September 2005 Volume XXXIV TheThe Number 9 ChronicleChronicle A Publication of the American Translators Association
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#ONSISTENCY AND !CCURACY OF 9OUR 4RANSLATIONS "ASED ON -ODERN 4ECHNOLOGY AND /PEN 3TANDARDS #ONSISTENCY AND ACCURACY OF TRANSLATED CONTENT IS ONE OF THE 3$,8 HAS BECOME THE FASTEST GROWING #OMPUTER !IDED MOST CRITICAL ISSUES IN THE INDUSTRY TODAY 7ITH MANY NEW AND 4RANSLATION #!4 TOOL RECOGNIZED FOR ITS EASY TO LEARN USER ENHANCED FEATURES 3$,8 GOES FURTHER THAN ANY OTHER INTERFACE SCALABLE PERFORMANCE AND COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PRODUCT TO ADDRESS THE QUALITY ASSURANCE OF NEW AND EXIST SYSTEMS BASED ON MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND OPEN STANDARDS ING TRANSLATIONS 3$,8 HAS A NEW AND UNIQUE 1UALITY SUCH AS 4-8 3$,8 DRAMATICALLY IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY OF THE !SSURANCE MODULE THAT WILL SAVE YOU HOURS OF 1! TIME TOTAL TRANSLATION PROCESS FROM PROJECT CREATION TO TRANSLATION REDUCE HUMAN ERROR AND SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF AND QUALITY ASSURANCE YOUR TRANSLATIONS 6ISIT WWWSDLCOMPRODUCTS &UTURE PROOF 9OUR "USINESS 3$,8 IS A COMPLETE AND SECURE TRANSLATION ENVIRONMENT FOR CORPORATIONS TRANSLATION COMPANIES AND FREELANCE TRANS LATORS WISHING TO BOOST THE QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF THEIR TRANSLATION ACTIVITIES
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Features
A Publication of 7 A Look at the Online Directories—Update the American The ATA online Directory of Translation and Interpreting Services for individuals and Translators the Directory of Language Services Companies are more popular than ever. Association
Editor 10 ATA 2005 Election: Candidate Statements Jeff Sanfacon The election this year is to fill the positions of president-elect, secretary, and treasurer, [email protected] as well as three directors’ positions. Proofreader Sandra Burns Thomson 18 ATA Financial Translation and Interpreting Conference: The Most Bang for Your Buck Design/Layout By Brigid Robertshaw Ellen Banker/Amy Peloff This conference delivered a full serving of information on cutting edge trends, Advertising techniques, and resources for translators specializing in the financial sector. Missed it? Matt Hicks Find out how you can still benefit from the wealth of knowledge presented in Jersey City. McNeill Group Inc. [email protected] 22 Organization: A Last Mile Solution! (215) 321-9662 ext. 19 By David Santori Fax: (215) 321-9636 Can’t find your phone when it rings because your desk is a war zone? Here is some flash organization therapy to help the suffering project manager avoid project chaos Executive Director and get ready for another race. Walter Bacak [email protected]
24 Translation Software Tools Seminar Membership and By Jordan Fox General Information Jost Zetzsche offered tips on maximizing your operating system, helpful programs Maggie Rowe and utilities, and computer-assisted translation tools during ATA’s July seminar in [email protected] Chicago. website: www.atanet.org
Columns and Departments 6 About Our Authors 8 From the Executive Director 38 The Onionskin 40 Certification Forum 40 ATA Certification Exam Information 41 Dictionary Reviews 47 New ATA-Certified Members and Active Member Review 48 The Translation Inquirer 50 Humor and Translation 52 ATA Chapters, Affiliated Groups, and Other Groups 54 Directory of Language Services 55 Guide to Continuing Education Points
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 Photo: Ellen Banker 2005 Chronicle The Editorial Calendar A Publication of the American Translators Association Chronicle 1999 FIT Best Periodical Award Winner January Focus: Terminology 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 month of publication (i.e., June 1 for August issue). Submission Deadline: December 1 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 be sure to specify if you would like your photo returned. Do not send irreplaceable photos. Submission Deadline: February 1 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: Adaptation 7. Texts should be formatted for Word or Wordperfect 8.0. Submission Deadline: March 1 8. All articles are subject to editing for grammar, style, punctuation, and space limitations. 9. A proof will be sent to you for review prior to publication. June Focus: Science and Technology Standard Length Submission Deadline: April 1 Letters to the editor: 350 words; Op-Ed: 300-600 words; Feature Articles: 750-3,500 words; Column: 400-1,000 words July (See Chronicle editorial policy—under Chronicle—at www.atanet.org) Focus: Public Relations/ Professional Outreach Submission Deadline: May 1 August An Easy Reference To ATA Member Benefits Focus: Medical Translating and Interpreting Your ATA membership has never been more valuable. Take advantage of the discounted programs and Submission Deadline: June 1 services available to you as an ATA member. Be sure to tell these companies you are an ATA member and refer to any codes provided below. September Focus: Interpreting Business Owners Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Submission Deadline: July 1 Hays Affinity Solutions (HAYS) Mutual of Omaha (866) 310-4297 • (202) 263-4016 (800) 624-5554 • (402) 342-7600 October [email protected] or www.mutualofomaha.com Focus: Legal [email protected] Translating/Interpreting http://ata.haysaffinity.com Overnight Delivery/Express Package Service Submission Deadline: August 1 UPS November/December Collection Services/Receivables Management Reference Code: C0000700415 Focus: Training and Pedagogy Dun & Bradstreet (800) 325-7000 Submission Deadline: Mike Horoski www.ups.com September 1 (800) 333-6497 ext. 7226 (484) 242-7226 Professional Liability Insurance [email protected] Hays Affinity Solutions (HAYS) (866) 310-4297 • (202) 263-4016 Moving? Find an Credit Card Acceptance Program/Professional [email protected] Services Account http://ata.haysaffinity.com error with your NOVA Information Systems address? Reference Code: HCDA Retirement Programs (888) 545-2207 • (770) 649-5700 Washington Pension Center We’ve done everything possible to (888) 817-7877 • (301) 941-9179 ensure that your address is correct. But MasterCard sometimes errors do occur. If you find MBNA America Website Development that the information on the mailing label Reference Code: IFKV Two Rad Technologies is inaccurate or out of date, please let us (800) 847-7378 • (302) 457-2165 [email protected] know. Send updates to: www.atanet.org/radtown 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 Fax (703) 683-6122 • publications, and you are eligible to join ATA Divisions, participate in the online Translation Services Directory, and [email protected] much more. For more information, contact ATA (703) 683-6100; fax (703) 683-6122; and e-mail: [email protected].
4 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 26 New Jersey: Is a Crisis Looming in the Court Interpreting Field? By Virginia Pérez-Santalla The ATA Chronicle (ISSN Even though staff interpreter positions that periodically become available in New 1078-6457) is published Jersey are filled within the prescribed time, there seems to be a need for new blood monthly, except bi-monthly and stronger competition for those positions. in November/December, by the American Translators Association, 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 28 Plain English: The Cure Against Translating Infectious Legal-Speak 590, Alexandria, VA By Matthew Adams 22314. Periodicals Notwithstanding the fact that in the event that during the course of the execution of postage paid at said clause…Vaccinate your translations against this kind of gibberish by learning to Alexandria, Virginia, and additional mailing offices. translate legal English into plain English. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The ATA Chronicle, 225 30 Can Freelance Translators Deduct Home Office Expenses on Their Reinekers Lane, Suite Tax Returns? 590, Alexandria, VA 22314. The American By John Matthews Translators Association Insights on tax matters of interest to the translation and interpreting profession. (ATA) was established in 1959 as a not-for-profit professional society to 32 The Court Interpreters Act of 1978: A 25-Year Retrospective, Part II foster and support the professional development By Nancy Schweda Nicholson of translators and The current article is the second in a two-part series presenting a 25-year overview of interpreters and to developments at the federal and state levels since passage of the Court Interpreters Act promote the translation of 1978. and interpreting professions. The subscription rate for a member is $43 (included in the dues payment). The U.S. subscription rate for a non-member is $50. ATA’s Subscribers in Canada Display Advertising Index and Mexico add $25; all Membership other non-U.S. Directory 9 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) subscribers add $45. www.cia.gov Single copies are available for $5 per issue. Keeps You 16 Monterey Institute Connected www.miis.edu Reprint Permission: All Year Long Requests for permission to 63 National Security Agency (NSA) reprint articles should be www.nsa.gov sent to the Chronicle editor You’ll find the most up-to-date at [email protected]. contact information for your 2 SDL www.sdl.com/products ATA colleagues online, day or night! Search by name, 64 TRADOS/ProZ.com location, even by email www.translationzone.com address—just click 51 WordFinder Software International AB www.atanet.org/ www.wordfinder.com membersonly.
Retirement Programs Washington Pension Center (888) 817-7877 • (301) 941-9179
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 5 About Our Authors...
Matthew Adams has a law Virginia Pérez-Santalla, a David Santori, a French native, is a senior degree and MBA. After member of ATA’s Board of project manager with Iverson Language graduating, he worked as Directors, has been a free- Associates, Inc. After graduating from a staff attorney for the lance professional inter- the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, he Kentucky Supreme Court, preter and translator for received an M.A. in foreign languages and where he wrote and edited more than 20 years. She literature and a Graduate Certificate in judicial opinions. Since 2003, he has lived received her ATA English→Spanish certifi- Translation from the University of in Quito, Ecuador, where he translates cation in 1982, became a New Jersey Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He specializes in legal and business documents from Master Interpreter in 1989, and received SDLX and managing catalog translation Spanish into English. Contact: the federal interpreter certification in projects. Contact: [email protected]. 1993. She was assistant administrator of [email protected]. ATA’s Spanish Language Division (SPD) Jordan Fox lives in New from 2000 to 2004, chairing the com- York City and is an inter- mittee that organized the first three preter for New York State SPD conferences. She also served as Courts. He is an ATA- co-moderator of Espalista, the SPD Guide to ATA certified Spanish→English listserver, and is currently the translator. Contact: co-moderator of the National Continuing [email protected]. Association of Judiciary Interpreters Education and Translators listserver. Contact: John Matthews is a freelance translator. [email protected]. Points He has been a member of ATA and the Mid-America Chapter of ATA for more Brigid Robertshaw is a than 20 years, and is ATA-certified in freelance translator in New Check it out at Japanese→English translation. He has Jersey. Born and raised in www.atanet.org also prepared income taxes for clients at Puerto Rico, she holds an H&R Block for several years, and offers undergraduate degree in (click on insights on tax matters of interest to the politics and Latin American certification) translation and interpreting profession. studies from Princeton University. She or see Contact: [email protected]. worked for an international insurance broker for six years, and has been a page 55! Nancy Schweda Nicholson is a professor Spanish→English translator since 2002, of linguistics, cognitive science, and legal specializing in financial, legal, and insur- studies at the University of Delaware. She ance texts. She also teaches Spanish to is widely published in the areas of lan- elementary school students. Contact: guage planning and policy development [email protected]. for court interpretation services in the U.S. and abroad. She is currently studying interpreter needs and procedures at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Israel Translators Association 2006 Conference Former Yugoslavia. Contact: February 7-9, 2006 [email protected]. Crowne Plaza Hotel • Jerusalem, Israel
Don’t Miss It! We welcome all proposals for talks on subjects related to translation, interpreting, editing, language, and professional
th and technical tools. Papers may be in Hebrew or English ATA 46 Annual Conference (other languages are a possibility). Proposals may be sub- November 9-12, 2005 mitted to Alan Clayman, ITA deputy chair and conference Seattle, Washington organizer, at [email protected]. www.atanet.org/conf2005 For more details, visit www.ita.org.il. (See pages 60-62 for details!)
6 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 A Look at the Online Directories—Update
he ATA online Directory of Translation and Interpreting Services for individuals and the Directory of Language Services Companies are more popular than ever. Listings in these online directories are Tonly available to ATA members. As of mid-August, the individual directory featured 5,667 profiles. The company directory had 365 profiles.
Be sure to keep your listings up to date. To update or add your listing, please go to www.americantranslators.org/tsd. And, just a reminder, these directories are different from the online Membership Directory, which is in the Members Only section of the ATA website. The Membership Directory is set up strictly to facilitate communication between members; the online directories are structured to market and promote members’ services to ATA members and the general public.
Here is a look at some of the stats for the first half of 2005:
Top 10 language combinations from Top 10 areas of specialization from most queried to least for individuals most queried to least for individuals: (The numbers in parentheses are the rankings from December 31, 2004.): 1. Medicine (General) (1) 2. Law (General) (2) 1. English into Spanish (2) 3. Business (General) (3) 2. Spanish into English (1) 4. Pharmaceuticals (7) 3. English into French (3) 5. Engineering (General) (5) 4. English into Japanese (7) 6. Economics & Finance (9) 5. English into Chinese (9) 7. Computers (General) (6) 6. French into English (8) 8. Industry & Technology (General) (8) 7. Japanese into English (6) 9. Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights (-) 8. Chinese into English (5) 10. Software Localization (4) 9. German into English (4) 10. English into German (-) Dropped from the top 10: Contracts (10) Dropped from the top 10: Russian into English (10) Top 10 areas of specialization from most queried to least for companies: Top 10 language combinations from most queried to least for companies: 1. Medicine (General) (1) 2. Business (General) (3) 1. English into Spanish (1) 3. Law (General) (2) 2. Spanish into English (2) 4. Arts & Humanities (General) (4) 3. English into All (3) 5. Health Care (6) 4. All into English (4) 6. Software Localization (-) 5. English into Chinese (7) 7. Education (10) 6. Chinese into English (8) 8. Pharmaceuticals (-) 7. French into English (6) 9. Economics & Finance (-) 8. English into French (5) 10. Computers (General) (7) 9. Russian into English (9) 10. Japanese into English (10) Dropped from the top 10: Engineering (General) (5), Industry & Technology (General) (8), and Entertainment (General) (9).
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 7 Walter Bacak, CAE From the Executive Director [email protected] Passing of a President
TA Past President Edith Losa time and energy that you gave to your died of a heart attack August 5. profession and your organization. AEdith, who was the first ATA Many, many people have benefited president I worked for, served as pres- from your efforts. ident from 1993 to 1995. When you talk about presidents—be Register Today for ATA’s it ATA or the United States—and their 46th Annual Conference records, you often hear the term legacy Register today for ATA’s 46th bandied about. For Edith, her legacy is Annual Conference in Seattle, that she took office during one of the November 9-12. Visit ATA’s website most tumultuous times in the associa- at www.atanet.org/conf2005 for the tion’s history and led the organization most up-to-date listing of educational through it. Edith’s quiet confidence and seminars, exhibitors, and sponsors. leadership helped set the foundation for You can register online or you can ATA to thrive and grow. print out the form, complete it, and While she could be demanding Edith F. Losa fax or mail it to ATA. (you do not get to where she was in 1936–2005 In addition, while planning your life by not being), at the same time ATA President 1993–1995 stay in Seattle, please be sure to check she protected me from much of the out the fantastic Northwest Translators politics. For that I am eternally grate- To honor Edith, Domingo has and Interpreters Society website for a ful. She helped me get set in my job requested that donations in Edith’s wide array of information and activi- and guided me through the all-impor- name be made to the American ties, www.notisnet.org. tant first year. Foundation for Translation and See you in Seattle! I spoke with Edith’s husband Interpretation. Checks may be sent to Domingo a couple of times as he was AFTI, Columbia Plaza, Suite 101, 350 preparing for her funeral service, and East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, each time I would learn something MI 49007. For more information on new. For instance, Edith was a gour- AFTI, please visit www.afti.org. met cook and also adopted her sister’s On behalf of the American daughter after her sister died. She Translators Association, thank you gave of herself in so many ways for so Edith—and, of course, Domingo and many folks. your supportive family—for all the
Two New ATA Divisions Coming Soon?
Join your colleagues at ATA’s 46th Annual Conference in Seattle (November 9-12, 2005) to discuss the establishment of an ATA Financial Division and an ATA Legal Division. Look for details on these organizational meetings in the Final Conference Program.
If you are unable to attend but would like to register your interest, please e-mail Mary David at ATA Headquarters ([email protected] and/or [email protected]).
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The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 9 ATA 2005 Election: Candidate Statements
The election this year is to fill the positions of president-elect, secretary, and treasurer, as well as three directors’ positions (each a three-year term). The ballots will be mailed in late September.
President-elect believe ATA’s role should be to strive to This is what came in the mail a few (two-year term) understand the trends evolving in this days later: 1) The Thunder Squadron Tony Beckwith country and in the rest of the world, and models you buy me; 2) You’re in [email protected] then do everything possible to help our ATA; and 3) You love me. While there membership prepare for the days ahead. are things in our house that are more Like many ATA members, I come Translators working in other economies important than ATA, it showed me to from a multilingual, multicultural back- influence our market in a variety of what extent our association has per- ground. I was born to a British family ways. Machine translation is becoming meated my—and my family’s—life living in Argentina and have been a more sophisticated all the time. These over the past few years. translator/interpreter ever since. and other factors affect U.S.-based indi- I’ve had the pleasure of serving as My first career was with interna- viduals and agencies, though not always the association’s treasurer and as tional advertising agencies, which with the same results. But we have all chairman of ATA’s Finance Committee allowed me to live and work in a faced challenges of many kinds before for two consecutive terms (2001-2003 number of countries around the world. and know that resourcefulness, team- and 2003-2005). Working closely with Then came a chance to do something work, and determination will always ATA Headquarters, the Board, and completely different, and I spent about win the day. As president-elect, I would dozens of ATA members over the past 10 years managing a successful chain of commit ATA’s wealth of resources to four years, in addition to my duties as restaurants in Texas. I am now a certi- helping our membership develop the the treasurer of the American fied, full-time, freelance Spanish-to- flexibility and skills we’ll all need to Foundation for Translation and English translator and interpreter, and succeed in the years to come. Interpretation and chairman of the have been for the last 15 years. In these global times, I believe that Status Committee for the Fédération I served two consecutive terms as ATA should build and strengthen ties Internationale des Traducteurs, I have president of the Austin Area Translators with other language-based organiza- gained more than a few insights into the & Interpreters Association, after serving tions, both here and overseas, as a world of nonprofit organizations in our one term as director of communications. means of keeping our membership industry. One of these insights was the My proudest achievement during that informed about worldwide develop- sometimes overlooked fact that associ- time was the launch of the AATIA web- ments in the fields of translation and ation leaders are not here to be served, site. Although I had no special knowl- interpretation. We must continue to pro- but rather to serve the members—you. edge of website development, I mote a broad, outward-looking Regardless of whether I am understood the need, so I assembled a approach and keep improving our elected, I promise to do my best to team of volunteers who met at my system of internal membership commu- serve you by supporting the associa- house in the evenings and we soon nications. We must also keep seeking tion’s core objectives, which are: accomplished our goal. creative new ways to educate the client As a commercial and literary trans- community on the value of professional • to promote the recognition of the lator, as well as a conference and court translation and interpretation. It’s a translation and interpretation pro- interpreter, I believe I can represent the struggle that will never be completely fessions; interests of a broad cross-section of our won, but it must never be abandoned. • to promote the communication and membership. I think of myself as an Thank you very much, and I appre- dissemination of knowledge for innovator, but I also have a deep respect ciate your consideration. the benefit of translators and inter- for the value of continuity. As president- preters; elect of ATA, I would work hard to con- President-elect • to formulate and maintain stan- nect the past, through the present, to the (two-year term) dards of professional ethics, prac- future. Jiri Stejskal tices, and competence; What does the future hold for us as [email protected] • to stimulate and support the language professionals and for the asso- training of translators and inter- ciation as a whole? There are chal- Gearing up for Father’s Day, one preters; lenges, of course, but there are also, as of my children was asked at school to • to provide a medium for coopera- always, great opportunities for those write a letter to his dad about the tion with persons in allied profes- who can learn to adapt to the changes. I three best things he liked about him. sions; and
10 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 • to promote professional and social Board meetings held. I have held this Program is a great example of inter- relations among its members. post successfully with the Portuguese preters and translators who are partici- Language Division and the Boston pating in the community. The academic qualifications that Chapter of the Fulbright Association. These are the two most important will help me promote these objectives In addition to the regular duties of ideas I have considered since being include M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in a secretary, I would like to propose nominated to run for this position. I Slavic languages and literatures cultural presentations for and service offer you my accumulated experience (University of Pennsylvania), an projects by ATA members, either indi- in translation since 1973, interpreting Executive M.B.A. degree (Temple vidually or through divisions. since 1978, and other activities: University), and a Certificate in The cultures with which we deal are teaching interpreting and translation for Communication for Professionals rich and varied. We seldom have oppor- academic and adult ed programs; (University of Pennsylvania). My tunities to appreciate aspects of the cul- speaking at over 20 conferences nation- experience as a translator dates back tures whose languages provide our ally and internationally; writing articles to the early 1980s, and my love for living. Music, poetry, theater, art, and for the Chronicle and other publica- languages to my childhood—as a film presentations could and should be tions; and 12 years of living in the schoolboy in Prague, Czech a featured part of our gatherings. The Brazilian Amazon Region, where I Republic, I took courses in English, more we know about the cultures we completed the demographic-historical Russian, French, Arabic, and Polish, serve, the better our translated or inter- research for my doctorate. Please allow later adding German during my two- preted project will be. me an opportunity to serve ATA. year sojourn in Austria on my way to Also, many of the groups with the United States. whom we share languages suffer from Secretary I look forward to continued coop- the effects of non-natives not knowing (two-year term) eration with my many friends and or understanding their host cultures. Alan Melby colleagues in the ATA. It is a great Perhaps each of us, or a division or [email protected] honor to have been nominated for the chapter as a group, could offer an hour office of president-elect. Thank you or so of free interpreting or a public As the current secretary of ATA, I for giving me the opportunity! service announcement translated am very pleased to be invited by the without charge. There are refugee Nominating Committee to run for a Secretary organizations, immigrant centers, and second term as secretary. Over the (two-year term) shelters for battered women who per- past 20 years of my involvement in Arlene Kelly haps would love to have something ATA, my perspective has broadened [email protected] translated or a few hours of interpreting considerably. For the first dozen to ease the already difficult lives of their years, my focus was solely on the When the call came asking me to be clients. We here are all fortunate and at effective use of technology by trans- a candidate, I was totally surprised! least somewhat successful, otherwise lators. Of course, technology is still Then, I was flattered and proud that my we would not be members of this pro- important to me as I continue to serve colleagues thought so much of me. Of fessional organization. In addition to as chair of ATA’s Translation and course, if I had known then that Alan the benefit of providing desperately Computers Committee. However, Melby wished to remain as secretary of needed services, our donation can serve during my two terms as ATA Director ATA, I may not have accepted. And I as additional publicity for our talents. and my current term as secretary, I did vacillate somewhat. But then I real- Donating some time in this way is one have become involved in translation- ized that I would have five minutes to of the few, true win-win situations in related projects that go beyond tech- speak to you all about some ideas I life. The agencies’ clients win and we nology. Here are a few examples. value and want to share with you. have the satisfaction of knowing we In September 1999, I joined the Independent of the election results, at helped. Perhaps as an added incentive, team developing a translation quality least my ideas will be available and ATA continuing education points could assurance standard under the perhaps implemented. be offered for these actions. That I American Society for Testing and As secretary of ATA, I promise to cannot promise, but I would pursue it as Materials (ASTM). I have been record faithfully the minutes of all a possibility. ATA’s School Outreach closely involved with this ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 11 Candidate Statements Continued project, which was jointly initiated by will be ready to turn over the position economically secure work environment. ATA and the National Foreign of secretary to someone else and find Together with the Finance Committee, I Language Center in 1998. Now, in other ways to serve within our great will review our auditor’s recommenda- 2005, the ASTM standard is close to association. tions carefully and have them imple- being ready for publication, and it is mented when appropriate. In particular, important to see this project through Treasurer I will assure the association that our to completion and take it to the next (two-year term) investments will continue to be suffi- level (a world-wide translation Peter W. Krawutschke ciently diversified to reduce risk. quality standard). As ATA secretary, peter.krawutschke@ I would consider it a privilege to one of my roles is to act as coordi- wmich.edu serve our association once again, and I nator between the Board and ATA’s I am honored and pleased that the thank you for your support. representative to ASTM. A transla- Nominating Committee gave me its tion quality standard will improve endorsement as a candidate for the Director communication with clients— position of ATA treasurer and, with (three-year term) building on the excellent Translation: your support, I will continue the fine Ines Bojlesen Getting it Right brochure by our own work ATA treasurers such as Eric [email protected] Chris Durban—and enhance the McMillan and Jiri Stejskal have done image of translation as a profession for us in the past. When I joined ATA in My involvement in ATA has been a rather than as a sideline for someone 1971, our budget amounted to a few learning adventure, combined with who happens to speak two languages. thousand dollars; today it has grown sharing the experiences accrued during I am also involved in a related beyond two million. And that is one of my 26 years in the translating and inter- project initiated by ATA’s Certification the clearest indications for what we preting field. I feel honored to be nom- Committee, helping to evaluate the fea- have achieved as a profession. inated by my colleagues to contribute sibility of seeking accreditation for During the past six years, I have further as a member of ATA’s Board of ATA’s Certification Program through served the Fédération Internationale des Directors. I hope to work on promoting the American National Standards Traducteurs/International Federation of public awareness and client education Institute (ANSI). This project will be Translators (FIT), first as its secretary for the recognition of our profession. long and difficult at best, but could general, and recently I completed a I believe my love for translating and greatly strengthen the perception of three-year term as FIT’s treasurer. While interpreting will be an asset to ATA. ATA certification by outsiders and doc- FIT’s budget is modest compared to After 26 years, I still get excited about ument for everyone additional details of ATA’s, it is nevertheless quite complex translating a challenging text or inter- how the program is administered. As because of FIT’s international nature. preting under unusual circumstances. I ATA secretary, I am working to help With the support of the member organi- still enjoy perusing old and new diction- maintain the momentum of this impor- zations, we were able to create a basis aries, surfing the Internet for informa- tant project. In this regard, Gabe for solid fiscal growth during the past tion, and sitting in a classroom to learn Bokor’s task force has already com- three years. At the university level, I from scholars. I have always believed in pleted extensive technical work to find have gained experience in reviewing and practiced the sharing of knowledge a suitable way to allow certification budgets involving considerably larger with peers. I believe we are a special exams to be completed on a computer amounts. and unique community, and that ATA is rather than having to be handwritten, Service to professional associations the binding element that promotes and I am now helping to see this com- requires considerable amounts of time, unison among our different languages, puterized certification project through and I am fortunate that my employer skills, and cultures. I believe in volun- to operational status at the ATA values and supports such service. teer work, in paying back and paying Headquarters level. My approach to the treasurer’s task forward, in continuing education, and in Please allow me to continue with quite simply consists of assuring that making high quality professional the above projects and otherwise con- the financial resources are available to development options available and tinue to promote the interests of ATA accomplish the Board’s goals; that ATA accessible to all members. and its members during a second members continue to receive value for Born in Brazil, languages were term. At the end of my second term, I their dues; and that our staff has an music to my ears, as my parents
12 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 spoke six languages. This nurturing by supporting and promoting ATA proficiency exam in English with spe- in a multilingual/multicultural home policies and representing the associa- cialization in translation from and into kindled my interest to explore the tion in a positive and professional way. Portuguese. My graduate studies were world. I started at age 16, as an in international business, sprinkled exchange student in the State of Director with electives in everything from lit- Washington. Later, I worked for U.S. (three-year term) erary translation to political economy. companies and at the American Tereza Braga My work history before translation Consulate in São Paulo. I earned a [email protected] was in the corporate world and the degree in industrial design, but my Brazilian foreign service. career aspirations were truly realized I accepted the idea of running for the If I join the Board, you can count on in 1979, when I was appointed an Board because my two terms as divi- a director who believes that respect and official English/Portuguese trans- sion administrator are up and I find it understanding for our craft have to lator/interpreter. In 1998, my family hard to stop once I get involved in begin within ourselves. If you love this and I moved to Oregon, where I cur- something I really care about. ATA has business, let us continue to inspire each rently work from my home office. helped me to find pleasure in working, other and help ATA continue to be a I feel it is important to interact with the same way that my family and homecoming experience for more and other T&I professionals in order to friends help me to find pleasure in new talent in the years to come. share my experiences and learn from living. I could never separate ATA from theirs, so I actively contribute to several my personal growth, even if I wanted Director T&I associations. I joined ATA (and its to. I always knew I could translate and (three-year term) Portuguese Language Division [PLD], interpret, but ATA inspired me to take a Laurie Gerber Interpreting Division, and Medical road never traveled, which was to own lgerber@ Division) and the Northwest Trans- my own business and make a good languageweaver.com lators and Interpreters Society in 1999. living doing what I always loved to do. As a longtime member of the I also recently joined the National In my life ATA has served as the best machine translation (MT) and trans- Association of Judiciary Interpreters definition of an association—a venue in lator communities, as well as an MT and Translators. I volunteered as an which we can freely associate. The developer, I am not surprised or hurt election teller at several ATA Annual results of this interaction, in my if I am sometimes greeted as a pariah Conferences and assisted in drafting the opinion, are up to us. We don’t really by translators. I understand the Election Procedure Guidelines in 2003. learn anything with ATA. We learn, yes, ambivalence that many translators I served as PLD treasurer (2001–2003) with each other—colleagues and have about automation, particularly and have been the designer and assis- clients. ATA can’t do a single thing for MT. Whether or not you can consider tant editor of the PLD newsletter since our bottom line, if you ask me. an “MT person” for ATA’s Board of 2002. I served on ATA’s Financial Achievement had to come from inside, Directors, I hope you will consider Guidelines Committee in 2003. I am from our ability to get inspired. My my position about translation tech- also a mentor in ATA’s Mentoring goal as a Board member is to help ATA nology and the role translators have Program. I am proud to be one of the continue to inspire others as it has in shaping its evolution. four founding members of the inspired me. My motivation for running for the Associated Linguists of Oregon and the I have been the administrator of the Board is not to promote MT per se, editor of the ALO News. ALO started Portuguese Language Division for the but to help the translation community meeting informally in 2002, and has past four years and editor of our divi- work toward a productive and effec- since become an active association of sion newsletter. I hold ATA certification tive automation agenda. This agenda translators, interpreters, and language from and into Portuguese and my free- can form the framework for translator professionals, offering good net- lance work includes contracts with training and best practices. More working opportunities, in addition to the U.S. State Department, the importantly, such an agenda, if taken lectures and presentations as a way to Organization of American States, and seriously by the ATA community, can earn continuing education units. the World Bank. help in communicating requirements to If elected, I will continue to work I was a teenager in my native tools developers and guiding the direc- diligently to enhance our profession Brazil when I passed the Cambridge tion that automation takes. ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 13 Candidate Statements Continued
Individual translators have not of the Association for Machine of Asian language interpreters. always been well served by tools devel- Translation in the Americas During my three-year tenure as a opers. MT has offered full automation (www.amtaweb.org). CIAP member, I am proud to have of the translation process, or nothing. lobbied to increase California’s Translation memory developers have Director budget for court interpreter services. tended to focus on the lucrative features (three-year term) ATA has a responsibility to ensure that agencies and institutions will buy, Jacki Noh that all its chapters are a useful sometimes at the expense of user jacki@ resource to translators and inter- friendliness for the individual who transkorean.com preters. To accomplish this goal, a works with the tools every day. If it It is an honor to be nominated to sense of unity needs to develop were not for Alan Melby’s deft moder- serve on ATA’s Board of Directors. I between chapters, those that have ation, ATA panel sessions with vendors first started my journey into the world well developed programs, and those might turn into riots. Outrage simmers of language as a student at the who are struggling to recruit and below the surface. University of California at Berkeley, retain members. As a director, I would Maybe I can help. My experience when a small classified ad looking for actively encourage communication and contacts may be useful in two interpreters in the school newspaper between chapters by promoting ways. First, I will work to help transla- immediately grabbed my attention. newsletter exchanges that would facil- tors communicate proactively with With a voracious appetite to learn itate the sharing of ideas on such tools vendors. Developers have not about the interpretation and transla- topics as fund raising, membership done enough outreach, but translators tion field, I started attending lectures, drives, and how to conduct effective have also missed an opportunity to send workshops, seminars, and confer- meetings. As chapters develop, this clearer messages about what they want ences, totaling over 800 hours during “network” would provide continuing and need. Second, I will work to help the last 20 years. I still consider education and serve as an information you formulate a picture of where you myself a student who has plenty to database to translators and inter- want technology for translators to go. learn, with intellectual curiosity and a preters. By becoming more active in This involves some careful thinking burning desire to share information nurturing its members, I believe ATA about how you work and how you with others. would further enhance and develop would like to work, tempered by real- Since 1986, I have worked as a this growing industry. istic expectations of what is feasible professional interpreter and translator with language technology. and have been an active member in Director I have been active in the field of MT several local translator and interpreter (three-year term) for over 18 years, including many years organizations. I have served as mem- Richard S. Paegelow as a linguist and system developer at bership director of the Northern [email protected] Systran. I have done research on MT, California Translators Association and have a strong ongoing interest in (NCTA), chairperson of the San I have been a member of the working with users and usability issues. Francisco Bay Chapter of California American Translators Association I have masters’ degrees in East Asian Court Interpreters Association since 1992, either individually or as a studies (Yale) and computational lin- (CCIA), and a member of the Judicial corporate member. If elected, I would guistics (University of Southern Council of California Court be delighted to serve as a member of California). I have been an active Interpreters Advisory Panel (CIAP). the Board of Directors. member of ATA since 1991, and For the NCTA, I worked tirelessly to As part of the election process, I worked occasionally as a Japanese-to- increase its membership and visibility believe that it is essential that the English translator in the 1980s. I am by being an official greeter and social voting members understand where currently the director of business devel- director. For the CCIA SF Bay potential Board members stand on key opment at Language Weaver, Inc., a Chapter, I focused on providing issues. Here are my general beliefs and startup company specializing in statis- continuing education for both our positions on key issues as I see them. tical MT. I have been very active in the members and legal professionals who The primary mission of ATA is to MT professional community since work closely with judiciary inter- support written translation as a pro- 1992, and currently serve as president preters, and on increasing the number fession. Hence, ATA should not
14 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 duplicate nor dilute the efforts of Russian certification in 1989 aggressively without being suspected other professional associations (such (Russian→English in 1990). I spe- of ulterior motives. We should also as those related to oral interpretation cialize in science and technology, work to find ways of expanding ATA’s or language companies). finance, business, law, and the envi- Certification Program to translators Specifically, I strongly support ronment. My career as a freelance working in language pairs for which no professional liability insurance pro- translator and interpreter began in the exams are offered, and to interpreters. vided by Lloyds of London covering 1950s when I was still an engineering Second, conferences are one of the written translations, the moderniza- student at Kiev Polytechnic Institute. most valuable membership benefits, tion of certification testing (espe- I have been freelancing ever since. but to many members, especially cially the elimination of paper and I have always tried to give back to newcomers, their cost is a financial pencils as soon as possible!), the the profession, especially now that I hardship, if not an impossibility. We ATA’s continuing education require- can devote more time to volunteer must find ways of reducing confer- ments, and increasing the business activities. For example, I volunteer as ence costs so more people can attend. skills of all members. an interpreter for my county health In the almost 20 years that I have I oppose direct ATA intervention department. For the last four years, I been in ATA, I have witnessed the evo- in individual member disputes with have chaired ATA’s Dictionary lution of our association. There were other members for many of the rea- Review Committee. I am an English periods marked by painful conflicts and sons recently published in the into Russian grader and a member of rivalries, both inside and outside the Chronicle. I would replace ATA’s the committee working to establish Board, negatively affecting member Translation Company Division, English↔Ukrainian certification. morale and damaging the efficacy and which needlessly duplicates the I served on the Executive image of the association. We should all annual conferences of the Association Committee and as president of the be thankful that those days are behind of Language Companies. Instead of a Chicago Area Translators and Inter- us, and that Board members are now separate division, I would recom- preters Association. I have presented guided by the common goal of serving mend that a set of business topics be at ATA conferences and published in the members and advancing the profes- given during ATA’s Annual ATA publications. sion. As a Board member, I would be Conferences, perhaps under a new As a Board member, I would focus honored to work toward this objective. and broader heading that combines on two areas. and broadens the specializations of First, we need to address contin- Director “Agencies, Bureaus, & Companies” uing education (CE) requirements for (three-year term) and “Independent Contractors.” certification, expanding the range of Liliana Valenzuela activities counted for CE points and [email protected] Director bringing the number of points (three-year term) assigned to each activity into better As a young Mexican immigrant to Boris Silversteyn alignment with their actual educa- Texas in my twenties, I discovered [email protected] tional values. The current system is that translators are a unique group of heavily tilted toward costly activities, people. Having lived in different When it was suggested that I run including ATA conferences and semi- countries and learned to be sensitive for a director position, I felt both nars, creating the misimpression that to the cultural peculiarities of others, honored and surprised. Although I the main goal of the CE requirements we are natural border-crossers. have strong feelings on a number of is to make money for ATA. I fear that in I grew up in an oil refinery com- issues facing ATA and have expressed 2007 a number of highly skilled mem- pany town in Mexico City, learned them in conversations with some bers may lose their certification (and so-so English from the nuns, Board members and other colleagues, perhaps even drop their membership) better English from a former Harlem- the thought of running for the Board because they will have failed to meet Globetrotter-turned-teacher at a never crossed my mind. current CE requirements. Since, Mexican high school, but didn’t really I am a translator and interpreter of because of my venerable age, I am master the English language until many Russian and Ukrainian. I joined ATA exempt from these requirements, I years later, thanks to my American hus- in 1986, and earned English→ would be able to work on this issue band, my many jobs, and writing ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 15 Candidate Statements Continued countless papers in college and grad- museums like the Smithsonian only dream of not too long ago. My uate school where I studied cultural Institution and the National Museum version of the novel Caramelo,by anthropology. I also learned quite a bit of Women in the Arts, as well as Sandra Cisneros, was picked up by of Danish as an exchange student in numerous translation agencies. the Spanish publishers—a most Denmark. Like many ATA members, These days, I get invited to confer- unusual accomplishment, as they I’ve had a life-long love affair with lan- ences and book festivals, such as generally prefer to commission their guages and other cultures. Publishing Latino Voices in New York own Peninsular Spanish translations. Literature is my passion, and trans- City, the Border Book Festival in New Much remains to be done, and if I lating is my life, but I started at the Mexico, the Texas Book Festival, and receive your vote, which I respect- very bottom some 15 years ago, trans- the Latina Letters Conference in San fully request, I will do my best to lating anything from employee man- Antonio, Texas. And while at these continue the outreach and education uals, to recipes, to birth certificates, or events, I always take the opportunity to I’ve been engaged in for so long. I whatever came my way. As a free- speak about translation and translation intend to improve communications lancer, I know what it takes to be a issues. I also give public readings with among members and between mem- stay-at-home entrepreneur—meeting the authors I translate (including Sandra bers and the Board, to further educate impossible deadlines, juggling child- Cisneros, Denise Chávez, Nina Marie clients and the media, and to inform care and home responsibilities, edu- Martínez) and help raise awareness the younger generations of future cating clients and the public, and about the very important role that we translators about the invaluable serv- doing your own public relations. translators play in our digital society. ices we provide as border-crossers in Among the clients I have served in my As a literary translator, I have our increasingly small world. professional career as an English-to- achieved some minor and major vic- Spanish literary translator are pub- tories in the publishing industry, such lishers such as Simon & Schuster, as insisting that my name appear on Alfred A. Knopf, Rayo/HarperCollins, the cover and copyright page of each Random House, Harcourt Brace, book, a right that translators could
_ New MA Degree to Start in Fall 2005 Master of Arts in Translation and Localization Management (MATLM) The MATLM degree will be a combination of translation, localization technology, and business management. The program will be offered as both a two-year (four semesters) and a one-year degree (Advanced Entry – two semesters with 30-32 credits required). _ New Summer 2005 Medical Interpreting Course Certificate Course in Medical Interpreting: August 18 to 21, 2005 in Monterey, CA This course is offered to German and Spanish Interpreters interested in medical interpreting.
_ New Fall 2005 T&I Training Conference Professional Translator and Interpreter Education in the 21st Century An international conference to be held in Monterey from September 9 to 11, 2005.
Please log on to www.miis.edu for detailed information about the new MATLM degree program, the Summer 2005 medical course and the Fall 2005 T&I training conference.
16 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 In Memoriam Edith F. Losa 1936–2005 ATA President 1993–1995 By Peter Krawutschke ATA Past President
dith Losa, past president of the American Translators Association (ATA), passed away Esuddenly at her home in Lake Worth, Florida, on Friday, August 5, 2005. When Edith assumed the presidency of ATA at the 1993 ATA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, she inherited an association plagued by internal dissension and a lack of direction. Her managerial skills acquired in industry, her sense of fairness, and her hiring of an outstanding executive director for ATA in the person of Walter Bacak brought a sense of professionalism back to the association and laid the organiza- tional foundation for today’s ATA. Born and educated in Hamburg, Germany, Edith also lived in Italy, New York, California, Arizona, and Oregon while working primarily in the field of German/English translation. She also dealt with French, Spanish, and Italian for a number of German and American companies before assuming a position with Siemens in Boca Raton, Florida, as manager of Language Services, a position she held for 20 years until her retirement in 1998. Following her retirement, until her untimely death, she continued to translate as a freelance translator and served the American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation (AFTI) as a member of its awards panels. During her many years as an ATA member, Edith was involved in numerous activ- ities, including organizing two annual conferences (1992 and 1993), serving as editor of the 33rd and 34th ATA Conference Proceedings, publishing monthly columns in the ATA Chronicle, and presenting various conference papers on translation topics. Edith leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Domingo Losa; two daughters, Irene Hall of Atlanta, Georgia, and Ariane Guettler of Delray Beach, Florida; two grandchildren, Cameron and Austin Abdo; a son-in-law, Randy Hall; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass was held on Saturday, August 13, in Lake Worth. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to AFTI to establish a memorial fund in her name. Checks may be sent to AFTI, Columbia Plaza, Suite 101, 350 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. For more information on AFTI, please visit www.afti.org.
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 17 ATA Financial Translation and Interpreting Conference: The Most Bang for Your Buck
By Brigid Robertshaw
ongratulations to ATA for This is an especially useful tool if is one type of document that provides hosting yet another conference you’ve been asked to write a a significant source of business for C chock full of expert and charis- Chronicle article about said confer- financial translators. Ted Wozniak matic presenters for what could poten- ence. Seriously though, having pre- took us through the different compo- tially be a dry subject. Let’s face it, viewed this CD-ROM, I’m thoroughly nents of annual reports, their purpose, we’re not talking about translating impressed with the production quality. and who reads them. We learned that Gabriel García Marquez here. We’re It’s amazing how technology can the management report and auditor’s talking about annual reports, prospec- make our continuing education and report are basically in boilerplate tuses, financial statements, bankruptcy professional development as easy as format, and as Ted put it, “If you’ve proceedings, initial public offerings, popping a CD into the computer. For done one auditor’s report, you’ve and international financial reporting less than $100, there’s no better done them all.” standards. Well, it may not be magical As far as the translation of the or romantic, but to some of us, the financial statements themselves, one world of financial translation and inter- “…This conference of Ted’s main points was that U.S. preting is an exciting field. In this fast- accounting is not based on legislation paced industry, being up-to-date with covered a great deal of or code law as in other countries, but current trends adds tremendous value basic knowledge, on case law and precedent. Ted to the services we provide. Even for explained that the way generally those of us who aren’t hard-core finan- answering questions that accepted accounting principles have cial translators, this conference cov- burn in the minds of evolved in the U.S. has resulted in ered a great deal of basic knowledge, translators who dabble in several individual accounting stan- answering questions that burn in the dards that apply to different sectors. minds of translators who dabble in this this area...” So there’s no roadmap as specific as area: What does securitization mean, the one provided by International exactly? What are the components of Financial Reporting Standards an annual report? How much is stan- deal—many hours of fun with finan- (IFRS), which are becoming widely dard wording? How do I translate a cial translation combined with the col- used in the EU and other countries. balance sheet from another country? lective wisdom of over 20 experts. By This is why there are so many Where can I look for answers? the way, the package also includes a explanatory notes in the statement If you are reading this article, you certificate for ATA Continuing part of U.S.-based annual reports. probably fall into one of the following Education Points, and all you have to The translation of these notes is an three categories. One, you’re a pre- do to get them is view the CD-ROM area where we can add value, espe- senter seeking a few of your 15 min- when it is most convenient for you. To cially if the translator is well versed utes of fame (maybe your session is find out how to get your copy, go to in the lingo of the company’s partic- highlighted here). Two, you attended www.atanet.org/pd/finance. ular industry. the conference and are curious to see if So what were the hot topics at this Ted explained that because finan- I found it as stimulating and informa- year’s Financial Conference? Well, to cial highlights, usually short sum- tive as you did. Or three, you couldn’t name just a few, anti-money laun- maries, are the “most read” part of make it to Jersey City for whatever dering, the globalization of financial annual reports, it is important to pay reason. For me, the conference venue and accounting standards, deriva- special attention to these sections. happened to be very convenient, since tives, and bankruptcy law. I’ve tried According to Ted, one of the basic I live less than an hour away. to summarize a few of the presenta- truths revealed about translating annual There’s fantastic news if you’re in tions that I thought many fellow reports is that, “you need to find lots of any one of these groups. For the first translators would find helpful. synonyms for the basic verbs, increase time, ATA is offering almost the entire and decrease.” It seems simple, but dif- conference on a multimedia CD-ROM The Basics: Annual Reports, ferent business sectors have their own that connects the audio from the live Securitization tone and language preferences. presentations with the supporting How about starting with annual However, issues involving corporate slides, documents, and resource links. reports? A company’s annual report values, ethics, and environmental and
18 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 social responsibility are moving to the may be. There is always a service by both Marion Purcell and Marian forefront as important issues to agreement involved, which is also a Greenfield. Don’t let the similarity in investors. In the end, perhaps Ted’s best plus for the originator’s balance sheet. names fool you. Marion is an assistant advice comes down to common sense. The classic example is a mortgage- U.S. district attorney in New Jersey When doing your research, read annual backed security, which falls under the specializing in money laundering reports from similar companies. These broader category of asset-backed investigations. Marian serves as ATA will be the best parallel documents to securities (or ABS), but Silvana president-elect and conference organ- use as references. pointed out that nowadays securitiza- izer (thank you Marian, and Teresa Silvana Debonis was also on the tion is being used in ways we never Kelly at ATA Headquarters, for all the program in Jersey City to demystify dreamed possible. For example, we hard work in organizing this event). securitization and explain the basics learned of cases where soccer teams She is also a top-notch financial trans- of risk management and derivatives to (pardon me, football teams) are bor- lation specialist. Spanish translators. Silvana is one rowing to improve their stadiums and Marion Purcell kicked off the first presenter that I look forward to seeing talent pool by selling instruments day of the conference with a fasci- at these conferences, not only because backed by future broadcasting rights. nating primer on money laundering. she has a dynamic personality, but Back when Eurotunnel was built, the She provided lots of facts on a serious because she approaches her audience financing was “securitized” by future subject, but peppered her talk with a as a true educator. Her goal is always toll revenues. This was a ground- good dose of humor. Besides drawing for the audience to grasp fully the breaking project, literally and finan- scenarios explaining why and how essence of whatever topic she is pre- cially, because of the way it was money laundering is committed, senting. In her non-language-specific financed as a mega infrastructure Marion got into plenty of detail with session, this topic was “The What and project using a consortium of compa- regard to the important documents How of Securitization.” nies based on the speculative future and financial reports required by So, what is securitization? One of flow of income. This last example banks for cash transactions over the Silvana’s definitions explained that falls under the category of “future $10,000 threshold. The main reports securitization is a special kind of flow securitization,” which differs to know about are the Currency financing backed by cash flows that from ABS in that the assets do not Transaction Report (CTR) and the are isolated, legally and practically, exist yet and, therefore, cannot be Suspicious Activity Report (SAR). from the intended beneficiary, also removed from anyone’s balance sheet. This session provided excellent back- known as the originator. These cash All the legal agreements and ground on the terminology used in flows are isolated by selling the origi- financial documentation required to this area, especially with regard to the nator’s income-producing assets to a set up an SPV and securitization legal and regulatory framework and special purpose vehicle (SPV) that structure are fertile ground for finan- the reporting requirements we may finances the purchase of the assets cial translators. encounter as financial translators. through an issuance of securities to Marian Greenfield approached investors. Silvana went into a good Financial Market Trends that Affect this subject from the banker’s point amount of detail on what form an Translators of view, giving us background on the SPV might take (usually a trust set up As an important link in the finan- “Financial Action Task Force and by an investment bank). The origi- cial information supply chain, we Anti-Money Laundering Measures” nator could be a consortium of com- need to keep on top of developments (“Know Your Client” procedures). panies, not just one. She explained in the world’s financial markets and This presentation defined the that one of the main reasons this type how these affect our specialty areas. Financial Action Task Force as a new of financing structure is attractive to Robin Bonthrone explained how regulatory framework created to borrowers is that it often removes the information flows and where we fit in combat abuse of the global financial assets, and, therefore, the credit risk (virtually at every level). Once again, system. We may run across individual of those assets, from the originator’s IFRS came up as an important devel- bank or country rules that need to be balance sheet. The issue is usually opment and tool for translators. translated, and Marian’s workshop rated on a stand-alone basis, regard- Better get familiar with those, folks! tackled some of the nitty gritty found less of what the originator’s rating Anti-money laundering was covered in these kinds of texts. ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 19 ATA Financial Translation and Interpreting Conference: The Most Bang for Your Buck Continued
The most interesting term I learned They will soon be available on the careful balance of tact, respect, and in this session was “smurfing,” alluding Internet. In the meantime, the full professionalism. to those little blue cartoon characters, standards can be ordered from Another helpful hint that came out but actually referring to the practice of www.iasb.org. Also, read up on the of this discussion is to build a net- runners, or “smurfs” (“pitufos”in 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which has work of other translators whose work Spanish), going from bank to bank significantly affected federal securi- you trust, and work out some kind of making deposits just under the $10,000 ties law in the United States. Human reciprocal referral or coverage rela- CTR reporting requirement. resource issues were also important tionship. This way, you are helping Money laundering occurs in con- to these managers, which means that your client, you can focus your ener- nection with a variety of criminal if motivational, rally-round commu- gies on areas where you can add the activities, the big ones being drug nication is one of your strengths, you most value (and earn the most pre- trafficking, organized crime, and should toot your horn because this mium), and maybe go on vacation white-collar crimes. Heightened sen- seems to be a high priority for the once in awhile without suffering from sitivity to the link between money subjects in Chris’ study. professional guilt. and terrorism also makes this is a The best part of this discussion Gaia Morandi, an Italian working timely issue. More governments and was hearing success stories from sev- in London for none other than the financial institutions are mobilizing eral of our colleagues. It was International Accounting Standards to take an active role in the vigilance refreshing and encouraging to hear Board, took us on a journey exploring of suspicious transactions. someone say that they’re extremely online research in this field. Many busy, that they can be choosy about translators believe we are already Professional Issues the type of work they accept, and can experts on searching the Internet for Targeted to financial translators, charge premium prices for these serv- terminology we need, but there’s but relevant to any of us, were a ices. There’s no mystery to it. It is not always a better, faster way to find the series of sessions on professional that these translators have super- right answers. Besides rating the best issues in our business. What are our human strengths. On the contrary, search engines (Google is her clients’ concerns? How can we maxi- roundtable speakers even admitted to favorite), Gaia went over basic search mize our earning potential? Where falling into this business as a backup techniques and then delved into some can we find online resources for career, as many of us do. However, more sophisticated variations. In this financial translation? How can we they have proved their business savvy presentation, we got to crawl into the protect ourselves from the risks asso- by choosing a premium niche to work brain of a clever translator while fol- ciated with this service industry? in, developing clients who produce lowing the logic and techniques used Chris Durban, author of The assignments on a predictable by Gaia in her online sleuth work. I Onionskin column in the ATA schedule (wouldn’t that be nice?), now have many more tricks up my Chronicle, led a two-part session and realizing what their work is sleeve and learned of a few websites called “Where the Action Is” with her worth in the eyes of their clients. that will certainly help me use the co-presenters Bob Killingsworth and Chris offered an excellent busi- Internet more efficiently in the future. Dominique Jonkers. The first part ness development strategy that trans- We all have work habits that suit our included trends and highlights from a lators could use as an alternative to own individual translation styles, but semi-scientific survey conducted by the often-tossed aside cover letter and with this kind of translation method, Chris, based on interviews with 10 resume formula. Chris suggested that trying something new and different industry leaders (bankers and financial any time you come across a poor could prove to be a huge timesaver journalists). What did she learn from translation, make it a business oppor- while increasing accuracy. these interviews? Buzzwords for these tunity. She explained that you can Last but not least, Ralph Lemster, business giants were regulatory or leg- capitalize on these opportunities by a German-to-English financial trans- islative issues, ethics and company retranslating a sample of a poorly lator who also acts as a moderator for values, corporate governance issues, translated text and sending it to the ProZ.com, shared his insights in and cross-selling services. right person within the client’s organ- “Risk Management for (Financial) On the regulatory side, if you ization as a free sample of your work. Translators.” As a risk management don’t know about IFRS, you should. Of course, this must be done with a specialist in my former life, this is a
20 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 subject near and dear to my heart. the information by e-mail, you isolation, it’s wonderful to get a Ralph applied sound risk manage- should help educate your client. chance to catch up with old friends, ment techniques to our business The subject of putting all our eggs re-establish contact with colleagues, while using concrete examples to in just a few baskets came up as well. and meet new faces. make us aware of situations where we Translators should recognize that if Being a relative newcomer to this need to qualify our clients and quan- most of their business is generated business, it’s always a humbling tify the risk associated with taking on from a few clients, the loss of one of experience to attend these confer- work from an unknown entity. If you those clients could be a big hit. ences and soak up the expertise from are listed in an online directory with Ralph’s key message is to know what seasoned veterans who are able to a trade association, you have prob- your business risks are, as just being speak eloquently on these subjects. I ably received e-mails or calls from aware of them is half the battle. relish opportunities like this where I unknown sources that are, in fact, can continue to grow in knowledge scams targeting translators. Ralph Conclusion and keep up-to-date on developments gives us a number of Internet My apologies for not being able to in the field. resources, such as www.whois.net, include all 22 of the presenters within Financial translation requires spe- that we can use to cross check a the confines of this article. cial expertise and familiarity with person or company’s identification Unfortunately, I am not proficient current practices in order to provide a based on domains, names, and e-mail enough in French, German, Italian, or good product. After all, our clients addresses. Ralph also argued, rather Portuguese to do them justice. But let must adapt to changing regulations as convincingly I might add, that asking it be known that plenty of language- a function of the global marketplace, for partial pre-payment on a job from specific sessions were available for where creativity continues to boggle an unknown customer is not an translators working within these lan- the mind and borders don’t seem to unreasonable demand, and serves as a guages. Obviously, if you want more matter, but language does. very effective protection measure. detail on any of these subjects or lan- In addition to these counter- guage-specific sessions, you would party/credit risks, Ralph covered for- do well to purchase the CD-ROM Now Available! eign currency exchange risk and from ATA for your reference library. I provided examples of how you could must confess that I did not physically TWO LINES: use hedging instruments to help miti- attend some of the sessions that I A Journal of gate currency risk. As translators, we chose to highlight here, thus the also face security related risk, since beauty of the CD. But, does having Translation we are in a business that depends on access to a CD mean you never have Theme: Bodies computer technology. Ralph recom- to travel to one of these ATA confer- mends updating virus definitions on a ences again? Absolutely not! Nothing Featuring literature from 21 dif- daily basis, backing up data on a reg- can replace the exchange of ideas, ferent countries and 17 different ular basis, and perhaps even storing personal contact, and total immersion languages, the issue presents a backup data at an alternate location. of attending a conference. compelling, unexpected exploration Having a backup computer handy is So what kind of networking was of bodies in their myriad forms. also a good idea. As translators going on between sessions and at Delve into literature by Yehuda dealing with financial statements, lunch? Those brave enough to ven- Amichai, Ingeborg Bachmann, annual reports, or other information ture into the neighboring Harborside Joyce Mansour, Ziba Karbassi, and that may be considered insider infor- area in the rain were treated to a many more, in languages from mation, we may be included on diverse palette of restaurants within Estonian to Hungarian, from Italian insider lists. You need to be aware of walking distance, some funky and to Vietnamese. your exposure if there is a suspected eclectic, others more mainstream case of insider abuse. If you are catering to this booming financial Order online at: receiving sensitive information and district right across the Hudson from www.catranslation.org/ your client is not taking the proper New York City’s Wall Street area. Translation/ordering.html security precautions in transferring For those of us who work in relative
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 21 Organization: A Last Mile Solution!
By David Santori
uesday morning… six projects to to make you wake up one morning as a deposit area for miscellaneous start, four others to quote, var- and suddenly be a very organized items and project folders without a T ious phone messages to check, person. If perfection existed, we home. A clean workspace will help 57 e-mails to read, countless translator would have found it already and it keep your mind clear and allow you questions, and an apple to eat still sit- would be sold in a bottle next to the to focus on your projects much easier. ting on your desk. Welcome to the life energy drinks at your local super- Remember that we spend a big part of a project manager! It’s only market. Unfortunately, nothing is per- of our life at work, and if it’s disor- Tuesday morning, you think; and not fect by nature, so we have to create ganized we are less likely to want to even 8:00 a.m. yet. Clients will start perfection with the most efficient sys- come to the office and perform well. calling soon for their latest project tems possible. The keys to organiza- A project manager should not be trip- updates. The pressure is on, the crowd tion are self-discipline, logic, and a ping over boxes to get into his or her is cheering. On your marks! Get set! willingness to get things done. cubicle/office or, and most impor- Hold your breath! Go! tantly, digging through folders to find Whether you love’em or hate’em, the phone. Clients should never have project managers hold a key position “…Whether you love’em to wait! If your space is clean and in the translation industry. They live or hate’em, project orderly, you can rest assured that you and breathe to make their translation won’t have to worry about a transla- projects bloom with a bit of magic, managers hold a key tion you forgot to send out, especially while dedicating their time to making position in the translation while you’re sitting at home enjoying their clients’ lives easier. As a project industry…” an evening away from work. manager, you’re expected to know the Another element to remember is to status of the project at each and every keep your contacts updated. Don’t stage: Who’s translating this docu- All the magic happens in your put it off until next week when this ment? Which proofreader is taking workspace, so begin by ensuring that huge project will finally be delivered care of the Spanish file on that 18-lan- everything has its own place and is or the next time you think you might guage manual project? Where are the clearly separated and labeled: your have a free moment. As soon as you Arabic translated files, and did you desk, your inbox, your filing cabinet, receive a change from a client or a already send them to be reviewed? your computer, and so forth. For translator regarding their e-mail or When you’re dealing with hun- example, make sure you have only phone number, update it! If you wait, dreds of files, countless languages, the bare minimum amount of paper you’ll forget, or it will never get and more than 20 projects on your and office supplies on your desk. The done. Don’t wait until the day an out- desk, organization is imperative. A less clutter you have around you, the going e-mail bounces back to you project manager needs to have an faster you’ll be able to find some- because you didn’t update your efficient workspace, a methodical thing in a time of crisis. Your drawers favorite French translator’s contact working approach, and an organized should be free for you to use and information. It will always take more mind. But what does “being organ- shouldn’t be filled with old projects, time to search through old e-mails for ized” mean? Why is organization so which should be archived instead in a the new address, and chances are the sought after, and why is it so impor- separate, easily accessible area. File returned e-mail will get to you two tant in our industry? Included in this your resources in binders and keep days too late. article are ideas and suggestions to them nearby. Create a client, a trans- Make sure your e-mail inbox is as help you become a super-powerful lator, and a special language binder clean as your desk. Project managers organized project manager who will where you can keep articles and can easily get overwhelmed with thou- utilize all the most effective examples of specific linguistic rules sands of e-mails in their inbox. Keep in approaches to execute translation for each language you work with. mind that if a problem is solved, if a projects in a timely fashion, offer the Your translation magazines should project is done and billed, if a question best customer service, and cross the also be filed away chronologically, has been answered, there is no need to finish line like a champion. not saved indefinitely on your desk. keep those e-mails in your inbox. Let First, let me begin by telling you Reserve your inbox for incoming go of past issues you already dealt with that there’s no magic potion to drink mail or messages and avoid using it and delete all messages you don’t need
22 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 anymore (even the one offering you a and using a color code helps the eye invent a machine capable of checking trip to Cancún for $89). Keep all- focus on what’s most important. someone’s organizational skills, you important messages with the project When you’re out of the office, the can always put new project managers itself or as part of the client informa- board is also a good tool for other to the test by employing different cat- tion for possible future use. With project managers to see quickly astrophic translation project scenarios fewer messages in your inbox, you’ll what’s happening and set up an emer- in order to see how they would pre- spend your time being more proactive gency committee to handle any crises. vent the ship from sinking. than reactive. Keep any ongoing Time management also plays a big Translation agencies seek organized questions and issues in your inbox, or part in being organized. When you’re project managers because they will anything that is not yet solved. If a swamped, take care of smaller or rush get the job done and also because they client calls hoping you have an answer tasks first. Decide which task will will succeed in the “translation arena” as to why this word was left in English take the least amount of time to com- instead of being instantly devoured, in the Japanese letter you delivered plete and do it first, so you can cross never to be seen or heard from again. two days ago, it will be much easier to it quickly off your list. Once it’s Without a logical system of organiza- find the translator’s answer in your done, it’s off of your desk and out of tion, projects will be hard to manage inbox. your mind. With a shorter list, your and clients will leave one right after Project managers have different mind can be a bit more at ease and another. methods for tracking their projects. you’ll be able to concentrate on what Being organized is truly a skill. It Many use white boards, others write will require the most out of you. is an ability that a select few possess, down lists, a few set up an electronic With these tips, one can under- usually without realizing it. However, schedule in their e-mail system, stand why organization is such a cru- it is also a skill that most people can others use complex project manage- cial part of a project manager’s daily master and learn how to utilize. In any ment software, while some simply routine. The translation industry case, being organized is a key factor don’t keep track at all. Whatever you requires us to be fast and very adapt- to working as a project manager in the feel most comfortable with, it’s able, due to the wide variety of translation industry. Our clients important to have a daily system that existing documents we have to work assume we have this skill, and our shows you where you are and what with, not to mention the fact that there translators rely on it in order to keep you need to remember to do each are more languages than one could receiving projects. While project morning. A simple, yet cost-effective possibly know in a single lifetime. If a management is not an Olympic sport dry-erase board is the easiest solution project manager is disorganized, yet, I like to think that one day, to implement and reduces time lost to clients will stop sending projects, maybe, we will receive a gold medal paper shuffling. Since we are always translators will stop accepting jobs, for our skills and sense of organiza- being asked to arrange, prepare, and and a project from 2003 will still be tion. In the meantime, don’t panic and sort things out, we don’t need more on your desk awaiting final delivery enjoy that apple still sitting on your paper on our desk. A board quickly and billing. A highly organized desk. Don’t hold your breath for too offers a panoramic view of what person is one of the main require- long, keep running fast, and you’ll see needs to be done. Erasing is fast, ments to look for when hiring a new that the finish line is not far off. adding projects to the board is easy, project manager. Before scientists
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The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 23 Translation Software Tools Seminar
By Jordan Fox
ost Zetzsche was bruised, but Explorer are facilitated through so- errors and the latter gathers frag- brimming with excitement at called “wildcards,” the symbols ments of files that have been saved in J ATA’s recent Translation which can stand for more than one different areas of your memory so Software Tools Seminar in Chicago. character. If you’re looking for a file that your machine works more effi- Despite an unfortunate run-in with a that you know starts with “a” and ciently. Jost explained that ScanDisk softball prior to the seminar, he main- ends with “b,” you can search for its should be run before Defragment and tained his exuberance throughout the title by using “a*b.” The Explorer and that both should be run at night, since day for a subject that many transla- the XP’s stability make this operating defragmenting may take several tors dread, or at best, regard with system an ideal and dependable hours to complete if it is not done ennui. In a large room filled to choice for translators. regularly (he does it every two capacity on a beautiful Saturday in weeks). A third helpful utility that Chicago, Jost, an ATA-certified can be found in the same “Properties” English-to-German translator and “…What are some of the window is the disk clean-up utility localization and translation con- practical programs that searches for and removes any sultant, propounded some of the unnecessary files from your system. more technical aspects of translation. designed to make our jobs Once you run these three utilities and These included fine-tuning operating and lives a little easier?” clear your start-up list of any unnec- systems and office applications, low- essary programs, you will surely note cost and practical software programs, a difference in your system’s per- computer-assisted translation (CAT) Fine-tuning formance. tools and the pros and cons of each What are some of the ways to What are some of the practical one, and issues regarding desktop maximize Windows? Many of us may programs designed to make our jobs publishing software. All of these have multiple programs running and lives a little easier? When it topics and more are discussed in the along with the operating system, comes to word counting, numbers can latest edition of his e-book, The which may slow or hinder its per- vary significantly among programs Translator’s Tool Box: A Computer formance. If you’d like to see for such as Word, TRADOS, and text Primer for Translators. yourself, just go to Start, then Run. editing programs such as UltraEdit. Jost focused his presentation on the Type in “msconfig,” and you’ll find a One program Jost recommends is Windows XP operating system, since it whole laundry list of programs, most Practicount and Invoice. This pro- is so widely used, more reliable than of which, according to Jost, are gram allows its user to set parameters previous Windows operating systems, unnecessary. There are many lists on for word counts of one or several doc- and because many CATs are either not the Internet that describe what these uments at the same time. Not only available for the Mac or don’t run well programs do and which ones does it support many file formats, it on it. He praised the fact that the XP are really necessary (one comprehen- also allows for easy transfer of the system uses Unicode, a code page sive list can be found at information into its own invoices. On which allows characters from many www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php). The the other hand, if you are being paid different alphabets to be viewed on the most offensive of these unnecessary by the hour, Jost recommends Time same page, and that the system itself programs may be Real Networks, Stamp (www.syntap.com), one of the can be booted into several different lan- which may return to the start-up list many examples of freeware included in guages (albeit at some additional cost). even after it is deleted. In order to his book. Unlike Word’s time tracking Another advantage of the XP remove this program permanently, utility, which takes into account the system is its Explorer feature, which you must search for “realsched.exe,” amount of time that a file has been allows files to be easily copied by located somewhere else on your hard open, Time Stamp sits on your task bar clicking and dragging the file while disk, and delete it. Other ways of so that whenever you resume work on a pressing the Control key. If you do improving performance can be found file, you can just click on it. You can the same thing within the same in “Tools,” under “Properties,” on the also run several versions of this pro- folder, the resulting file will automat- C Drive. Here you will find the gram if you are working on more than ically be named “Copy of + (the orig- ScanDisk and the Defragment utilities. one file at the same time and save all inal file name).” Searches on The former checks your hard disk for the data afterwards in a text file. Do
24 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 you deal with several different lan- (SDLPhraseFinder), and, of course, SDLX and Déjà Vu, use an inde- guages in the same text? Allchars translation memory tools, such as pendent translation interface that (allchars.zwolnet.com), another free- TRADOS and Déjà Vu. Project man- presents all files in a uniform tabular ware utility that provides a large agement applications are available format. number of character shortcuts, sits on for both agencies and freelancers If you are wondering if you should your SysTray for easy access. from companies such as the finally take the plunge and buy one of Many of us are typically working British Language Technology Centre, these products, Jost suggests that on several interrelated files at the which produces LTC Organiser those of us who work in the technical, same time and have run across the (www.langtech.co.uk/eng/organiser/ medical, or legal fields have already impracticalities of utilities that can index.asp), or Advanced International wasted a lot of time and money by not only deal with one file at a time. For Translation, which makes Translation having initially invested in a transla- this, Jost has several recommenda- Office 3000 (www.translation3000.com/ tion memory tool. He quotes ATA’s tions for the search and replace, index.html), two products Jost rec- 2003 Translation and Interpreting renaming, and clipboard functions, ommends. These programs assist Compensation Survey, which states such as the text editor UltraEdit. translators in tracking the whole that 42% of all U.S. respondents Besides loading and searching large process (from bidding, to managing, already use translation memory tools. documents more quickly than Word, to invoicing) as they relate to any par- If you are unsure about which tool to this utility allows for searching and ticular client or for comparisons buy, keep in mind that SDLX has replacing across several files, even among clients. Unlike Quicken, these recently acquired TRADOS and, while when searching with wildcards. two programs are designed by transla- both products will continue to be When it comes to renaming batches tors, for translators. Term extraction developed separately and supported of files, Jost recommends a freeware tools are utilities that are used to for the next few years, they will even- program called RnameIt. With this “mine” terminology in documents to tually be merged. utility, you can batch rename any be translated according to parameters If you would like to know what TM number of prefixes and suffixes and such as the number of occurrences, tool Jost prefers, and are interested in a “touch up” any seemingly erroneous number of words, etc. From this infor- much more detailed and in-depth date or timestamp. As for clipboard mation, a glossary is created which examination of the subjects discussed programs, many translators have ranks all the terms according to rele- in this article, I would suggest you encountered limitations with ones vance, and this can then be shared by order his e-book, The Translator’s Tool that automatically override our last several translators or sent to the client. Box: A Computer Primer for clipping, or force us to open a new TRADOS and SDLX users must buy a Translators, now in its third edition. It file in order to print it, or that cannot separate product (Term Extract and is available on Jost’s website at be used outside Microsoft Office. SDLPhraseFinder, respectively) to www.internationalwriters.com/toolbox, Clipmate (www.thornsoft.com) not accomplish this, while Déjà Vu has a as a PDF file for $30, which is a small only works with multiple clippings, somewhat less powerful utility that is price to pay for the wealth of useful but can save them and retain format- already integrated into its program information it contains. ting and style regardless of whether under “lexicon.” they are text, graphics, or whole files. These programs are mostly known It can even send clippings directly to for their translation memory applica- Get the your printer. Clipmate works with tions. They not only facilitate the Early Bird several programs, but does not work development of a terminology data- Special! well with TRADOS. base, but may also include analysis, c quality assurance, and productivity Register now for CAT Tools tools. One of the major distinctions ATA’s Annual Computer-assisted translation tools among these tools is their translation include any tools that assist in the trans- interface. Some tools, such as Conference lation process. These include project TRADOS and the lesser-known and save! management applications (LTC MultiTrans and Wordfast, use See page 62. Organiser), term extraction tools Microsoft Word. Others, such as
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 25 New Jersey: Is a Crisis Looming in the Court Interpreting Field?
By Virginia Pérez-Santalla
he need for professional court adopted the principle of “equal access 45,000 events in 46 languages. By interpreters across the country to courts for linguistic minorities.” In 2002-2003, the volume of interpreted T has been steadily increasing. 1987, New Jersey was among the first proceedings increased by 59% to The demand for interpreting services few states to start testing and certi- 71,370 events. Unfortunately, there has become an even more pressing fying judiciary interpreters. Robert are no specific records kept for need in states like New Jersey, which Joe Lee, court executive of the municipal courts. If these courts kept has a large immigrant population. Language Services Section, was records of interpreted events, the The fact that people are aware and instrumental in the move to develop statewide number would increase sig- are actively seeking out our services the test and hire professional inter- nificantly. As can be expected, the as qualified professionals indicates preters. Until that time, New York was language most often needed in the quite a bit about our successful the only city on the East Coast that courts is Spanish (see the chart efforts to gain professional recogni- offered a test for interpreters. below—source: www.judiciary.state. tion. Just a few years ago, the inter- Currently, the Administrative Office of nj.us/interpreters/intro.htm). preting profession did not have the the New Jersey Courts offers inter- There is a greater need for inter- respect it is currently shown. Many preting tests in 14 languages. preters in the more densely populated people thought that being bilingual In 1995, the National Center for northern half of the state, even automatically qualified a person to be though the demand is growing all an interpreter. Of course, much still over due to an increase in—mostly remains to be done on this front. “…There are still many illegal—immigration. Since the adop- There are still many places where tion of “equal access to courts for lin- people are not aware of what it takes places where people are guistic minorities,” several programs for to be a professional interpreter. This not aware of what it takes training court interpreters have been leads to ridiculous situations, such as to be a professional implemented in New Jersey. Among a recent one where a judge sentenced them, one of the most thorough is the a bilingual defendant to community interpreter…” program at Rutgers University, chaired service to be served interpreting for others just because the defendant had lived a couple of months in Mexico. State Courts Consortium for State YEAR 2002-2003: Volume of Great strides have been made to pro- Court Interpreter Certification was Interpreted Court Events by vide defendants with Limited English established to facilitate the creation Language Proficiency (LEP) the same under- and administration of tests, provide Spanish: 61,980 standing of the judicial system that is testing materials, develop educational Portuguese: 1,299 available to those who speak English. A programs and standards, and facili- Polish: 1,092 case in point is the passage of the Court tate communication between mem- Korean: 1,061 Interpreters Act of 1978, requiring fed- bers. New Jersey became one of the American Sign Language: 986 eral courts to supply interpreters to founding members, together with Haitian Creole: 780 LEP defendants. Shortly after passage Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington. Chinese, Mandarin: 553 of the 1978 Act, the personnel office of Currently, the Consortium consists of Russian: 513 the Administrative Office of the 33 member states. Vietnamese: 375 U.S. Courts developed the first The need for judiciary interpreters Turkish: 273 Federal Court Interpreter Certification in New Jersey has grown almost Italian: 215 Chinese, Cantonese: 164 Examination. However, the federal exponentially in the past few years. Hindi: 149 exam only offers certification in The Administrative Office of the New Gujarati: 147 Spanish/English, Haitian Creole, and Jersey Courts began keeping statistics Arabic, Levantine: 134 Navajo, so there is still a need to regarding the need for interpreters and offer certification in the many other the languages requiring interpreters (Note: Languages used in less than languages that require interpreting during the 1996-1997 court year. At 100 events per year were omitted.) services. that time, interpreters were needed in In 1985, the Supreme Court the state’s superior courts for over
26 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 by ATA member Phyllis Zatlin, where Lack of Awareness Possible solution: One solution many fine interpreters have received Problem: Many people are unaware that would be to hire more graders to their degree. Unfortunately, Ms. Zatlin court interpreting is a real profession. expedite matters and schedule more is planning to retire in the near future, tests. Even though examinations in so the university is considering Analysis: The good news is that more Spanish are given almost monthly in phasing out the program. This would people are becoming cognizant of New Jersey in Trenton and Paterson, be a great loss and disservice to the what it takes to be a qualified inter- possibly some other sites should be profession that sorely needs more preter. However, those who are not added across the state for the conven- educational programs. involved with the court system or in ience of candidates. Many aspiring interpreters in New providing services to LEP defendants Jersey also take advantage of courses still do not realize that in order to be High Failure Rate offered by New York University. Of approved for interpreting work by the Problem: In New Jersey, 91% of the course, it is harder for people who courts, interpreters must pass a test people who take the interpreter’s test live far away from the city to attend administered by the Administrative fail. When candidates take the test and this program. Office of the U.S. Courts. Many are are not able to pass even after taking Most superior courts in New Jersey not aware that professional inter- it several times, they lose interest in have staff interpreters, some as many preters are used until they are the profession. as five, because of the great need to involved in a court proceeding. provide and coordinate interpreting Analysis: Being able to achieve a services. Not surprisingly, the prin- Possible solution: More professional professional level of competency cipal requirement for the post of staff interpreters need to reach out to interpreting takes many hours of prac- interpreter is to interpret Spanish and schools to make students aware of the tice and study. People sometimes take to have achieved a score of 70% or career possibilities that exist in the the test just because they are bilin- more on each part of the test adminis- language industry. As students gual, without realizing that it takes tered by the Administrative Office of become aware of the profession, it is more than that to become a good the New Jersey Courts or on tests conceivable that many more will interpreter. administered by any of the members decide to pursue careers as translators of the Consortium for State Court or interpreters. The ATA’s School Possible solution: More universities Interpreter Certification. Passing the Outreach Program is a good start for around the state should offer inter- federal exam is also accepted in lieu of pointing candidates in this direction. preting programs to provide more the state or Consortium test. (Go to www.atanet.org/ata_school/ opportunities for training. One pos- With so much opportunity for pro- welcome.htm to learn more about sible way to increase the available fessionals in this field, it comes as a how you can become involved in this pool of interpreters is to award grants surprise that there is a dearth of profi- important outreach program.) for court internships. cient Spanish interpreters available for full-time positions in courthouses Certification Process Income around the state. Qualified interpreters Problem: To some candidates, the Perceived problem: Many certified do apply whenever an opening is period they have to wait for the results interpreters believe they are able to announced, but many already hold staff of the exam seems to be very long. As make more money freelancing full- positions and prefer a lateral career a result, candidates get disheartened time than working as staff interpreters. move for a variety of reasons. As a and some even decide to leave the field. result, there are very few New Jersey Analysis: Looking strictly at the approved interpreters applying for Analysis: Test results are supposed to numbers, the above might be true, but available positions. arrive in two to three weeks. It might there are many variables to consider. In the following section, I would take longer due to unforeseeable rea- Freelance interpreters have to work like to explore the various reasons for sons, but a long wait might make many long hours to achieve a high the problems I have discussed here interpreting candidates reconsider income. They cannot take sick days or and suggest some possible solutions. their career options. Continued on p.29
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 27 Plain English: The Cure Against Translating Infectious Legal-Speak
By Matthew Adams
f you translate any kind of legal concise writing in legal documents, and express the exact same meaning— documents into English, you can please read the following brief trans- the choice between them is a matter of I improve your translations markedly lations. Each of these examples is not style. But one is clearly preferable to by reading a book on plain legal only typical, but also violates a prin- the other. Keep in mind that in most English. I highly recommend Plain ciple of sound legal writing. Although writing, bloated phrases weaken the English for Lawyers, by Richard these examples are Spanish into text and detract from the message, Wydick. In addition to being concise, English translations, the errors are while conciseness improves clarity and it’s full of legal writing insights that independent of the source language comprehension—qualities especially are immediately and repeatedly appli- and can be detected by reading the valued in legal writing. cable to legal translations into English. English text alone. Translators who tend to render texts Plain English books are written for more literally might argue that if the lawyers by legal writing experts. En el caso de que no se hayan author of the original document in the Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lawyer to entregado las especificaciones… first example above had meant to say understand one of these books In the event that the specifications if, then he or she would have used the because they’re written in fluid, are not submitted… Spanish word si. These translators everyday English, and their focus is might object that changing the transla- not on law, but good legal writing. tion from in the event that to if alters The goal of these books is to eradicate “…The contagion of the style or tone of the source text, the muddled and archaic language rambling verbosity and resulting in a less precise translation. that abounds in legal documents— Although there is no change in such as contracts, articles of incorpo- outdated expressions in meaning, perhaps there is a slight ration, and insurance forms—and gets legal documents doesn’t change in style. One of the goals of passed around like the flu from one translation, however, is to express the lawyer to the next. just get passed from author’s ideas as clearly as possible in Because of the predominance of lawyer to lawyer, but from the target language while following the U.S. law in foreign commerce, the con- lawyer to translator and rules of proper usage as established by tagion of rambling verbosity and out- professionals in the field of the target dated expressions in legal documents then from translator to language. If, and not in the event that, doesn’t just get passed from lawyer to foreign attorney…” is always the choice of legal writers lawyer, but from lawyer to translator who know their craft. More impor- and then from translator to foreign tantly, any alteration in style is more attorney. For example, a New York …dicho precio será reconocido than compensated by the improvement attorney writes a contract full of unnec- como precio de compra… in clarity and readability. Further, these essary legalese like hereinafter, inas- …said value will be recognized as are the kinds of subtle changes good much as, and notwithstanding the fact the purchase price… translators necessarily make, to good that. That document then gets translated effect, all the time. into Spanish for a Mexican attorney, …prorrateo del número de días de Reducing the bulky phrase in the who later incorporates the clauses into acuerdo a la Sección 14… event that to if is one of many exam- future contracts. When those contracts …prorated for the number of days ples of how to slash superfluous are eventually translated back into pursuant to Section 14… words. Other frequent offenders (and English, the result is a document that is their more direct substitutes) include: challenging to read, unpleasant to trans- The error in the first example is prob- during the course of (during); subse- late, and infects everyone—attorneys, ably the most obvious. The phrase in quent to (after); not less than (at translators, and end-users—with its the event that, while a literal transla- least); notwithstanding the fact that legal gobbledygook. tion of en el caso de que, requires four (although); for the purpose of (to); Since a good translator is first a words to express the author’s idea, with reference to (about, concerning); good writer, knowing how to discard which can be stated simply in one and until such time as (until). It’s true the rubbish in the target language is word: if. And since both in the event that many fine lawyers continue to important. To illustrate the need for that and if are grammatically correct— use these verbose phrases, just like
28 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 many fine people fail to heed their one [value] has been mentioned in topics in legal writing. Some of these dentist’s advice to brush after meals, the preceding material, we will not topics, like legal drafting, do not but there’s really no good excuse for mistake this [value] for some other apply to translation. Obviously, it it. These are just some of the topics [value], and said is unnecessary. If would be inappropriate to completely translators can learn about by reading more than one [value] has been rewrite the document you’re trans- books about plain English, such as mentioned, said does not tell us lating, even if it is poorly written. Wydick’s Plain English for Lawyers. which of the several is meant. The With that warning in mind, read a Returning to the translations men- extra precision is thus illusory. If book on legal writing in plain English tioned earlier, the second and third the were put in place of all the and vaccinate your translations examples contain stylistic errors saids, the sentence would be no against infectious legal-speak. resulting from the use of legalese. less precise and much less clumsy.1 In addition to Wydick’s text, I also Again, said (used as an adjective) and recommend two excellent books by pursuant to appear in countless con- Incidentally, the phrase pursuant Bryan A. Garner: tracts and other legal documents, just to has several non-legalese substitutes like hereinafter, but that doesn’t make (by, under, or in accordance with). The Elements of Legal Style, Oxford these terms the best choice, as Wydick And hereinafter, used to define party University Press, 2002. explains in the case of said. names, can be struck altogether: Legal Writing in Plain English, instead of (hereinafter “ABC University of Chicago Press, 2001. Lawyers who use said claim that it Company”), simply write (“ABC is more precise than ordinary Company”). Note words like the, this, or those. They A caveat: The concepts discussed 1. Richard C. Wydick. 1998 say it means “the exact one men- here are a sampling of those covered (reprinted 2002). Plain English for tioned above.” The extra precision in books on plain legal English, but Lawyers. Carolina Academic is either illusory or unnecessary, as these books—directed at attorneys Press, page 62. the above example shows. If only and not translators—also cover other
New Jersey: Is a Crisis Looming in the Court Interpreting Field? Continued from p. 27 vacations without losing income, nor but also the added value of benefits. country might also serve to attract do they have any employer-provided In addition to the above, notices colleagues from other states. pension plan or health insurance. As should be sent to different interpreter Perhaps making the state government of July 1, 2005, the starting salary associations throughout the country and the educational institutions in New range in New Jersey for the position when there are vacancies so that Jersey more aware of the potential of Court Interpreter 2 is $40,065.63 - interpreters in other states are made problem may prompt the government to $64,984.27. Those figures represent aware of the potential of obtaining a fund initiatives by educational institu- a respectable salary that compares secure government position. tions to provide training opportunities very favorably to what interpreters for those desiring to enter the profession. make in other states. Conclusion Whether the crisis is imagined or For more information about court Possible solution: The state needs is really looming on the horizon, interpreting in New Jersey: to emphasize the benefits available without a doubt, there is a need for www.judiciary.state.nj.us/ to government employees that are more interpreters who consider interpreters/intro.htm not available to freelancers, for applying for staff positions within example, medical insurance, retire- the courts. School outreach pro- For general information about court ment plans, paid vacations, and paid grams, court internships, and college interpreting from the National sick days. When court vacancies are or university offerings can all help to Center for State Courts (NCSC): announced, it would be beneficial to make this happen. Publicizing www.ncsconline.org/D_Research/ mention not only the salary range, available staff openings across the CourtInterp.html
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 29 Can Freelance Translators Deduct Home Office Expenses on Their Tax Returns?
By John Matthews
Note: This article appeared in the Is my office in my home or March/April 2005 MICATA Monitor, apartment deductible? What’s a deduction? the newsletter of the Mid-America Could be! It’s the amount you subtract from Chapter of ATA (www.ata-micata.org). income this year to reduce your tax- The information in this column is not 1. The IRS says that the home office, able income. Business deductions are intended to constitute legal, financial, a room or area, must be used generally expenses for business items or other business advice. Each indi- “exclusively and regularly” as that are paid for and used up within vidual or company should make its your principal place of business in the tax year. own independent business decisions order to qualify for the deduction. and consult its own legal, financial, 1. Examples of deductible expenses or other advisers as appropriate. The 2. “Exclusively” means that there must that are directly attributable to views expressed here are not those of be a specific area in your residence your home office are a business ATA or MICATA. that you use solely for your transla- telephone line or Internet service tion business activities. If you ever used solely in your office, repairs s any good tax preparer will tell or maintenance for the room (such you, “Yes and/or no.” Well, as fixing a broken window or Athat’s as clear as mud. “…We are adept at what painting), having the office As self-employed people, most of cleaned, etc. us work at home, and we have a home we do professionally, but office where we have our desk, chair, we need to be aware of the 2. Examples of deductible expenses computer, Internet service, diction- business aspects of our that are indirectly attributable to aries, and other work items ad the home office are annual home- infinitum. Is any of that deductible? endeavors as well…” related costs like home utility A lot of it is, and today we’ll focus on bills, home owner’s insurance, the deductibility of the physical pest protection, rent, burglar alarm office room itself. In a future article use it for some kind of personal pur- maintenance and service, furnace we’ll take a look at other business poses also, the area does not qualify repair, etc. Since the cost is expenses, like the desk, chair, com- for the business deduction. directly attributable to the whole puter, continuing education, etc., to house and indirectly attributable to see whether they’re deductible or not. 3. “Regularly” means that you must the part of your house that is your Here are some general and regular use this specific area on a contin- office, here’s how you figure how parameters that govern this topic, but uing basis for translation. much is attributable to the office: as always, consult your tax advisor Incidental or occasional business (square footage of home office for details specific to your situation. use is not regular use. divided by square footage of home times cost). Here’s an example. 1. For something to be deductible, it’s a 4. If you meet the “exclusive and reg- You pay $200 per year for service good idea to have income from which ular” parameters for your principal on your burglar alarm that protects to subtract the deductions. If your place of business, you usually are your home and home office. You income is less than your deductions, entitled to deduct home office have a 1,500-square foot home, those deductions will often be limited. expenses. Otherwise, stay clear! and your home office is 150 square feet. 150 square feet 2. Most of what you spend or use How does this save me money? divided by 1,500 square feet (other than your brain and talent) It allows you to reduce your tax- means that 10% of your home is to produce income (i.e, your able income and, therefore, reduce attributable to the office. expenses) can be subtracted from your tax by deducting business Therefore, 10% of the $200 equals the income you’ve worked hard to expenses or depreciating business $20 of the annual burglar alarm earn in order to reduce taxable assets that are directly and indirectly service that can be deducted as a income. That means you’ll pay attributable to the area you use exclu- home office business expense. less income tax. That’s good! sively and regularly as a home office.
30 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 3. If this is your first year of business, value of your home (the price at However, if you’ve claimed a you deduct a portion of those which your house, minus the value home office deduction, the total expenses that equals the proportion of the land, would trade hands amount of depreciation allowed is not of the year that you’ve been in busi- between a willing buyer and included in this exclusion. It must be ness. For example, if you started on seller) and the adjusted basis of added back on your tax return when July 1, you’ve worked a half year, your house (what you paid for it, you sell your house. And you may so you would deduct one half of the minus the value of the land, plus have to declare details of the house $20 mentioned in #2 above. permanent improvements). Use sale on your return as well. This isn’t the lower of the two values to really so bad, since it just requires a 4. Keep in mind that some annual figure depreciation. lot of record keeping. home-related costs can be fully For example, Mary Q. Translator deductible anyway, like home 3. Then you multiply that amount by sold her house in 2004. She bought mortgage, real-estate taxes, etc. the square-foot percentage of your the home in 1995 for $100,000, lived house used for the office. This is in it as her main home the entire time, 5. Also keep in mind that some your depreciable basis for the and sold it for $175,000. She has a annual home-related costs are oth- home office. gain of $75,000. She met the owner- erwise never deductible, for ship and use tests described above to example, rent, home owner’s 4. You depreciate this basis over 39 exclude up to $250,000 of her gain insurance, burglar alarm service, years by multiplying it each year from the sale of her house. If this pest extermination, condominium by a percentage predetermined by were the whole story, she would not monthly fees, etc. However, as a the IRS. You include the annual have to declare the sale of her home business expense, at least part of depreciation amount in your on her 2004 tax return and there these costs can be deducted. deductions subtracted from your would be no tax on the $75,000. income in this year and also in But, in fact, she used one room of What is depreciation? future years. her home as a home office for her trans- It’s the amount you’ll subtract lation business for several years and from income over a period of years to 5. You can deduct annual rent expenses claimed a total of $5,000 depreciation reduce your current and future related to a home office apartment, over those years. She can exclude income in order to reduce your tax- but you cannot depreciate a home $70,000 ($75,000 - $5,000) of her gain. able income this year and beyond. office apartment because you don’t She has a taxable gain of $5,000. Thus, Business depreciation is generally for own the apartment. she declares details of the sale of her business items (assets) that you buy home and details of the depreciation she or own and that take longer than the Caveats has taken on her 2004 tax return, and current tax year to use up. Keep in mind that “depreciation” pays the capital gains tax on the $5,000. is very complex and has more convo- 1. If you own your home and it qual- luted permutations than you can Conclusion ifies for home office deductions imagine. Plan ahead with your tax We are translators, interpreters, and under the “used exclusively and professional. business people. We are adept at what regularly as principal place of What happens when you sell your we do professionally, but we need to business” criteria, you can claim a house in which you have had a home be aware of the business aspects of our deduction for depreciating the office? In general, when you sell your endeavors as well. We want to keep in home office portion of your home. house, if you have owned and lived in our own pockets as much of what we The depreciation for your home it as your main home for two out of earn as possible, so it’s wise to know office is an allowance for the wear the previous five years, a single how to reduce our taxable income as and tear on the part of your home person can generally exclude a gain much as legally possible. used for business. of up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) from tax. And you 2. You calculate the deduction by may not even need to declare it on first figuring both the fair market your tax return. That’s great!
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 31 The Court Interpreters Act of 1978: A 25-Year Retrospective, Part II
By Nancy Schweda Nicholson
he first installment of this series AT&T Language Line, for example, 1987, for a detailed discussion of (published in the August issue) has over 500 clients, and the list is extralinguistic factors.) Others do not T presented a general overview of growing (Heh and Qian, 1997; Hewitt, support this type of interpreting due to the developments at the federal and state 1995; Huppke, 2000; Shields, 1996). problems with signal transmission and levels within the legal interpreting field The Telephone Interpreting sound quality. since passage of the Court Interpreters Program (TIP) was created by the Interpreters are not the only ones Act of 1978. It included background Administrative Office of the United who have strong feelings about the information on Constitutional provi- States Courts (AOUSC), which use of telephone interpreting. Some sions and the rules that were in effect launched a pilot project in 1989 defense attorneys have also lodged before the 1978 law was enacted. To (Schweda Nicholson, 2002; van der their objections. For example, in conclude this series, the following Heide, 2005, 2003). TIP is used only February 2003, a new interpreting article will briefly review some of the for short proceedings. Figures for policy went into effect in Virginia’s ongoing challenges, controversial Fiscal Year 2003 show that there were Prince William County General issues, and new developments in the 2,585 TIP events during that year. District Court. Interpretalk now pro- court interpreting domain, including vides telephone interpreting via telephone interpreting, team inter- speakerphone for all cases. As back- preting, and collective bargaining “…While we have seen ground, the Virginia Supreme Court efforts. Many states have formed task signed a contract with Language forces to study interpreter use and to considerable Services Associates (Interpretalk’s suggest ways to meet the burgeoning improvements in many parent organization) in 2002. need for qualified interpreters. This Attorneys are not pleased to hear a article also briefly discusses the most areas, shortcomings still “disembodied voice floating into a recent federal-level endeavor: the State exist…” Manassas courtroom” (Hegstad, Court Interpreter Grant Program Act 2003). Also upsetting to lawyers is (Senate 1733), introduced in October the lack of access to interpreters out- of 2003. A new law in California, the The total number of languages side the formal courtroom setting, Trial Court Interpreter Employment required was 39; however, 87% of all removed from the judge’s presence. and Labor Relations Act—Senate Bill TIP events used Spanish. Also of At the state level, New Jersey prom- 371, which entered into force on interest is that a full 67% of TIP ulgated standards for telephone inter- September 28, 2002, will also be exam- events were handled by staff inter- preting in 2001 (Operational Standards, ined (Raïnof, 2004). In addition, this preters. This number is significant 2001), and the National Center for overview looks at the efforts of inter- because staff interpreters earn a State Courts (NCSC) has carried out preters in various states to improve salary, so no additional costs are research on telephone interpreting their working conditions and profes- incurred by the AOUSC. In fact, the (Hewitt, 1995). Also outside the federal sional standing. The goal of this two- estimated amount saved by the umbrella, Network Omni, “the second part series is to provide a better AOUSC during Fiscal Year 2003 was largest provider of telephone inter- understanding of the progress that court calculated at $765,379 (van der preting services worldwide” (www.net- interpreters have made as well as the Heide, 2004). workomni.com), has entered into a work that still remains. Telephone interpreting is becoming training partnership with the Monterey more widespread, but it is controver- Institute of International Studies Telephone Interpreting sial. Some interpreters object to the (MIIS) to teach students the techniques Telephone Interpreting is a rela- process because they miss all of the of telephone interpreting (Network tively recent development in the court extralinguistic components of the inter- Omni and MIIS, 2003). In the fall of interpreting realm, and has engendered action (Vidal, 1998). They feel that 2003, Network Omni offered a one- much discussion since its inception they are at a disadvantage because they day seminar on telephone inter- (Divers, 2003; Hewitt, 2000, 1995; cannot see the principals and are not preting at no cost to students in the Lucas, 2000; Nikolayeva-Stone, 2001; physically present. They state that they MIIS Graduate School of Translation Samborn, 1996; Shields, 1996; Stone, don’t have a “feel” for the courtroom and Interpretation (GSTI). Also in 2001; Swaney, 1997; Vidal, 1998). The dynamic. (See Schweda-Nicholson, 2003, Network Omni provided
32 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 $7,000 in scholarship funds for GSTI taken from an enlightened state, New court interpretation during the past students. As a future commitment, Jersey Standard 3.4 addresses the issue decades, some interpreters have Network Omni has agreed to make a of team interpreting: "[a] team of two decided that a good way to improve donation of audiovisual equipment to interpreters should be provided by the their overall treatment (for example, the GSTI in 2005 (Bao, 2005). vicinage for proceedings if they are salaries, benefits, and promotion It appears that telephone inter- projected to last more than two hours" opportunities) is to become involved in preting, even with its limited scope, is (Standards, 2004). Interpreters have a union activities (Bajaña, 2004; Choate, definitely here to stay. Perhaps with long way to go to convince judges to 1999; Roder, 2000). The Translators additional technological advances, its authorize funds for two interpreters, and Interpreters Guild (TTIG), estab- use will become even more prevalent especially when the courts complain lished in 1993, is the only nationwide in the future. Discussion to date, that they don’t even have the money to union of translators and interpreters however, suggests that this method hire one! (www.ttig.org). It counts over 250 free- will most likely remain controversial. The issue of team interpreting can lance interpreters among its ranks. also be examined from another per- Subsequently, the TTIG joined the Team Interpreting spective. In terms of the guarantees Newspaper Guild (NG) (a journalists’ Team interpreting has been the provided by Title VI of the Civil union), as the organization had been standard in the field of conference Rights Act of 1964, the Department looking for a larger group with which interpreting for many decades. Using of Justice has offered guidance to affiliate (Kisséll, 2003). In 1997, fol- this method, interpreters share the regarding “Competent Language lowing a trend for small unions to booth with a colleague. Due to the Providers (CLPs).” These guidelines merge with larger ones, the NG joined strenuous nature of the task, they state that CLPs must be “physi- the Communications Workers of relieve one another every 20-30 min- cally/mentally capable” (Aloot, America (CWA). The CWA is one of utes to avoid fatigue. Having two 2003). Not providing teams of inter- the largest union components of the interpreters present also allows the preters could be viewed as a violation much bigger and very powerful person who is not on the mike to of this law. Forcing individual inter- American Federation of Labor - assist his/her boothmate in terms of preters to work alone could certainly Congress of Industrial Organizations looking up words/expressions and/or diminish their physical and mental (www.aflcio.org). It offers a number of writing down numbers. capability. (Schweda Nicholson, services to its members, including a The concept of team interpreting is 1999, provides an overview of inter- newsletter, mentoring, advocacy, lob- relatively new to the world of court preting at the Executive Office for bying, and, of course, assistance with interpreting for spoken languages Immigration Review, another branch contract negotiations. (Festinger, 1999; Salazar and Segal, of the Department of Justice.) 1999). Most courts have balked at the Finally, Executive Order 13166, Cook County, Illinois use of this framework. After all, cost “Improving Access to Services for In 1998, some Cook County, has often been cited as a reason for Persons with Limited English Illinois, interpreters decided to take appointing no interpreter at all, or for Proficiency [LEP],” signed into law steps to improve their overall status hiring uncertified interpreters when by President Bill Clinton on August as well as their work environment certified people are readily available. 11, 2000, mandates that federal agen- within the courts. They were suc- Various courts have taken the approach cies improve the availability of assis- cessful in forming a union in order to that it is more important to save money tance for LEP persons. The order proceed with collective bargaining than to work toward ensuring a fair trial does not institute new rights; rather, it through the Chicago Newspaper for a non-English-speaking client by was created to improve the enforce- Guild Communications Workers of providing the services of a competent ment of current obligations under America (CNG/CWA). These inter- interpreter. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of preters were also the beneficiaries of Happily, team interpreting is gener- 1964 (Executive Order 13166, 2000). two Illinois State Labor Relations ally the rule in the federal courts, but Board decisions, which acknowl- this approach is far from being univer- Collective Bargaining edged their status as court employees. sally accepted in state, county, and Even with the numerous accom- Beginning in October 2002, these municipal courts. As a recent example plishments and progress in the area of dedicated professionals partici- ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 33 The Court Interpreters Act of 1978: A 25-Year Retrospective, Part II Continued pated in 17 negotiating meetings until from other jurisdictions” (Harpstrite, Employment and Labor Relations mid-2003 (Orozco, 2003). Collective 2004). Finally, HCR 144 was intro- Act, which went into effect in bargaining has continued since that duced by Representative Marcus January 2003. This law created a new time. Finally, after more than two Oshiro in an attempt to recognize court interpreter classification: “court years of wrangling, the first Cook interpreting as a "regulated profession" interpreter pro tempore.” These inter- County, Illinois, interpreter contract with Hawaii state certification. Both of preters are hired as required and are went to the membership for a vote on the 2004 initiatives also died in com- compensated through a per diem January 20, 2005 (Minkkinen, 2005). mittee (Harpstrite, 2004). One very framework at the rate of $265/day. positive recent development in the On January 6, 2005, a group of Hawaii Aloha State is the creation of a full- approximately 40 certified inter- Hawaii joined the NCSC Testing time interpreter coordinator, who man- preters marched on both the Vista and Consortium in 1997, but has never ages interpreter scheduling for the First San Diego County courthouses. They implemented a testing and certification Judicial Circuit on O’ahu, which are disappointed in the slow progress program. There are no full-time staff includes both the district and circuit of the contract negotiations currently interpreters in the Aloha State. courts (Harpstrite, 2004). taking place in San Diego, Los Interpreters in Hawaii made contact While there has been some progress Angeles, the North Bay (San with the Hawaii Newspaper Guild in on limited fronts in Hawaii, there is still Francisco area), and the Central the summer of 2002 and formed the much to be done. It is a frustrating situ- Valley (Fresno area) (Geist, 2005). Interpreter Action Network (IAN). The ation for the dedicated interpreters who Although interpreters are considered principal goal of the IAN was to secure have turned activists. For example, in court employees, this group is upset a pay raise, which was long overdue December 2003, the Honorable because the benefits extended (Boido and Harpstrite, 2002). Work Sabrina McKenna, the head of the to court reporters (also court continued through 2003, during which Hawaii State Supreme Court employees) do not extend to them. time the IAN lobbied the Hawaii state Committee on Court Interpreter The CWA has been involved in nego- legislature. Its efforts were successful, Certification, informed interpreters that tiations with California County and a pay increase was implemented on important steps would be taken during courts for a period of months. The January 1, 2004. The judiciary made 2004 in order to move forward with goal is to secure pay increases as well some other changes as well: 1) instead implementing the NCSC Consortium’s as benefits for court interpreters. of the then-current “half-day/full-day” testing and certification program. Although there is no firm deadline by framework, an hourly structure was Hawaii interpreters, however, have not which a negotiated contract agree- introduced; and 2) people who were been contacted by the judiciary in this ment must be reached, Yvonne certified in other regions were accepted regard since that open meeting Pritchard, a negotiator for the courts, for a higher pay rate. In terms of addi- (Harpstrite, 2005). indicated that she had hopes that the tional legislative attempts, House Bill In December 2004, the IAN for- talks would not continue for years, as 1655 was introduced in 2003 to the mally joined the Hawaii Newspaper they have in some other states. Hawaii state legislature by Guild and became the Hawaii Pritchard stresses that the courts are Representative Roy Takumi. The pri- Interpreter Action Network (HIAN). cognizant of the vital contribution mary focus of this bill was securing Inasmuch as interpreters are not legally that interpreters make to the judicial collective bargaining rights for Hawaii considered judiciary “employees,” they system (Littlefield, 2005). interpreters, but the bill died in com- do not yet enjoy collective bargaining mittee. In 2004, Representative Takumi rights. The HIAN is now focusing its New Jersey sponsored House Bill 2856. The goal efforts on introducing court interpreter In May 2003, the New Jersey Public of this proposed legislation was to certification legislation in 2005 Employment Relations Commission’s “…require the [Hawaii] judiciary to (Harpstrite, 2005). Representation Director decided that take the first step toward a court inter- freelance court interpreters meet the preter certification program by for- California criteria to be considered “employees” mally creating the category of ‘Hawaii In September 2002, former rather than “independent contractors” Certified Court Interpreter’ for inter- California Governor Gray Davis within the New Jersey Judiciary. The preters with recognized certifications signed the Trial Court Interpreter ruling was based on the finding that
34 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 the New Jersey “…system exercised include: 1) to encourage states without Continuing Legal Education Seminar a significant degree of control over certification programs to implement for the Delaware State Bar the interpreters’ work” (Freelance, them; 2) to assist states with newly- Association 2003; New Jersey State Judiciary, established programs to develop them; In April 2004, I was one of several 2003). In issuing the ruling, the 3) to assist states with limited programs instructors at “The Importance of Court director cited a 2002 Illinois Labor to improve and enhance them; and 4) Interpreters,” a Continuing Legal Relations Board decision regarding “to recruit, train, and certify qualified Education (CLE) program for freelance interpreters in the Cook court interpreters (3).” Senate 1733 was Delaware State Bar Association mem- County Circuit Court (Freelance, sent to the Senate Committee on the bers. Other trainers included María 2003; Illinois Labor Relations, 2002). Judiciary on the same day that it was Pérez-Chambers (a federally and The CWA had filed a petition that introduced. There was no further action Delaware-certified [through the NCSC sought to represent approximately beyond this date, so the bill died there. Consortium] Spanish/English inter- 300 contract interpreters in a bar- Kohl, however, was able to obtain preter), Mary Beth Tkach (a sign lan- gaining unit. The New Jersey $250,000 for Fiscal Year 2003 to fund guage interpreter instructor at Judiciary disagreed with this move, court interpreter initiatives in Delaware Technical and Community claiming that the court interpreters Wisconsin. The money has been ear- College), Franny Haney (Delaware were not employees, but independent marked for court interpreter testing and Administrative Office of the Courts), contractors (Freelance, 2003). In July certification in Spanish and Hmong and Patricia Griffin (Chief Magistrate, 2004, 50 New Jersey freelancers (Hirsch, 2003). Justice of the Peace Courts, Delaware). approved their first contract, which Approximately 100 attorneys, judges, incorporated the most substantial pay The Indiana Supreme Court and court administrators attended. The raise for this group in the history of Commission on Race and Gender major topics included: the role of the the New Jersey Judiciary (and the Fairness court interpreter; standard practices and first one for freelancers in approxi- As of 1999, 40 states (including the Code of Conduct; how to voir dire mately nine years) (Freelance Court, Delaware) had created task forces and an interpreter; the modes of interpreta- 2004). The agreement also included a other investigative bodies to study crit- tion used in the courts; and legal and grievance procedure. The wheels of ical issues confronting the judiciary. As linguistic challenges. This half-day justice move slowly, as evidenced by a case study, the Indiana Supreme seminar was the first such CLE for the fact that this collective bargaining Court created its Commission on Race legal personnel in Delaware. (For a accord was reached approximately and Gender Fairness in 1999. I am judge’s perspective on court inter- five years after freelancers initially proud to say that I have served as a con- preting, see Grabau, 1996.) sat down with representatives of the sultant to the Commission since 2000, CWA Local 1034. advising this august body of judges, Conclusion legislators, and attorneys on court This article series has examined State Court Interpreter Grant interpreter matters. A Language and court interpretation services from a Program Act (Senate 1733) Cultural Barriers Subcommittee was variety of perspectives during the On October 15, 2003, Senate appointed to examine how non- past 25 years since the passage of the Democrats Herbert Kohl (Wis- English-speaking and limited- Court Interpreters Act of 1978. While consin) and Edward M. Kennedy English-speaking persons fare in the we have seen considerable improve- (Massachusetts) introduced the State Indiana judicial system. It published ments in many areas, shortcomings Court Interpreter Grant Program Act its executive report and recommenda- still exist, and much remains to be (Senate 1733). This bill was intended tions in 2002 (Honored to Serve, done. As with many things in life, “[t]o authorize the Attorney General to 2002). As a result of its efforts, the funding (or the lack thereof) for fed- award grants to States to develop and State of Indiana joined the NCSC eral and state programs has helped or implement State court interpreter pro- Consortium and has moved ahead to hindered progress in this regard. grams (2).” Other goals for use of the implement the orientation, testing, In terms of federal court language projected $15,000,000 allocation for and certification program in Spanish. requirements at the beginning of each Fiscal Year 2005 through 2008 2005, Spanish still remains the number one language (behind ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 35 The Court Interpreters Act of 1978: A 25-Year Retrospective, Part II Continued
English) at all court levels in the U.S. preter training opportunities become Personal Communication. In fact, Federal District Court statis- more widespread? Will the pass rate on tics for Fiscal Year 2004 show that the Federal Court Interpreter Boido, Alohalani M., and Patricia 212,223 “court interpreting events” Certification Examination ever Harpstrite. 2002. “Hawaii’s required the use of Spanish. It is no progress beyond approximately 5%? Interpreters Take Action: Twenty surprise that Spanish has consistently Will new federal laws regulating inter- Years and No Pay Raise.” Proteus, been the number one language preter use and/or providing additional XI/4: pages 1, 14-15. requiring interpreter services at the funding be passed? Will team inter- federal level since the early 1980s preting become the norm in the state Choate, Denise L. 1999. “Labor Issues (Annual Reports: 1980-2004). and lower courts as it has at the federal and Interpreters in the California The existence of the 1978 Court level? Will collective bargaining Courts: An Exchange”(Letter to the Interpreters Act in no way guarantees activity spread throughout the profes- Editors). Proteus, VIII/3 and 4: that the courts will stop using ad hoc sion? Will more state and local bar pages 20-21. and/or uncertified interpreters associations sponsor programs to edu- (Schweda Nicholson, 2004). For cate their membership on interpreter Divers, Douglas S. 2003. “Telephone example, the Iowa Civil Liberties issues? Will the AOUSC move ahead to Interpreting: It’s Not All About the Union recently estimated that develop certification tests in languages Money.” ATA Chronicle, September, “…[c]ertified interpreters are used in other than Spanish, Haitian Creole, and pages 35-37, 39. only about 10% of federal cases tried Navajo? Will 100% membership in the in Iowa” (Associated Press, 2003). NCSC Consortium be attained? All of Executive Order 13166. Improving Clearly, this number represents an these questions remain to be answered Access to Services for Persons unacceptably low usage rate for certi- as the 21st century unfolds. As this with Limited English Proficiency. fied interpreters, who are likely to be article series demonstrates, an under- August 11, 2000 (www.usdoj.gov/ “reasonably available” more than standing of, and appreciation for, the crt/cor/pubs/eolep.htm). 10% of the time. The judge is the work of interpreters continue to grow. king/queen of the courtroom, how- Change in the legal world, however, Associated Press, State & Local ever, and much discretion is allowed. takes time, so it remains to be seen Wire. August 13, 2003. “Federal Although significant progress has whether these trends will continue in Courts Say Iowa Judges Should been made at the federal level and in the future. Use Interpreters.” the NCSC Consortium states, one still finds instances (especially in the References Festinger, Nancy. 1999. “When is a lower courts) of incompetent, uncer- Aloot, Sebastian. 2003. Ensuring Team Not a Team?” Proteus, tified “interpreter” use. Meaningful Linguistic Access VIII/3 and 4: pages 6-7. What does the future hold in terms Under Title VI of the Civil Rights of court interpreter issues? Increased Act of 1964. Presentation at the “Freelance Court Interpreters Ratify needs for specific languages, for 2003 National Association of First Contract.” 2004. CWA Local example, may well be tied to changes Judiciary Interpreters and 1034 News and Views, 13/2: page 3. in U.S. immigration laws. Numerous Translators Annual Conference, unanswered questions persist. Will the Nashville, Tennessee. “Freelance Interpreters Were use of ad hoc interpreters become a Public Employees Entitled to thing of the past? Will judicial interpre- Annual Report of the Director of the Representation.” 2003. National tation of the phrase "reasonably avail- Administrative Office of the United Public Employment Reporter: able" result in stricter standards for use States Courts. 1980-2004. Representation Petitions Vol. 7, No. 2. of certified interpreters, making their services more frequently mandated in Bajaña, Lionel. 2004. “Collective Geist, Eric. January 13, 2005. the federal courts? Will a language Bargaining.” Proteus, XIII/1: page 9. Personal Communication. other than Spanish ever lead the list of required languages? Will court inter- Bao, Chuanyun. January 13, 2005. Grabau, Charles M. 1996. “Court
36 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 Interpreting: View from the Honored to Serve: Indiana Supreme 2003). (Nos. RO-2001-60 and RO- Bench.” State Court Journal, 20/1: Court Commission on Race and 2003-43). pages 6-11. Gender Fairness Executive Report and Recommendations. December Nikolayeva-Stone, Irena. 2001. “If Harpstrite, Patricia. January 14, 20, 2002. Indianapolis, Indiana: You Cannot See It, How Can You 2005. Personal Communication. Division of State Court Tell? The Meaning and Administration. Significance of Voice in Telephone Harpstrite, Patricia. 2004. Interpreter Interpreting.” ATA Chronicle, Action Network. Unpublished paper. Huppke, Rex W. “Telephone Translators October, pages 28-29, 39. Bail Out Courts.” Indianapolis Star, Hegstad, Maria. “Trouble with May 8, 2000, page B3. Operational Standards for Telephone Translation? Some Question Interpreting (Directive #14-01). Accuracy, Convenience of New Illinois Labor Relations Board, 18 New Jersey Judicial Council, April Courtroom Phone System.” PERI 2016 [Ill. LRB SP 2002]. 24, 2001. Potomac News, February 23, 2003. Media General Operations, Inc. Kisséll, Rick. October 29, 2003. Orozco, Kathleen M. 2003. “Making (www.lexis-nexis.com). Personal Communication. News in Cook County: First Contract Negotiations.” Proteus, Heh, Yung-Chung (Winnie), and Littlefield, Dana. “Raises, Benefits XII/3: pages 1, 6. Qian, Hu. 1997. “Over-the-phone are Being Sought.” San Diego Interpretation: A New Way of Union Tribune, January 7, 2005 Raïnof, Alexander. 2004. Communication Between Speech (www.signonsandiego.com/news/ “California’s Senate Bill 371.” Communities.” Proceedings of the metro/20050107-9999-7m7inter. Proteus, XIII/1: pages 1, 5-6. 1997 American Translators html). Association Annual Conference. Roder, Tony. 2000. “Court Interpreters (Muriel Jérôme-O'Keeffe, Ed.) Lucas, Kelly. “Language Line Bridges Join Communications Workers of Medford, New Jersey: Information Courtroom Communication Gaps.” America.” ATA Chronicle, January, Today, Inc., pages 51-62. Indiana Lawyer, May 10-23, 2000, page 18. page 13. Hewitt, William E. 2000. Language Salazar, Teresa, and Segal, Gladys. The Interpreting Over the Telephone: A Minkkinen, Gerald. January 14, Importance of Teaming in Primer for Court Policy Makers 2005. Personal Communication. Consecutive Interpretation. Paper and Managers. Williamsburg, presented at the 1999 National Virginia: National Center for State Mintz, David. 1998. “Hold the Phone: Association of Judiciary Interpreters Courts. Telephone Interpreting Scrutinized.” and Translators Annual Conference. Proteus, VII/1: pages 1, 3-5. Hewitt, William E. 1995. “Court Samborn, Hope Viner. 1996. Interpretation: Model Guides for “Network Omni and Monterey Institute “Tongue-tied.” ABA Journal, Policy and Practice in the State of International Studies Announce February, pages 22-23. Courts.” Chapter 8: Telephone Strategic Partnership for Excellence Interpreting. Williamsburg, Virginia: in Interpreting.” PR Newswire Schweda Nicholson, Nancy. 2004. National Center for State Courts. Association, Inc. October 3, 2003 Díaz v. State of Delaware:An (www.lexis-nexis.com). Appeal Based on Language and Hirsch, Deborah. 2003. “Kohl: Fund Interpreter Issues. Presentation at More Court Interpreters.” Capital New Jersey State Judiciary v. the ATA Annual Conference, Times (Madison, Wisconsin), Communications Workers of October, Toronto, Canada. October 17, 2003, page A4. America, AFL-CIO, Local 1034,29 NJPER 39 (N.J. PERC Rep. Dir. Continued on p.39
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 37 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.
May the Farce Be With You
ootleg DVDs threaten the future force be with you.”). A coy Padme has No Laughing Matter of the film industry, says the good news for her husband: “Is that For film buffs, nonsensical subti- B Motion Picture Association of baby on the hoof?” Anakin responds, tles are no way to take in a movie America. For The Onionskin, the “I was just made by the Presbyterian classic or even an adventure flick. unintentional humor of these pirate Church,” while arch-villain Darth And for the occasional filmgoer, discs’ silly subtitles wears thin fast, Vader’s howl “Nooooo…” becomes forget it. Skewed grammar, spelling, but a look behind the scenes can serve “Do not want.” and flow make it too much work past the client education cause. Even the title of the episode is the first 10 minutes. U.S. stand-up comedian Woody skewed, with The Revenge of the Sith But haphazardly adapted pirate Allen set the stage in the mid-1960s translated as “The backstroke of the versions are not only creative coun- when he purchased Kokusai himitsu west” in the opening credits. terfeits, pale reflections of forceful keisatsu: Kagi no Kagi, a B-grade This particular—and, let’s face it, originals. As the Motion Picture Japanese comedy described by one peculiar—DVD was purchased on a Association of America points out, critic as an “uninspired take-off of the whim by 31-year old Jeremy they are bad news for the future of the James Bond movies of the day.” Winterson, who works in an export filmmaking industry. This profes- Allen rewrote the script and over- trading company in Shanghai. sional body estimates that its mem- dubbed the original footage for comic Winterson had already seen the film bers lost over $718 million in effect, re-releasing the film in 1966 in a cinema, liked it, and when potential revenue in Asia-Pacific in as “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?” Its offered the disc by a street vendor at 2003 alone. Hundreds of millions of would-be madcap but ultimately pre- an unbeatable 7rmb ($0.85), took the illegal optical discs are produced, dictable plot involves an Interpol plunge. “I’d planned to use it as back- many exported to other parts of the agent, an arch-criminal, and a secret ground entertainment while doing world. China’s piracy rate for optical formula. For Western audiences, the chores around the house,” he told The discs is among the highest in the fun came from Allen’s witty word- Onionskin, noting that pirated new world, at an estimated 95%. play, contrasting image and dialogue. releases are usually of poor quality, “[shot with] a video camera in a Flawed Processes Subtitle Silliness movie theatre or similar.” Behind the scenes, even a brief Today, foreign-language versions But this time the silly translations analysis of just how the poor transla- of box office hits are a welcome caught his fancy, and he posted a selec- tions were produced has lessons for source of revenue for movie pro- tion on his blog (winterson.com), legitimate businesses seeking to com- ducers, and a source of entertainment triggering a wave of interest and municate across borders. for the viewing public. An exception cross-links. Thus, in the pirated Star Wars III, is pirate copies of recent releases, In China, bootleg DVDs are the English subtitles are not simply where the money goes into the boot- rushed to market with subtitles in silly computer translations of the leggers’ pockets and the humor in the Chinese, for obvious reasons, but Chinese. Instead a human dabbler has subtitles is largely unintentional. also in English, since some are been at work: a computer wouldn’t Not surprisingly, the perpetrators exported to other countries in the come up with the “dreamses” that of the latter are amateur linguists, region, says Winterson. “Since plague Anakin, or “troopseses” called scuttling along one step ahead of the there’s no official script for the boot- in by the Jedi knights. law. leggers to copy,” he speculates, “they The “Presbyterian Church” is a Thus subtitles in a bootleg DVD of seem to do their best job of either reference to the “Jedi Council,” the latest Star Wars episode pur- watching the movie and writing down which a correspondent on Mr. chased in Shanghai have Anakin what everyone says before trans- Winterson’s blog speculates was ini- Skywalker intoning “Ratio file, the lating, or translating the Chinese sub- tially translated into Chinese as wish power are together with you” titles that someone else has already “Council (or path) of the elders.” If (original English: “Obi Wan, may the written.” “Presbyterian Church” were rendered as the “church of the presbytery”
38 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 (a.k.a. elders) in Chinese, the mix-up In some cases, unscrupulous Lessons for Buyers (and Suppliers) is not all that random. players have served up a set of of Translation? Yet in cut-rate, slap-dash subti- subtitles taken from a different Make sure your copyright situation tling produced for illicit gain, things movie altogether. An example at is clear up front. Cut corners at your can get worse—much worse. http://winterson.com/2005/06/cap- own peril. Above all, use a profes- “A while ago I bought a copy of tions.html shows Michael Moore’s sional: when buying translations, non- ‘Gangs of New York,’ where the sub- Fahrenheit 9/11 with subtitles bor- linguists are almost always purchasing titler had apparently got bored and rowed from “Jungle Fever.” Viewers a product they cannot check, whence decided to write whatever he felt like see Mr. Moore interviewing a U.S. the importance of turning to a reliable writing, including greetings to his legislator in a shot subtitled “— supplier with bona fide references. friends,” Mr. Winterson told us. Legit That’s my boyfriend. What are you Failing which, it’s your own fault if— businesses that have ordered transla- doing? — Get back.” No grammar as a somber Yoda puts it— “A line have tions into languages they cannot problems in sight, but someone has beened distorted by the dark world.” check themselves may sympathize; clearly lost the plot. the nightmare scenario, that sinking “leap of faith” moment. With thanks to Michael Benis and Matthew in Beirut.
The Court Interpreters Act of 1978: A 25-Year Retrospective, Part II Continued from p. 37
Schweda Nicholson, Nancy. 2002. Standards for Delivering Interpreting van der Heide, Marijke. January 13, “Interpretation.” The Oxford Handbook Services in the New Jersey Judiciary 2005. Personal Communication. of Applied Linguistics, Robert B. (Directive #3-04). New Jersey Kaplan, Editor. Oxford: Oxford Judicial Council, February 26. van der Heide, Marijke. 2004. University Press, pages 443-456. Federal Court Interpreting State Court Interpreter Grant Program: Administrative Office Schweda Nicholson, Nancy. 1999. Program Act (Senate 1733). the United States Courts. “Language Policy Development for October 15, 2003. Presentation at the 2004 National Interpreter Services at the Executive Association of Judiciary Interpreters Office for Immigration Review Stone, Irena. 2001. “New Concepts and Translators Annual Conference, (Executive Office for Immigration for Telephone Interpreting.” ATA Denver, Colorado. Review).” Language Problems and Chronicle, January, pages 58-66. Language Planning, 23/1: pages van der Heide, Marijke. 2003. 37-63. Swaney, Ines. 1997. “Thoughts on “Administrative Office of the Live vs. Telephone and Video United States Courts Federal Schweda Nicholson, Nancy. 1987. Interpretation.” Proteus, VI/2: Court Interpreter Program.” ATA “Linguistic and Extralinguistic pages 5-6. Chronicle, October, pages 26-28. Aspects of Simultaneous Interpretation.” Applied Linguistics, The Translators and Interpreters Vidal, Mirta. 1998. “Telephone 8/2: pages 194-205. Guild (www.ttig.org). Interpreting: Technological Advance or Due Process Shields, Randy. 1996. “AT&T Trial Court Interpreter Employment Impediment?” Proteus, VII/3: Language Line Services: Over- and Labor Relations Act. pages 1, 3-6. the-phone Interpretation.” ATA California: Bill 371. Chronicle, March, page 11.
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 39 Certification Forum: Keeping Track of Continuing Education Points
By Terry Hanlen, Certification Program Manager
here is still time for certified receipts and certificates together in a required to complete an ethics ATA members to earn the neces- folder and fill in the form as you earn component during the first Tsary 20 Continuing Education points. You might even find that you reporting period. A few quali- (CE) points required in order to main- have reached your goal much earlier fying sessions are offered at our tain the certification credential. The than expected. annual conferences and the first reporting period will take place in It is also important to make sure in online version of the ethics com- 2007. If you will be 60 or over by your which category your activity fits. ponent is now available on the reporting date, you do not need to Category A events can earn up to the website under “Certification.” worry about earning CE points. You maximum 10 points each year. If you You can earn 1 point by com- can provide verification of your age attend two ATA annual conferences in pleting the ethics component, and when we contact you, and we will three years, you have already fulfilled this should be indicated on your never ask you about continuing educa- the requirement. The other categories CE Points Record form. tion again. But don’t send anything allow you to earn a limited number of now. Wait for us to contact you. points in each three-year period. The • All current members can also For those of you who do have to CE Record form makes it easy to earn 2 points in the reporting earn CE points, you can earn a max- track earned points and decide when period by keeping their ATA imum of 10 points in a calendar year, you have reached the cap in each cat- membership, ATA-chapter mem- and you only need to accumulate 20 egory. If you submit a form to request bership, and professional associ- points in each three-year reporting approval for CE points, you still need ation memberships current. period. Even if you are certified in to keep a copy of that form or evi- more than one language combination, dence of that activity to submit with • The first reporting period will you only have to collect a total of your record. take place in 2007. We will con- 20 points. Here are some important point to tact you several months before Certified members were sent a copy remember: you need to submit your docu- of the Continuing Education Record mentation. That leaves you the form along with their new certificate of • All chapter-sponsored and ATA- rest of 2005 and all of 2006 to certification. You should fill out and sponsored educational activities earn the needed points. If you submit this form along with evidence to are automatically approved for earned your certification in support your activities when we contact Category A points. 2005, your first reporting you. Much like your other record period will be 2008. keeping, it’s best to keep all of your • All members earning points are
ATA Certification Exam Information Upcoming Exams All candidates applying for ATA certifi- cation must provide proof that they meet the certification program eligibili- Washington Uruguay ty requirements. Please direct all Seattle Montevideo inquiries regarding general certification November 12, 2005 January 4, 2006 information to ATA Headquarters at (703) Registration Deadline: Registration Deadline: 683-6100. Registration for all certifica- October 28, 2005 December 16, 2005 tion exams should be made through ATA Headquarters. All sittings have a maxi- Wisconsin mum capacity and admission is based on Milwaukee the order in which registrations are October 8, 2005 received. Forms are available from the Registration Deadline: ATA website or from Headquarters. September 23, 2005
40 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 Dictionary Reviews Compiled by Boris Silversteyn
Silversteyn is chair of the ATA Dictionary Review Committee.
A Reverse Chinese-English tionary allows me to find all the head edition.” If you prefer a larger, easier Dictionary, Hàn-yı¯ng nìyı˘n cídia˘n, characters that could occur with it. to read format, buy the 1992 desktop From this, I can deduce the reading of edition. It is based on the fourth edi- Publisher: the illegible character and the tion of the Ko¯jien, but I still prefer it Commercial Press, Beijing meaning of the compound. to the standard-size update. Both are Publication date: A Reverse Chinese-English available at amazon.co.jp, as is the 1986 Dictionary, initially published in large format fifth edition of the Ko¯jien ISBN: 1986, is also useful for legible Chinese (ISBN: 4000801120). 7100016118 compounds. Chinese dictionaries list entries by head characters and list Robert C. Albon works in Japan as an Gyakubiki ko¯jien compounds as subentries. Looking up editor and freelance translator, [Reverse Ko¯jien] a compound like bùbiàn (incon- occasionally dabbling in photojournalism. Publisher: venient) that begins with a commonly He specializes in medical translation, with Iwanami Shoten, Tokyo used character such as bù (not) is over 10 years of experience. He also served as an official translator at the 2002 Publication date: analogous to trying to find “inconven- Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Contact: 1999 ient” in an English dictionary by first [email protected] or www.albon.us. ISBN: looking up “in~” and then searching 4000801163 through all words beginning with “in~” until “~convenient” is found. A Babylon-Pro 5.0: Information and Gyakubiki ko¯jien (kijo¯ban) Reverse Chinese-English Dictionary Translation in a Single Click ( ) [Reverse expedites the process of looking up Publisher: Ko¯jien (Desktop Edition)] compounds that begin with high fre- Babylon Ltd. Publisher: quency characters by tackling them Publication date: Iwanami Shoten, Tokyo from the less common last character. It version 5.0.4, 1997-2004 Publication date: also allows for the quick look up of Price: 1992 compounds where the last character is Call 1-866-237-7098 for the ATA ISBN: known, and shows at a glance all the Promotion (See sidebar for details) 4000801074 compounds sharing the same root. The dictionary is available online at Reviewed by: Reviewed by: www.chinabooks.com. Françoise Herrmann, with the participation Rob Albon About 60% of the Japanese lexicon of Amir Freimann (Hebrew), Stefani consists of Sino-Japanese character Grothe (German), Alex Ondar hinese and Japanese native compounds, so the Gyakubiki ko¯jien (Russian), Steve Proschan (Japanese), speakers probably find reverse [Reverse Ko¯jien] is equally useful for and Boris Silversteyn (Russian)* C character dictionaries most translating Japanese faxes. It contains useful for doing crossword puzzles, all the words from the Ko¯jien (Japan’s eviewing Babylon-Pro 5.0,a but I find them indispensable for equivalent to the Oxford English software product with content translating illegible faxes and hand- Dictionary), so it is more comprehen- R and an interface in 12 different written notes. The majority of sive than A Reverse Chinese-English languages, definitely called for a col- Chinese and Japanese words consist Dictionary. However, it is not a bilin- laborative effort. Hence, the following of compounds comprised of two or gual dictionary, so it provides read- review, which combines the reviewing more Chinese or Sino-Japanese char- ings but no translations. efforts of several professional transla- acters. A reverse dictionary doubles The standard-sized Gyakubiki tors. my chances of deciphering a partially ko¯jien, based on the fifth and latest What is Babylon-Pro 5.0? What legible compound. Even if the head edition of the Ko¯jien, was released in does it do? Does it work, and perhaps character is illegible, if I can make 1999, but Iwanami has yet to release a most importantly, does it work for out the last character, a reverse dic- large format kijo¯ban “desktop professional translators? These ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 41 Dictionary Reviews Continued
are the questions this review For an additional nominal fee, you links to your own Web pages. The addresses. may download Premium content glossaries that you create, and want to Babylon-Pro 5.0 is a single click, dictionaries (PCDs), both general pur- share with other Babylon users, using interactive, dictionary access and pose and specialized in various mono- Babylon Builder, may be uploaded and search engine for PCs only. Babylon- lingual or bilingual combinations. submitted to Babylon. There are cur- Pro 5.0, with selected dictionary (See Table 1 for a list of the available rently over 1,600 such glossaries, all access, can be downloaded for off-line PCDs, as well as the special promo- of which Babylon can search to pro- use. It can also be used online through tional rates offered to ATA members.) duce immediate results on the single the Babylon.com website, which pro- Beyond single click access to all of Babylon platform. vides a few extra well designed func- these dictionaries and glossaries, you Finally, Babylon comes with two tions and glossary access. The may also download, free of any charge wonderful extras: “Say it” using MS software is packaged as a link in an (even the Babylon software charge), a TextToSpeech, and a conversion tool. e-mail message, with no lengthy user-friendly program called Babylon “Say it” enables you to hear the instructions, other than “Click.” Once Builder. Babylon Builder allows you pronunciation of English words or Babylon-Pro 5.0 is installed on your to create your own glossaries, phrases in the search box. You may set computer, you can configure it to your including pictures, other media, and the “Say it” voice for special effects preferred specifications, including a user-defined hotkey “click.” Your (customized) Babylon-Pro 5.0 opens Babylon ATA Promotion Pricing as a small window on your desktop, Call: 1-866-237-7098 and with a single click on any term, Promotion name: ATA-Giveaway Valid through November 30, 2005 searches for words in the multiple Babylon dictionaries and glossaries 1. A Babylon-Pro 5.0 Permanent License will be discounted at $39.99. you have selected online at A permanent license plus annual maintenance ($8.91), providing free major version Babylon.com, and in any of the pre- upgrades, enhancement updates, and preferred client technical support, is available mium content dictionaries (PCDs) for $48.90. Otherwise, the current price for a major version upgrade is $29.70. available for purchase. Babylon-Pro Annual maintenance is available only through this offer. 5.0 then displays the search results in a single window, allowing you to 2. Special deals for purchasing Premium Content Dictionaries. obtain several hits for a single term Your first Premium Content Dictionary will come with a discount (see Table 1). Anyone who buys two Premium Content titles will be eligible to purchase the Concise that are retrieved from the sources you Oxford English Dictionary and the Oxford English Thesaurus at a special price of have downloaded or enabled for use only $43, (normally $59.80). on the Babylon-Pro 5.0 user interface (see Figure 1 for a single click search 3. Package deals for each language with a 25% discount (examples provided for the term “MP3”). below, also available for other languages): Babylon-Pro 5.0 offers three dif- ferent dictionary resources covering 12 German Business Package: $333 (sales price), customer saves $112. This 25% sav- languages: French, German, Spanish, ings includes: Permanent License, Langenscheidt Business and Commerce, Gabler Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Banklexikon, and von Eichborn Wirtschaftswörterbuch. Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and French-English Package: $125.25 (sales price), customer saves $41.75. This 25% Traditional), Swedish, Hebrew, and savings includes: Permanent License, Multidico French Dictionary, Chambers French- English. For the nominal price of to-English, and Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus. $49.50, you may download for access, on or off-line, any of the Babylon dic- Japanese Package: $118 (sales price), customer saves $39.50. This 25% savings tionaries (monodirectional, bi-direc- includes: Permanent License, Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus, Genius Japanese-to- tional, or monolingual) and free English Dictionary, and Meikyo Japanese Dictionary. professional or user-created glossaries.
42 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 (male, female, whisper, echo, robot, mouse button definitions. And finally, Your desktop is uncluttered, and so is etc.), as well as the language, with a those who tried using Babylon with your computer’s memory. You do not pull-down menu, which currently Adobe Acrobat discovered, as speci- have to swap CDs in your CD-ROM only lists English as an option. The fied, that Babylon only works with drive, and the speed of it all is simply conversion tool, in addition to con- Acrobat Reader. The upside was that mindboggling, not to mention access verting regular units of measurement Babylon’s technical service proved to to resources that you wouldn’t have (such as length, weight, volume and be extremely persistent and efficient even thought existed! temperature) also includes real-time in tracking down the root cause of any However, there was also a con- quotes for currencies, updated on a interference problems arising in con- sensus among reviewers that despite the daily basis, and time conversions for junction with installation. For a abundance of well-known dictionaries any country or time zone. Compared modest $8.90, you can subscribe to and sources available, these resources to standard conversion tools, the Babylon’s Annual Maintenance Plan, still needed to be greatly expanded and Babylon conversion tool is greatly which will ensure that you are not enhanced on a continuous basis. Unlike enhanced. The same applies to the routed to the FAQ (Frequently Asked most people working in multilingual “Say it” function, which converts text Questions) site, even if there is much environments, professional translators to speech—hence more than a single precedence regarding your particular seldom work with more than two lan- word—while affording a few good question. A friendly technician will guages. However, and perhaps para- laughs, with all of the special voice message you personally, and call you, doxically, the dictionary needs of effects and pronunciation of foreign to help with any of these known inter- professional translators are simply words in English. ferences, pending their resolution gargantuan, aforciori when as many This explains Babylon-Pro 5.0 in a among business partners. as 12 languages are involved. In nutshell, and what your (customized) The professional translators who Japanese, for example, Babylon offers Babylon can offer, depending on your participated in this review agreed that two dictionaries from the Taishukan specifications in terms of languages Babylon definitely offers the won- publisher, but it was noted that there is and the kind of dictionary and glossary derful advantage of single click access no access to other industry standards, access you download, enable, or pur- to multiple dictionaries, with hits such as the Kenkyusha Japanese<> chase. The next questions follow: from multiple sources appearing in a English Dictionaries. For Russian, “Does it work?” and most importantly, single window. For example, a single Hebrew, and Chinese, there are no especially considering an already click search on the term “snuff” may, PCDs, and the absence of access to existing 26 million users, “Does it depending on your Babylon configu- resources such as the New Big Russian- work for professional translators?” ration, return results in a single English Dictionary, the Rav Milim Installing the software via an window from 13 different sources, monolingual dictionary, and the Ectaco e-mail link was pleasantly easy for including the Concise Oxford English electronic bilingual dictionary for almost everyone on the review team. Dictionary, the Oxford Thesaurus, the Hebrew was noted. Similarly, in For two translators, however, a series Encyclopedia Britannica, as well as French, one could bemoan the absence of interferences occurred. One of translations to French returned from of access to the Robert & Collins or the these involved browser extensions, in the Babylon dictionaries, explana- Harraps’ Pro, which includes the particular “Spyware Doctor,” which tions from an Australian slang glos- Harraps’ Business Dictionary offered needed to be disabled in order to use sary, word anatomy from the via Babylon. And the same would hold the Babylon Click with Yahoo! Princeton University WordNet, and true for Spanish, for which the current opened in Internet Explorer.1 Another translations gleaned from a PCDs cover non-English-language interference occurred with the use of Shakespeare to modern English glos- combinations (Michaelis Portuguese- DDWin, a look-up program that sary, etc. This capacity was perceived Spanish, Larousse French-Spanish, and searches multiple Japanese diction- as terrific on several counts. You do Larousse German-Spanish). aries. Care also needed to be taken not have to search each of these Still, assuming that all of the afore- when defining the Babylon hotkey sources separately, depending on the mentioned general language PCDs “Click” so that it correlated with kind of information you are seeking. were included, professional ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 43 Dictionary Reviews Continued
translators in the field of medicine, for be referenced, or in some way explic- simply ignored as potentially unreli- example, would still need access to itly evaluated or recommended, per able. Extreme as this position medical dictionaries, and the same industry standards, to be considered appeared, it also served to highlight would hold true for the legal or engi- reliable enough for consultation. In the special needs of professional neering domains. Thus, while other words, information gleaned translators, who often work on Babylon offers a model that correlates from many of the 1,600 Babylon com- material (for example, medical instru- perfectly and beautifully with transla- munity user glossaries could be mentation or machine specifications), tors’ needs for multiple megasources of definitions, translation, and word Figure 1: My Babylon Pro 5.0 window showing search results for the term “MP3.” anatomies, with the added speed and convenience of single click access and single platform lists of hits, it was also perceived that the model was not yet supplying access to enough reliable resources, both in terms of breadth and depth. That is, professional trans- lators would need access to a still wider selection of standard diction- aries, with more specialized resources before they would consider aban- doning their current lengthier search functions, more expensive installa- tions, or existing alternative Web resources. As one of the experienced reviewers pointed out in reference to the Japanese content:
“The quality/usefulness of a lookup tool like Babylon Pro ulti- mately boils down to the quality of the available dictionaries and ease of use. I would give Babylon Pro very high marks for ease of use and its interface, but the dictionaries are nothing to get excited about.”
Beyond issues of expanding the PCD offerings, the question of enhancement was also raised. Regarding the Babylon-devised dic- tionaries, a small list of terms used for testing revealed that translations for compounds (e.g., “health profes- sional”) could not be retrieved. Additionally, at least one professional translator felt that any specialized glossary-type resource would have to
44 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 Table 1 : PCDs (Premium Content Dictionaries) available via Babylon.com
Premium Dictionaries English French German Spanish Italian Portuguese Japanese Dutch Add On ATA Promotion Price Price
English
Concise Oxford English $29.90 $24.00 English Dictionary
Concise Oxford English $29.90 $24.00 Thesaurus
Concise Oxford English $59.80 $48.00 Dictionary and ($43.00 with Thesaurus the purchase of 2 other PCDs)
French
Larousse French $33.00 $26.00 Multidictionnaire
Larousse Chambers French<> $24.50 $19.50
Larousse Français French<> French<> French<> French<> Multilingue Pack $39.50 $32.00
Larousse Espagnol Spanish<> French<> $24.50 $18.50 Multilingue
Harrap’s Business French<> $19.50 $16.00
German
Langenscheidt German<> $68.10 $52.00 Handwörterbuch Englisch
Langenscheidt German<> $150.86 $124.51 Dictionary of Business, Commerce and Finance
Langenscheidt German<> $249.00 $189.00 Dictionary of Technology and Applied Sciences
Gabler Banklexikon German $124.00 $108.00
von Eichborn German<> $120.00 $100.00 Wirtschaftswörterbuch
Japanese
Genius Japanese $32.00 $28.00 Japanese-English- <> Japanese (G3)
Meikyo Japanese Dictionary Japanese $16.00 $14.00
Dutch
Van Dale Dutch-Dutch Dutch $12.00 $11.00
Van Dale Dutch<> $16.00 $14.00 Dutch-English-Dutch ➡
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 45 Dictionary Reviews Continued
Table 1 : PCDs (Premium Content Dictionaries) available via Babylon.com Continued
Premium Dictionaries English French German Spanish Italian Portuguese Japanese Dutch Add On ATA Promotion Price Price
Van Dale Dutch<> $16.00 $14.00 Dutch French-Dutch
Van Dale Dutch<> $16.00 $14.00 Dutch-German-Dutch
Portuguese
Michaelis Dicionário Portuguese $12.00 $11.00 da Língua Portuguese
Michaelis Portuguese $12.00 $11.00 Portuguese <> German <>
Michaelis Portuguese Portuguese <> Spanish <> $12.00 $11.00
Michaelis Portuguese <> Italian Portuguese $12.00 $11.00 <>
Spanish *
Signum Spanish Spanish $12.00 $11.00 Thesaurus
* Additional Spanish PCD titles available in August 2005.
the meaning of which subsumes of the program, only one translator on of resources appeared in any way out- serious life and death situations, and the review team would not use, or rec- side the realm of possibilities, or for which there simply is no permis- ommend, the program. I’d like to con- incompatible with the company’s sible margin of error. As the clude this review with a couple of plans. In fact, assurances were given University of Chicago, Graham possible explanations. that expansion of the PCD offerings School Translation Studies mantra The first concerns Babylon Ltd., was scheduled as early as the summer goes, with no tongue in cheek: the company located in Israel that is of 2005 for Spanish. And finally, masterminding this product, and Babylon Ltd. negotiates PCD prices “Misunderstanding the nuances where Babylon is immensely suc- directly with the publishers (on between different languages can be cessful. Even if Babylon was initially average about 10% lower than what very amusing. And expensive. And designed with users other than profes- you would pay via another source of potentially dangerous.” sional translators in mind, the model supply). of the product appears extraordinarily The second explanation that I would Thus, the enthusiasm and hesitan- compatible with a translator’s needs: venture for everyone’s enthusiasm, cies generated by Babylon at first one click access to multiple dictionary again despite the aforementioned criti- glance may perhaps be tempered and and glossary resources for translation. cism, is that this is a really super better understood, once put into the Similarly, none of the shortcomings in friendly little turbo program that fits perspective of translators-at-work. terms of more access to a wider, more snugly on your desktop, bringing with Despite this “no nonsense” criticism specialized, and more standardized set it a glimpse of the next generation of
46 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 MP3-style multiple and selective Try Babylon-Pro 5.0! You will electronic dictionary resources, enjoy it! And, as another member of Françoise Herrmann is a freelance beyond CDs. (See the June 2005 ATA the review team has put it: “You may translator and interpreter for French and Chronicle review of WordFinder). risk not being able to live without it!” English (sometimes Spanish) based in San Francisco, California. She occasionally Babylon.com is also willing to host *Thanks also to Hannah Feneron, teaches scientific translation at the the sharing of glossaries created by Katherine Loh, and Jeannette Monterey Institute of International Studies. ATA members (in the tradition of Ringold. Contact: [email protected] or Termium™), to be posted on the web- www.fhphd.org. site in a special ATA folder. And the 1 Babylon recently informed us that Babylon model of a single platform, Babylon-Pro 5.0 had been recently tested dictionary look-up tool, is certainly by the SOFTPEDIA labs and found to be open-ended enough to potentially completely clean of adware/spyware com- accommodate every professional ponents. More information about certifica- translator’s specific dictionary needs. tion and the award is available at www.softpedia.com/progClean/ Babylon-Pro-Clean-23359.html.
New Certified Members Active Membership Review Congratulations! The following people have successfully passed The Active Membership Review Committee is pleased to grant ATA’s certification exam. active or corresponding member status to:
Portuguese into English English into Portuguese Active Corresponding DeAnn David Cougler Hans G. Ankarcrona Naomi J. Moraes Mario Miguel Fernandez Munich, Germany Holmsveden, Sweden South Weymouth, MA Escalaria Sao Paulo, Brazil Richard M. Mott Sara A. Brown Spanish into English Golden, CO Buenos Aires, Argentina Ana Beatriz Fernandes Patricia A. Yacovone Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Austin, TX Mark E. Nicholson Simona Irde Dallas, TX Cagliari, Italy Kezia L. Figueiredo English into Spanish St. Louis, MO Jacki J. Noh Judith A. Kenigson Kristy Juan E. Dávila-Santiago Albany, CA Nashville, TN San Juan, Puerto Rico Liane L. Huet de Bacellar Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Luis Zepeda Las Vegas, NV Elena Serikako Sao Paulo, Brazil
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 47 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.
eneral-purpose, non-special- about this was seeking good German. der Kfz-Technik gives even a hint of a ized bilingual dictionaries— Her text spoke of powers and deci- clue as to what “Bremsenknurpsen” is, G the ones that often appear in sion-making at the shareholders’ to help this ProZ user. Here’s the hardback—are great, but the exam- meeting, and then enumerated the sentence: “Beispielhaft sei das ples they give sometimes leave some- following: variation of the rights Bremsenknurpsen gennant, das auf- thing to be desired. The compilers of attached to the individual series of grund des Schleppmoments insbeson- such tomes usually pride themselves shares and the transformation of cat- dere bei Automatikfahrzeugen und on providing examples of how a par- egories or classes of shares. I know leichter Bremsbetätigung im Quasi- ticular word is used in everyday that qualified people exist to provide Stillstand auftritt.” What on earth are the speech. In the example I am about to good input about this! brakes undergoing? quote, an otherwise excellent, author- (E-G 9-05/3) Not that the under- (Ga-E 9-05/9) Here’s Galician itative dictionary, which I won’t lying idea is outlandish, but check- making its debut in this column (on my name, gives a phrase in the source cashing businesses is a term that watch, anyway) with the word language and then provides this apparently goes over only with diffi- “enmenda” in a medical context. It English equivalent: The town was hit culty into German. These are “Läden, comes from the following: “Que pre- by the supporters. Huh? It must have in denen jeder Schecks einlösen senta para a súa evaluación o (marcar o meant something significant to the kann, ohne ein Konto zu haben.” que corresponda) - enmenda maior.” compilers, but it leaves this native (E-Pt 9-05/4) An advertising blurb Where is the rare soul that can handle English speaker scratching his head. about a video game goes into raptures this? In this age of terrorism, it has a when describing the morph-into- (H-E 9-05/10) In the area of vaguely unsettling sound. On the monster action as one feature that energy and power generation, A other hand, it just might be positive, will guarantee hair-raising excite- ProZer wants some insight into but in a confusing, vague way. One ment for all users. How to make good “si˛vos ütemterv szerint dolgoznak” almost suspects a coded message Portuguese out of this? and “hi˛ lós védõelemet.” Anybody hidden within it. (E-Sw 9-05/5) In the world of willing to try? modems and routers, bridge filtering (I-E 9-05/11) The real target lan- [Abbreviations used with this column: caused problems for a ProZ member guage for this legal ProZ query D-Dutch; E-English; F-French; attempting to provide good Swedish. (“Ufficio Tavolare”) was French, but G-German; Ga-Galician; H-Hungarian; He encountered SOHO Firewall we’ll take English. Surely enough con- I-Italian; Pt-Portuguese; R-Russian; Security with NAT-technology and text was supplied: “E' un ufficio pub- Sp-Spanish; Sw-Swedish; T-Turkish.] Bridge Filtering. What is it? Can it blico, normalmente con competenze be expressed concisely in Swedish, or territoriali a livello provinciale, presso New Queries is a whole paragraph needed? il quale giornalmente vengono (E-D 9-05/1) Oxygen is one (F-Sp 9-05/6) What, in the world trascritti, iscritti o annotati nel registro example of them, but what are radical of construction and civil engineering, generale atti relativi a beni immobili. scavengers? This appeared in a text is a “joint de souffle?” Context, La Conservatoria del Registri being worked on by a ProZ denizen, regrettably, is lacking in this ProZ Immobiliari o Ufficio Tavolare deve and the context sentence reads like query. custodire nei propri archivi tutti i titoli this: The rate of the formation of (G-E 9-05/7) In Gothic architec- (trascrizioni, iscrizioni ed annotazioni) 1.1.2-trichloroethane is controlled by ture, “Bündelpfeiler” are seen in such ivi consegnati ed inserendo negli the addition of radical scavengers structures as the cathedral in Milan appositi registri, con numerazione pro- such as oxygen. What’s being talked (and perhaps many other places), but gressiva annuale, uno degli originali about, and what would be good a ProZ user was unable to find an della nota. In alcune provincie italiane Dutch for it? English term for what she could di particolare vistità o densità abitativa (E-G 9-05/2) What about indi- easily visualize in her mind. possono coesistere più Conservatorie.” vidual series of shares, a corporate (G-E 9-05/8) Not even Peter (I-E 9-05/12) In translating an financial term? The ProZer that asked Schmitt’s authoritative Fachwörterbuch ERP manual (accounting), this
48 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 ProZer had trouble with the fol- has a support beneath it, enabling the Chronicle) should be lower case, but lowing: “Distinte Pagamento”; whole structure to support a roll or that the second capital “I” (I nära “Effetti di Pagamento”; and “Distinte other heated item without touching anslutning:) appears not to make Effetti Pagamento.” What are these the ground. Anette Gralla calls it a sense, or else something is missing. obviously related terms? rack for rolls, a device to warm up (T-E 6-05/11) (“Yayma (R-E 9-05/13) In a dental school rolls and other food items that do not preparatların…”) Nur Reinhart calls transcript, Cappie found that one of fit into the toaster slots. In a store in this a prepared smear, and translates the courses was entitled Nt [ y j k j u b z Wetzlar, Germany, she found bun the entire Turkish phrase (found on bpujnjdktybq ,/utkmys[ ghjntpjd, warmer, toasting attachment, roll page 58, June Chronicle) thus: While and could find no definition of any attachment, and bread roll warmer. examining the prepared smears, in the kind for the word in bold print. We And even a grandly named integrated background there were abundant would ask our proofreader, but his bun warmer. leukocytes with polymorphic nuclei. specialty is German dental matters! (I-E 1-05/8) (“machina di rappre- The Turkish is not the best in the [Proofreader’s note: Here I am! That sentanza”): Michele Marcoux takes world, because medical publications is actually a loan from German issue with Berto Berti’s translation of depend so heavily on the passive (“Bügelprothesen”) and should be this as a company car, minus the voice, but Nur has encountered much rendered as “(Technique of the) gloss of a status symbol. She feels worse writing than this. Fabrication of bar dentures.”—Per that a company car is a “macchina Dohler] aziendale.” Her understanding is that It pains me to say it, and I hope I the vehicle in question is meant to am incorrect due to only sampling Replies to Old Queries impress, even though it is not neces- their wares 11 times a year, but ProZ (E-Sp 6-05/4) (“going off the sarily a luxury make like Maserati. To has grown exponentially as a source record, back on the record”): Anne bring it into the human sphere, there is of queries (page after page of them!), Hartzenbusch says that if this is an analogous term, “raggaza” or while Lantra-L has declined until related to journalism, it is “ahora “fidanzata di rappresentanza,” meaning little is left but occasional queries hablamos extraoficialmente, confi- a woman who is officially your com- concerning oriental languages, espe- dencialmente.” If it is related to any panion, but she is there with you more cially Chinese Mandarin, which are type of judicial proceeding, it is “ser to impress others than because you precisely the type of queries that I find extraoficial” and “constar,” respec- truly care for her. The same holds true, hard to incorporate into this column. tively. says Michele, for the car in question. I would like to put Chinese text sup- (G-E 6-05/6) (“Laufendes Gut”): (Pt-E 5-05/12) (“bula”): Wendy port onto all my computers, but do not Hans Liepert provided a German defi- Gallagher, who uses this column have the expertise. Anyone want to nition and suggested some English as sometimes as an aid in teaching her call me and give me instructions on well. The German: “Als laufendes Gut Spanish-to-English translation course how to do this? bezeichnet man in der Schifffahrt alles at Metropolitan State College in Tauwerk, mit dem die Segel oder die Denver, acknowledges that in beweglichen Rahen bedient werden.” Brazilian Portuguese, this means The English: running rigging. patient information, a small docu- (G-E 6-05/7) (“Brötchenhalterung”): ment accompanying the drug. The For Hans Liepert, this is the device posi- English equivalent, she says, is not Retirement Programs tioned above a toaster that enables nearly as interesting or elegant in lan- rolls to be toasted or warmed up. The guage terms as “bula.” Washington Pension Center picture he enclosed shows three hori- (Sw-E 6-05/10) (“vid myn- (888) 817-7877 • (301) 941-9179 zontal wires, connected at their ends digheten”): Gabe Bokor can’t provide to roughly triangular (and probably a total solution, but did write that the plastic) handles. Each of the handles first capital “I” (see page 58, June
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 49 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, 1409 E. Gaylord Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858-3626. Discussions of the translation of humor and examples thereof are preferred, but humorous anecdotes about translators, translations, and mistrans- lations are also welcome. Include copyright information and permission if relevant.
Sex
ex is fun, and frequently funny. is the financier Larivaudière. The hypocrite, and Larivaudière is his Charles Lecocq’s French comic first two are historical characters. darling. At the cost of gold for the S operetta La fille de Madame Currently hanging in the Minneapolis favorite woman, he is, they say, the Angot / Madame Angot’s Daughter, Institute of Arts is a 1799 portrait of favorite man! He tumbles the queen.] first performed in Brussels in 1872, Lange as Danaë being seduced by In context, it is obvious that the was extremely popular and greatly Zeus in the form of a shower of gold. “queen” being referred to is Lange. influenced Gilbert and Sullivan’s sub- Lange/Danaë wears only a turban, Here, the task of the translator is sequent English operettas. However, earrings, and sandals. not to be literal, but to generally unlike the G&S operettas, Angot, The third verse of the song is: follow the meaning while writing being French, was free to include real lyrics full of clever sexual innuendo. politics and sex. English translations Des favorites infidèles And, of course, to rhyme and fit the which appeared on the contemporary on sait quelles étaient les moeurs. music. Here is what Ronnie Apter and London stage were censored. The Les rois étaient trompés par elles; I came up with: modern translator need not gratify the aujourd’hui sommes-nous censor, but still should gratify an meilleurs? How often did the royal mistress audience wanting to laugh. Non, car l’amour est hypocrite, betray the king with other men! Near the end of Act I, the title et Larivaudière est chéri. And love today, no less a hypocrite, character Clairette sings a scandalous À prix d’or de la favorite turns its head and strays again. song in order to get herself arrested il est, dit-on, le favori! Lange’s closet is full of dresses and thereby avoid an unwanted mar- Il chiffonne la souveraine. all paid for by Larivaudière, riage. The time is 1797 in Paris, yet whenever he comes to visit during the Directory period after the [The custom of the [kings’] faith- she shows him she hasn’t a thing Reign of Terror. The chief director is less favorites is known. The kings to wear! Barras. His mistress is the actress were betrayed by them; are we any Lange, and another of Lange’s lovers better off today? No, for love is a
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Anthony Rivas, founding president of the Florida Chapter of ATA (FLATA), will provide helpful techniques for success on the consortium and federal Spanish exams. Mr. Rivas is a U.S. court certified interpreter, a California court certified interpreter, and an ATA-certified English-to-Spanish translator. Registration Fee: $375 FLATA Members with Proof of Membership: $300 Former Rivas Skill Building Session Attendees: $250 Don’t forget to bring a cassette recorder to record your performance on the different classroom exercises, as well as several blank tapes to listen to yourself! For more information and a registration form, please contact Anthony Rivas, at [email protected].
50 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 Visit us on the web at www.atanet.org PROFESSIONAL
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WordFinder Software International AB P.O. Box 155 • SE-351 04 Växjö, Sweden Phone: +46 470-70 00 00 • Fax: +46 470-70 00 99 E-mail: [email protected] • www.wordfinder.com ATA Chapters, Affiliated Groups, and Other Groups
ATA Chapters National Capital Area Chapter Affiliated Groups Atlanta Association of Interpreters of ATA (NCATA) Houston Interpreters and Translators and Translators (AAIT) P.O. Box 5757 Association (HITA) P.O. Box 12172 Washington, DC 20016-5757 P.O. Box 421343 Atlanta, GA 30355 Tel: (703) 255-9290 • Fax (202) 234-5656 Houston, TX 77242-1343 Tel: (404) 729-4036 [email protected] • www.ncata.org Tel: (713) 202-6169 [email protected] • www.aait.org www.hitagroup.org New York Circle of Translators (NYCT) Carolina Association of Translators P.O. Box 4051, Grand Central Station Iowa Interpreters and Translators and Interpreters (CATI) New York, NY 10163-4051 Association (IITA) 9304 Bonita Lane, #1617 Tel: (212) 334-3060 P.O. Box 7631 Charlotte, NC 28262 [email protected] Urbandale, IA 50323 Tel: (919) 577-0840 www.nyctranslators.org Tel: (515) 865-3873 • Fax: (515) 278-5841 [email protected] • www.catiweb.org [email protected] • www.iitanet.org Northeast Ohio Translators Delaware Valley Translators Association (NOTA) Utah Translators and Interpreters Association (DVTA) 33425 Bainbridge Road Association (UTIA) 606 John Anthony Drive Solon, OH 44139 P.O. Box 433 West Chester, PA 19382-7191 Tel: (440) 519-0161 Salt Lake City, UT 84110 Tel: (215) 222-0955 [email protected] • www.ohiotranslators.org [email protected] [email protected] www.dvta.org Northern California Translators Other Groups Association (NCTA) This list gives contact information for Florida Chapter of ATA (FLATA) P.O. Box 14015 translation and interpretation groups as a 7891 W Flagler Street, #347 Berkeley, CA 94712-5015 service to ATA members. Inclusion does not Miami, FL 33144 Tel/Fax: (510) 845-8712 imply affiliation with or endorsement by ATA. Tel: (305) 274-3434 [email protected] • www.ncta.org Fax: (305) 437-7663 American Literary Translators [email protected] • www.atafl.org Northwest Translators Association (ALTA) and Interpreters Society (NOTIS) The University of Texas at Dallas Michigan Translators/ P.O. Box 25301 Box 830688 Mail Station JO51 Interpreters Network (MiTiN) Seattle, WA 98165-2201 Richardson, TX 75083-0688 P.O. Box 852 Tel: (206) 382-5642 Tel: (972) 883-2093 • Fax: (972) 883-6303 Novi, MI 48376-0852 [email protected] • www.notisnet.org www.literarytranslators.org Tel: (586) 778-7304 • Fax: (248) 344-0092 [email protected] • www.mitinweb.org Southern California Area Translators and Association of Language Companies (ALC) Interpreters Association (SCATIA) 1911 N Fort Myer Drive, Suite 702 P.O. Box 34310 Mid-America Chapter of ATA (MICATA) Arlington, VA 22209-1605 Los Angeles, CA 90034 6600 NW Sweetbriar Lane Tel: (800) 338-4155 (within North America) Kansas City, MO 64151 Tel: (818) 725-3899 • Fax: (818) 340-9177 (703) 812-0883 • Fax: (703) 875-0301 Tel: (816) 741-9441 • Fax: (816) 741-9482 [email protected] [email protected] • www.alcus.org [email protected] • www.ata-micata.org Upper Midwest Translators and Austin Area Translators and Interpreters Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters Association (UMTIA) Association (AATIA) Interpreters (MATI) Minnesota Translation Lab P.O. Box 13331 542 S Dearborn Street, Suite 1060 University of Minnesota Austin, TX 78711-3331 Chicago, IL 60605 218 Nolte Center Tel: (512) 707-3900 Tel: (312) 427-5450 • Fax: (312) 427-1505 Minneapolis, MN 55455 [email protected] • www.aatia.org [email protected] • www.matiata.org Tel: (612) 625-3096 [email protected] • www.umtia.org
ATA Members Two Rad Technologies Website Development [email protected] www.atanet.org/radtown
52 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 Note: For more information on chapters or to start a chapter, please contact ATA Headquarters. Send updates to Mary David, ATA Chronicle, 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590, Alexandria, VA 22314; Tel: (703) 683-6100; Fax: (703) 683-6122; [email protected].
California Court Interpreters New England Translators Association of Translators and Association (CCIA) Association (NETA) Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) 345 S Hwy 101, Suite D 672 Salls Road 1 Nicholas Street, Suite 1202 Encinitas, CA 92024 Greensborough Bend, VT 05842 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 7B7 Tel: (760) 635-0273 • Fax: (760) 635-0276 Tel: (802) 533-9228 Tel: (613) 241-2846, [email protected] • www.ccia.org [email protected] • www.netaweb.org Toll-free: 1 (800) 234-5030 Fax: (613) 241-4098 Chicago Area Translators and Interpreters New Mexico Translators and Interpreters [email protected] • www.atio.on.ca Association (CHICATA) Association (NMTIA) P.O. Box 804595 P.O. Box 36263 Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et Chicago, IL 60680-4107 Albuquerque, NM 87176 interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ) Tel: (312) 836-0961 Tel: (505) 352-9258 • Fax: (505) 352-9372 2021 Union Avenue, Suite 1108 [email protected] • www.chicata.org [email protected] Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2S9 www.cybermesa.com/~nmtia Tel: (514) 845-4411 Colorado Translators Association (CTA) Toll-free: (800) 265-4815 941 Cedwick Street The Translators and Interpreters Fax: (514) 845-9903 Lafayette, CO 80026 Guild (TTIG) [email protected] • www.ottiaq.org Tel: (720) 890-7934 962 Wayne Avenue, Suite 500 [email protected] Silver Spring, MD 20910 Society of Translators and Interpreters of www.cta-web.org Tel: (301) 563-6450 • (866) 563-6456 British Columbia (STIBC) Fax: (301) 563-6020 850 W Hastings Street, Suite 514, Box 34 Delaware Translators Network (DTN) [email protected] • www.ttig.org Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue #912 V6C 1E1 Wilmington, DE 19806 Washington State Court Interpreters and Tel: (604) 684-2940 • Fax: (604) 684-2947 Tel: (302) 655-5368 Translators Society (WITS) [email protected] • www.stibc.org [email protected] P.O. Box 1012 Seattle, WA 98111-1012 ENGLAND El Paso Interpreters and Translators Tel: (206) 382-5690 Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) Association (EPITA) www.witsnet.org Fortuna House P.O. Box 27157 South Fifth Street El Paso, TX 79926 International Groups Milton Keynes Tel: (915) 598-4757 or (915) 256-0590 FIT MK9 2EU England [email protected] Fédération Internationale des Tel: +44 (0) 1908 325 250 Traducteurs/International Federation of Fax: +44 (0) 1908 325 259 The Kentucky Translators and Interpreters Translators (FIT) [email protected] • www.iti.org.uk Association (KTIA) 2021 Avenue Union, Bureau 1108 P.O. Box 7468 Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2S9 MEXICO Louisville, KY 40257-0468 Tel: (514) 845-0413 • Fax: (514) 845-9903 Organización Mexicana de Traductores A.C. Tel: (502) 449-4499 [email protected] Capítulo Occidente E-mail: [email protected] www.fit-ift.org Av. Vallarta 1525–304 Col. Americana Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico Metroplex Interpreters and Translators AUSTRALIA Tel: +52-33-3124-0236 Association (MITA) Australian Institute of Interpreters and Fax: +52-33-3124-0237 712 Cornfield Drive Translators, Inc. (AUSIT) [email protected] Arlington, TX 76017 PO Box 1070 www.omt.org.mx Tel: (817) 417-4747 Blackburn North VIC 3130 Australia www.dfw-mita.com Tel: +61 3 9597 9958 PERU [email protected] • www.ausit.org Asociación de Traductores Profesionales National Association of Judiciary del Perú (ATPP) Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) CANADA Casilla Postal 18-0251 603 Stewart Street, Suite 610 Association of Translators and Lima 18 Perú Seattle, WA 98101 Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) Tel: +51 (1) 264-2214 • Fax: +51 (1) 264-5567 Tel: (206) 267-2300 • Fax: (206) 626-0392 P.O. Box 546 [email protected] Main Post Office http://www.atpp.org.pe Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2K8 Tel: (780) 434-8384 www.atia.ab.ca
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 53 DIRECTORY OF LANGUAGE SERVICES To place an ad contact Matt Hicks at 215-321-9662, ext. 19 or [email protected]
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[email protected] Fax 718-783-3336 ADVERTISE IN ATA & WATCH YOUR AD TRANSLATE INTO $$$ Contact Matt Hicks today for rates and information. 215-321-9662 ext. 19 [email protected] Guide to ATA Continuing Education Points ATA-certified translators must earn 20 points of continuing education credit over 3 years, with a maximum of 10 points in any given year, to keep their certification current. Eligible Continuing Education You can earn continuing education points in any of 6 categories. Each has a maximum number of points per year or 3-year reporting period. f you are now certified, your first 3-year Ireporting period ends on January 1, 2007. A. Translation/interpreting courses, seminars, workshops, and conferences If you become ATA-certified after January 1, Points: 1 point per hour for attending translation/interpreting seminars, workshops, and conferences (up to 10 2004, your first reporting period ends 3 years points per event); 1 point per hour for college and university courses (up to 5 points per course); 2 points per hour after the certification date. for teaching/presenting classes, seminars, workshops, and conference sessions. You can begin accruing continuing education Maximum: Up to 10 points in any given year. points on January 1, 2004, or as soon as you No approval required: ATA annual/regional conferences, preconference seminars, and professional development become certified. ATA-certified translators who seminars. ATA chapter and division seminars, conferences, and workshops. Courses, seminars, and conferences offered will be 60 and older on the date their report- by nationally accredited university translation/interpreting programs in the United States. ATA Certification Program grader training. ing period ends are exempt from continuing Approval required (before or after the event): Translation/interpreting courses, seminars, workshops, education requirements. All others must pro- and conferences offered by other translation/interpreting associations in the United States or abroad, or by university vide evidence of their continuing education translation/interpreting programs abroad. Privately offered seminars on translation/interpreting. activities as described here. Approval process: While no approval is required, ATA chapters, divisions, and nationally accredited translation/ Keep track of your continuing education interpreting programs in the United States are encouraged to submit an approval request to ATA Headquarters for record points and supporting documentation: this is keeping prior to their classes, seminars, and conferences. your responsibility. Use the forms on pages For other events, use the forms on pages 57 and 58 to submit instructor credentials and a session abstract, 57 and 58 to request approval, if required, course description, syllabus, conference proceedings, or other supporting documentation to the Certification either before or after the event. ATA Program Manager at ATA Headquarters for approval, either before or after the event. Headquarters will notify you and provide Examples: ATA Spanish Division Mid-Year Conference; NYU Translation Program online courses; Kent State materials for reporting your continuing educa- University’s Terminology Summer Academy; conferences organized by the National Association of Judiciary tion points, when due. Interpreters and Translators. You must earn 1 continuing education point B. Other courses and seminars on the ethics of translation and interpreting Points: 1 point per hour for attending, 2 points per hour for teaching/presenting (up to 2 points per course or seminar). during your first 3-year reporting period. You Maximum: Up to 5 points in a 3-year period. may choose between attending an ethics No approval required: Courses, seminars, and workshops in your area of specialization, such as law, medicine, workshop at the ATA Annual Conference or finance, or technical fields. ATA translation/interpreting ethics workshop. Target-language grammar and writing courses. taking a self-directed course available online Seminars and workshops on translation-support software and other tools of the trade. and in print. The self-directed course is available Approval required (before or after the event): Seminars and workshops on running your business. online at www.atanet.org/acc/ce_online_ Approval process: You will be asked to provide a statement at reporting time attesting that each course, seminar, ethics_component.htm The Continuing Education or workshop relates to your specialization. You can claim the ATA ethics workshop only once. Requirements Committee may approve other For seminars and workshops on running your business, use the forms on pages 57 and 58 to submit instructor credentials ethics classes. and a session abstract, course description, syllabus, conference proceedings, or other supporting documentation to the Certification Program Manager at ATA Headquarters for approval, either before or after the event. Examples: Financial Accounting course at the University of Vermont; California Bar Association online legal continuing education; training sessions on TRADOS, Déjà Vu, Star, Transit, and other translation-support tools; Pharmacological Update at the Georgetown School of Nursing and Health Studies.
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 55 C. Memberships in professional associations Points: 1 point for each current membership in a professional association of each type: translation/ interpreting or specialization-specific. Maximum: Up to 2 points per 3-year period. No approval required: Membership in a translation/interpreting professional association. Approval required: Membership in a specialization-specific professional association. Approval process: You will be asked to provide evidence of membership at reporting time. For specialization-specific professional associations, you will be asked to provide a description of the association and how it relates to your translation work. Examples: ATA and ATA local chapters; National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators; International Association of Conference Interpreters; Austin Area Translators and Interpreters Association; Société Française des Traducteurs; Society for Technical Communication; Society of Automotive Engineers; European Society of Clinical Pharmacy.
D. Mentors, mentees, and ATA Certification Program graders Points: 1 point for each activity per year. Maximum: Up to 6 points per 3-year period. Approval required: ATA certification exam grading. ATA certification exam passage selection. Participating as a mentor or mentee in the ATA Mentoring Program. If you have any questions or Approval process: ATA Certification Program graders must have graded exams or selected passages comments, please contact Terry Hanlen, during the year for which they claim points. Mentors and mentees must provide a statement from the ATA Certification Program Manager, at Mentoring Committee Chair at reporting time. [email protected], or (703) 683-6100, ext. 3004. E. New certifications and accreditations Points: 1 point for each new certification or accreditation acquired from an approved professional organization or government agency. Maximum: Up to 3 points per 3-year period. No approval required: National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators, Federal Court, and foreign sworn translator credentials. Approval required: Other credentials. Approval process: National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators, Federal Court, and foreign sworn translator credentials are pre-approved, but proof must be provided. For other credentials, a description of the criteria for conferring the credential must be submitted to the American Translators Association Certification Program Manager at ATA Headquarters for approval. Attach a copy of the certificate 225 Reinekers Lane awarded to your approval request. Suite 590 Alexandria, VA 22314 F. Authoring articles or books 703.683.6100 Points: 4 points for each new book published; 2 points for each new article published. Fax 703.683.6122 Maximum: Up to 4 points during the 3-year period. www.atanet.org Approval required: Published book on translation/interpreting. Published article on translation/interpreting in a professional journal/publication. (Translating a book or article is not counted as authoring a book or article.) Approval process: Submit a copy of the title page of the book or article with the author’s name.
56 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 Approval Request Form ATA Continuing Education Points (Individuals) 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
Refer to CE Guidelines in print or online at www.atanet.org for further information!
Please print or type.
1. Name of requesting individual: Daytime Phone: ATA Membership Number:
2. Event sponsor’s contact information Name of Sponsor:
Contact Person: Email:
Address:
Phone: Fax:
3. Event/presentation:
4. Brief description of content:
5. Speaker’s name & title:
For conference or multi-day events, please list names and titles of speakers on a separate sheet
6. Date(s) of activity: 7. Time of activity: (from) (to)
8. Number of continuing education points requested:
1 point per hour credit for seminars, workshops, and conferences, with a max.10 points/event; 5 points max./university course
9. Signature of requesting individual: Date:
For ATA Use Only Points approved: Comments:
Reviewed by:
Date:
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 57 Approval Request Form ATA Continuing Education Points (Groups) 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
Refer to CE Guidelines in print or online at www.atanet.org for further information!
Please print or type.
1. Event sponsor’s contact information
Name of Sponsor: ❑ ATA Chapter/Division: ______
❑ Other*: ______
*Approval for non-ATA-sponsored activities must be sought by either the sponsor or the individual attending the activity
Contact Person: Email:
Address:
Phone: Fax:
2. Event/presentation:
3. Brief description of content:
4. Speaker’s name & title:
For conference or multi-day events, please list names and titles of speakers on a separate sheet
5. Date(s) of activity: 6. Time of activity: (from) (to)
7. Number of continuing education points requested:
1 point per hour credit for seminars, workshops, and conferences, with a max.10 points/event; 5 points max./university course
8. Signature of requesting individual: Title: Date:
For ATA Use Only Points approved: Comments:
Reviewed by:
Date:
58 The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 Instructions for Completing ATA Continuing Education Approval Request Forms
General Information: • ATA maintains a database of approved events at which ATA-certified members may earn continuing education points (CEPs). • For events not listed, an ATA approval request form must be completed and submitted to ATA Headquarters. • Approval may be requested either prior to an event or after an event, with the understanding that the approval may be denied if documen- tation is insufficient or if the educational content does not meet ATA criteria. • Individuals and groups requesting CEPs will be notified by ATA Headquarters that the event has been approved for a particular number of CEPs or that approval is denied. • Individuals must keep track of their earned CEPs and report them to ATA Headquarters every three years upon request.
Select one of the following forms to complete: 1. If you represent a chapter, regional group, organization, institution, or other sponsor of activities, complete the Approval Request Form for Groups (page 58). 2. If you are an individual, complete the Approval Request Form for Individuals (page 57).
CEP Request Form for Groups CEP Request Form for Individuals 1) Provide the name and contact information for the group spon- 1) The individual requesting the CEPs must provide his/her ATA soring the event. membership number and sign and date the form. a) Check the appropriate box for your group and provide the 2) Provide the name and contact information for the group spon- group’s name. soring the event. b) “Other” can include affiliated groups, international transla- tion organizations, and universities. All ATA chapter educational events are automatically eligi- ble for continuing education points. Events not sponsored All ATA chapter educational events are automatically eligi- by ATA or ATA chapters must be approved individually. ble for continuing education points. Events not sponsored Approval may be denied if documentation is insufficient or by ATA or ATA chapters must be approved individually. if the educational content does not meet ATA criteria. Approval may be denied if documentation is insufficient or if the educational content does not meet ATA criteria. 3) Provide the name of the event or presentation. 4) Provide a brief description of the content of the event or pres- 2) Provide the name of the event or presentation. entation—two or three sentences should be sufficient. 3) Provide a brief description of the content of the event or pres- 5) Provide the speaker’s name and title. entation—two or three sentences should be sufficient. a) If this is a single session, one name and descriptive title are 4) Provide the speaker’s name and title. sufficient. a) If this is a single session, one name and descriptive title are b) If this is a conference or multi-day event, provide all names sufficient. and titles on a separate page. b) If this is a conference or multi-day event, provide all names 6) Provide the date(s) of the event. and titles on a separate page. 7) Provide the starting and ending times. 5) Provide the date(s) of the event. a) If this is a conference or multi-day event, provide the num- 6) Provide the starting and ending times. ber of session-hours for each day of the event—session a) If this is a conference or multi-day event, provide the num- hours do not include breaks or meals. ber of session hours for each day of the event. Session 8) Provide the number of CEPs you are requesting—one hour of hours do not include breaks or meals. creditworthy activity equals one CEP. 7) Provide the number of CEPs you are requesting for your atten- dees—one hour of creditworthy activity equals one CEP—no partial hours can be counted. 8) The form must be signed and dated by the individual recom- mending the presentation or event for CEP approval.
REMINDER • ATA offers 1 CEP per hour for approved seminars, workshops, conferences, and presentations based on full hours (not including meals and breaks), up to a maximum of 10 CEPs per event. No partial hours will be counted. • ATA offers a maximum of 5 CEPs for an approved college, university, or other course regardless of its length. • The requesting group or individual will be notified if ATA does not approve the number of points requested. • When reporting points, an ATA member is allowed a maximum of 10 CEPs for any given year.
The ATA Chronicle | September 2005 59 American Translators Association 46th Annual Conference GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS $3,700 Contribution $2,700 Contribution SDL International CLS Communication, Inc. www.sdl.com/products www.cls-communication.com Idem Translations, Inc. Interested in becoming a www.idemtranslations.com Sponsor or an Exhibitor? Contact Matthew Hicks at NetworkOmni Multilingual [email protected] Communications or (215) 321-9662, ext. 19. www.networkomni.com 46th Annual Conference Exhibitors As of August 1, 2005
1-Stop Translation Kent State University, New York University www.1stoptr.com Institute for Applied Linguistics www.scps.nyu.edu appling.kent.edu Accent on Languages Northwest Interpreters, Inc. www.accentonlanguages.com LanguageWorks, Inc. www.nwservices.com www.languageworks.com Adler's Foreign Books Schreiber Publishing www.afb-adlers.com Language Line Services www.schreibernet.com www.languageline.com American Red Cross SDL International www.redcross.org Lexis-Nexis/Martindale-Hubbell www.sdl.com/products Law Directory Association of Language www.martindale.com/resources Sinometrics Companies www.sinometrics.com www.alcus.org Monterey Institute of International Studies, Telelanguage Inc. Atril Graduate School of www.telelanguage.com www.atril.com Translation and Interpretation Terminotix Inc. Beetext Productivity Solutions www.miis.edu/ www.terminotix.com www.beetext.com gsti-about-dean.html Translation Bureau/ CLS Communication, Inc. Multicorpora R&D Bureau de la traduction www.cls-communication.com www.multicorpora.com www.termium.com Defense Language Institute, MultiLing Corporation TransPerfect Translations Foreign Language Center www.multiling.com www.transperfect.com www.dliflc.edu National Center for TripleInk Dynamic Language Center Interpretation, www.tripleink.com www.dlc-usa.com University of Arizona U.S. Department of State, nci.arizona.edu Federal Bureau of Investigation Office of Language Services www.fbijobs.com NetworkOmni Multilingual www.state.gov Communications InTrans Book Service www.networkomni.com WordFinder Software www.intransbooks.com International New York University John Benjamins Publishing Co. www.wordfinder.com www.scps.nyu.edu www.benjamins.com
60 SeeSee WhatWhat We’veWe’ve GotGot Brewin’in...Brewin’in... SEATTLE
46th Annual Conference of the American Translators Association
The Westin Seattle l Seattle, Washington l November 9-12, 2005 Features Over 175 educational sessions that cover topics in a variety of languages and specialties, offering something for everyone
A multitude of networking events that allow you to connect with over 1,200 translators and interpreters from throughout the U.S. and around the world
Opportunities to promote your services and interview with language services companies at the Job Marketplace
An exhibit hall that brings companies together for you to see the latest software, publications, and products available that fit your unique needs Register Register today to take advantage of special Early-Bird rates, available until October 3. See the following page for the Conference Registration Form or register online at www.atanet.org/conf2005.
Join ATA to register at the discounted ATA Member rate. For an application, contact ATA or join online at www.atanet.org/membapp.htm.
Don't miss this opportunity to network, meet newcomers and seasoned professionals, market yourself and your skills, reunite with friends and colleagues, and have fun!
Hotel The Westin Seattle is located in downtown Seattle, 15 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and within walking distance to Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
Special Room Rates for ATA Conference Attendees (exclusive of tax) Single: $179 l Double: $194 l Triple: $204 l Quad: $214
Take advantage of this special rate, available only until October 19. Call (800) WESTIN-1 (937-8461) and tell them you’re attending the ATA Conference. The Westin Seattle, 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101 Phone: (206) 728-1000, Fax: (206) 728-2007; www.westin.com/seattle 46th Annual Conference of the Conference Registration Form American Translators Association
The Westin Seattle Last Name First Name Middle ATA Membership# Seattle, Washington Nov. 9-12, 2005 Employer/School (Only list employer or school if you want it to appear on your badge.) o Street Address Join ATA & Save City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Receive discounted registration fees as well as Telephone Fax Email 3 months free membership when you register for the Registration Fees ATA Member Nonmember ATA Student conference and join ATA Early-bird (available until October 3): $295 $390 $145 at the same time! One-day (indicate day ______): $150 $195 N/A To take advantage of this special offer, After October 3: $355 $470 $170 register online at One-day (indicate day ______): $180 $235 N/A www.atanet.org/conf2005. Onsite (after October 21): $430 $565 $190 o One-day (indicate day ______): $215 $285 N/A Cancellation Policy Note: One-day and student registrants do not receive a copy of the Proceedings. Registration Fees= $ Cancellation requests Preconference Fees received in writing by Seminar A 9am-12noon FREE Seminar H 9am-12noon $50 Seminar O 2-5pm $50 Oct. 21, 2005 are eligible for a refund, subject to Seminar B 9am-12noon $50 Seminar I 9am-12noon $50 Seminar P 2-5pm $50 a $25 administrative Seminar C 9am-12noon $50 Seminar J 9am-12noon $50 Seminar Q 2-5pm $50 fee. Refunds will not be Seminar D 9am-12noon $50 Seminar K 2-5pm $50 Seminar R 2-5pm $50 honored after Oct. 21. Seminar E 9am-12noon $50 Seminar L 2-5pm $50 Seminar S 2-5pm $50 o Seminar F 9am-12noon $50 Seminar M 2-5pm $50 Seminar T 2-5pm $50 Seminar G 9am-12noon $50 Seminar N 2-5pm $50 3 Ways to Register Preconference Fees= $ Register online at Special Event Tickets www.atanet.org/conf2005 Translation Company Division Dessert Reception, Wednesday 8-10pm $25 per person x _____ = $ ______Fax registration form to German Language Division Happy Hour, Thursday 7-8pm $25 per person x _____ = $ ______(703) 683-6122 Medical Division Reception, Thursday 8-9pm $25 per person x _____ = $ ______Mail registration form to Closing Banquet, Saturday 7-9pm $55 per person x _____ = $ ______ATA, 225 Reinekers Lane, Round Robin Tennis Tournament, Thursday 4-6:30pm $25 per person x _____ = $ ______Suite 590, Alexandria, (Please indicate: Casual Player Avid Player) Virginia 22314 Special Event Tickets= $ o Payment Total Payment (include membership dues from reverse side, if applicable)= $ Check/Money Order: Please make payable, through a U.S. bank in U.S. funds, to the American Translators Association Don’t Forget Credit Card: VISA MasterCard AMEX Discover Include payment with your form Credit Card Number Expiration Date Make your hotel reservations Name on Card Signature
Tell a friend about Please indicate if you require special accessibility or assistance and attach a sheet with your requirements. this event Yes, I would like to take part in the Job Marketplace. N ATIONAL S ECURITY A GENCY
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NSA has a critical need for individuals with the following language capabilities:
> Arabic > Chinese > Farsi > Korean
For a complete list of languages or to apply online, visit our Web site.
www.NSA.gov/careers U.S. citizenship is required. NSA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, WHERE INTELLIGENCE GOES TO WORK national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a parent. 3BJTJOHUIF4UBOEBSE
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