given to Semiotic Items.

Occurrence Reproduced Translated Translated / Translated / Described Mentioned Mentioned / Omitted Described Mentioned Reproduced Seals 68 68 Stamps 1 2 4 40 62 64 1 2 4 55 29 40 64 61 68 69 29 62 69 55 61 63 65 63 65 67 80 111 67 68 80 139 152 111 139 152 Signatures 24 125 18 65 125 18 24 65 Logos 5 5 Symbols 132 132 lected does seem to suggest a “ten- Norms imply that there is, among translators working in the United dency” towards the use of certain the range of options that present States. This is exemplified by the strategies in the translation of semi- themselves, a particular course of translators participating in this study. otic items, as discussed in the pre- action which is generally accepted vious section. As commercial and as “proper” or “correct” or “appro- I am very grateful to the Translation personal relations between countries priate.” That course of action, it is Center at UMASS-Amherst, espe- and people increase, so does the agreed, should therefore be cially to its director Dr. Edwin demand for certified translations. adopted by all who find them- Gentzler and his assistants Lynn and Consequently, more research in this selves in that type of situation. Shawn, for all the support provided field is needed. Each time a norm is observed, its while I conducted my research at that DTS is concerned with describing validity is confirmed and rein- institution. I am very much indebted and analyzing what translation is. In forced [his emphasis]. to ATA’s Portuguese Language this sense, research along this line is Division, especially to its adminis- nonjudgmental and purely descriptive. The consequence of this approach trator, Tereza Braga, and to all trans- However, the evidence found in this is that “learning to translate means lators who participated in this kind of research can inform applied learning to operate with and within research project. I also would like to translation studies2, which are con- the norms of translation” (Hermans, express my gratitude to CAPES, a cerned with translation criticism and 12) and “the notion of what consti- Brazilian research funding agency, translator training, and which, there- tutes ‘correct’ behaviour, ‘correct’ for the financial support given while I fore, are prescriptive in nature. It is linguistic usage, or ‘correct’ transla- stayed in the U.S. Finally, I owe a believed that the findings reported tion is therefore a social and cultural special debt to my supervisor, Dr. above have evident pedagogical rele- construct” (ibid, 13). Maria Lúcia Vasconcellos, and to vance to both trainee and experienced Finally, it should be highlighted translator Elena Langdon for their certified translators, for they offer that “translators operate first and fore- helpful comments. translators an opportunity to see how most in the interest of the culture into their colleagues inform the reader which they are translating” (Toury, Notes about peculiarities in the source text. 19). The results presented above seem 1. A word of explanation regarding It is believed that the common to warrant the assertion that having as certified translations in American practices reported in this article are precise a picture as possible of an and Brazilian settings is necessary accepted by the target community (in original document, one which will be from the outset. Certified transla- this case, the American community). utilized for official purposes through tions in the Brazilian context are As pointed out by Hermans (11): its translation, is considered an impor- those done by translators who tant feature of certified translations by have been vested with the ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 47 Strategies for the Certified Translation of Semiotic Items in the U.S. Continued

legal power to attest to the authen- London & New York: Routledge, Hermans, Theo. 2000. “Norms of ticity of their own translations and 163:165. Translation.” In The Oxford Guide to the faithfulness of these transla- to Literature in English Trans- tions to the original text. One Bierman, Bernard. 1994. “Translation lation. Ed. P. France (Ed.). Oxford becomes a certified translator only and Interpreting in the 90s: Major & New York: Oxford University after passing oral and written Economic and Legal Issues Press. pp. 10-15. exams conducted by the Junta Confronting the Community.” In Comercial (Commercial Registry) Professional Issues for Translators Holmes, James S. 1988. Translated! in each Brazilian state. and Interpreters, American Papers on Literary Translation and Translators Association Series Translation Studies. Amsterdam: 2. As proposed by Holmes (1988, Volume VII. Deanna L. Hammond Rodopi. p 77-78). (Ed.). Amsterdam & Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Jakobson, Roman. 1959. “On References Company. pp. 153-167. Linguistic Aspects of Translation.” Aubert, Francis H. 1998. Tipologia e In On Translation. R. Brower (ed.). Procedimentos da Tradução Jura- Chesterman, Andrew. 1993. “From Cambridge, Mass. pp. 232-239. mentada. Universidade de São “Is” to “Ought”: Laws, Norms and Paulo, SP. Strategies in Translation Studies.” Toury, Gideon. 1995. Descriptive Target, 5:1, pp. 1-20. Translation Studies and Beyond. Baker, Mona. 1998. “Norms.” In Amsterdam & Philadelphia: John Routledge Encyclopedia of Trans- Deely, John. 1992. Introducing Semiotic. Benjamins Publishing Company. lation Studies. Mona Baker (Ed.). Its History and Doctrine. Bloom- ington: Indiana University Press.

Interview with Bob Feron Continued from page 42 Solving Puzzles of Grammar and Context Continued from page 39 and experienced freelance translators relations will definitely contribute to to be well paid in many “niche” mar- maintaining stability, as has already the source text, and must also look kets such as these. been demonstrated during then backward to maintain internal con- President-Elect Lula’s December sistency within the translation. Please allow us to talk a little politics. visit to Washington, and in seeking a The translator benefits from the use What is your prognosis for the Lula new means of addressing the ongoing of any relevant source of information, administration as far as foreign rela- crisis in Venezuela. and the document that is being trans- tions are concerned? Do you expect lated is the most relevant source of all. the next four years to be much more How do you like life in Washington, Paying attention to the flow of ideas difficult in the relationship between DC? Do you have family in this within a document increases the likeli- Itamaraty and the U.S. State country? Have you lived in other hood that the translator will convey Department than the eight years of American cities? those ideas accurately. Absorbing the the Cardoso administration? I have a wonderful Brazilian wife flow of ideas may be considered by I’m strongly optimistic that the and two kids, one fluently bilingual and some people to fall outside the realm Brazilian economy will fare much the other still in diapers. We live in the of the translator’s responsibility, but I better than last year’s pundits had DC suburbs and we like the area. A maintain that it is precisely this grasp predicted for a national government long time ago, I lived in Boston and of ideas, and not merely a grasp of run by President Lula. I also believe Cambridge, Massachusetts, but only words, that distinguishes a high- that the direct involvement of both during my university years. quality translation from one that is Itamaraty and the State Department merely adequate. in managing bilateral and multilateral

48 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 The Onionskin By Chris Durban

The Onionskin is a client education column launched by the ITI Bulletin (a publication of the U.K.’s Institute of Translation and Interpreting) in 1996. Comments and leads for future columns are very welcome; please include full contact details. Contact: [email protected] or fax +33 1 43 87 70 45.

French Retailer Leaves ‘Em Rolling in the Aisles

arrefour is Europe’s number 1 subtitled “Washing up” for English vis- in Wales writes that U.K. retailing retailer, operating more than itors. Carrefour’s sign-makers had erro- giant Tesco sold “Welsh-speaking C 9,200 stores in 30 countries, neously selected faire la vaisselle, milk” (llaeth cymraeg) a few years and the group takes customer service French for “do the dishes,” from the dic- back in its Deganwy outlet. They seriously. tionary heading for vaisselle. meant Welsh milk (llaeth cymreig). So much so that store management Yet the initiative at Coquelles is at its superstore in Coquelles, at the certainly timely. Store manager Pierre Website Follies: MT a Prescription French end of the Channel Tunnel, Fournier confirmed that English- for Nonsense reacted quickly when staff members speaking customers represent an “Embarrassment drugs” are heard English spoken at the checkout astonishing 60% of its total sales. www.worldwidemeds.com’s stock in counters. Foreign customers? Wel- Many are British tourists stocking up trade—medication for diets, sexual come, friends! Within days bilingual on their way home from a holiday dysfunction, and skin conditions that signs had been hoisted over most aisles abroad; others are day-trippers. privacy-minded individuals can now in a bid to make these foreign visitors’ Bilingual signage can cut both order online at rock-bottom prices, shopping experience more enjoyable. ways, according to Mr. Fournier, who bypassing greedy physicians and “Enjoyable? It’s positively hilar- claims that many U.K. shoppers are pharmacists. ious!” laughs Philip Boyden, a British taken in by a giant “Cash & Carry” But due to its own rock-bottom shopper who photographed the signs sign on the facade of a nearby rival. budget for translation, the site’s for us. His shots confirm that good “Their parking lot is full of U.K. German, French, Portuguese, intentions and fast reflexes are not license plates,” he says, “but not a Spanish, and Italian versions are enough to ensure clear and accurate single French car. The reason is simple: equally embarrassing, especially for signage in a foreign language. their prices are higher than ours. French a company that claims to be one of Example? Carrefour’s giant panels consumers have checked it out and the world’s leading online prescrip- advertise viande (meat) as both come to Carrefour instead. But the tion drug companies. “beat” and “heat.” Looking for char- English-speakers, who are just passing Unadulterated machine translation cuterie (pork products/cold cuts)? through on their way to the tunnel, is once again the culprit. Try “Delicateness.” Eau plate (still, don’t know that.” Mr. Fournier is con- For German visitors, “About us” i.e., nonsparkling, water) is stacked vinced that these naive Brits are given a becomes ungefähr uns or “approxi- under “shill water.” false sense of security by seeing out- mately us,” while “No waiting room” is When we called, Carrefour head- door signs in their own language. rendered Keine wartenden Zimmer— quarters in Paris told us the group has Some of Carrefour’s own flawed “no rooms that wait.” Spanish-speakers no corporate translation policy, and panels have been in place for 12 are urged to check out the site’s reparto leaves initiatives such as bilingual signs months or more. Customer feedback caliente or “hot distribution” (original up to local management. The company has been sparse—an indication that English: “Hot deal!”), while in nonetheless welcomed feedback. skewed store signs, like poorly trans- Portuguese even “Welcome” doesn’t Back in northern France, the lated restaurant menus, may be part of make the cut: As vindas de boas a Coquelles team was equally keen to get the tourist experience. But the worldwidemeds.com, or “the come it right. They explained that the signs Coquelles store nonetheless plans to of well to worldwidemeds.com.” had been cobbled together by the in- clean up its act: native English- Another interpretation, says our store decorating department with the speaking staff members will be asked Portuguese contact, is “the coming of help of a paperback bilingual dic- to check its English output from now the pretty girls to worldwidemeds.com.” tionary. As linguists know, dictionary on, and a full review of all store signs The site’s blurbs about medica- look-up is a risky option for even the is planned. tion on offer also raise eyebrows. shortest of translations, and signs are Viagra, described as a “breakthrough notoriously tricky. Example: vaisselle, Dairy Delights treatment” for male sexual dysfunc- which Boyden’s photos show to be Not that French stores have a tion, becomes a “rupture treatment” dishes and tableware, is helpfully monopoly on botched signs. A reader in Spanish (un tratamiento de la ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 49 The Onionskin Continued ruptura) and a “penetration treat- good idea to remove the silly texts? “I much to take it down”). ment” in Italian (un trattamento di won’t go back and do it for free!” As this Onionskin went to press, penetrazione); in French a garbled Our call to corporate headquarters all language versions were thus up text raises worrying visions of revealed WorldWideMeds to be an off- and running, an excellent multil- piercing. shore venture operating from a balmy ingual illustration of machine transla- “There is hardly a single sentence Caribbean isle. The sales manager was tion gone awry—and a reminder that that withstands closer scrutiny,” says manifestly less concerned about poor with translation, as with any service, ATA member Gabe Bokor, for whom translations (“done before I got here”) you get what you pay for. the site is useful as a cautionary example than legal liability: WorldWideMeds of what happens with uncritical use of had been forced to block some computer-generated translation. foreign-language versions, he said, Oregon-based edesignerz.com con- since mail-order purchases of such firmed that they had produced the medications are forbidden in those With thanks to Gabe Bokor, Philip multilingual site for WorldWideMeds countries. The same contact appeared Boyden, Lillian Clementi, Graham Cross, using raw machine translation. Did the nonplussed by the garbled grammar and Amanda Ennis. clients know what they were getting? and sheer nonsense displayed under “They said okay.” Might it not be a his company’s name (“would cost too

Call for Papers 44th Annual Conference of the American Translators Association Phoenix, Arizona • Pointe South Mountain Resort • November 5-8, 2003

Proposals are invited on topics in all areas of translation and interpreting, including the following:

Agencies, Bureaus, and Companies; Financial Translation and Interpreting; Independent Contractors; Interpreting; Language-Specific Sessions; Legal Translation and Interpreting; Literary; Medical Translation and Interpreting; Scientific and Technology; Social Sciences; Terminology; Training and Pedagogy; Translators and Computers.

Suggestions for additional topics are welcome. Proposals for sessions must be submitted on the Conference Presentation Proposal Form to: Conference Organizer, ATA Headquarters, 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590, Alexandria, VA 22314; Fax: (703) 683-6122. All proposals for sessions must be in English.

There’s no time like the present! Download a Conference Presentation Proposal Form at www.atanet.org/abstract.htm.

50 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Dictionary Reviews Compiled by Boris Silversteyn

Silversteyn is chair of the ATA Dictionary Review Committee.

Elsevier’s Dictionary of Advertising boldface are listed in alphabetical order, that is hardly surprising in a field in (English, German, French, Russian) followed by the German, French, and which terms sprout overnight, burst Authors: Russian translations, which makes for a into a bloom of short-lived popularity, S.G. Manoilova, D.H. Konstantinova user-friendly book. Foreign-language and disappear with equal celerity. This Publisher: terms are listed in separate, indented sec- also is an area of highly colloquial, Elsevier, 2002 tions followed by the number of the often country-specific, language (e.g., ISBN: corresponding English entry. The hard- “sweeps” [TV ratings competition], 0-444-50691-8 bound volume is printed on glossy paper “big five” [top-selling records of the Price: in easy-to-read type. Grammatical infor- week]) that may escape the earnestly $150 mation is limited to (v) for “verb” for the academic European compilers of a Available from: English terms and singular, plural, and serious dictionary. Even such standard Elsevier Science, Inc. gender for foreign nouns; gender is not media terms as “slot,” “spot adver- P.O. Box 945 specified when the noun is part of a tising,” “spot load,” “publicity copy,” Madison Square Station composite term including a verb or “pay-as-you-go,” “piggy-back,” or New York NY 10159-0945 adjective. Not surprisingly, given the “spin doctor,” found in Ivanova’s dic- and huge number of terms specific to adver- tionary or in E.I. Kuryanov’s English- Elsevier Science B.V. tising, filler words are virtually absent Russian Dictionary of Mass Media PO. Box 211 from these pages. (Moscow: Moscow International 1000 AE Amsterdam For advertising students, copy- School of Translation and Interpreting, The Netherlands writers, and executives, the dictionary 1993), are not included in the Elsevier Number of pages/entries: should prove extremely useful. Rich in volume. While Manoilova and 562 pp.; 7,572 entries printed media terminology, the book Konstantinova provide “rating scale,” Specialty/field: contains numerous entries relating to such related terms as “rating data,” Advertising, publicity various kinds of type, layout, and copy “rating points,” or “rating service,” all (e.g., “marbled paper,” “posterize found in Ivanova and Kuryanov, are Reviewed by: color,” “rotary photogravure”) and omitted. Nor are “pictorial supple- Lynn Visson marketing terms (e.g., “market posi- ment,” “tie-in advertising,” “teletext,” tioning,” “market challenger,” “mar- “trial order,” or “trial package” in the s stated in the short, half-page ginal target groups”). Terms such as Elsevier dictionary. preface, Elsevier’s Dictionary of “boost,” “door-to-door selling,” “sales What seems rather odd in a A Advertising is intended to cover angle,” “brand awareness,” “spin-off volume as comprehensive as terminology from the fields of “mar- advertisement,” “subscriber analysis,” Manoilova’s and Konstantinova’s dic- keting and market research, creativity “product attribute,” “SWOT (strengths, tionary is the treatment given to (graphic design, text writing and con- weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) “public relations” and related terms. cept development, photography and analysis,” “sustained campaign,” “posi- While the English-language “public film-making basics), media, prepress tioning map,” “positioned text,” and relations” has become a standard term and typography.” The intended users “blitz campaign” are not to be found in in French, German, and Russian are “students of advertising, advertising other dictionaries of advertising such as (Ivanova’s book, published some five professionals (account executives, K.A. Ivanova’s English-Russian years ago, includes gf,kbr hbktqiyp graphic designers, copywriters, media Dictionary of Advertising and Public in the title, and the Russian daily press planners, etc.)...and business people.” Relations (Fyukj-heccrbq ckjdfhm gj is filled with references to gbfhobrb— Since it would undoubtedly htrkfvt b gf,kbr hbktqiyp% “public relations agents”), Manoilova require a huge tome to deal compre- Cfyrn-Gtnth,ehu> Gjkbnt[ybrf, and Konstantinova translate “public hensively with all the terms that fall 1998). relations” as the outdated cdzpm c within the above fields, the authors In its coverage of broadcast media j,otcndtyyjcnm/. Nor does the have indeed undertaken a daunting terminology, the Elsevier dictionary Elsevier dictionary include any PR task. The numbered English terms in is somewhat less complete, though terms such as “public relations ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 51 Dictionary Reviews Continued counselor,” “public relations adver- Regarding German terms, for which tising,” or “public relations office,” all Manoilova and Konstantinova provide Lynn Visson has been a staff interpreter from Russian and French into English at of which are found in Ivanova’s book. the accepted translations of most of the the United Nations for more than 20 years. And Imagepflege/Imagegestaltung English entries, there are also a few She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic languages from could have been included (as related omissions. “Window display” is given Harvard University. She is the author of a terms, if not as an exact translation), as Schaufensterdekoration,but textbook and an audio course on simulta- rather than having only PR hold the fort Schaufensterauslage is not included. neous Russian→English interpretation, and of numerous other books and articles on by rendering “public relations” in “Advertising rates” are translated as Russian language, literature, and culture. German. Anzeigentarif or Anzeigenrate,but Contact: [email protected]. Though a dictionary of this type is Inseratkosten, or in the case of broad- not intended to include slang terms, cast media, Einschaltpreise (für it is extremely strange that the Werbespots), could also have been Elsevier’s Dictionary of Bird Names French la pub, for la publicité, is included. “Advertising space” is ren- (Latin, English, French, German nowhere to be found. The word is so dered as Anzeigenraum, Reklamefläche, and Italian) common in France that virtually no Werbefläche, but Platz für Anzeigen is Author: popular publication uses the full not included. Murray Wrobel word in place of the abbreviation. Several German entries sound ISBN: Nor is the common term “plug” rather “calqued” (e.g., Nacheditieren 0-444-50836-8 included, known in France as a coup for “postedit[ing]” rather than Publisher: de pub. It is also not clear why pub- Nachredigieren, or populäre Sprache Elsevier Science, Inc. licitaire is given only as the transla- rather than Umgangsprache for “pop- P.O. Box 945 tion for an “advertising canvasser,” ular language”). The term poten- Madison Square Station when the French word also means an zieller Effekt should at least have been New York, NY 10160-0757 advertising agent or “adman.” Nor is in parenthesis, given the inconsis- Publication date: the word “ad” to be found in tency in spelling the adjective with z 2002 Elsevier’s dictionary, except in “ad instead of t as in the entries in this sec- Price: agent.” “Point-of-sale” advertising is tion (potentielle Auswirkung, poten- $245 (1,444 pages) rendered in French as point de vente; tielle Verluste, potentieller Markt, this can also be sur le lieu de vente. potentielle Reichweite) Reviewed by: The verb passer, in the sense of an A preface longer than one para- Jacopo Màdaro Maro advertisement/commercial being run graph (and written in better English) on television (i.e., passer une pub- might have served to explain the urray Wrobel’s first dictionary, licité à la television) is not included. principles governing the choice of Elsevier’s Dictionary of For “fraudulent/deceptive adver- terms included in this dictionary, MButterflies and Moths, is a tising,” the translations publicité including the decision to leave out remarkable piece of scholarship, so it frauduleuse/déceptive are given, but colloquial but common terms in the was with great anticipation that I not publicité mensongère. “Spot/ field of advertising, and the choice opened his second contribution, the commercial/promo” is rendered as of synonyms (generally quite good). Elsevier’s Dictionary of Bird Names. bref communiqué publicitaire entre As a basic reference work, however, The volume is a hefty 1,444 pages, deux émissions rather than with the distinguished by accuracy in transla- with 10,838 lemmata presented in popular term spot publicitaire. The tion, professionalism in the produc- standard Elsevier format. The text is definition is questionable, since a tion of the edition, and ease of organized into two columns. The sci- spot or commercial occurs just as use, Elsevier’s Dictionary of Adver entific (Latin) names of species and often within the confines of a single tising can be recommended to trans- varieties form the headwords and are program as between two different lators in this field as a very good ref- followed by order, family, and multi- ones. erence work. lingual renditions.

52 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 A few pairs are missing. For Table 1 instance, the names of some varieties are offered in English only (e.g., the Latin English Italian German three threatened emuwrens [Stipiturus Xolmis cinerea Grey monjita Monjita cenerina Bart-Monjita malachurus] of South Australia or the Xolmis coronata Black-crowned Monjita corona Kronen-Monjita Indian white-throated ground-thrush) monjita nera or in French only (see the Mexican Xolmis Black & white Monjita Dominikaner Atlapetes brunneinucha apertus, dominicana monjita dominicana Monjita called rascadòr in Spanish and plain- Xolmis irupero White monjita Monjita bianca Witwen-Monjita breasted brush-finch in English). Xolmis pyrope Fire-eyed diucon Tiranno Feueraugen- Other pairs are selectively absent. The occhiodifuoco Tyrann Aussie inland thornbill Acanthiza api- calis has no Italian equivalent, while Xolmis velata White-rumped Monjita Weissbürzel- monjita groppone bianco Monjita the Brazilian Asthenes luizae and the cundinamarca antpitta (discovered in Colombia by Peter Kaestner in 1989) Table 2 have no Italian or German counter- parts. Similarly, the Kenyan Jackson’s Latin English thornbill, the Venezuelan tyrannulet, Hylopezus fulviventris White-lored Antpitta the Melanesian scrubfowl, the Hylopezus berlepschi Amazonian Antpitta Abyssinian Zoothera crossleyi, and Hylopezus ochroleucus White-browed Antpitta the Socorro dove are not graced by Hylopezus nattereri Speckle-breasted Antpitta German names. In total, probably 5% of the terms present one or more deficits. Table 3 These absences are good proof of superior lexicographic integrity. Let’s Latin English Italian German take two fierce little tyrants whose Hylopezus Amazonian antpitta Pitta forrmichiera Berlepsch German names are missing, the berlepschi dell’Amazzonia Ameisenpitta Venezuelan Zimmerius improbus and Hylopezus Fulvous-bellied Pitta forrmichiera Schwarzkappen- Z. chrysops. Their Andean relatives, fulviventris antpitta ventrefulvo Ameisenpitta Z. bolivianus, cinereicapillus, gra- Hylopezus Spotted antpitta Pitta forrmichiera Rostflanken- cilipes, vilissimus, and viridiflavus, macularius maculata Ameisenpitta are all identified as sundry Hylopezus Speckle-breasted Pitta forrmichiera Fleckenbrust- fliegerstecheren. Considering how ochroleucus antpitta pettomacchiettato Ameisenpitta easy it would be to produce a German Hylopezus Streak-chested Pitta forrmichiera Brillen- version of the common names “gold- perspicillatus antpitta pettostriato Ameisenpitta faced” and “Venezuelan” tyrannulets, the only reasonable conclusion is that their absence mirrors the lack of ref- six Italian search engines. has produced the results presented in erences in the literature. Such is the It is worth noting that Wrobel has Table 1. case with the already mentioned listed all known Zimmerii. I cannot Wrobel presents one discrepancy Acanthiza apicalis: Unlike Wrobel verify all of the Tyrannidae since only, indicating the Italian equivalent and his two Italian collaborators, there are more than 400 of them, but of X. dominicana as “Monjita bianca Marco Isiaia e Giovanni Soldato, I a spot check should suffice. e nera.” I have not found other could not identify this becco a spina The website homepage.sunrise.ch/ Italian references online or in print to using all my printed references and homepage/siro/Interpass-tyrannidae.htm make an intelligent choice, but ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 53 Dictionary Reviews Continued the difference seems quite minor. magister. Wrobel does not include 1987 in Milan. Among the most On a different tack, the Formicaridae them as such in his listing, limiting common Italian representatives of the are well documented at birdingonthe.net/ himself to Vireosylva propinqua. Columbiformes, Rizzoli lists Columbus clements/getspecies.pl?119. From that Nevertheless, due to the existing palumbus, Columba oenas, and listing, I derived the results given in denomination uncertainty, two out of Columba livia. Wrobel needs six Table 2. our three Vireosylvae reappear after a pages to exhaust his Columbine The comparison with homepage. quick sex change as Vireo olivaceus recueil. Similarly, neither Rizzoli nor sunrise.ch/homepage/siro/ and Vireo Magister. Wrobel miss the gambecchio frullino Interpass-formicariidae.htm produces The popularity of birdwatching (o L. falcinellus) as the lonely repre- the results presented in Table 3. has generated a plethora of eco- sentative of the Limicolae, but both The only discrepancies between touristic initiatives. A particularly ignore the sub-varieties L. f fal- the two sources concern H. fulviven- nice site for our purposes, organized cinellus and L. f. sibirica, probably tris and ochroleucus. Wrobel solves by Tragon Travels (home.tiscali.be/ because they do not seem to have spe- this by listing both English names fr018787/trogon/list.htm), offers a cific common names. each time, while including every lengthy listing of birds sighted in In the end, considering that there other antpitta mentioned. North Venezuela. The list is randomly are some 9,700 avian species, it Although homepage.sunrise.ch/ organized and offers the opportunity seems safe to assume that Wrobel’s homepage/siro/Interpass-vireonidae.htm to truly check a wide variety of genera 10,838 lemmata cover the field in the does not list any member of the sub- and families. I have excerpted the fol- most exhaustive manner ever genus Vireosylva, a quick search pro- lowing data presented in Table 4. attempted. duces several varieties. I randomly Continuing with our spot checks, Therefore, I regret to point out a picked The Nebraskan V. olivacea, let’s consult the solid the Dizionario few shortcomings. To start, since Belize’s V. virescens and Yucatan’s V. di Zoologia, published by Rizzoli in January 1, 2001, the German conso- nant “ß” has been abolished and Table 4 replaced with a double “s.” Its sur- vival within Wrobel’s text two years Latin English (Tragon Travel) Wrobel after the fact seems more a product of Dysithamnus mentalis Plain Antvireo 9 other Dysithamni are carelessness than a political state- listed. ment against linguistic normalization. Dysithamnus leucostictus White-spotted Antvireo 4 more English Furthermore, the indexing is quite synonyms are offered. puzzling. If French, Italian, and, I Myrmotherula schisticolor Slaty Antwren The list of assume, German are fine as they are, the Myrmotherulae is 3 English list is alphabetically organized pages long. not by nouns but by adjectives, thus Herpsilochmus Rufous-winged Antwren There are 13 other inhibiting a true synoptic view of the rufimarginatus Herpsilochmi. rich material at hand. How am I sup- Formicivora grisea White-fringed Antwren 3 other English posed to find a sunbird if I do not know synonyms are also that it is a Nectarinia, an Aethopyga or included. an Anthreptes, and/or that the common Cinclodes fuscus Bar-winged Cinclodes 12 more Cinclodes are English name “sunbird” is preceded by listed. qualifiers such as Little green, Rufus- Leptasthenura andicola Andean Tit-spinetail All 10 known winged, Beautiful, Purple-breasted, Leptasthenurae are White-flanked, Elegant, Pigmy, Violet- listed. backed, etc.? Schizoeaca coryi Ochre-browed Thistletail All 9 thistletails are represented. Continued on p.57

54 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 The Translation Inquirer By John Decker

Address your queries and responses to The Translation Inquirer, 112 Ardmoor Avenue, Danville, Pennsylvania 17821, or fax them to (570) 275-1477. E-mail address: [email protected]. Please make your submissions by the 25th of each month to be included in the next issue. Generous assistance from Per Dohler, proofreader, is gratefully acknowledged.

e not dismayed if you see a on the use of “sartén” in reference to device, which must find its way into query that does not involve the kind of kitchen utensil in which good Italian, is “Elektro-Rasentrimmer: B English as the origin or target of pancakes are prepared. The fact that in Doppelfaden mit Vollautomatik, 30 cm a translation. If you wish to contribute English the word pan happens by Schnittkreis.” an English interpolation of the prob- dumb luck to mean bread in Spanish (Sp-D 5-03/9) “Numero PGDR 20, lem, please do so. It will probably help has only confused things. No individ- - procuraduria” involves the problem in the long run in solving the problem. ual, nor the Spanish Academy, has abbreviation which made it difficult His instincts tell the Translation ever attempted to solve this problem. for a ProZ member to get a full grip on Inquirer that this type of query, in (E-Sp 5-03/4) Same problem as this patent text. Can anyone break out which English plays no role (exam- above, except that Renato wants to get the individual words and shed light ples: Italian to German; Spanish to a good Spanish version of birthday where uppercase letters obscure it? Dutch; French to Portuguese), will cake. “Pastel de cumpleaños,” as used (Sw-E 5-03/10) This patent-related only become more numerous as the in Mexico and northern Latin America, sentence caused dismay to a ProZ cor- history of this column unfolds. And seems inferior in that “pastel” is actu- respondent working from Swedish after all, why not? ally a pie. The version seemingly pre- into English: “Den egendom som inte ferred in Spain and South America, räknas upp i äktenskapsförordet utgör [Abbreviations used with this col- “torta de cumpleaños,” seems superior. giftorättsgods.” The final, bold-print umn: DaÐDanish; DÐDutch; EÐEnglish; Any opinions? word caused the problem. Can you FÐFrench; GÐGerman; IÐItalian; (F-E 5-03/5) Jetinder Poirier of solve it? Po-Polish; RÐRussian; SpÐSpanish; Sydney, Australia, needs to know SwÐSwedish.] whether handyman is even close to Replies to Old Queries being a proper translation for “agent (E-F 2-02/3) (snap-ring pliers New Queries de maintenance,” a qualification [closing type]): Gunter Strump says (E-Da 5-03/1) In the field of awarded by the Maintenance and he has always used “pinces (à fermer) antibiotics, lite reagent caused head- Facility Management Society of pour circlips” for this. scratching in a ProZ-er who was Switzerland. He suspects that handy- (E-R 10-02/3) (bring or recover in attempting to provide good Danish for man fails to do the title justice. an action): Horrors! Michael Ishenko this antibiotics text: FT4 in the patient (F-E 5-03/6) Also from Jetinder asserts that, due to a typo or other mis- sample competes with acridinium Poirier, and related quite intimately to understanding, the text of one of the ester-labeled T4 in the Lite Reagent the query directly above, is “serrurier- replies found on page 65-66 of the for a limited amount of polyclonal constructeur.” An apprenticeship for January 2003 ATA Chronicle, instead rabbit anti-T4 antibody. What is it, this qualification lasts no less than of speaking of minority rights, speaks and what Danish is appropriate? four years, so perhaps locksmith or of fellatio [!] rights of shareholders. (E-Sp 5-03/2) A ProZ member had welder does not rise high enough for This relatively simple legal phrase has trouble with upflow add-on evapora- such a person. been completely misinterpreted by Mr. tion coils in a piece regarding air con- (G-E 5-03/7) For the compound Bourenin, says Michael. His transla- ditioning. The full context: …designed word “Typschadenhalter,” Cappie is tion literally means fetch or obtain to operate with a full line of air han- concerned that “-schaden-”might possi- recovery in an action. Apparently, Mr. dlers and upflow add-on evaporation bly have been substituted for another Bourenin (again, according to coils. Is it reasonable to expect that component that was really meant. The Michael) did not realize that the phrase there is someone out there familiar context is automotive: “Typschaden- means bring an action and recover in with these critters? halter für eine Stoßstange.” What can an action, as his Russian translation (E-Sp 5-03/3) Renato Calderon be made of this? implies that recovery should be both wonders if “tortitas de sartén” could (G-I 5-03/8) In an engineering con- “brought” and ”obtained.” possibly be a reasonable translation text, “Elektro-Rasentrimmer” posed (E-Sp 10-02/5) (set the table): All of pancakes, in place of the literal problems for a correspondent working his life, says Lorenzo Montoya, he has “panqueques.” His reasoning is based within ProZ. A fuller description of this heard and said “tender la mesa.” ➡

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 55 The Translation Inquirer Continued

A Yahoo! search with that phrase in continued the tradition of hidden sound something like “…sans que le quotes produced 8,790 sites for that meaning in stories, forcing the censors parti contractant ait le droit de phrase. Other equivalents that yield to read between the lines. Alan Siegrist soulever aucune exception…” thousands of hits are “disponer la comes close to agreeing with this, say- (R-E 2-03/8) (ecnhfytybt mesa” and “arreglar la mesa.” ing that it is language in which the lit- gjdht;ltybq ecnfyjdjxys[ 'ktv- “Colocar la mesa” sounds absolutely eral meaning of a fable also carries a tynjd RD h#cn ≤Zlhj-Y:≥): Roy atrocious to him, and “poner la mesa” hidden “moral” or second meaning. He Cochrun reveals that RD is simply is only slightly better. “Montar la quotes this definition of “Aesopian” as rjhjnrfz djkyf (short wave) and h#cn mesa” sounds as if someone was about conveying meaning by hint, euphe- is hflbjcnfywbz. Zlhj radio models to ride the table, as when you “montar” mism, innuendo, or the like (Random are installed on airplanes and helicop- a horse or bicycle. It could also mean House, second edition, unabridged). ters. Alexander Aron states that the setting up the table, as you would if it David Goldman was thinking sim- damaged parts in question which were the folding type. But to him, it ply of …or the language of Aesop as require troubleshooting are installation definitely does not sound like setting the solution to this. software for a shortwave transceiver. out the china and silverware. (G-E 11-02/9) (“Jetzt-erst-recht- (Sp-D 2-03/9) (“recurso de supli- Ximena Oliver is so sure that Stimmung”): Dr. Fred Thomson has cación”): Ximena Oliver states that “poner la mesa” is correct that she always translated this as vindictive this is the application made to a court thinks the time has finally come to mood. One gets into a vindictive higher than the trial court, and is the close off discussion on this. Just like mood whenever another has somehow civil equivalent to an appeal in crimi- “ponerse el sombrero” means to put wronged one or hurt one’s feelings. nal matters for an amendment or the hat on your head, not cut your Vengeful mood is probably another motion to quash an interlocutory head and hat out of your body and put good possibility. The problem, he order made in the proceedings of a them somewhere else! admits, is that these two suggestions civil action. The document, he says, (F-E 2-03/5) (“langue d’Esope”): lack the down-to-earth flavor con- could have originated in any Spanish- Charles Ferguson found this faintly tained in the German expression. speaking country. familiar, but nonetheless had to look it (G-Po 2-03/6) (“Blauwärme”): (Sw-E 2-03/10) (“surugn”): Alan up. It denotes anything that can be Gunter Strumpf has no idea what this Siegrist admits to knowing little or no praised and criticized equally. A perfect might be in Polish, but has learned Swedish, but from the English descrip- example is the story of how Aesop’s that blue temper heat is how Ernst’s tion (acidic hearth or acidic oven), it master ordered him to purchase the best dictionary renders it into English. sounds suspiciously like an acid open- thing the market had to offer and noth- Chris Hollingsworth states that the hearth furnace used in the acid open- ing else. Aesop returned with tongues Girardet Wörterbuch der Technik hearth process for steelmaking. The he had bought, but as a culinary item it (1979) calls it the blue heat range. general name of the process is open- soon became wearisome to the master (I-F 2-03/7) (“eccezioni di sorta”): hearth, and there are both acidic and and his guests. Aesop defended his Paul Hopper believes that the English basic versions of it. Margareta Ugander decision by pointing out that the tongue for this is exceptions of any kind or has now been reading up on furnaces is the source of eloquence, inspiration, any exceptions whatsoever. Charles for ore-processing in a Swedish ency- persuasion, and beauty. Ordered again Ferguson breaks down the last two clopedia by Bonnier (from 1964). There to go to the market, but this time to buy words to mean of any kind or whate- is a description of blast furnace or shaft the worst there was, Aesop returned ver. Gunter Strumpf calls it exceptions furnace (“Blästermasugn”) which has again with tongues. of any kind, and provides no excep- blast tuyeres or twyers (“formor”), i.e., Bill Keasbey says it sounds like the tions of any kind could be raised as the holes through which air is blown. Aesopian language Russian writers fuller translation. David Goldman used to escape the censors. Krylov’s took a stab at the entire phrase also: A lot of replies came in during fables were purportedly about animals, without the contracting party having March. Thank you all very much! but actually aimed sharp criticism at the right to raise any exception government officials. Soviet writers whatever. In French, he says, it would

56 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 Humor and Translation By Mark Herman Herman is a librettist and translator. Submit items for future columns via e-mail to [email protected] or via snail mail to Mark Herman, 5748 W Brooks Rd., Shepherd, MI 48883-9202. Discussions of the translation of humor and examples thereof are preferred, but humorous anecdotes about translators, translations, and mistranslations are also welcome. Include copyright information and permission if relevant.

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hildren, and even adults, often Arrogant, Disillusion of the Monas- readers, even in kana “sekkyaku” mis-hear and mis-comprehend teries, Gorilla War. retains its risqué implications. Mr. C an unfamiliar word as some- Mad magazine renamed a prin- Siegrist suggests using the entirely thing familiar. And the mis-compre- cipal character in Star Wars Oldie von different and more mundane terms hension can last for years. Moldie, and I wouldn’t be surprised “hotel annai” or “annai gakari,” both Thus arose the hero known as the if, with or without the presence of of which refer simply to the hotel’s Long Ranger, obviously because he Chinese restaurants, a certain thor- information desk. was so tall. And the Umpire State oughfare in the Bronx were known by Finally, a challenge to readers of Building, obviously because it was some as Moo Shu Porkway. this column. It is relatively easy to find located in a city with three major- Turning to other matters, Alan English words which, when pro- league baseball teams. And the fact Siegrist has submitted a comment on nounced, include the names of the six that Adam, or his descendants, finally the challenge of translating English vowels (including y), but named the Creator in addition to all “concierge” into Japanese, discussed which do not include the pronounced that was created: Harold be thy Name! in the February 2003 column. vowels themselves, e.g., weigh, diva, Of course, such fractured phrases According to him, the switch to kana why, beau, few, wide. Readers are can also be made up just for fun, as in does not really solve the problem invited to find and submit words, in Sellar and Yeatman’s 1066 and all because it eliminates the connotation any language, which include the names that: the Venomous Bead, the of prostitution only for Chinese of consonants but do not include the Doomsday Book, Gray’s Energy, readers, who are not the target audi- named consonants themselves. Burglars of Calais, Katherine the ence for the translation. For Japanese

Attention: Bosnian, Croatian, Our January survey indicated broad interest in establishing ATA accreditation for Serbian↔English these languages, but we need more candidates. To register your interest, please Translators and complete the form at http://hometown.aol.com/planbusa/questionnaire.html. Interpreters Contact: [email protected].

Dictionary Reviews Continued from page 54 ATA’s Customized Finally, and not for the first time, verdino minor instead of the expected Website Program Elsevier’s proofing is below stan- minore. dards. Just to quote a few examples, Still, we should remember that the common pigeon is a Piccione tor- even the Goddess Venus was cross- ATA and Two Radical Technologies (2RAD) have teamed up to provide raiola instead of torraiolo. The eyed. Minor blemishes aside, Wrobel ATA members an opportunity to Hylopezus ochroleucus is a pitta has achieved astounding results and build their own customized formichiera dai copraccigli bianchi his work is destined to become the websites. Through 2RAD’s online while it should be dai sopraccigli avian reference par excellence. creation tools—RADTown—ATA bianchi. Island is spelled Issland members will be able to set up when the Dirk Hartog Island their own online presence. The offer includes obtaining a domain Southern Emuwren is mentioned, and Jacopo Màdaro Moro is a technical name and creating links to ATA’s its cousin, the S. malachurus inter- translator into Italian. He specializes in online directories. For more medius is called a Fleurieu medicine, bioengineering, and optoelec- information, please contact 2RAD PeninsulaSouthern Emuwren, as if tronics. Contact: [email protected] at [email protected] or log on spaces were optional. Also, or www.jmadaro.com. to www.atanet.org/radtown. Hylophilus decurtatus is a Vireo

The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 57 Have you ever wondered

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58 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 MARKETPLACE

Arabic, French <> English Czech, Slovak <> English Korean<>English

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The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 59 ATA Accreditation Exam Information

Upcoming Exams

California Michigan Ohio Argentina Gardena Novi Kent Buenos Aires July 12, 2003 August 30, 2003 June 21, 2003 June 7, 2003 Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: June 27, 2003 August 15, 2003 June 6, 2003 May 23, 2003

Colorado New Mexico Tennessee Germany Boulder Albuquerque Nashville Regensburg September 13, 2003 August 16, 2003 September 14, 2003 May 24, 2003 Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: August 29, 2003 August 1, 2003 August 29, 2003 May 9, 2003

District of Columbia New York Texas Mexico Washington, DC New York City Houston Guadalajara June 28, 2003 September 20, 2003 August 16, 2003 June 7, 2003 Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: June 13, 2003 September 5, 2003 August 1, 2003 May 23, 2003

Georgia North Carolina Wisconsin Atlanta Charlotte Milwaukee August 2, 2003 June 8, 2003 June 7, 2003 Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: July 19, 2003 May 23, 2003 May 23, 2003

Please direct all inquiries regarding general accreditation information to ATA Headquarters at (703) 683-6100. Registration for all accreditation exams should be made through ATA Headquarters. All sittings have a maximum capacity and admission is based on the order in which registrations are received. Forms are avail- able from the ATA website or from Headquarters.

Congratulations

The following people have Spanish into English The Active Member Review Corresponding successfully passed ATA’s David P. Amdur Committee is pleased to grant Brigitte Debord Accreditation exam: Somerville, MA active or corresponding member Evanston, IL status to: Dutch into English English into Italian Mario H. Panameno Maria A. Danielson Simonetta C. Sambrotta Active Washington, DC Philadelphia, PA Minneapolis, MN Djamal Eddine Boukadoum Longueuil, Quebec, Canada German into English English into Japanese B. Todd Shirley Mari Hanabusa Paul R. Martin Jersey City, NJ Boulder, CO Enfield, CT

Japanese into English English into Spanish Thomas Landman Dr. Luis E. Arri New York, NY Greer, SC

ATA Members Collection Services/Receivables Management Business Owners Insurance Be sure to take advantage Dun & Bradstreet • Mike Horoski National Professional Group (800) 333-6497 ext. 7226 • (484) 242-7226 (888) 219-8122 • www.ata-ins.com of your benefits of membership [email protected]

60 The ATA Chronicle | May 2003 American Translators Association’s 44th Annual Conference „ Pointe South Mountain Resort „ Phoenix, Arizona „ November 5-8, 2003 „

Plan now to attend ATA’s Annual Conference. Join your colleagues for a rewarding experience in Phoenix, Arizona.

ATA’s 44th Annual Conference will feature: ƒ Over 150 educational sessions offering something for everyone; ƒ The Job Exchange where individuals promote their services and companies meet translators and interpreters; ƒ Over 50 exhibits featuring the latest publications, software, and services available; ƒ Opportunities to network with over 1,200 translators and interpreters from throughout the U.S. and around the world; ƒ and much more!

Preliminary information, along with the Registration Form, will be mailed in July to all ATA members. The conference rates are listed below. As always, ATA members receive significant discounts.

Conference Registration Fees ATA Member Non-Member Student Member Early-Bird (by October 1): $245 $335 $110 One-day: $125 $170 n/a After October 1: $305 $420 $130 One-day: $160 $220 n/a Onsite (after October 24): $380 $525 $150 One-day: $195 $270 n/a Note: Students and one-day participants do not receive a copy of the Proceedings. All speakers must register for the conference. Hotel Accommodations The Pointe South Mountain Resort, the host hotel, is the largest all-suite resort in the Southwest located on 200 acres at the base of South Mountain Park. It is conveniently located at 7777 South Pointe Parkway, just six miles from Sky Harbor International Airport. Conference attendees can register at the discounted rate of $155 single/double and $175 triple plus tax per night. This rate is good until October 13, 2003. The availability of guest rooms or the group rate cannot be guaranteed after that date. In addition, take advantage of the special resort rate that is being offered to ATA conference attendees. For a daily charge of $8.00 per suite, attendees may enjoy unlimited local phone calls, unlimited access for credit card, toll free, and collect calls, free incoming and outgoing facsimile service, daily in-suite pot of coffee, weekday delivery of USA Today, admittance to the Fitness Centre, unlimited tennis and volleyball, and complimentary shuttle to the Arizona Mills Mall. To make your hotel reservations, contact the Pointe South Mountain Resort at 1-877-800-4888. Be sure to specify that you are attending the ATA Annual Conference.

Mark Your Calendar Today for November 5-8, 2003! American Translators Association Officers

President President-elect Secretary Treasurer Mr. Thomas L. West III Mr. Scott Brennan Ms. Courtney Searls-Ridge Dr. Jiri Stejskal Intermark Language Services Corp. 14211 Lotus Lane #5112 German Language Services 7312 Oak Avenue 2555 Cumberland Pkwy, Ste. 295 Centreville, VA 20120 2658 48th Avenue SW Melrose Park, PA 19027 Atlanta, GA 30339 Tel: (703) 815-1593 Seattle, WA 98116 Tel: (215) 635-7090 Tel: (770) 444-3055 Fax: (413) 845-8068 Tel: (206) 938-3600 Fax: (215) 635-9239 Fax: (770) 444-3002 [email protected] Fax: (206) 938-8308 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Directors Committee Chairs Division Administrators

Mr. Kirk Anderson Accreditation Interpretation Policy Chinese Language Literary 2455 Flamingo Drive, #401 Lilian Novas Van Vranken Advisory Frank Mou Clifford E. Landers Miami Beach, FL 33140 Spring, TX Christian Degueldre Pittsburgh, PA Naples, FL Tel: (305) 532-7252 Tel: (281) 374-6813 San Diego, CA Tel: (412) 767-4788 Tel: (941) 513-6972 Fax: (305) 532-0885 [email protected] Tel: (858) 569-6162 Fax: (412) 767-9744 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: (858) 569-6182 [email protected] Active Membership Review [email protected] Medical [being established] Ms. Beatriz Bonnet Leland D. Wright French Language Martine Dougé 7465 E Peakview Avenue Kent, OH Mentoring Task Force Michèle Hansen Hollywood, FL Englewood, CO 80111 Tel: (330) 673-0043 Courtney Searls-Ridge Hinsdale, IL [email protected] Tel: (303) 779-1288 Fax: (330) 673-0738 Seattle, WA Tel: (630) 323-4720 Fax: (303) 779-1232 [email protected] Tel: (206) 938-3600 Fax: (630) 323-4917 Nordic [email protected] Fax: (206) 938-8308 [email protected] David Rumsey Chapters courtney@ Elk Mound, WI Mr. Robert A. Croese Robert A. Croese germanlanguageservices.com German Language Tel: (715) 962-3151 204 Neely Crossing Lane Simpsonville, SC Dorothee Racette Fax: (715) 962-2621 Simpsonville, SC 29680 Tel: (864) 967-3955 Professional Development Saranac, NY [email protected] Tel: (864) 967-3955 Fax: (864) 967-4808 (ATA Programs) Tel: (518) 293-7494 Fax: (864) 967-4808 [email protected] Marian S. Greenfield Fax: (518) 293-7659 Portuguese Language [email protected] South Plainfield, NJ [email protected] Tereza d’Ávila Braga Dictionary Review Tel: (908) 561-7590 Dallas, TX Ms. Marian S. Greenfield Boris M. Silversteyn Fax: (908) 561-3671 Interpreters Tel: (972) 690-7730 2619 Holly Avenue Venice, FL msgreenfield@ Helen D. Cole Fax: (972) 690-5088 South Plainfield, NJ 07080 Tel/Fax: (941) 408-9643 msgreenfieldtranslations.com Silver Spring, MD [email protected] Tel: (908) 561-7590 [email protected] Tel: (301) 572-2855 Fax: (908) 561-3671 Public Relations Fax: (301) 572-5708 Slavic Languages msgreenfield@ Divisions Chris Durban [email protected] Nora Seligman Favorov msgreenfieldtranslations.com Dorothee Racette Paris, France Orlando, FL Saranac, NY Tel: 33(1)42935802 Italian Language Tel: (407) 679-8151 Prof. Alan K. Melby Tel: (518) 293-7494 Fax: 33(1)43877045 Marcello J. Napolitano Fax: (646) 205-9300 1223 Aspen Avenue Fax: (518) 293-7659 [email protected] Beaverton, OR [email protected] Provo, UT 84604 [email protected] Tel: (408) 422-7008 Tel: (801) 422-2144 Kevin S. Hendzel Fax: (425) 977-8511 Spanish Language Fax: (801) 377-3704 Education and Training Arlington, VA [email protected] Rudolf Heller [email protected] (Non-ATA Programs) Tel: (703) 516-9266 Brookfield, MA Gertrud Graubart Champe Fax: (703) 516-9269 Japanese Language Tel: (508) 867-8494 Mr. Robert E. Sette Surry, ME [email protected] Izumi Suzuki Fax: (508) 867-8064 109 Biddle Avenue Tel: (207) 664-7448 Novi, MI [email protected] Pittsburgh, PA 15221 [email protected] Tel: (248) 344-0909 Tel: (412) 731-8198 Special Projects Fax: (248) 344-0092 Translation Company Fax: (412) 242-1241 Ethics Ann Macfarlane [email protected] Linda Gauthier [email protected] Muriel M. Jérôme-O’Keeffe Seattle, WA Montreal, Canada Alexandria, VA Tel: (206) 542-8422 Tel: (514) 376-7919 Ms. Ines Swaney Tel: (703) 548-7570 Fax: (206) 546-5065 Fax: (514) 376-4486 6161 Harwood Avenue Fax: (703) 548-8223 [email protected] [email protected] Oakland, CA 94618 [email protected] Tel: (510) 658-7744 Terminology ATA Representatives Fax: (510) 658-7743 Finance Sue Ellen Wright [email protected] Jiri Stejskal Kent, OH To International Federation of Tel: (540) 568-3512 Melrose Park, PA Tel: (330) 673-0043 Translators (FIT) Fax: (540) 568-6904 Ms. Laura E. Wolfson Tel: (215) 635-7090 Fax: (330) 673-0738 Peter W. Krawutschke [email protected] 244 Riverside Drive, Apt 5E Fax: (215) 635-9239 [email protected] Kalamazoo, MI New York, NY 10025 [email protected] Tel: (269) 387-3212 To ASTM Translation User Tel: (212) 665-5003 Translation and Computers Fax: (269) 387-3103 Standards Project Fax: (212) 280-1048 Alan K. Melby [email protected] Beatriz A. Bonnet [email protected] Honors and Awards Provo, UT FIT: www.fit-ift.org Englewood, CO Vacant Tel: (801) 422-2144 Tel: (303) 779-1288 Mr. Timothy Yuan Fax: (801) 377-3704 To Joint National Fax: (303) 779-1232 89-33 Pontiac Street [email protected] Committee for [email protected] Queens Village, NY 11427 Languages (JNCL) Tel: (718) 776-8139 Christophe Réthoré Fax: (718) 776-3589 Harrisonburg, VA [email protected] Plan Now! Plan now to join your colleagues for a rewarding experience in Phoenix, Arizona, including: • Over 150 educational offerings featuring something for everyone; • The Job Exchange where individuals promote their services and companies meet translators an interpreters; • Over 50 exhibits featuring the latest publications, software, and services available; • Opportunities to network with over 1,200 translators and interpreters from throughout the U.S. and around the world; • Much more!

American Translators Association 44th Annual Conference November 5-8, 2003

]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]Pointe South Mountain Resort Phoenix, Arizona See page 61 for details about fees and hotel accommodations.

Mark your calendars today for November 5-8, 2003!