September 2004 Volume XXXIII Number 9 TheThe

ChronicleChronicle A Publication of the American Translators Association

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Features

A Publication of 18 Treasury Department Responds to ATA on Freedom to Translate the American By Kirk Anderson Translators Association 19 ATA Medical Seminar: An Attendee’s Perspective By Deb Kramasz Editor ATA’s Medical Translation and Interpreting Seminar in Minneapolis not only provided Jeff Sanfacon specialized and difficult-to-find information, but also gave participants a welcome [email protected] networking opportunity. Proofreader 20 CIATI Conference in Brazil Spotlights ATA Speakers: Focus on Literary Margaret L. Hallin Translation By Alexandra Russell-Bitting Design/Layout Some 900 linguists descended on the Universidade Iberoamericana to explore the theme Ellen Banker/Amy Peloff of “New Times, an Old Art—Translation, Technology, Talent.” Advertising Drew MacFadyen 22 The Proper Care and Feeding of Humans: Human Resources Basics for Translation Companies McNeill Group Inc. By Kim Vitray dmacfadyen@ Your human resources—your employees—are your most important assets. Here is some mcneill-group.com basic information about how to manage their employment process—from hiring to (215) 321-9662 ext. 37 performance evaluations and termination. Fax: (215) 321-9636 27 Translating at the U.S. Department of State: Past, Present, and Future Executive Director By Joseph P. Mazza Walter Bacak The State Department’s Office of Language Services (LS) has been providing translations [email protected] to the nation’s diplomats and policy makers for over 200 years. Generations of staff translators, including many colorful figures, have helped LS develop a high level of Membership and institutional expertise in the rarefied art of diplomatic translation. General Information Maggie Rowe [email protected] Columns and Departments website: www.atanet.org 9 From the President 10 From the Executive Director 11 From the President-elect 16 Marketplace 17 Profiles in Continuing Education 49 Certification Forum 51 The Onionskin 53 Dictionary Reviews 56 The Translation Inquirer 58 Humor and Translation 61 Directory of Language Services 61 ATA Certification Exam Information 61 New ATA-certified Members

American Translators Association 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590 • Alexandria VA 22314 Tel: (703) 683-6100 • Fax (703) 683-6122 E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.atanet.org 2004 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 Submission Deadline: December 1 month of publication (i.e., June 1 for August issue). 2. Articles should not exceed 3,500 words. Articles containing words or phrases in non-European March writing systems (e.g., Japanese, Arabic) should be submitted by mail and fax. Focus: Marketing 3. Include your fax, phone, e-mail, and mailing address on the first page. Submission Deadline: January 1 4. Include a brief abstract (two sentences maximum) emphasizing the most salient points of your article. The abstract will be included in the table of contents. April 5. Include a brief biography (three sentences maximum) along with a picture (color or B/W). Please Focus: Client Education Submission Deadline: February 1 be sure to specify if you would like your photo returned. Do not send irreplaceable photos. 6. In addition to a hard copy version of the article, please submit an electronic version either on May disk or via e-mail ([email protected]). Focus: Market Segments 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: Public Relations/ Professional Outreach 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 Focus: Science and Technology Submission Deadline: May 1 An Easy Reference To ATA Member Benefits August Focus: Medical Translating Your ATA membership has never been more valuable. Take advantage of the discounted programs and and Interpreting services available to you as an ATA member. Be sure to tell these companies you are an ATA member and Submission Deadline: June 1 refer to any codes provided below. September Business Owners Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Focus: Interpreting Hays Affinity Solutions (HAYS) Mutual of Omaha Submission Deadline: July 1 (866) 310-4297 • (202) 263-4016 (800) 223-6927 • (402) 342-7600 [email protected] or Laura www.atanet.org/mutual.htm October McCormick—[email protected] Focus: Legal Translating/Interpreting www.hayscompanies.com Overnight Delivery/Express Package Service Submission Deadline: August 1 UPS Collection Services/Receivables Management Reference Code: C0000700415 November/December Dun & Bradstreet (800) 325-7000 Focus: Training and Pedagogy Mike Horoski www.ups.com Submission Deadline: (800) 333-6497 ext. 7226 September 1 (484) 242-7226 Professional Liability Insurance [email protected] Hays Affinity Solutions (HAYS) (866) 310-4297 • (202) 263-4016 Credit Card Acceptance Program/Professional [email protected] or Moving? Find an Services Account [email protected] NOVA Information Systems http://www.haysaffinity.com error with your Reference Code: HCDA address? (888) 545-2207 • (770) 649-5700 Retirement Programs Washington Pension Center We’ve done everything possible to MasterCard (888) 817-7877 • (301) 941-9179 ensure that your address is correct. But MBNA America sometimes errors do occur. If you find Reference Code: IFKV Website Development that the information on the mailing label (800) 847-7378 • (302) 457-2165 Two Rad Technologies is inaccurate or out of date, please let us [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 publi- Fax (703) 683-6122 • cations, and you are eligible to join ATA Divisions, participate in the online Translation Services Directory, and much [email protected] more. For more information, contact ATA (703) 683-6100; fax (703) 683-6122; and e-mail: [email protected].

4 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 32 The Embassy Translator: A Connecting Link Between Cultures and Countries By Cheryl A. Fain The ATA Chronicle (ISSN 1078-6457) is published Through translating and editing embassy documents with a U.S. reader or audience in monthly, except bi-monthly mind, a translator for a foreign embassy in the U.S. plays a vital role in helping the in November/December, embassy to accomplish its mission and achieve its goals. by the American Translators Association, 36 An Exercise in the Organization of Interpreting Services at High-Level 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590, Alexandria, VA Diplomatic Conferences 22314. Periodicals By Georganne Weller postage paid at This article deals with simultaneous interpreting services at a specific high-level Alexandria, Virginia, and diplomatic event and stresses the key role played by the chief interpreter. additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The 40 Invisible in the Spotlight: Interpreting for Film and Performing Artists ATA Chronicle, 225 By Ellen Sowchek Reinekers Lane, Suite The consecutive interpreter working with film and performing artists has the privilege 590, Alexandria, VA of being able to assist them in communicating their works and ideas to the public. It is 22314. The American Translators Association incredibly rewarding, but it requires considerable preparation and, on occasion, is not (ATA) was established in for the faint-of-heart. 1959 as a not-for-profit professional society to 44 Lunch with a Legend foster and support the By Tanya Gesse© professional development of translators and An interview with Peter Less, who served as an interpreter at the Nuremberg War interpreters and to Crimes Tribunal. promote the translation and interpreting professions. The subscription rate for a member is $43 (included Display Advertising Index in the dues payment). The U.S. subscription rate for a non-member is $50. 63 Atril 8 US State Dept. Office of Language Svcs. Subscribers in Canada www.atril.com www.state.gov and Mexico add $25; all other non-U.S. 62 Language Masters 64 TRADOS Corporation subscribers add $45. www.languagemasters.com www.translationzone.com Single copies are available for $5 per issue. 7 Central Intelligence Agency 62 Terminotix, Inc www.cia.gov www.terminotix.com Reprint Permission: 8 GMT Italian Language Services 62 WordFinder Software International AB Requests for permission to www.gmt-ils.it www.wordfinder.com reprint articles should be sent to the Chronicle editor 2 National Security Agency (NSA) at [email protected]. www.nsa.gov

This compilation of articles from ATA publications is a comprehensive resource for translating and Medical Translation interpreting in the medical field. and Interpreting: $20 Members • $25 Nonmembers A Resource Guide Order online—atanet.org—or call Headquarters at 703.683.6100.

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 5 About Our Authors...

Cheryl A. Fain has been Romance languages at the Department of Sephardic Film Festival, and Dance on the in-house translator the Navy. He was promoted to reviewer Film. Contact: [email protected]. and editor for the at LS in 1993, added Italian to his roster, Embassy of Switzerland in and was named chief of the Romance Kim Vitray has been Washington since 1994, Branch at LS in 2003. During his 15 operations manager at and has over 20 years of years at the State Department, he has McElroy Translation in professional experience. Her translations helped to build up the electronic and Austin, Texas, since have been published in The Washington library resources available to staff trans- February 1999. She is Post, The Kennedy Center Stagebill, The lators and interpreters, to revise the LS also currently the assis- Swiss American Review, Vision: Science Handbook (the LS guide to written tant administrator of ATA’s Translation and Innovation Made in Switzerland, English style and usage), and to overhaul Company Division. Prior to joining International Journal of the Georg translation testing procedures. Contact: McElroy, she was the production man- Fischer Corporation, and in the proceed- [email protected]. ager for a niche medical and scientific ings of the 1998 Bavois Latsis Forum. An publishing company, also in Austin, for ATA-certified translator from German and Alexandra Russell- 12 years. She has 15 years of experience French into English, she holds an M.A. in Bitting has been a staff in small business operations and human German-English translation from the translator-reviser at a resources management, and holds a Monterey Institute of International Washington-based inter- Professional in Human Resources certifi- Studies, and spent a year at the national organization for cation from the Society for Human University of Salzburg in Austria as an 16 years, working from Resources Management. Contact: undergraduate. Contact: French, Spanish, and Portuguese into [email protected]. [email protected] or English. She has worked freelance for [email protected]. other international organizations such as Georganne Weller UNESCO, the Pan American Health obtained her Ph.D. in Tanya Gesse is a Organization, and the Organization of applied linguistics from conference interpreter of American States, as well as for the U.S. the University of English, Russian, German, Department of State. She has taught Delaware and her M.S. in and Hebrew based in translation at Georgetown University and sociolinguistics from Chicago. Contact: the Université de Paris VIII. She is vice- Georgetown University. She has been a [email protected]. president of the National Capital Area professor of interpretation and transla- Chapter of ATA, an active member of tion for many years, as well as an aca- Deb Kramasz has been ATA, a regular contributor to the ATA demic director at the Instituto de involved in the translation Chronicle, and serves on ATA’s Public Intérpretes de Chile, the University of industry since 1987 as a Relations Committee. Contact: Delaware, the Center for Interpretation freelance translator, [email protected]. and Translation at the University of agency owner, and now Hawaii, and the Instituto de Intérpretes y as a language consultant Ellen Sowchek is an ATA- Traductores in Mexico City. She is cur- at Prisma International, a global commu- certified French→English rently the co-director of Centro de nications company in Minneapolis, translator and interpreter Estudios de Lingüistica Aplicada in Minnesota. She is a founding member of based in New York. She Mexico City, a freelance interpreter for the Upper Midwest Translators and has translated scripts, dia- the Free Trade Area of the Americas trade Interpreters Association, an ATA chapter, logue treatments, legal negotiations in Puebla, Mexico, and is and holds a B.A. in technical communica- documents, press materials, and film active in the design of T&I programs for tions. Contact: [email protected]. credits for many films. As an interpreter, the Indian languages of Mexico. She she has worked with a number of major holds federal certification in court inter- Joseph P. Mazza (B.A., French choreographers, dancers, film preting and a contract with the U.S. international politics, directors, and actors, individually and in Department of State and the Canadian George Washington venues such as Lincoln Center, the government for conference and seminar University, 1984) joined Walter Reade Theater, the Joyce Theater, interpreting. She was recently awarded the U.S. State Department’s Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the Premio Malintzin by the Colegio Office of Language Florence Gould Hall, and at a number of Mexicano de Intérpretes de Conferencia Services (LS) in 1989 as a translator of film festivals, including the New York for outstanding contributions to the pro- Spanish, Portuguese, and French into Film Festival, Rendez-Vous with New fession of conference interpretation in English, having previously spent five French Cinema (Film Society of Lincoln Mexico. Contact: [email protected] years as a translator of Russian and Center), the Jewish Film Festival, the or [email protected].

6 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

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Call for Candidates: Putting a Human Face on Linguists

“The American public doesn’t understand the relationship between interpreters and translators and their own prosperity, well-being, and security,” said former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers in November 1999, acknowledging an image vacuum that plagues language service providers.

One way to raise awareness, she told her ATA audience, is to “put a human face on the translators and interpreters who are out there doing the hard work.” To connect translation to the lives of the American public by telling the story of translators on the job, “whether it’s at the Olympics or at a trade summit, or as part of some private business deal.”

ATA’s PR Committee agrees. And in our ongoing effort to raise awareness of the profession, we will be profiling a selection of translators and interpreters drawn from the association’s membership this year.

If you have a story to tell—an interesting assignment, a notable success, an unusual language combina- tion, or simply a passion for your work—please contact us. If you can recommend a colleague with a story, we’re interested, too. You provide the background, we’ll do the write-up. Send a brief description of what makes your practice special to [email protected] (mark your mail “translator profile candidate”), and help us promote the profession!

Kevin Hendzel Chris Durban Co-chair, ATA Public Relations Committee Co-chair, ATA Public Relations Committee [email protected] [email protected]

8 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 Scott Brennan From the President [email protected] Talk to Me

his year I celebrate my tenth ation issues. It is located in the I encourage you to contact me directly anniversary with the American Members Only section of ATA’s web- at (703) 997-0063, [email protected], T Translators Association. When I site at www.atanet.org (click on ATA or 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590, first discovered ATA in 1994, I had only Forum). ATA’s divisions host listservs Alexandria, VA 22314. I had an inter- been translating a few years. Before devoted to the technical and practical esting conversation recently with a col- then, I scarcely knew other translators aspects of our working lives. league, who mused that some members and interpreters like me existed! At the annual conference this year in might have qualms, rooted in their At my first annual conference, Toronto, you are cordially invited to home culture, about initiating a conver- fellow Italian translators welcomed me Breakfast with the Board every day. We sation with the president of an organi- warmly into their circle, and I still con- are there to listen. (Okay, maybe to get zation. Please don’t feel that way. sider them among my closest friends in some coffee, too.) There is also a spe- Talking with colleagues is one of the the association. Volunteering has cial session on Thursday morning fol- most personally enriching aspects of steadily broadened that initial circle. lowing the elections for you to share my work with the association. For me, ATA’s lifeblood has always your views with ATA Board members Since all ATA officers and directors been the rewarding relationships and in a less structured format than the are translators or interpreters who serve exchange of ideas with other translators annual business meeting allows. In the association as volunteers, on com- and interpreters. addition, ATA Board meetings are plex issues it may take the Board a little I and the other ATA officers and always open to members. time to determine the association’s directors are committed to listening Please ask questions. We are a com- position and provide a response. But and responding on the basis of input plex organization with over a hundred our commitment to ATA members is we receive from you. I make a point volunteers working on a range of ini- absolute. We welcome any suggestions of phoning other ATA members for tiatives at all times. I am one of just a or comments that you wish to provide. their opinions, and I encourage you to few with a bird’s-eye view. We have a We take them seriously, and we con- communicate your views to me and long history of working through sider the totality of the input we receive other colleagues through any of the complex issues within the association. in determining what actions ATA many channels available. Sometimes a missing piece of infor- should take. For example, ATA maintains a mation is all it takes to clear up a I’m listening. So talk to me. forum for members to discuss associ- misconception or misunderstanding.

TIP-Lab 11th Annual Distance Spanish Translation/Revision Workshop

TIP-Lab is pleased to announce its 11th Annual Distance Spanish Translation/Revision Workshop, scheduled from February to July 2005. Participants will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Excellent command of both Spanish and English is a requirement. In the course of the workshop, four texts will be translated by the participants, reviewed by Leandro Wolfson, a professional translator from Argentina, and returned to each translator with revisions, annotated comments, and a model translation selected each month from the group. As in previous years, application for continuing education credit will be submitted to the Judicial Council of California, the Washington State Courts, and ATA. Registration is open. Space is limited and has filled very quickly in the past. For further information and to request a brochure with the registration form, call, fax or e-mail: TIP-Lab, c/o Alicia Marshall (847) 869-4889 (phone/fax), e-mail: [email protected].

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 9 Walter Bacak, CAE From the Executive Director [email protected] Board Meeting Highlights

he American Translators Southeastern Pennsylvania, Central and beneficial to the association. Association Board of Directors Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, However, the final decision will be T met July 24-25 in San Francisco, brings the number of ATA chapters to 14. made only after direct input is California, as an opportunity to scout solicited and received from the mem- hotels for the 2008 Annual Conference. Continuing Education Require- bership. You will receive a formal The Board also got a chance to meet ments Committee. Former ATA request for your input by e-mail, and and talk with 50 local ATA members Director and Past Japanese Language member views are always welcome at who attended a special reception. As Division Administrator Izumi Suzuki [email protected]. always, the Board meeting was open to was appointed chair of the Continuing all members. Education Requirements Committee. 2005: Year of Languages. The Here are some other highlights. This committee oversees the contin- Board endorsed the American uing education requirements for the Council on the Teaching of Foreign Candidates for ATA Board of certification program. Languages initiative to nationally Directors. The 2004 Nominating promote language in the coming year Committee presented the Board with Chronicle Editorial Policy. The as “2005: Year of Languages.” The the slate of candidates for the 2004 Board established an ad hoc com- cost for ATA supporting this initiative elections. Elections will be held for mittee to draft a formal Chronicle will be minimal while the benefits four directors at the ATA Annual editorial policy. Leading this initia- could be substantial through broader Conference in Toronto. Running for tive will be former Chronicle public awareness of the need for the three open three-year terms on the Assistant Editor R. Michael Conner, language competency in the U.S. Board are Robert Croese, Nicholas who currently edits the Austin Area Hartmann, Dorothee Racette, Tony Translators and Interpreters Associ- The minutes of the meeting Roder, and Robert Sette. Beatriz ation newsletter. He has assembled a will be posted in the Members Bonnet will run to serve the one year team of experienced ATA division Only section of ATA’s website remaining in the term of Laura and chapter newsletter volunteers, (www.atanet.org/membersonly). Past Wolfson, who resigned earlier this and will be requesting your direct meeting minutes are also posted on year. For the candidates’ statements input on the draft policy before it the site. The next Board meeting is and election procedures, see page 12. becomes official. set for October 16-17 in conjunction with the Annual Conference in New Chapter. The Board welcomed Membership Directory. The Toronto. As always, the meeting is the Delaware Valley Translators Board agreed in principle that discon- open to all members of the ATA. Association as ATA’s newest local tinuing publication of the printed chapter. DVTA, which encompasses ATA Membership Directory would be

Spread the Word

Does your local library carry the Chronicle? Help spread the word about professional translation and interpreting. Next time you go to your local library, take a copy of the Chronicle and recommend that they subscribe. You’ll be reaching out to future colleagues and clients.

10 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 Marian S. Greenfield From the President-Elect [email protected] A Couple of Weeks to Go….

…then it’s Toronto, here we come! and Saturday) satisfies the “Anatomy of an Autopsy”; “Tax and or obvious reasons, I’ve been Certification Ethics Requirement to Financial Legislation”; “Translating thinking a lot about Toronto. be fulfilled during the first three-year Controlled and Non-Controlled F Even though I was there as a kid period after certification (or for those Pharmaceutical Documents”; “Sex- when my dad was attending a con- of us who have been accredited/certi- ually Transmitted Diseases”; “Doing vention, I didn’t really see the sights fied since before the requirements, Business with the Government”; as (and, therefore, was bored silly, since during the present three-year period). well as several sessions for independent it was a bunch of sales meetings and In addition to the more intimate contractors and interpreters. had nothing to do with languages or “Breakfast with the Board,” we have Some annual attractions that will translation). I don’t intend to make added a session immediately fol- return include the incomparable Ed that mistake twice! lowing Thursday’s election for mem- Berger (this time presenting on “The Since I’ve never been to Niagara bers to “Chat with the Board—WE World of Plastics”), the “Slavic Falls, a couple of friends and I are ARE LISTENING.” The entire ATA Game Show,” and, as mentioned in contemplating driving up a few days Board will be on hand to discuss June, the “Translation Tools Forum,” early, perhaps taking the ferry from whatever issues are on your mind in a along with a great variety of Rochester, hopefully taking one of slightly more structured setting. Pre-Conference Seminars. the boat rides under the Falls, seeing If you would like an even more After hours, there are the usual divi- some of the other sites, and just gen- formal look at the inner workings of sion dinners and receptions, the Book erally enjoying a little getaway. the Board, listen in on the Board Splash organized by Director Kirk Some additional possibilities meeting Saturday afternoon or Anderson, and the tennis tournament include the casinos, winery tours, Sunday morning. The public is organized by Director Rob Croese. biking, and outlet shopping. There’s invited to speak briefly to the Board And don’t forget your resumes and also great theater and dining available at the end of each session. business cards for the Job Marketplace for a lot less than you would pay in In keeping with our focus on inter- and Thursday’s Networking Session, my beloved New York City. preting and as a follow-up to the article hosted jointly with the Association of Remember, unless you’re already in by Tanya Gesse that appears in this Translators and Interpreters of Ontario. Canada, you’ll be crossing the border issue (see page 44), the Interpreters And, of course, you’ll want to and will need proper identification (in Division has invited Mr. Peter Less, finish the weekend at the Closing these times of heightened security, a who will present “Speaking with a Banquet, with background music pro- passport is highly recommended even History Maker: An Interpreter at the vided by ATA member Silvia Zehn, for U.S. citizens). For identification Nuremberg Trials.” Don’t miss this followed by the Conference Dance, requirements, visit www.cic.gc.ca. The opportunity to hear the emotional story with entertainment arranged by party preliminary program you received with of one of the earliest simultaneous promoter extraordinaire Alzi Platts. the July Chronicle lists several other interpreters. That ties in well with the If you haven’t registered yet, please useful websites on page 5 that you can video we are planning to show in the do so as soon as possible. If you need use to help plan your trip. Sheraton’s movie theater, “The flight reservations, check out the dis- And then there’s a little matter of con- Interpreters: A Historical Perspective.” counts offered by Air Canada, the offi- ference activities, some of which I men- To give you a quick idea of the range cial airline of the 45th Annual tioned in my June column (page 11). of sessions, offerings include Arabic, Conference. To take advantage of these One that I want to remind all ATA- Canadian English, Chinese, Dutch, discounts, cite ATA’s convention certified members about is the French, German, Haitian Creole, number, CV042935. Also, be sure to “Workshop on the ATA Code of Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, make your reservation at the Sheraton. Professional Conduct and Business Russian, Spanish, and Swedish ses- Finally, for full details on the con- Practices” that Courtney Searls- sions. Of course, the topics are also ference and to register, visit Ridge will present. As I mentioned in quite diverse, including: “French www.atanet.org/conf2004. June, this session (which will be pre- Contract Law for Translators”; See you in October!!!!! sented twice in Toronto, on Thursday “Journals from Acronymland”;

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 11 ATA 2004 Elections: Candidate Statements

The election this year is to fill four directors’ positions. Three of the positions are three-year terms and the fourth is a one-year term to serve the time remaining in the term of Laura Wolfson, who resigned earlier this year. The ballots will be mailed in late September.

Director Board is certainly listening to the director and secretary of the associa- (three-year term) members, but communication in this tion from 1988 through 1996, ATA Robert A. Croese age of instant information and feed- experienced rapid and sometimes [email protected] back could be improved. awkward growth, organizational and During my three years on the financial uncertainty, and internal per- I am truly honored to have been Board, I have also had the privilege of sonality conflicts that sometimes led nominated for a second term as ATA chairing the Chapters Committee. to factional strife. Nevertheless, many Board director. My three years have Not only have we been able to visit good things emerged from this tur- gone by quickly since I was elected several chapter conferences and moil: our Headquarters were moved during those shaky, post 9-11 days at meetings, but we also increased the to Washington, DC; an outstanding the Los Angeles conference. At that number of chapters from 10 to 14. executive director and his capable time, we were all nervous about air Nevertheless, the impetus of chapter staff put us on a firm administrative travel, and although travel seems to growth and activities comes primarily footing; and the accreditation system have normalized, the world in which from the great volunteers of the chap- came under increasingly close we live has changed drastically— ters themselves, as well as from the scrutiny. Since then, ATA’s member- probably forever. Our industry has tireless help provided by ATA ship has continued to grow, and our also changed. Some old customers Headquarters and my fellow com- association has established itself as an have gone and new ones have come. mittee members. authoritative source of information And as I look at my book shelves, I If elected, I will be able to con- about the language professions. see that I reach less for the technical tribute more to Board activities by But the mere fact of being a large and more for the legal/financial and virtue of having gained a lot of association with national stature does the medical and pharmaceutical dic- knowledge, insight, and experience not mean our problems are behind us: tionaries. Our tools have changed during my time on the Board. I would size creates its own challenges, from dial-up modems to 24/7 broad- like to carry on as an active partici- because size means diversity. We as band Internet and e-mail, from pant by continuing to listen to the translators and interpreters are espe- receiving lengthy faxes to PDF attach- membership as well as to my capable cially diverse in terms of our profes- ments, and from customers calling us fellow Board members, and by sional histories. We come to our by phone to e-mailing, and expecting working hard to make our association activities along so many different an e-mail reply within a short amount responsive to the needs of all. pathways that we seldom share the of time. Our market is more global I am proud to have been involved in core formative experiences—bar and we now compete with colleagues the translation world and in ATA for exams, medical internships, appren- from around the world. We used to get many years, and I have had the pleasure ticeships—that help to shape other our information and meet brilliant of helping others pursue this rewarding professions. Because we work in so colleagues on Compuserve’s FLEFO, linguistic profession and make it their many languages, specialties, and and now we get information from career. As the demand for cross-cultural environments, and because we have Google and meet colleagues on list- communication increases, there is a not all arrived (or needed to arrive) servs, at conferences, and seminars. need for many more good translators through the same pipeline of profes- I believe the ATA Board is doing and interpreters. sional education, we cannot all claim well by pursuing a steady course to I will be happy to serve another to have mastered the same funda- strengthen the image of our profession three years on the Board if you mental body of knowledge. This will through media relations, the certifica- should choose to elect me. always set us apart from lawyers, tion program, professional develop- doctors, and even electricians. ment, continuing education, and by Director The recent institution of a continuing supporting local chapters and affiliated (three-year term) education (CE) requirement and a groups in all these endeavors. I have Nicholas Hartmann “points” system could be viewed as an seen that our association, with its vol- [email protected] effort to create a professional “glue” unteer leaders, is staying the long-term within ATA to compensate for the course, while also answering the call Some of ATA’s “good old days” absence of a universal educational back- of short-term challenges. The ATA were pretty bad. During my terms as ground. Some cohesion is certainly

12 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 necessary given the potential for frag- my choices kept returning to lan- have the privilege to be in close touch mentation within the association. guages. I have traveled extensively with many actual and prospective Agency owners, literary translators, and have lived in places as diverse as members of ATA. If elected, the interpreters, and specialists in many Germany, Argentina, Mexico, strengths I can contribute to the Board languages all have their own divisions Thailand, Tanzania, and the U.S., include my familiarity with the asso- in which they can feel at home, but the giving me insights into a great variety ciation structure, coalition building danger exists that these varied interests of cultural perceptions and applica- abilities, and the conviction that and goals may become antagonistic. In tions of language. I hold a B.A. in member concerns deserve to be heard its present state, however, the CE Spanish and an M.A. in German, and and discussed in the association, even system does not seem capable of cre- have worked as a language teacher, if they are controversial. I believe ating either a professional experience tutor, editor, economic development ATA will be made stronger with its that ATA members will want to share specialist, and business administrator. ability to openly discuss issues that with one another, or a credible qualifi- I am now self-employed as a free- are of concern to members. cation for translators and interpreters lance translator out of my home in In reaching out to other organiza- vis-à-vis clients and the public. To the upstate New York, and hold ATA cer- tions abroad and to the chapters and contrary, it is already being perceived tifications in the language pairs divisions within our association, we as simplistic, as an imposition rather German→English and English→ find that many best practice examples than an opportunity, and as something German. I primarily translate in the already exist. Learning from others and that “they” (ATA) are telling “us” (its medical field. advancing our profession through con- members) to do. If that perception per- The introduction of the division tinuing education are the cornerstones sists—if the association’s leadership concept within ATA has had a strong of my motivation to serve as a director. and its members drift apart—the bad appeal to me since the beginning. I fol- If elected, I will work diligently toward old days will be upon us again. lowed the development of ATA’s improving communication between If I am given the opportunity to German Language Division with great the different membership groups in the serve again on the Board of interest, and was elected administrator association and making sure all per- Directors, I will work to clarify our of the GLD in 2000. Serving for two spectives, and particularly those of own understanding of what we do as terms as an administrator has helped freelancers, are taken into account language professionals, and to ensure me get key insights into the structure when policy decisions are made. that the rest of the world appreciates of the organization. Since divisions the value of our talents and expertise. experienced great expansion in the Director The best way to achieve these goals, association at the time, administrators (three-year term) I believe, is to take a different lacked training and channels of com- Tony Roder approach to professional qualifica- munication. Ever since my appoint- [email protected] tion for ATA members. ment as the chairperson of the My learning curve will be short, Divisions Committee during the presi- In a personal profile recently pub- and I expect I will need to reinvent dency of Tom West, I have worked to lished in the online Translation Journal very few wheels. Thank you for your improve cooperation between divi- (www.accurapid.com/journal), I con- support. sions in order to help us learn from cluded that if I had another life to live I each other. These efforts led to the would want to live it as a translator. Director first-ever meeting of division adminis- With this in mind, and reasoning that (three-year term) trators in Washington last year and to while I still have this life to live I could Dorothee Racette the establishment of a much closer do worse than attend to the future of our [email protected] network. As a director, I will continue profession, I accepted the Nominating my work to improve this communica- Committee’s invitation to become a My involvement with languages tion, and will keep the Board updated candidate for the Board of Directors of began in Germany, where I studied about the concerns of the individual the ATA. Latin, Ancient Greek, English, and interest groups within ATA. From a small gathering of kindred Spanish in school. Even though I pur- In my efforts to respond to souls in Manhattan almost 50 years sued other career avenues for a while, inquiries by telephone and e-mail, I ago, ATA has grown into an ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 13 Candidate Statements Continued organization of diversified interests, practically every aspect of world Pittsburgh and Kent State University. whose membership could now populate affairs. I want to lend a hand as it This varied experience has exposed me a small city. In the process, it has con- directs its activities toward a strategic to the diverse perspectives present in scientiously tracked the evolution of the position of power and authority in the association and our profession as a profession: it has adapted its bylaws to tomorrow’s translation marketplace. whole, and has enabled me to lend the demands of its members and its sound professional and business judg- events to the demands of the market. Director ment to decisions made by your Board. And while the association will certainly (three-year term) If elected to another three-year continue to track and adapt as the need Robert Sette term, I would advocate a direct role for arises, I believe that it now must antici- [email protected] the association in reaching out to deci- pate the advances our profession is sure sion-makers in the business world, and to experience in the years to come. It I am honored to accept the promoting the services offered by our must now start to develop and establish Nominating Committee’s offer to members. As the Certification Program future-oriented policies and actions. seek re-election. grows and becomes increasingly pro- It is to this long-term planning that As I complete my first term on the fessionalized, I would strive for I want to bring the broad perspective I ATA Board of Directors, I am proud of increased recognition for our creden- have gained from 40 years as a free- the association’s progress during the tial and expansion of the Certification lance translator, as an ATA member for past several years and gratified to have Program, where feasible and prudent, equally as long, and as a two-term played an active role in the changes we to include new language combinations. past-president of the Northern have made. Since 2001, we have aug- What does the future hold for the California Translators Association. I mented the Certification Program with ATA? I don’t know, but I’m certain of have participated in—and occasion- the implementation of eligibility and where our aspirations should lead us. ally contributed to—the redefinition of continuing education requirements, Seventeen years ago when I first began the translation industry, the inevitable, and emphasized the value of the trans- accepting freelance translation work, I vital progress that has transformed lation and interpreting professions to marveled at how I could, through the what was once an artisan-scale craft the public at large through a wide- wonders of a then-innovative fax into today’s mass production. spread public relations initiative. In machine, easily work for clients half a The task I want to assume on the addition, we continue to offer a varied continent away, or even in other coun- Board of Directors is to help foresee array of networking and social oppor- tries. Now, as deadlines shorten and emerging trends in the industry by tunities allowing translators and inter- clients grow increasingly impatient, I assessing the impact of technology on preters, from beginners through remain a staunch supporter of profes- the nature of our work, the veterans, to hone their skills and sionalism and quality in our industry. I influence of online translators’ com- expand professional contacts. have a passion for languages and trans- munities on professional support During the past three years, I have lation, and I will work for us to have the resources, the diversification of our served twice on the ATA Nominating professional recognition we deserve as professional skills, and the pressures Committee, including one period as we work to assure the continued quality of competition on the market. I have chair, and have supported the of the services we deliver. had good occasion to consider these Certification Program as a grader in the issues both as an independent trans- Spanish-to-English grading group. Director lator and as an officer of a 500- Currently, I work on the Professional (one-year term) member translators’ association. I Development Committee, where I con- Beatriz Bonnet now look forward to merging into the tribute my 17 years of experience as a beatriz.bonnet@ collective wisdom of Board debates foreign language professional. In addi- syntes.com what I have learned from experience tion to my diverse experience within It has been my great pleasure to about these and related concerns. the association, I have worn many hats serve on the ATA Board for the last ATA currently represents the pro- in the professional world: freelance five years, and I am honored to be fessionals of a multifaceted industry translator, (occasional) interpreter, nominated to serve one more year as generating billions of dollars in rev- project manager, and instructor of a director. I hope you will give me enues, and with ramifications in translation at the University of your vote of confidence. I am an

14 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 experienced translator and interpreter been part of the editorial committee about new topics, industries, tools, etc. and hold ATA certification in drafting the soon-to-be-finalized stan- I have given numerous presentations English↔Spanish. I am a certified dard. I am also the ATA representative and workshops at ATA conferences federal court interpreter and am in an observer capacity to the and professional development semi- approved for conference interpreting European Standards Committee’s nars, as well as for other industry and by the State Department. Since 1988, Technical Committee on Translation business associations. I have also run a small translation Standards. The establishment of stan- These are challenging times for our company that employs in-house dards for translation services is a key association, but also times full of translators and interpreters, and component in improving our profes- opportunities. The times call for com- fights hard to spread the word about sion and educating all buyers and mitment to our profession and its con- quality and professionalism in trans- providers of translation and localiza- tinued evolution and betterment; they lation and interpreting. tion services. I also have experience call for excellent communication I have the experience, skills, and from other boards; experience that skills—within our association and with willingness to contribute to the con- can be put to good use for the benefit the outside world; they call for con- tinued growth of the ATA and the bet- of our association. Currently, I am the sensus building and for depth of expe- terment of our profession. In addition president of the Denver chapter of the rience; they call for common sense and to being a director, I was a member of National Association of Women the ability to make sound decisions for the Ad-Hoc Committee on Eligibility Business Owners (NAWBO), and today and for the future; they call for Requirements, and I serve on the serve on the board and executive com- leadership. I believe I have those skills Finance Committee. I am the ATA mittee of the Mile High Chapter of the and humbly ask for your permission to representative to the American American Red Cross. I am a firm continue serving the best association Society for Testing and Materials believer in learning and education— for professional translators and inter- Technical Committee on Translation especially for a discipline such as ours, preters in the world. Thank you. Standards and, in that capacity, I have where one must continuously learn

Attention Korean Language Japanese Patent Translators and Interpreters! Translation Handbook

A special interest group has been formed to explore the possibility of establishing a Korean Language Division A product of the Japanese within the American Translators Association. Possible Language Division, this handbook, topics for discussion on this list include: which specifically addresses • ATA requirements for establishing a new division. Japanese↔English translation, • Nominating and appointing division administrators. features useful information • The character and scope of the division. regarding the patent process and • Setting up a newsletter for the division. patent-related documents. • Proposing sessions for the ATA Annual Conference.

If you are interested, please subscribe to the $25. Members discussion listserv by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. $40. Nonmembers

Please note: You must be an ATA member in order to belong to Order online atanet.org any of its divisions. or call 703.683.6100.

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 15 MARKETPLACE To advertise: 215-321-9662, ext. 37 or [email protected]

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To Advertise call 215-321-9662 ext. 37 Drew MacFadyen today at 215-321-9662, ext. 37 [email protected] Profiles in Continuing Education:

Compiled by Kirk Anderson

Arlene Kelly [email protected]

Who: Arlene Kelly is a full-time staff inter- Cultural Communication Systems (Win- preter with the Office of Court Interpreter chester, Massachusetts), Cape Cod Services (OCIS) of the Massachusetts Trial Community College, Culture Smart Court. She worked as a freelance court inter- (Milton, Massachusetts), among others. preter with both the Massachusetts courts and the U.S. Federal Courts for over 10 years How: Arlene has been called a “conference before being hired. She began interpreting junkie” by her understanding boss, OCIS professionally at international conferences Manager Gaye Gentes. She attends several (English-French-Portuguese) while living in conferences annually beyond the local ones. Brazil. Arlene lived in the Brazilian Amazon Besides the ATA annual meeting, as assistant for 12 years, conducting research on demo- administrator of ATA’s Portuguese Language graphic history and teaching at the Federal Division, Arlene participates in organizing University of Para and the Museu Paraense the PLD’s annual meeting. Arlene goes Emilio Goeldi in Belém, Pará, Brazil. The beyond simply attending meetings by research served as the basis for her doctoral offering workshops and presentations on a dissertation. She received her Ph.D. in history variety of themes. Some concern training in from the University of Florida in 1984. interpreting skills; other presentations cover diverse topics of interest to Portuguese- Where: In Massachusetts, there are some English translators and interpreters. Some of very active organizations for interpreters and her presentations become articles and papers translators. The Massachusetts Medical that are presented for publication in the U.S. Interpreters Association (MMIA) and the New and abroad. Arlene also belongs to the England Translators Association (NETA) pro- National Association of Judiciary Interp- vide forums for professionals in the field and reters and Translators (NAJIT), Critical Link, both offer regional meetings annually. MMIA’s and the Conference of Interpreter Trainers. annual meeting in the autumn attracts around In addition to teaching at Bristol 2,400 participants; NETA’s spring meeting (a Community College, Arlene also assists with more regional event) gathers around 200-250 preparing court interpreter candidates, espe- people. The Translation Center at the cially those for Portuguese, and has organ- University of Massachusetts at Amherst held ized certification preparation workshops for its own regional meeting recently, and offers a both the written and oral examinations. As master’s degree in translation. part of the court interpreter certification pro- Training opportunities for translators gram, each candidate must undergo men- and interpreters are increasing. Besides the toring by a more experienced interpreter. course for translators at Amherst, there are Arlene mentors several candidates each year, training courses (for credit) at Cambridge again, mainly for Portuguese, but occasion- College, UMass-Boston, and Bristol Com- ally for other languages. munity College (where Arlene teaches in Attending and participating in conferences the Community Interpreter Program for brings unexpected rewards in Arlene’s opinion. Portuguese-English). Non-credit courses are also offered at Boston University, Cross Continued on p.26

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 17 Treasury Department Responds to ATA on Freedom to Translate

By Kirk Anderson

n March 2004, the ATA wrote to the OFAC Director R. Richard articles by Iranian nationals in their U.S. Treasury Department’s Office Newcomb responded to ATA on May peer-reviewed journal sent shock I of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), 13, stating that “transactions relating waves through the publishing calling for a review of OFAC regula- to informational materials that are industry. It was initially thought that tions and interpretative rulings that reproduced, translated (including prior OFAC licensing would be could be construed as barring or both literal and idiomatic translation) required to translate and publish any restricting the translation or publication or dubbed by U.S. persons for dis- text from a country under U.S. trade of written works originating in coun- semination within the United States embargo, namely Cuba, Iran, Iraq, tries under U.S. trade embargo (See are exempt transactions.” He also Libya, and Sudan. ATA is aware of at May 2004 Chronicle). In doing so, cited a new interpretative ruling least one instance in which a pub- ATA stood beside such organizations as which further clarifies that transla- lisher withdrew its commitment to the PEN America Center, the American tion, style, and copy editing, subti- publish a translated work as a conse- Literary Translators Association tling, and other language work are quence of information received about (ALTA), and the Institute of Electrical exempt from OFAC control. these regulations. ATA continues to and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in This statement has important work to ensure for all translators the expressing concern about restrictions implications, since prior rulings freedom to translate and publish. on the freedom to translate and publish. regarding the IEEE’s right to publish

In Memoriam Louis Korda ith the recent death of Louis Korda, the highly respected and affectionately regard- ed ATA Hungarian→English Language Chair, Hungarian and other translators have Wlost an exceptional colleague, as well as a wise and loyal friend. Lou was famous for his gentlemanly—virtually courtly—ways, which manifested themselves in his ability to listen and interact with everybody as an ever-helpful colleague. Long before "men- toring" became formalized and institutionalized, his unique approach to helping others became legendary. He never missed an opportunity to encourage, compliment, and cheer on his colleagues when they turned to him for advice. His selflessness and concern for his fellow translators was never more evident than when he could take obvious delight in the successes of those he took under his wing. His friends fondly recall Lou’s resourcefulness and ability to be quick on his feet. I personally witnessed such an occasion when we were both on an assignment on a case in a federal court. I was there to interpret for the defendant about the proceedings. Lou was sent there to assist the prosecutors as the FBI’s long-time Hungarian language expert. The prosecution also put him on the witness stand to elicit his testimony about the translation of a critical letter. In a cross-examination, the defense lawyer was determined to trap him. Lou was asked if he considered translation an art or a science. It was obvious where the defense attorney was going with this; no matter which answer Lou chose, he could be discredited. I never forgot his reply: "I like to call it a craft." The supposedly poker-faced judge and jury members broke into appreciative laughter when they heard this, and the defense attorney had to conclude the cross- examination with the famous words: "I have no further questions." By now, it is a platitude to say that someone will be sorely missed and long-remembered. However, in reference to Lou Korda, it can be truly said: he was such a wonderful person and it is unlikely that we will ever meet someone like him again! Lou, good friend, may you be rewarded by the Lord for all your good deeds and the gifts which you so generously bestowed on everybody! Peter A. Gergay

18 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 ATA Medical Seminar: An Attendee’s Perspective

By Deb Kramasz

t was appropriate for ATA’s Medical What resonated for me at Maria’s Michael Blumenthal facilitated the Translation and Interpreting presentation was the relation between final seminar that truly got into the real I Seminar to be held in Minnesota, the translation and technical communica- meat of medical translation: termi- longtime seat of medical innovation. tion concepts. The points to keep in nology. Michael’s presentation, “Diag- Nearly 80 language professionals from mind when translating for the health- nostic Imaging Studies of the Spine,” around the U.S. made the trek to the care consumer were all technical shared a gold mine of medical termi- Minneapolis Crowne Plaza Hotel on communication principles: purpose, nology and protocol using actual med- Saturday, July 10, to learn more about audience, content, style, and format. ical diagnosis documents related to translation and interpreting in health- Maria’s seminar elicited a lively dis- spine maladies. His enthusiasm for the care and medical settings. As always, cussion among attendees. anatomy of the spine was contagious, the event was well planned and profes- Following the healthcare consumer and his work on Spanish-to-English sionally organized thanks to Marian translation workshop, Zarita Araújo- translations of spinal diagnoses was Greenfield, Professional Development Lane and Vonessa Phillips conducted clearly a labor of love and passion. Committee chair, and Teresa Kelly, the very first ATA ethics seminar, which Michael’s extensive research and col- administrative coordinator and meeting satisfies the ethics requirement for ATA lection of Spanish-to-English transla- planner at ATA Headquarters. tions related to the spine is a valuable The well balanced mix of topics contribution to the body of knowledge appealed to interpreters as well as to “…The seminar gave in the medical translation field. translators, and catered to varying participants a welcome The seminar ended with the pop- experience levels with each presenta- ular networking session that free- tion covering a different area of the chance to connect in lancers relish as an opportunity to medical and healthcare fields. To make person with colleagues get to know their colleagues and a trip to the seminar even more valu- who specialize in the same compare notes. This ATA profes- able, an exam sitting followed the next sional development seminar also day, having been arranged by the local field…” was an opportunity for national chapter, the Upper Midwest Translators organizers to connect with their and Interpreters Association (UMTIA). local counterparts to catch up on A very knowledgeable speaker, certification holders. Zarita, with her happenings and exchange informa- Maria Cornelio, started off the med- personable style, and, Vonessa, with her tion. The local ATA chapter, ical seminar with her workshop, “How polished presentation voice, focused on UMTIA, was represented by to Translate for the Healthcare information sharing and the ethical situ- Membership Director Nadia Smith. Consumer: A Hands-on Workshop.” ations that interpreters face in health- These ATA professional develop- Maria emphasized the importance of care settings and provided guidelines to ment seminars not only provide special- appropriate register when translating effectively deal with them. They ized and difficult-to-find information, patient information, and provided showed video vignettes that provided but also give participants a welcome valuable insight into the criteria that specific examples of interpreting chance to connect in person with col- the Institutional Review Board (IRB) boundaries and best practices. The leagues who specialize in the same field. uses to approve or disqualify transla- interactive format created an engaging tions for the U.S. healthcare consumer. dialogue with participants.

National Association of Judiciary Attend Interpreters and Translators NAJIT’s Annual Conference on May 13-15, 2005, in 26th Annual Conference Washington, DC. Visit www.najit.org. May 13-15, 2005

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 19 CIATI Conference in Brazil Spotlights ATA Speakers: Focus on Literary Translation

By Alexandra Russell-Bitting

The following appeared in the June television programs, and movies 2004 issue of the PLData, the arriving in English, opportunities newsletter of ATA’s Portuguese abound in the translation market. Language Division. Among the literary translators in atten- dance at the conference was Lia Wyler, ao Paulo, a sprawling megacity whose name graces the title page of all of 18 million inhabitants and the the Portuguese renditions of the Harry S financial and cultural capital of Potter books. She gave a series of talks Brazil, recently hosted the Third Ibero- about them, and launched a new book American Conference on Translation of her own, Línguas, Poetas e and Interpretation (CIATI). Some 900 Bacharéis, which chronicles the his- linguists descended on the Universi- tory of translation in Brazil (see infor- dade Iberoamericana (Ibero-American mation at the end of this article). University), or UNIBERO, to explore the theme of “New Times, an Old Art—Translation, Technology, Talent.” “…Clearly, demand for Organized by UNIBERO, a school professional development that offers translator training, the conference featured several ATA in Brazil is just as intense ATA member Regina Alfarano has a lively delivery as she discusses the need for revision. members as guest speakers: Scott as it is stateside…” (credit: Alexandra Russell-Bitting) Brennan; Regina Alfarano (who also helped organize it); Catarina Feldmann; Paulo Lopes; and Enéas Lia is also one of the Brazilian Working with Living Writers Theodoro Jr. At the opening session, translators interviewed in a compila- A special treat for literary transla- Conference Coordinator Cleide tion entitled Conversas com tors was the joint presentation by Bocardo Cerdeira pointed out that Traductores. She joined organizers Brazilian journalist and writer Ruy “translation is crucial in a globalized Ivone Benedetti and Adail Sobral and Castro and his English translator, world.” She also noted the focus on fellow interviewee Regina Alfarano John Gledson, on the relationship literary translation. for a book signing at the conference. between author and translator. Castro Regina had another book to launch as and Gledson seem to have an ideal Brazilian Book Splash well (when she wasn’t giving presen- one, no doubt because Castro is a Brazil has a huge entertainment and tations), the latest issue of the transla- translator himself, having published a media industry, and with many books, tion journal Tradução e Comunicação. Portuguese version of short stories by renowned filmmaker Woody Allen, among other books. He described our profession as “the cruelest…and worst paid.” Gledson reported that when Bloomsbury Publishing approached him about translating Ruy Castro’s Carnaval no fogo (Rio de Janeiro: A City on Fire), he liked the light style and all the information on Rio de Janeiro. With a translation of 19th-century Brazilian writer Machado de Assis under his belt and a year’s experience living in Rio, his main chal- lenge was to reflect the tone of Conference attendees consult the program on opening day. (credit: Alexandra Russell-Bitting) Castro’s book, he said. Here, he

20 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 He explained to an overflow crowd that under Brazilian law, translators have the same intellectual property rights as writers, whose work is rec- ognized as “original creations” linked to their names. Translation contracts with publishing companies, he noted, in no way alter these rights. Furthermore, Brazilian law demands fairness, and in the case of O Senhor dos anéis, there was a glaring dis- parity between what the publisher got and what the translator got for the book.

Rendez-Vous in Three Years The turnout for the conference Move over, samba: UNIBERO professor and was so high that some attendees conference organizer Tony Rosenberg rocks ATA President Scott Brennan explains that the had to be turned away from many out with his band to classic Beatles songs at the ATA is open to everyone, including students and closing reception. (credit: Carolina Lopes) non-U.S. residents, such as the UNIBERO trans- talks because there was no room lation students crowding the room. (credit: to squeeze them into the class- Carolina Lopes) rooms. In fact, the CIATI confer- ence may actually be outgrowing Where to get the books: depended on feedback from the author, the UNIBERO campus. Clearly, Benedetti, Ivone, Adail Sobral. 2003. who demonstrated three crucial quali- demand for professional develop- Conversas com Traductores— ties: patience, respect, and frankness. ment in Brazil is just as intense as it Balanços e perspectivas da tra- There’s a reason, Gledson noted is stateside. Organizers are already ducção, Parabola Editorial, Sao Paulo, tongue in cheek, that some translators working on the next conference, Brazil (ISBN: 85-88456-16-8). prefer to translate dead writers. scheduled for 2007. For more infor- Order from www.parabolaeditorial. mation, including photos of the com.br/Catalogo.htm. Translator Rights event, see the UNIBERO website at The conference also delved into a www.unibero.edu.br/default.asp. Continued on p.26 hot legal issue in the literary trans- lator community in Brazil right now: When a translation becomes a best- seller, what rights does the translator have to the financial windfall? A Brazilian translator of The Lord of the Rings recently took the Brazilian publisher to court because it refused to pay her after book sales unexpect- edly went into the stratosphere. In this David and Goliath case, the judge issued a surprise ruling in favor of the plaintiff. The conference organizers brought in an attorney specializing in intellec- Three generations of teachers and students attended the conference, including: (from left) Cleide Bocardo and Jessie Navajas de Camargo, who studied under Catarina Feldman (center); Stella tual property rights, Renato Franco de Orweiller Tagnin, who teaches at the University of Sao Paulo; and Elaine Trinidade, who studied with Campos, to discuss translators’ rights. Cleide. (credit: Alexandra Russell-Bitting)

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 21 The Proper Care and Feeding of Humans: Human Resources Basics for Translation Companies

By Kim Vitray

et’s begin by examining the first and experience requirements; and 5) draft job descriptions, and another step in the life of an general working conditions and phys- very good resource is the Society for L employee—recruitment. The ical requirements. The job summary Human Resources Management three recruitment tools that have should give the position’s primary (SHRM, www.shrm.org). proven most effective in my environ- responsibilities in one or two sen- ment (a 45-employee company in a tences. The essential duties should be Newspaper Ad large metropolitan area) are: 1) filling in bullet format and identify in spe- Now that a good job description is a position from within, via an in- cific detail all the job duties entailed written, preparing a newspaper ad is house posting; 2) asking current in meeting the primary responsibili- easy. Be sure to have an attention- employees about potential candidates ties. Include a final bullet that says getter opening line, one that will they may know; and 3) advertising in “performs other tasks and cross- cause the reader to be interested in the Sunday edition of the local news- trains with other positions as your business and the position. Then paper (which often includes an online describe the primary duties and qual- posting for seven days). Other ifications as succinctly as possible. recruitment tools may be more effec- “…Handling the HR List the hours, pay range, and tive in your environment, depending function well will protect benefits—if you don’t list the pay on the position to be filled. An in- range, you will screen many more house posting is best when the posi- your most important resumes than necessary from candi- tion you are filling requires someone asset, and save you time, dates whose expectations you cannot who is already familiar with your meet. Finish by telling candidates company’s or department’s processes trouble, and money in the exactly how to apply (e.g., cover and workflow. Because qualified long term…” letter with salary requirement and employees within a company will resume via e-mail). know when a position is vacated by another employee who takes on a assigned,” so that there can be some Hiring Process new job within the organization, that flexibility within the position. Define your hiring process based vacancy may be easier to fill, even Qualifications, also in bullet format, on the position. For instance, when from the outside. Your current include such things as organizational we recently hired a proofreader, we employees are also very good ability, computer skills, written and used the following process: 1) sources—because they know both the oral communication skills, or the Human Resources screened 200 potential candidates and the com- ability to multitask, exercise judg- incoming resumes; 2) the editing pany, they will know which individ- ment, or work with interruptions. manager reviewed approximately 60 uals are the most qualified. Also, a Be thoughtful about identifying resumes that passed HR screening; 3) well-written ad will generate the the education and experience require- the editing manager distributed a maximum number of qualified ments necessary for the position. Is a proofreading test to the 10 best can- responses. degree necessary? What kind? Will didates; 4) based on the test work experience substitute? What responses and results, the editing Job Description kinds of work experience? How manager interviewed the top five can- Speaking of that well-written ad, many years? General working condi- didates; 5) HR called the references its basis is a well-written job descrip- tions and physical requirements of the two candidates remaining after tion. A written job description accom- should list, for example, ambulatory the interviews; 6) the editing man- plishes many purposes. It clarifies or lifting requirements, the hand-eye ager made a decision and offer, which what kind of person should be hired, coordination, dexterity, and visual was accepted; and 7) HR sent thank- communicates the job responsibilities acuity required for computing, the you letters to all the interviewees. and requirements to that person, and stress related to responsibility and The screening criteria for the initial provides a tool to evaluate perform- authority, or the potential for 200 resumes were: 1) appropriate ance. A good job description has five extended or irregular hours. Finally, education, skills, and experience; 2) parts: 1) job summary; 2) essential have a pay range in mind. Software good English language skills (and no duties; 3) qualifications; 4) education packages are available to help you typos!) in the cover letter; 3) a pay

22 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 expectation close to the range given the basic rule is if it’s not job-related, responsiveness (or lack thereof) and in the newspaper ad; and 4) adher- you can’t ask it. Topics that you their tone and word choice. At the ence to the instructions for applying. cannot ask about include: race; reli- very least, confirm dates of employ- Although the person who dropped off gion; citizenship (you can ask if they ment, position held, ending wage or a paper resume in person meant well, are legal to work in the U.S.); sexual salary, and reason for leaving. If the her inability to follow instructions and orientation; marital status; age; birth- reference is willing, also ask about the inconvenience caused by pro- place; disability or handicap (you can the candidate’s quality of work, work viding paper instead of an electronic ask if they can meet the physical habits, dependability, initiative, file, given the volume of resumes and requirements in the job description); problem-solving and decision- the time involved in screening, caused criminal history (you can ask if they making ability, interpersonal skills, her to be screened out rather than in. have ever been convicted of a and computer skills. felony); or native language (unless it Behavioral Interviewing is job-related, which may certainly be Orientation If you haven’t heard of behavioral the case for those of us in the transla- Your great new employee is finally interviewing or don’t know much tion industry).2 on board, so an orientation session on about it, take the time to find out. No their first day is your next step. Some matter how experienced you become Other Interviewing Tips of the issues to be covered in this ses- at interviewing, you’ll still make mis- Plan your questions in advance, sion are the W-4 and I-9 forms, your takes, but behavioral interviewing and put them in writing. Ask every employee handbook and company techniques will minimize them. candidate all of the questions; how- policies, a confidentiality agreement, Behavioral interviewing is based on ever, try to do this within the context benefit information, and COBRA and the assumption that past performance of how the discussion unfolds natu- HIPAA notices (more on these later). is a good indicator of future perform- rally, rather than starting at the top ance.1 Instead of asking a candidate and going down the list in order. Employee Handbook what their skills are or how they Always allow the candidate ample In today’s litigious society, having would handle a particular situation, time to ask questions, but only after an employee handbook is more ask for specific examples of how they you have finished asking yours (oth- important than ever. It will also save have used their skills or how they erwise, the candidate may tailor his you time and trouble, in terms of have handled that situation. answers to what he believes you want answering questions, making deci- Behavioral questions begin with such to hear). A question I often end with sions, and taking actions fairly and phrases as: “Tell me about a time is, “What are the last three books consistently. Typical employee hand- when…” “Give me an example of…” you’ve read?” because it brings the book topics include: policies (cus- “Describe for me…” “How did you interview to a friendly, light-hearted tomer service, workplace harassment, handle a situation where…” “What moment that makes a good transition computer and e-mail use, problem did you do when….” The other key to the candidate’s questions. Do take resolution); employment (definition point with behavioral interviewing is notes during the interview, but be of full- and part-time, introductory to tolerate silence. When the candi- sure that everything you write is job- period, performance evaluations); date says they cannot think of an related and professional. Most states compensation (recordkeeping, pay example, insist (in a friendly manner require that all solicited resumes and periods and procedures, overtime); and tone) that you are sure they can application materials be kept for one benefits (medical, dental, COBRA, think of one and that you don’t mind year, but you should check your HIPAA, 401[k], time off, holidays); if they take a few minutes to think state’s requirements. conduct (attendance, smoking, termi- about it. Asking the best kind of ques- nation, personal business); and rules tion will only work if you wait for the Calling References (security and safety, substance abuse, best kind of answer! Use only professional (not per- workplace violence, concealed sonal) references, preferably supervi- weapons). You may also wish to What You May Not Ask sors rather than HR staff, and contact include a welcome letter containing There are certain issues you at least three of them by telephone. your company’s mission statement, if cannot ask about in an interview, and You will learn a lot from their there is one, and company ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 23 The Proper Care and Feeding of Humans: Human Resources Basics for Translation Companies Continued history. Your state workforce commis- AllPoints Feedback for this ¥ Try to list as many accomplish- sion and SHRM are great resources [www.allpointsfeedback.com], and ments as possible—it’s a strong for template handbooks, and you others are available). This process moment when you can come up should have your handbook reviewed works best if the written evaluation with more of these than the by an HR professional and an and self-evaluation are exchanged the employee can. employment attorney. Give new day before a scheduled meeting, so employees 24 to 48 hours to review that both parties have time to reflect ¥ Ask outright for what you want to the employee handbook, and then on the feedback and to prepare to dis- be different. obtain a signed acknowledgment that cuss it. Set aside plenty of time for they have received, read, and under- this meeting, and do not allow it to be ¥ Ask what you can do differently, stand and will abide by it. This interrupted. better, or more of. acknowledgment statement is also a The following are some key points good place to reiterate that your hand- to keep in mind regarding perform- ¥ Be as polite, respectful, and posi- book does not constitute a contract of ance evaluations: tive as possible. Be very aware of employment; an employment attorney your body language and tone, in can help you with this language. ¥ When documenting a behavior, addition to your words. Finally, try to review and update your whether positive or negative, give employee handbook yearly. at least three specific examples of I keep a file folder (not their offi- that behavior. When the behavior cial personnel file) for each Performance Evaluations is negative, the point is not to employee, and every time there’s a The next step in the employment humiliate the employee with a problem, question, comment, accom- process will be to evaluate the per- litany of mistakes, but to make the plishment, or communication formance of your newly hired and point that her performance has regarding that employee, I put a copy oriented employee. This should be been tracked and that you have a of it or note about it in the file. Then done at the conclusion of a 90-day basis for the statements you’re at the end of the year, I don’t have to introductory period, at six months, at making about her performance. rely on my memory and have a lot of one year, and then at least annually Then place more emphasis on the good information to refer to in thereafter (although semiannually future than the past. preparing the evaluation. If you do would be better!). Why? How else this, however, consider that every- will they know how they’re doing, ¥ Avoid “always” and “never.” thing in this file, as well as the what’s going well, what needs Don’t say “Employee X is always employee’s official personnel file, improvement, what you expect, late for his shift” unless that is including their written evaluations, where they can grow, what opportu- absolutely true. It’s probably more may appear in court one day. This nities are available, and how they can accurate and better to say, will help keep you absolutely honest, succeed? Every employee deserves at “Employee X was late for his shift accurate, objective, and professional. least an annual investment of your at least two times per week during Performance evaluation template time, effort, and personal attention in the last three months.” forms are commonly available, but an honest and formal evaluation of should be modified to be specific to their performance. Preparing the ¥ Nothing should be a surprise. If your organization or even the partic- evaluation properly will take consid- something in the evaluation, par- ular position being evaluated. Our erable time and energy to be specific, ticularly constructive feedback, is typical written annual performance accurate, and complete. These evalu- being heard by the employee for evaluation includes the following ations should be in writing and the first time, you’ve not done sections: responsibilities; accom- include a self-evaluation by the your job during the year. plishments; job knowledge, perform- employee. If the employee being ance, and productivity; dependability, evaluated is a manager, consider ¥ Be timely. Not being timely sends cooperation, and initiative; work soliciting anonymous feedback from a message to the employee that the environment and safety; overall his or her reports (I use a evaluation isn’t important and you performance; and action plan. If software/web package called don’t care about them. the employee being evaluated is a

24 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 manager, we usually add these cate- following information should not be never heard of or don’t know much gories: managerial skills; communi- kept in personnel files, and should be about HIPAA, contact your insurance cation skills; problem solving and kept separately from each other: 1) broker or representative for informa- conflict resolution; administrative benefit information; 2) I-9 forms; and tion, forms, and assistance. At the skill; and time management. 3) payroll records. Although there are very least, you may have to provide a many good reasons for the segrega- Notice of Health Information Privacy Performance Problems tion of this information, the primary Practices at new-employee orienta- When your employee experiences reasons are to protect personal health tion and include it in your employee a patterned performance problem or information and other personal data, handbook, sign HIPAA Privacy slump, assume there’s a reason and and to limit the information available Business Associate Agreements with try to find out what it is. Employees to strictly what is required should you the various insurance or benefit enti- don’t intend to perform poorly or be subject to a compliance audit or ties you contract with, and have have problems, and my experience is investigation. These files should all Individual Authorization for Use that it’s most often the result of a be kept in a locked cabinet and and/or Disclosure of PHI forms avail- non-work issue. Our approach is to retained as required by federal, state, able if an employee requests your support the employee however we and local laws. assistance with a matter that involves can (flexible hours, reduced hours, PHI. Depending on your particular time off, referral to counseling, finan- Termination (Voluntary) situation, you may also be subject to cial assistance), but at the same time Every employee will eventually other compliance requirements. focus on a return to the desired per- resign, if their termination is not formance level within a reasonable caused by some other event. You COBRA timeframe. should always obtain a dated and The Consolidated Omnibus signed resignation letter that includes Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 Progressive Discipline the date of the last day of employ- (COBRA) provides for the continu- I have had quite a bit of success ment. If possible, hold an exit inter- ance of group health coverage (at the with simply inviting an employee view, conducted by someone in HR employee’s election and expense) with a performance problem to help (even if you have to contract with a after certain “qualifying events” that me avoid the disciplinary process. consultant) who did not directly work would otherwise result in the loss of But when that doesn’t work, you’ll with or supervise the employee. coverage, such as termination, reduc- need to implement progressive disci- During the exit interview, ask about tion of hours, death, divorce, or pline. The typical progressive disci- general employment matters (hours, Medicare eligibility. The continuance pline process is: 1) an oral warning responsibilities, workload, advance- in the case of termination is usually for a first offense; 2) a written ment), training, pay, supervision, and up to 18 months, although there are warning for a second offense or lack reason(s) for leaving. You will also varying lengths of continuance of improvement; 3) suspension for a need to provide COBRA information according to the different qualifying third offense or lack of improvement; and forms. events and other circumstances. Your and 4) discharge for a fourth offense state may also have a program for or lack of improvement. Clear docu- HIPAA continuing coverage beyond the fed- mentation during this process is The Health Insurance Portability eral requirement. Again, your insur- extremely important. and Accountability Act of 1996 ance broker or representative may be (HIPAA) contains a rule designed to able to help. You can also contract Personnel Files ensure the privacy of protected health with a company that provides An employee personnel file should information (PHI). This Act primarily COBRA administration. Revised reg- contain: 1) pay/status change forms; 2) impacts healthcare providers and ulations regarding when and how you time off forms; 3) performance evalua- insurers, but also affects employers must give notice and the formats of tions and training documentation; 4) that sponsor group health plans. The model notice forms will take effect the W-4 form; and 5) application infor- deadline for compliance was April November 26, 2004, so be sure you mation, confidentiality agreement, 14, 2003 (or 2004, depending on the are ready for these changes. and handbook acknowledgment. The size of the health plan), so if you have ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 25 The Proper Care and Feeding of Humans: Human Resources Basics for Translation Companies Continued

Conclusion and experience in the field. You can also professional HR or legal services. If legal Don’t despair—it is possible to obtain HR (and other) services through or expert HR assistance is required, fulfill the HR function in your com- a Professional Employer Organization the services of a competent, licensed pany even if you are small or (PEO). Then, when you are ready, add a professional should be sought. growing. Independent consultants are qualified part-time or full-time HR rep- available who can be contracted with resentative to your staff. Handling the Notes on a per-hour, per-project, or retainer- HR function well will protect your most 1. Grensing-Pophal, Lin. 2002. type basis, and you can find these important asset, and save you time, Human Resource Essentials. consultants through the local chapter trouble, and money in the long term. Alexandria, VA: Society for Human affiliate of SHRM. Look for a con- Resources Management, p. 42. sultant with a PHR (Professional in This article is intended to provide Human Resources) or SPHR (Senior accurate and authoritative information 2. Ibid, pp. 44-45. Professional in Human Resources) cer- regarding the subject matter covered. tification, which indicates that they have Neither McElroy Translation nor the a certain amount of education, testing, author are engaged in rendering

Profiles in Continuing Education: Arlene Kelly Continued from page 17

Along with personal enrichment, Some of the extras at these confer- courts. Court procedures differ from there is an added factor of profes- ences provide even more reasons to state to state and the more we know sional enhancement. Only through attend. For example, at the Critical of other systems, the better we can exchanges of information and experi- Link 4 conference in Stockholm, the know and appreciate our own. So ences do we learn how to improve on Swedish hosts arranged a lunch at the conferences are extremely profitable interpreting, translation, training tech- City Hall where the Nobel Prize in and of themselves, as they provide niques, and teaching resources. dinner is held. NAJIT’s organizers tangential experiences that occur Sometimes attending a presentation have adopted an event started a few only in the context of that conference by someone unknown can turn on the years ago, when a court interpreter in or meeting. idea light bulbs. a host city offered a tour of the local

Getting Started: CIATI Conference in Brazil Spotlights ATA Speakers: Focus on Literary Translation Continued from page 21 A Newcomer’s Guide to Translation and Interpretation Castro, Ruy. 2004. Rio de Janeiro: A Ltda., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (ISBN: City on Fire. Translated by John 85-325-1649-1). Order from Livraria A straightforward guide Gledson. Bloomsbury, New York Cultura (www.livrariacultural. for newcomers to the professions. (ISBN: 1582341907). See com.br) or Livraria Saraiva ordering information at (www.livrariasaraiva.com.br). $15. Members www.bloomsburyusa.com. $25. Nonmembers Tradução e Comunicação (ISBN: Order online at atanet.org Wyler, Lia. 2003. Línguas, Poetas e 0101-2789). To order, e-mail or call 703.683.6100. Bacharéis—Uma crônica da [email protected]. tradução no Brasil. Editora Rocca

26 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 Translating at the U.S. Department of State: Past, Present, and Future

By Joseph P. Mazza

ishing regulations from a Latin General Branch handles translations Foremost among the duties of an American country; patent and involving Slavic and Germanic lan- LS staff translator is the translation of F copyright laws from a newly guages, Arabic, Chinese, and Korean, diplomatic correspondence between independent state in Eastern Europe; both into and out of English. Even in the U.S. president and the secretary of a plan to decrease radio spectrum the post-Cold War era, Russian state and their counterparts from for- congestion along the U.S. border; a accounts for the highest volume in the eign countries. The highly nuanced letter of greeting from a Middle General Branch’s work. Unlike its and formulaic prose that characterizes Eastern president; the biographical Romance Branch counterpart, which these letters is a great challenge even sketch of a U.S. official to be posted deals with a small number of closely for those who have wrestled with it on the Internet; tax provisions from related languages, all of which have for years—whether the correspon- the Far East; free trade proposals been used in international diplomacy dence concerns a simple expression from all corners of the world—all are of sympathy over a national tragedy, likely to come through the such as the attacks of 9/11, or the Translating Division at the “…LS offers a bracing articulation of a new diplomatic over- Department of State’s Office of environment in which to ture, such as a free trade agreement. Language Services (LS). During a While these VIP letters often discuss typical day, the LS staff translator ply the translator’s the broad outlines of diplomacy, may start the morning as a “lawyer,” craft…” diplomatic notes (written in the third tracing the intricate reasoning of a person, typically from a foreign min- foreign supreme court decision; istry to an embassy) flesh out the spend mid-day as an “environmental for centuries, the General Branch details and supply another steady scientist,” wading through the mire of deals with a much wider variety of stream of work for the LS translator. technical and bureaucratic jargon in languages. Some of the languages it Diplomatic correspondence is but the an environmental impact statement; covers, such as Ukrainian, are actu- tip of the iceberg—diplomacy is also and then end the work day as a ally relative newcomers to the diplo- played out in reams of reports, papers “doctor,” translating the medical matic arena. These factors, coupled and non-papers, aides-mémoire, notes shorthand (hopefully not hand- with the need for special computer verbales, agreements, treaties, memo- written!) in a forensic report from hardware and software, pose unique randa of understanding, speeches, overseas. For the language profes- challenges for the General Branch. ambassadorial letters of credence and sional in the U.S., LS offers a bracing The larger of the two branches of recall, conference agendas, delegate environment in which to ply the LS’s Translating Division, the handbooks, and, of course, the translator’s craft. Romance-language Branch, handles inevitable slide briefing! All require The Translating Division of the translation work involving French, translation. The stuff of diplomacy Office of Language Services employs Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, reflects every byway of human a permanent staff of about 20 care- again both into and out of English. endeavor: classic themes of conflict fully selected in-house translators, The proximity of 18 Spanish- resolution are interspersed with intel- supplemented by hundreds of tested speaking countries to the U.S. assures lectual property, tariff schedules, contractors. Simply stated, the mis- the primacy of Spanish in the telecommunications, fisheries, inter- sion of LS as a whole is to facilitate Romance Branch’s work. Recent U.S. national adoption and child custody communication with non-English- diplomatic initiatives, among them issues, maritime transport, drug con- speaking governments and people the various programs under the trol, anti-terrorism, biodiversity, and through the provision of high-level African Growth and Opportunity Act international finance. The LS trans- interpreting and translation support to and negotiations for a free trade lator is, by necessity, a generalist, the Executive Office of the President agreement with Morocco, have lent although the arrival at LS in recent and the Department of State. LS also renewed vigor and urgency to LS’s years of three linguists with law provides translation and interpretation French translation work. Portuguese degrees has greatly enhanced its abil- for other federal agencies on a reim- translation work is on the rise, partic- ities in the exacting genre of legal bursed basis. The 20 staff translators ularly texts into Portuguese. Italian translation that cuts across so much of are divided into two branches. The translation remains at a quiet trickle. its work. ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 27 Translating at the U.S. Department of State: Past, Present, and Future Continued

Most LS translators eventually go president, first lady, vice president, and help coin it! Several LS translators are on to become reviewers, and, as such, secretary of state, and many LS trans- “double-hatted” as LS interpreters— are responsible for checking not only lators enjoy the change of pace this all attest to the intricate interplay the work of their in-house colleagues, task provides. This correspondence between the two crafts and to the but also, particularly in recent years, offers an interesting counterpoint to importance of cooperation between the work of LS’s outside contractors. the staid world of diplomatic dis- the Translating and Interpreting The Translating Division’s English- course. Illegible handwriting, faulty Divisions. In addition to having access language “house style” has been cod- grammar, and obscure or even inco- to fellow linguists, the LS translator ified in the LS Handbook, revised herent references frequently make the has the cachet that makes policy regularly since the 1950s. The latest task of summarizing this material an experts in the State Department and edition, released for internal use in exercise in detective work. throughout the federal government 1990, is currently undergoing a thor- Though its in-house staff is small, eager to offer terminology advice. ough reworking. To the LS reviewer the LS Translating Division takes Supplementing this repository of falls the particularly gratifying job of pride in delivering the first-rate trans- human expertise is LS’s 8,000- mentoring junior staffers, and passing lations that the American diplomat, volume library of dictionaries and on to them the art of diplomatic trans- policy maker, and public demand and other books useful to the translator. lation. Staff reviewers also grade the deserve. The concern for quality The advent of the Internet has enabled tests of candidates for LS translation begins at the assignment stage of a the LS staff to be more selective in its contracts and in-house positions. translation, and continues through library acquisitions. The fact that Perhaps the most demanding aspect terminology research, painstaking most international organizations and of the LS reviewer’s job is review, and final proofreading. government ministries now maintain the certification of the English and for- Deadlines can be harsh—staff trans- websites means that much of the ter- eign-language texts of international lators often yearn for more time to minology research and fact checking agreements and treaties. The Depart- track down a troublesome term, look that was previously done with books ment of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual for previously translated phrases, can now be done more easily online. requires that the English and foreign- consult a colleague for help in a tech- This frees LS to concentrate less on language texts of treaties and agree- nical field, or simply give their text the purchase of standard reference ments signed by the U.S. be compared one final read without the stopwatch works and more on the acquisition of by an LS officer to ascertain whether ticking. Yet week after week, despite dictionaries and glossaries, particu- they say the same thing, substantively, mounting pressure, LS translators larly in languages that have not, until in both languages. After comparing the turn out hundreds of pages of trans- recently, enjoyed as strong an in- two treaty texts, line-by-line, word- lated text without shirking the imper- house presence as they now do, such by-word, the LS comparing officer ative need for quality control. as Arabic and Chinese. Terminology prepares a memorandum of compar- The most important resource an LS management has long been a concern ison, citing any discrepancies, so that translator can call on is the corps of of LS, which traditionally maintained the negotiators can remedy them professional translators who are a card file of lexical “finds” and pref- before the treaty is signed. Treaty located literally right outside the erences. Gradually, the focus has comparison is a genre unto itself and cubicle door. The spirit of camaraderie shifted to computerized glossaries, demands years of experience in the among LS translators ensures that and now, for the first time, LS’s ter- translation of treaty texts. It is also there is always a support system at minology resources are concentrated among the most rewarding and hand to help with the tough linguistic in a multi-language database. Text exciting work done by LS linguists, as puzzles that perplex even the most leveraging is still done the old-fash- it brings them directly into contact seasoned language professional. LS ioned way, with 5-10 years of transla- with the architects of foreign policy, interpreter colleagues are another tion work kept on file and with the both at home and abroad. valuable source of expertise—they are entire corpus of U.S. treaties in print The LS Translating Division is the ones who work at the front lines of form under the Department of State’s responsible for sorting, screening, and diplomacy. Not only are they present Treaties and International Agree- summarizing all foreign-language when international terminology is ments Series (TIAS), which lines the mail sent by private citizens to the coined, they often are the ones who LS Library’s shelves.

28 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 At LS, human and material with success on the battlefield won fame as the compiler of the resources have combined over the assured, these colonies, by then the English-language version of Hebrew decades to forge a powerful institu- United States of America, loosely prayer books. The 1766 Prayers tional legacy that informs the day-to- united under the Articles of for Shabbath, Rosh-Hashanah and day work of its diplomatic Confederation, set up the first Kippur was the first to bear his name translators. Diplomatic translation is permanent executive departments, as translator; two earlier English trans- a rarefied genre in the translating including a department of foreign lations of Jewish religious rites, pub- community, yet it is one of the oldest affairs. To assist the young nation in lished anonymously, are also believed forms of translation practiced in this the conduct of its diplomacy, the two to be his work. While the work of country. In fact, since the 18th cen- Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Robert Tetard and Pintard seems to have been tury, from the earliest days of the Livingston and John Jay, relied on the confined to French translation, Pinto, U.S., the predecessors of today’s LS services of three renowned American versed in Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish, translators had been at work per- translators: John Tetard (1727-87); and Portuguese, enabled the fecting this art. John Pintard (1759-1844); and Isaac Department of Foreign Affairs to Pinto (1720-91). handle languages beyond Europe. A Historical Perspective All three men were recruited from Pinto’s arrival at the Department As long as political states have New York City, home to the fledgling neatly coincided with the negotiation existed, diplomacy has coexisted, U.S. government for much of the of a treaty of friendship and com- mediating conflicts and fostering 1780s. While celebrated for their work merce, in Arabic and English, with the mutual cooperation. Prior to the 18th as translators, all three also achieved Sultan of Morocco. century, Latin provided a uniform success in other walks of life: Tetard The new federal government, ush- written language for European diplo- as a clergyman and educator, and ered in with the inauguration of macy. Continental conflagrations, Pintard and Pinto as merchants and George Washington at New York such as the Thirty Years War (1618- civic leaders. Tetard came to America City’s Federal Hall in 1789, brought 48), were settled by formal agree- in the 1760s from his native about changes in the country’s foreign ments composed in Latin and signed Switzerland, where he had earned a relations apparatus. Shortly before the by nations speaking a variety of degree in divinity. Settling in colonial capital moved to Philadelphia in tongues. In 1714, however, a treaty New York City, he eventually became 1790, a new executive agency, the signed in the southwest German town pastor of the Huguenot (French Department of State, was created to of Rastatt between the Holy Roman Protestant) Church there, and, as such, manage American diplomacy. When Emperor and the King of France (one served as the spiritual guide to a com- it became apparent that staff translator of a series of accords that ended the munity of wealthy Huguenot- John Pintard would not make the War of the Spanish Succession) Americans, many of whom were move to Philadelphia, the first changed forever the conduct of active patriots during the American Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, European diplomacy. For the first Revolution. Tetard also established a skilled translator in his own right, time in modern European history, a New York’s first French-language wasted no time in recruiting a talented major international treaty was drafted school, and ended his career as the translator who was willing to move. and signed not in Latin, but in first professor of French at Columbia The man he hired was Philip Morin French. A taboo had been broken—a University. John Pintard, from an Freneau (1752-1832), a writer and “vernacular” language was consid- influential Huguenot merchant family, seafarer of Monmouth County, New ered worthy of use at the highest had distinguished himself as the agent Jersey, known to posterity as the levels of diplomatic prose. The for American prisoners of war kept “Poet of the American Revolution.” modern age of diplomatic translation aboard British warships in New York Also from a prominent Huguenot- had begun. Harbor during the American Revolution. American family, Freneau was an It was against this backdrop that As a translator, he was noted for his avowed patriot who actually had the 13 British colonies along the French version of the Anglican Book of spent time as a prisoner in the hold of Atlantic seaboard began their own Common Prayer. Isaac Pinto, scion of a one of those British warships in New military and diplomatic campaign for celebrated Sephardic Jewish family, York Harbor. Unfortunately, his time independence. In the early 1780s, emigrated to the U.S. from Portugal. He as a State Department translator ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 29 Translating at the U.S. Department of State: Past, Present, and Future Continued was marred by the political conflict brought another literary figure of Stevens (1874-1939) of Minnesota between his boss, Jefferson, and national renown to the Department. became the Department’s junior trans- Treasury Secretary Alexander Versed in several European languages, lator. Stevens, who stayed on until Hamilton. In an era before federal Gurowski had been imprisoned in 1934, was a linguistic prodigy who guidelines limited political activities Russia for his role in the Polish worked in over two dozen languages. A among civil servants in the work- Revolution of 1830. After immi- 1930 profile of Stevens in Washington, place, Freneau spent much of his grating to America, he gained fame as DC’s The Evening Star described an time running a newspaper, the a literary wit and journalist; Walt artificial language he had invented, National Gazette, attacking the ideas Whitman was among his associates. A based on Chinese and French! A self- of the Federalist party. The ire of man of imposing physical presence, effacing man, Stevens cautioned that President Washington put an end to he was lionized by Washington although he translated documents from Freneau’s State Department career: society, but his erratic personality some 30 languages, he felt uncomfort- Freneau resigned in 1793 and alienated President Lincoln. able saying he truly “knew” them all. returned to New Jersey, somewhat Gurowski’s State Department career A reorganization of the Department bitter and disillusioned. ended when his diaries, highly critical in 1928 brought about a new entity: the We know little of the translators of the Lincoln administration, were Bureau of Language Services. The who served the State Department in published in 1862. Bureau’s first head, Emerson Brewer the early 19th century. In the age One of the key events in the State Christie (1878-1967), supervised a before instant messaging and the Department’s efforts to professionalize staff of half a dozen linguists. Christie, country’s global role, American its workforce was the wave of civil an American born in Turkey to a family diplomacy was conducted at a far service reform in the 1880s. The of New England Congregationalist more leisurely pace. Several of the Pendleton Act of 1883 laid down missionaries, had served in the Department’s translators during these rules for the recruiting, promotion, Philippines, where he authored a years of nation building also served and remuneration of federal govern- booklet on the languages of that concurrently as heads of the ment employees. Henceforth, the country. The U.S. Good Neighbor Department’s library—the oldest Department’s translators would be policy towards Latin America U.S. federal government library in career public servants. While perhaps prompted the establishment, in 1940, existence. Others, such as Aaron Vail less colorful than their writer and jour- of a second State Department transla- (1796-1878), moved on to diplomatic nalist predecessors, this new breed of tion unit: the Central Translating posts abroad or to higher-level posi- diplomatic translator steered clear of Office (CTO), mandated to translate tions at the Department. The name of political controversy, and tended to public diplomacy tracts into Spanish Louis Tasistro, the Department’s spend an entire career at the and Portuguese for distribution translator from 1850 to 1855, stands Department—an enormous boost to the throughout the Hemisphere. The out during these years. It is tempting development of in-house translating Department’s two translating units to identify him with the American lit- expertise. Henry Livingston Thomas were merged in 1944, under CTO erary figure Louis Fitzgerald Tasistro (1835-1903) of New York, who came Director Guillermo Suro (1907-61), a (1808-68), a contemporary and pro- to the Department in the 1860s, was the Spanish translator from Puerto Rico. fessional acquaintance of Edgar first translator under the new civil The merger doubled LS’s size, Allan Poe, although historical evi- service system and a noted bibliophile, meaning that it was well staffed to dence is still lacking. The latter whose personal library was donated to handle the enormous translation work- Tasistro also translated a multi- Columbia University. As America’s load that resulted from the Allied vic- volume history of the U.S. Civil War, role in world affairs increased, particu- tory in World War II. written in French by a prince of the larly with its victory in the Spanish- The postwar years brought new House of Orléans, the Comte de American War in 1898, the need for a languages to LS: Russian, Chinese, Paris, who had come to America to second translator became acute. John Japanese, and, the work of Isaac travel with the Union army in its S. Martin, Jr. of Pennsylvania was hired Pinto aside, Arabic. The successful campaigns against the Confederacy. in 1900 to serve as a junior translator, use of simultaneous interpreting at The hiring of Polish-born Count training for three years under Thomas. the Nuremberg War Trials in the late Adam Gurowski (1805-66) in 1861 Following Thomas’s death, Wilfred 1940s, along with the advent of air

30 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 travel, prompted the hiring of the Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence with the modern-day demands Department’s first professional staff Eagleburger at the gala 1990 bicen- familiar to the entire translating interpreters. By the early 1950s, the tennial of the State Department’s industry: “due yesterday” assign- office’s present structure, divided Office of Language Services. Under ments, terminology management, into a translating unit and an inter- the tutelage of Translating Division text leveraging, and quality control. preting unit, had taken shape. These Chief Anthony Sierra (1927-86), the With a proud history behind it, were heady days at LS, where leg- LS Library was first consolidated and stretching back to the earliest days of endary interpreters held sway, such as efforts were made to codify the lore of the American Republic, LS eagerly Donald Barnes (1930-2003) in previous translators to facilitate the explores the traditions and lore of its Spanish, William Krimer (1915- work of their modern-day colleagues. past to gain inspiration in its eternal 2001) in Russian, Alexandre José de The information age and the quest for le mot juste. Seabra (1917-c. 92), a “wonder of breakup of the Soviet Union ushered nature” who worked with equal ease in a new era for LS. Word processing, (Note: Joseph Mazza will present a in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and computerized slide presentations, e- three-hour Pre-Conference Seminar, Italian), and Edmund Glenn (1915- mail, the Internet, and terminology entitled “A Day in the Life of a State 87) in French. On the translation side, databases revolutionized its work. Department Translator: A Workshop Minnesota-born Emil Fossan (1906- Languages such as Ukrainian and for Romance Linguists,” at ATA’s 2000), who worked from over a Korean were represented on its staff, 45th Annual Conference in Toronto, dozen languages, influenced a gener- which now hovers at around 60, Canada, October 13, 2004.) ation of diplomatic translators. Well evenly split among translators, inter- into his retirement years, Fossan was preters, and administrative personnel. named “Linguist of the Century” by Today’s LS translating staff struggles

Call for Submissions TWO LINES: a journal of translation

We are looking for works that explore all aspects of the 2005 theme: Bodies. Deadline: December 15, 2004 (Complete submission guidelines below)

Submission Guidelines When to Submit Theme for 2005: Bodies (heavenly, skin, lust, matter, corpus, Submissions will be accepted now through December 15, 2004, murder, creatures, councils, armor, labor, meat, fitness, only. Translators will be notified of our decisions in February corporations, the dead, vessels, curves, skeletons in the closet, 2005, and the journal will come out in May 2005, during PEN prowess, flesh) American Center’s World-in-Translation month.

What to Submit How to Submit Original translations into English of writing from any genre and Electronic submissions are greatly appreciated, but hard copy language. In order to be considered, submissions must include a submissions are also welcome. If you would like your hard copy brief introduction with information about the original author, the materials returned, please send an appropriately sized background of the piece, special problems the translation self-addressed stamped envelope. Please send electronic presented, and the way you see the piece in relation to the theme submissions to [email protected], and save documents as RTF of the issue. Please enclose a copy of the original text with your (Rich Text Format). Hard copy submissions can be mailed to: submission. We expect translators to acquire copyright TWO LINES: a journal of translation permission for their translation and for reprinting the original text 35 Stillman Street, Suite 201 (in full, if poetry; in part, if prose). Permission can generally be San Francisco, CA 94107 requested from the publisher of the original work. Tel: 415.512.8812 / Fax: 415.512.8824

For more information on TWO LINES, visit www.CATranslation.org, and click on Literary Translation.

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 31 The Embassy Translator: A Connecting Link Between Cultures and Countries

By Cheryl A. Fain

The following article is based on the What is the mission of a foreign British English in school, they write author’s presentation at the National embassy in the U.S.? in British English and are not always Capital Area Chapter of ATA’s In a nutshell, it is to represent the familiar with the differences between (www.ncata.org) seminar, Translating home country and to defend its inter- British English and American for Foreign Governments, held at the ests in the U.S. English. My Swiss colleagues appre- Hamilton Crowne Plaza in Washington, ciate having their British and DC, April 4, 2004. How does an embassy translator uniquely “Swiss” English, or so- help to carry out the embassy’s called “Swinglish,” transformed into What do embassy translators do and mission? idiomatic American English, since it how do they facilitate communication One way is through what I call helps them to get their point across between cultures and countries? Americanizing—translating and and to make a favorable impression s the in-house translator of the editing embassy documents with a on their American readers, conversa- Embassy of Switzerland in U.S. reader or audience in mind in tion partners, or audiences. A Washington, I work from order to achieve the desired results or When my Swiss colleagues have German and French into English and objective. Americanizing documents specific questions, I have found that a edit documents written in English by dictionary of American-English usage nonnative speakers; that is, by speakers can be very helpful in pointing out and of German, French, and Italian, three “...An embassy translator confirming the differences between of the four official languages of must be a renaissance British English and American English Switzerland. The fourth official federal spelling and punctuation. language, Romansch, also called person who is creative and Rumantsch Grischun, is rarely used at adept at doing research, Correcting errors in grammar, the embassy; however, just in case, I spelling, punctuation, word order, am prepared with my Romansch- and must be able to and capitalization according to English/English-Romansch Dictionary handle a wide variety of American-English usage. In that and Phrasebook. documents covering many connection, my “bible” at work is The In addition to translating and Chicago Manual of Style, 14th editing for the Ambassador of different fields...” Edition, published by the University Switzerland to the United States, of Chicago Press. The 15th Edition Christian Blickenstorfer, and his just came out last year. administrative staff, I translate and edit can also help to improve the image of for the embassy’s Political Section, the the country the embassy represents in “Americanizing” correspondence Legal Affairs Office, the Financial, the U.S. through the use of correct titles and Economic and Trade Section, the In my case, as the in-house trans- forms of address for American offi- Cultural Section, the Office of Science lator of the Swiss Embassy, I do trans- cials. For example, it is important to and Technology, the Communications lations into American English of know that a U.S. senator or represen- Section, the Office of the Defense documents written in German and tative should be addressed as “The Attaché, the armasuisse Washington French by Swiss native speakers of Honorable.” In that regard, you will Office (formerly called the Defense those languages. In so doing, I work be able to find everything you need in Procurement Office), the Police with three different cultures every the 25th Anniversary Edition of Liaison Office, and the Administrative day: Swiss German, Swiss French, Protocol: The Complete Handbook of and Consular Services Section. and U.S. American culture. The fol- Diplomatic, Official, and Social Drawing upon my 10 years of expe- lowing are some examples of Usage by Mary Jane McCaffree, rience at the Embassy of Switzerland, I “Americanizing” that I’ve encoun- Pauline Innis, and Richard M. Sand, will describe what an embassy trans- tered in my work at the embassy. Esquire (Durban House Publishing lator does and how he or she con- Company, Inc., 2002). This handbook tributes toward carrying out the mission Using American English instead of was particularly useful, for instance, of a foreign embassy in the U.S. British English spelling and expres- when I edited a letter from sions. Since the Swiss are taught Ambassador Blickenstorfer to an

32 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 associate justice of the U.S. Supreme German and Procureur général de la would be translated into German as Court, and again when editing a letter Confédération in French)—who Heer and as Forces terrestres in French. from a federal councillor who was the ranks below the Justice Minister. It can also be quite challenging to head of a Swiss federal department to Another tricky title encountered find U.S. equivalents for Swiss local a cabinet member who headed a U.S. when translating Swiss federal gov- officials and local government bodies federal department. The publication is ernment documents is Staatssekretär on the cantonal level. A Swiss canton also a handy resource for formal and in German and secrétaire d’état in is equivalent to a U.S. state, and there informal invitations, which are such French. The correct English transla- are 26 cantons in the country. For an integral part of diplomatic life. tion is “State Secretary,” and a Swiss example, one problematic Swiss “State Secretary” ranks right below German term related to a cantonal “Americanizing” also involves the head of a federal department in government is Staatsschreiber. Since editing for content or meaning. In three departments: the Federal there is no exact equivalent for a my job, that entails providing feed- Department of Foreign Affairs, the Staatsschreiber in the U.S., I had to back to my Swiss colleagues when Federal Department of Economic find a definition of the term in the they would like to know my Affairs, and the Federal Department Dudenverlag publication Wie sagt “American” reactions to their docu- of Home Affairs. In all, there are man in der Schweiz? Wörterbuch der ments. They are especially interested seven federal departments in the schweizerischen Besonderheiten by in knowing if something that they Swiss government, and each is Kurt Meyer, and then had to come up have written could be misunderstood headed by a “Federal Councillor” with an approximate translation. With or viewed as offensive by an who also belongs to the seven- helpful hints from some of my Swiss American reader. member Federal Council, the execu- colleagues, I finally came up with tive branch or administration of the “the head of the cantonal chancery.” A In translating Swiss government Swiss government. cantonal chancery is the central documents, “Americanizing” fre- Sometimes the title Staatssekretär authority of the cantonal government quently entails finding appropriate is mistakenly translated into English and cantonal parliament. Depending U.S. equivalents for titles and institu- as “Secretary of State.” Please note, on the Swiss canton, a Staatsschreiber tions specific to Switzerland. Finding however, that the Swiss counterpart of might also be called a U.S. equivalents for Swiss officials and the U.S. Secretary of State is the for- Kanzleidirektor, Landschreiber, Rats- agencies on the federal level is not par- eign minister or head of the Federal schreiber, Ratschreiber, Staats- ticularly difficult because there are very Department of Foreign Affairs. Since kanzler, or Kanzler, and, in a good resources available, for example, the current foreign minister of French-speaking canton, a Chancelier Swiss government publications in Switzerland is Federal Councillor or Chancelier d’Etat. English and multilingual databases Micheline Calmy-Rey, her titles are A recommended resource for finding such as Eurodicautom. Aussenministerin and Vorsteherin des the titles of Swiss federal officials and Even so, there are some tricky Eidgenössischen Departements für the names of Swiss government bodies terms to watch out for. For instance, it auswärtige Angelegenheiten (das in English is The Swiss Confederation: is important to be aware that the EDA) in German and la ministre des A Brief Guide 2004, which contains an Attorney General of Switzerland does Affaires étrangères and la Cheffe du English description of the organization not have the same rank as the U.S. Département fédéral des affaires of the executive, legislative, and judicial Attorney General. In Switzerland, the étrangères (le DFAE) in French. branches of the Swiss federal govern- Justice Minister, who heads the In translating Swiss military docu- ment. It is available online at Federal Department of Justice and ments, it is important to know that the www.admin.ch/ch/index.en.html. There Police, is the counterpart of the U.S. English equivalent of the German term are also online versions of this publi- Attorney General. However, the die schweizerische Armee and the cation in the four Swiss official lan- Office of the Attorney General of French term L’armée suisse is Swiss guages: German, French, Italian, and Switzerland is headed by the Attorney Armed Forces. The Swiss Armed Romansch. By snail mail, a printed General of Switzerland—sometimes Forces are comprised of the Land copy can be obtained free of charge called the Federal Prosecutor or Forces and the Air Force. Army, as by sending a self-addressed mailing Federal Attorney (Bundesanwalt in defined in the U.S., or Land Forces, label to: SFBL, Distribution of ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 33 The Embassy Translator: A Connecting Link Between Cultures and Countries Continued

Publications, CH-3003 Bern, simply does not exist in the U.S. expert’s opinion on how U.S. trusts Switzerland. An excellent source of Although the term is usually trans- are handled under Swiss law. The additional information on the Swiss lated into English as “place of origin,” U.S. concept of a “trust” does not government is the official website of hardly anyone in the U.S. knows what exist in Switzerland. In doing a dif- the Swiss Confederation at a Swiss “place of origin” actually is. ferent German-to-English translation www.admin.ch. In Switzerland, the German term of that Swiss government tax expert’s Eurodicautom, the European Union Heimatort, or lieu d’origine in opinion on a U.S. estate income tax database, at http://europa.eu.int/ French, is extremely important since issue involving heirs residing in eurodicautom/controller, contains ter- every Swiss citizen must have one. In Switzerland, I had to translate a Swiss minology of the Swiss federal govern- addition to being a citizen of a canton German explanation of legal concepts ment, including acronyms and of origin and the Swiss related to the U.S. Internal Revenue expansions for names of Swiss parlia- Confederation, everyone is a citizen Code. In that case, my experience as a mentary committees and Swiss fed- of his or her “place of origin” and is U.S. taxpayer definitely helped! eral departments. For your entered in the family register of that Much of the legal translation work I information, though, Switzerland is place of origin. The “place of origin” do for the Police Liaison Office not a member of the European Union. is defined as the place where the involves translating letters of request, Another good source of general family (usually the father) comes also called letters rogatory. These are information on the Swiss federal gov- from, and should not be confused sensitive and confidential documents ernment is the booklet Get to Grips with the “place of birth.”Although the usually issued by a Swiss court to a with Political Rights, published by the “place of origin” could conceivably U.S. court requesting judicial assis- Terminology Section of the Swiss be the same as the “place of birth,” tance in criminal investigations where Federal Chancellery. It provides that is not necessarily the case. To there is cooperation between English terms and definitions con- complicate matters further, a Swiss Switzerland and the U.S. The Federal nected with the Swiss electoral citizen could even have more than one Act on International Mutual Assistance system and voting in Switzerland. “place of origin.” in Criminal Matters (IMAC), which The booklet, which contains a glos- provides the legal basis for such coop- sary in German, French, Italian, and In translating legal documents into eration between Switzerland and the Romansch, is also available online at English, “Americanizing” means U.S., is available online at www.admin.ch/ch/index.en.html. taking into consideration that www.imolin.org/swissmaa.htm. In searching for appropriate Switzerland and the U.S. have Since many of the investigations German translations for titles and entirely different legal systems. From have to do with international financial institutions specific to the U.S., I time to time, the Swiss Embassy crime, a resource I have found to be have found that the third edition of receives questions about legal matters useful is the publication Financial the Politisches Wörterbuch zum involving American and Swiss citizens Investigation Terminology: A Regierungssystem der USA: residing in the U.S. or in Switzerland. Multilingual Glossary. The glossary, Englisch-Deutsch, Deutsch-Englisch, Translating the responses to such ques- which is part of the FinCEN an English-German, German-English tions requires an understanding of how Reference Series published by the political dictionary on the U.S. certain issues pertaining to citizens of U.S. Department of the Treasury government by Ulrike Ehnes, Switzerland and/or the U.S. are handled Financial Crimes Enforcement Patrick Labriola, and Jürgen under Swiss and U.S. laws. Therefore, it Network, contains terms in English, Schiffer (R. Oldenbourg Verlag, is important to be aware of the differ- French, German, Italian, and Spanish. 2001), can be useful. ences between the Swiss civil law and In my experience, comparing the U.S. common law systems. Sometimes German, French, and English ver- “Americanizing” also constitutes there are concepts that exist under U.S. sions of bilateral agreements between finding appropriate translations for law that have no exact equivalent under the U.S. and Switzerland is an excel- Swiss concepts that do not exist in Swiss law and vice versa. lent way of finding correct legal the U.S. For example, there is no I encounted this problem recently equivalents in the three languages. exact English equivalent for the Swiss when I did a German-to-English There are several highly recom- term Heimatort because the concept translation of a Swiss government tax mended resources for translating Swiss

34 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 legal documents into English. Various one is at www.ofj.admin.ch/themen/ and potentially embarrassing agreements between the U.S. and auslieferung/intro-e.htm. errors that might be misunderstood Switzerland, such as the Double The Swiss-American Chamber of and misinterpreted by an American Taxation Convention between Switzer- Commerce has published excellent reader or audience. During my years land and the USA, are available online English translations of Swiss business of editing Swiss documents, I have at www.eda.admin.ch/washington_emb/ laws. Information on ordering the encountered some wonderful exam- e/home/legaff/agree.html. publications can be obtained online at ples of unintended humor which Since English is not an official lan- their website at www.amcham.ch/ would give American readers a hearty guage of Switzerland, there are no publications/m_obligations.htm. chuckle. For instance, in a draft of official English versions of Swiss Another valuable resource is the introductory remarks, I once came laws. However, an unofficial English Swiss Parliament website at www.par- across “Mr. X is one of the most translation of the Ordinance of the lament.ch. The site, which is in wanted men at the National Science Swiss Federal Banking Commission German, French, Italian, and English, Foundation.” Obviously, the author of Concerning the Prevention of Money is very helpful if you are searching for the draft, who is a native speaker of Laundering (SFBC Money Laun- the names and acronyms of the var- Swiss German, had no idea that being dering Ordinance, MLO SFBC) can ious committees of the Swiss one of the “most wanted” is not all be found at the Swiss Federal Parliament or Federal Assembly, that desirable in the U.S. Banking Commission’s website at called die Bundesversammlung or das www.EBK.admin.ch under the heading Schweizer Parlament in German and Conclusion “Regulations.” That website also con- L’Assemblée fédérale or Le Parlement An embassy translator must be a tains links, such as www.kpmg.ch, to suisse in French. renaissance person who is creative unofficial English translations of some An outstanding reference work for and adept at doing research, and must basic Swiss legislative texts on U.S. law is Black’s Law Dictionary, be able to handle a wide variety of banking, investment funds, stock Seventh Edition, edited by Bryan A. documents covering many different exchange and security trading, cartels, Garner and published by the St. Paul- fields. Furthermore, an embassy and money laundering. based West Group in 1999. The translator must be familiar not only The Swiss Federal Office of Justice Eighth Edition just came out in June with the culture of the home country website (www.ofj.admin.ch) provides of this year. and that of the host country, but also information in German, French, Italian, Although my strategy of with the diverse cultures within the and English. If, for instance, you are “Americanizing” at the Embassy of home country. Through facilitating interested in learning about extradition Switzerland is usually applied to serious and smoothing the way for communi- proceedings in Switzerland, extradi- Swiss government texts, I would also cation, an embassy translator serves tion fact sheets can be accessed in three like to touch upon its lighter side. as a vital link between cultures and of the four official Swiss languages as When editing texts written by countries and makes a valuable con- well as in English. The German fact nonnative speakers of English, tribution toward carrying out a for- sheet is at www.ofj.admin.ch/themen/ “Americanizing” can involve cor- eign embassy’s mission in the U.S. auslieferung/intro-d.htm and the English recting unintentionally humorous

Gertrud Graubart Champe Editor

Programs in Translation Studies: Programs in Translation An ATA Handbook Studies An ATA Handbook A practical handbook for anyone interested in translation studies in the United States. $30 Members • $50 Nonmembers Order online—atanet.org—or call Headquarters at 703.683.6100. American Translators Association Alexandria, Virginia

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 35 An Exercise in the Organization of Interpreting Services at High-Level Diplomatic Conferences

By Georganne Weller

n May 28-29, 2004, the unique, she adds: “First, the normal U.S. Department of State does not Instituto Cabañas in requirements of the professional inter- allow contract escort interpreters to O Guadalajara, Mexico, was the preter become more stringent: general interpret for foreign diplomats at high- setting for the Third Summit of qualifications as to language, culture, level interviews, and states in its Heads of State of Latin America, the voice, diction, tact, the awareness of Escort Interpreter Manual that: “It is a Caribbean, and the European Union. confidentiality. The diplomatic inter- matter of policy that Language Leaders and representatives of 58 preter must inspire confidence and Services staff interpret at all meetings countries from both continents gath- trust, often accepting undeserved between visitors who do not speak ered to debate the core issues of mul- blame, and be equally at ease in front English and the President of the United tilateralism and social cohesion, with of large audiences, millions of televi- States or State Department officers of the aim of fostering greater political sion viewers, or in face-to-face meet- Assistant Secretary rank and above. and commercial collaboration among ings between heads of state. Although This policy also applied to meetings the regions. Discussions were led by with the Vice President, members of Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of the President’s Cabinet, the Directors Ireland for the European Union, and “…The chief interpreter’s of USIA [United States Information President Vicente Fox of Mexico for Agency] and USAID [United States Latin America and the Caribbean. role is not limited to Agency for International Develop- The summit provided continuity to planning, recruiting, and ment], and certain other U.S. govern- principles developed at the first overseeing interpreting ment officials” (Ref. 6). summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1999, From a personal viewpoint, the which were adopted at the second services during the major difficulty associated with diplo- summit in Madrid in 2002. event…” matic interpreting lies in the enor- This summit provided some prime mous responsibility and pressure the examples of the obstacles organizers interpreter feels about not making a of language services at such events interpreters are usually briefed for mistake that could lead to a diplo- continually face as they attempt to their assignments, these briefing do matic incident. Interpreters have often adequately and efficiently cover the not take the place of the interpreter’s been blamed, rightly or wrongly, pre- linguistic needs of meeting partici- own efforts to keep well informed of cisely for this fault, and to think that pants. It is hoped that a discussion of current events” (Ref. 2). this might happen to you is enough to these obstacles and possible solutions For many years, most diplomatic make one tremble! Another consider- will shed new light on how interpre- interpreting was done in the consecu- ation in a less public vein is the per- tation services for such events may be tive mode, which allowed diplomats sonal and professional responsibility better organized. Readers will also time to ponder over what had been an interpreter has to the organizers or gain an understanding of the crucial said before having to speak. It also agency that does the hiring. By role played by the chief interpreter at afforded interpreters for each party selecting you, the agency has placed these meetings. time for self-correction or to confer its trust in your abilities to do a good on terminology issues. Nowadays, job, and has faith that you will not General Facts on Diplomatic however, in the interest of time, most bring on any unpleasant incidents. Interpreting diplomatic interpreting at conferences Despite these pressures, there are What is diplomatic interpreting and is done in the simultaneous mode. several advantages associated with what sets it aside from other types of It should be noted that escort inter- working at diplomatic conferences. conference interpreting? Hana preting, if performed for diplomats, You are often provided with copies of Kucerova, in her article “Diplomatic can also be considered diplomatic the delegate’s speech and associated Interpreting in Czechoslovakia,” men- interpreting, but this method will not documents from which to work. In tions high-level political talks, visits be not discussed here since it is per- addition, the speakers are normally of heads of state and cabinet members, formed on an individual basis and does well-educated, high-level public offi- etc., as examples of situations where not require conference organization. cials who are used to making addresses diplomatic interpreting is needed. As Consecutive interpreting with note- at international events. This means that to what makes conference interpreting taking will also not be discussed. The you don’t have to wend your way

36 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 through local trade terms, strong language, and into Spanish from found in a given language combina- regional accents, extremely fast-paced English and possibly a third lan- tion” (Ref. 4). In the same article, deliveries, uneducated speech, and guage). For most high-level diplo- Mikkelson offers an example, pro- other stumbling blocks that can inhibit matic interpreting, full booths with vided by Agnes Subiros Matheson clear and effective communication in interpreters working into their A lan- (Ref. 3), that illustrates the relay the target language. Of course, there guage is the preferred mode. For the interpreting process during a hypo- are always exceptions. purposes of this article, A, B, and C thetical conference of widget makers, Having explained the general languages are defined as follows: in which the working languages are nature of diplomatic interpreting, we French, English, and Spanish. should move on to the essence of this ¥ A = Native language or the lan- article: how interpretation services guage(s) the interpreter is most Let us say that the French CEO of may be organized and the crucial role proficient in (target language); Widget Makers de France is of the chief interpreter at such events. ¥ B = Second active language(s) that addressing the audience in French. the interpreter may work into with Booth #1 is interpreting from Organization of Interpreting Services near-native proficiency (target lan- French into Spanish for all confer- Even the novice conference organ- guage); and ence attendees and panel members izer will undoubtedly think to ask: ¥ C = Passive language(s) from from Spain. Booth #2 does not How many interpreters do I need to which the interpreter may work listen directly to the speaker, but cover all language combinations in from A and B, but does not work instead, using the relay switch, is all rooms at all times? This simple into (source language). listening to the interpreter in question leads to other considera- Booth #1, who is interpreting into tions, including: How many sessions During the Third Summit of Spanish. Then the interpreter in will be scheduled on the program, Heads of State of Latin America, the Booth #2 proceeds to interpret and, of these, how many are parallel Caribbean, and the European Union, from Spanish into English for con- sessions? Will all languages be used there were interpreters with various ference attendees and panel mem- at all the sessions? Which sessions combinations: those who only bers who need to listen to the are likely to be the most difficult? Is worked from their B into their A lan- English interpretation. a second interpreting team needed in guage; those who worked both from any of the rooms due to extremely their B as well as their C into their A Of course, relay interpreting is not long meetings? Which interpreters language; those who had a double A without its challenges, and it is work best together? (considered to be native or near- imperative that those organizing con- When deciding upon language native enough to merit an A) in two ference interpreting services be coverage, there is a long-standing working languages, along with a B or aware of the possible issues involved. formula, proposed by Van Hoof (Ref. a C in a third language; and those The International Association of 7), which few interpreters are who had a double A, but no B or C Conference Interpreters (AIIC), in its acquainted with: N = n x (n-1), where language. For this particular summit, publication Practical Guide for “n” represents the number of working the traditional four official languages Professional Conference Interpreters, languages. This formula only applies for high-level meetings held in the warns of the pitfalls involved in using to full interpreting teams, meaning Americas were used: Spanish, relay interpretation, and recommends two interpreters in the same booth English, Portuguese, and French. its use be restricted: working into the same language (nor- To ensure adequate coverage, a mally their A language, from one or practice known as relay interpreting “In relay interpreting the ‘pivot’ more of their B and/or C languages). is often employed at such meetings. (i.e., the interpreter the other It does not apply to bidirectional Holly Mikkelson has stated that booths are listening to and taking booths, where the interpreters work “relay interpreting is necessary when relay from) has a very special into a combination of their A and B more than two languages are involved responsibility. Apart from those languages from their A, B, and C lan- in an interpreted event and no single delegates who are listening to the guages (for example, into English interpreter commands all of the lan- original, everybody else at the from Spanish and possibly a third guages, or when no interpreter can be meeting is relying on the ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 37 An Exercise in the Organization of Interpreting Services at High-Level Diplomatic Conferences Continued

pivot to deliver the speaker’s mes- assign strict timeslots when each to interpret for the preliminary Latin sage. When you are a pivot, all the interpreter is “on” so as to avoid American-Caribbean sessions and not principles of quality interpreting major mishaps. Remember, you at the preliminary European sessions, apply, of course, and a good pivot cannot leave the booth under any cir- which would have a larger component is, first and foremost, a good inter- cumstances during these specified of French and Continental Portuguese. preter. However, the pivot must time periods, not even to heed the I could also interpret at the plenary also make a special effort to inter- calls of Mother Nature, so be careful sessions, where I could serve as a pret with the needs of colleagues with beverage consumption! relay from Portuguese into English. A in mind, and to be maximally clear wise chief interpreter will take the and helpful” (Ref. 1). The Chief Interpreter individual strengths and weaknesses Let us now focus on the role of the of each interpreter into account when Let me provide a concrete all-essential, but often beleagured, chief making assignments. example of the problems relay inter- interpreter, who is a crucial presence But how do you decide which preting can create. My combination before, during, and after the conference. interpreters work best together? As is A (English), B (Spanish), and C Among many other responsibilities, this interpreters, we admit to being high- (Portuguese), which means that I will individual must foresee and plan for strung and somewhat temperamental work from my B and C languages possible contingencies in all rooms individuals (we’re often called prima into my A language. However, what where interpretation will take place. It donnas by outsiders, much to our dis- happens if I am at an event where goes without saying that adequate tress) who do not work equally well French is being spoken on the floor? coverage must be ensured (which, at or, in some cases, refuse to work at all If this situation occurred, I would the summit in Mexico, meant having with certain individuals. Thus, the plot have to resort to relaying from either some 20 interpreters working at any thickens for the poor chief interpreter, the Spanish or Portuguese inter- given time). Programming changes who, in addition to his or her other preting booth, or else my boothmate and the addition of a language at a ses- duties, must also consider possible would have to take over (as long as he sion can play havoc with the best plan- personality clashes (you do not want or she was someone whose B or C ning, and assignments have to be to place arch enemies in close quar- language was French). To the wise juggled according to the chief inter- ters), not to mention possible technical reader, a red flag immediately preter’s best judgment. and human physical impairments. One appears. Suppose my colleague is out Assuming that interpreters have can imagine the overwhelming task of the booth for whatever reason been pre-selected based mainly on the chief interpreter faces when when the French speaker is on the language combinations, the chief deciding how to designate the teams. floor? This is not a problem if I am interpreter must then take into account Much of this planning has to be properly paired with the interpreter in how knowledgeable each interpreter is done in advance, but unforeseen ill- the Spanish booth who interprets about the issues being discussed at the nesses and poor performances, aggra- from French. However, if the col- meeting, how well they handle vated by the addition of extra sessions, league who only interprets from regional accents, etc. To give you an the replacement of one speaker by Portuguese is on the microphone at example of how the chief interpreter at another of a different language, and the same time I am, there will be a the summit in Mexico would delegate other last-minute mishaps can upset total breakdown of communication interpreting responsibilities, let me even the best scheme. As a result, the since we will both be trying to relay again use myself as an example. chief interpreter must often redistribute from each other, thereby leaving the Having learned my Portuguese in his human resources, sometimes to the French uncovered! Brazil, being married to a Brazilian, distress of the interpreters who studied Thus, the importance of organ- and being somewhat immersed in the for certain sessions and are now being izing interpreters by languages, culture, it is much easier for me to changed at the last minute. Such paying particular attention to any interpret from Brazilian Portuguese changes can also compromise the challenges that relay interpretation than from the Continental Portuguese quality of language services. might present, and assuring adequate of Portugal or the other African and Another important role the chief coverage for each language. One Asian varieties. This explains why I interpreter has to fulfill is the pro- technique to accomplish this is to would most likely be assigned mainly curement of documents. Hopefully,

38 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 this has been done in advance of the by security measures, especially at conferences (in this case, the Third event so that interpreters can better high-level events, that prevent inter- Summit of Heads of State from Latin prepare. Nowadays this information preters from having direct access to America, the Caribbean, and the is more readily accessible online documents before the session. In the European Union), and in particular through glossaries, websites con- event of a discrepancy between the to the increasingly important role of taining background information on interpreter and the speaker, the chief the chief interpreter, who is truly a the conference, previous related interpreter must be prepared to field key player in conference organiza- events, and preparatory documents. complaints and ascertain whether or tion. In a cursory review of the liter- In addition, it is most helpful to not a misunderstanding was actually ature before writing this article, not have the names of the participants the fault of the interpreter and how much was found regarding this indi- available, since official nametags are serious it was. The results could affect vidual. Do interpreters and not always within sight, depending future hiring, and verification of the researchers not feel, as I do, that this on the layout of the meeting room, facts must be done to avoid injustice role is a strategic one which con- and it is often hard to catch these to the interpreter. tributes enormously to the success or names when they are rattled off by an A final responsibility that could failure of an international event? inconsiderate chairman whose rate of fall to the chief interpreter, and one Hopefully any comments received by speech might make it difficult to more reason why a good one can readers of this article will provide figure out who is being recognized. make all the difference in the world, more food for thought on what I con- Even more important is to have the is the payment of staff. As we all sider to be an important subject in latest versions of the documents you know, interpreters like to be paid, and conference interpretation. will be working with, since it is very promptly! How fast interpreters are difficult to interpret complicated paid often depends on whether the References jargon when it is read at a fast pace, chief interpreter was a colleague des- 1. AIIC. 2004. A Practical Guide for much less second guess what changes ignated by the organization in charge Professional Conference Inter- the drafting committee has made in of the event (in which case, his job preters, Geneva, Switzerland. the original documents. Simul- normally ends with the conference), taneous interpretation is designed to or whether he is a staff member at the 2. Kucerova, Hana. 1990. “Diplo- be a faithful rendition of ideas, but hiring agency. If it is the latter, then matic Interpreting in Czecho- not of style changes in writing. this individual will most likely be slovakia.” In: InterpretingÐ Without the latest version in hand, involved in the follow-up procedure Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. the interpreted version will not match of calculating overtime, travel ATA Scholarly Monograph Series. the polished written version provided vouchers, expedient payment, etc. Vol. IV, SUNY, pp. 37-39. by the drafting committee. It goes While most interpreters will not without saying that the final declara- refuse to work with certain chief 3. Matheson, Agnes Subiros. 1997. tion in the target language must be interpreters since this could greatly “The Amazing Relay Switch.” available for all interpreters in the restrict their possibility of being ATA Chronicle. Vol. XXVI, No. 7, booths to ensure coherence with the hired, we all prefer those who have July, pp. 16-17. version in the hands of the delegates. been fair in the distribution of The chief interpreter and his or her working hours, make logical booth 4. Mikkelson, Holly. 1999. “Relay assistants will do their best to procure assignments, and show concern for Interpreting: A Solution for the most recent documents, but it is getting the proper documentation to Languages of Limited Diffusion?” also the responsibility of the booth you in a timely fashion. The Translator. No. 2, p. 1-19. interpreters to cover any shortcom- ings they may foresee. Of course, Conclusion 5. Presidencia de la Republica de there are limits to what can be done, What can we conclude from this Mexico. 2004. Confidential since interpreters simply can’t go run- article? More than an attempt to Briefings and Documents. ning around indefinitely looking for arrive at concrete conclusions, it was the most up-to-date documentation. written to draw the reader’s attention Getting information is often hindered to the nature of high-level diplomatic Continued on p.43

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 39 Invisible in the Spotlight: Interpreting for Film and Performing Artists

By Ellen Sowchek

ll creative artists are translators word: “Both.” Michelangelo was once consecutive interpreting is the fol- and interpreters. As translators, asked how he determined what kind of lowing: “The conversion of a A they create works that trans- statue to carve from a particular piece speaker or signer’s message into form an idea, an esthetic, or a world- of marble. He answered that the deter- another language after the speaker or view into a form accessible to others. mination was not his to make, and that signer pauses, in a specific social As interpreters, they communicate the statue that resulted from his work context” (The Terminology of Health their works to audiences using a was simply the statue that was inside Care Interpreting, A Glossary of medium (film, dance, music, or text) the marble waiting to be released. Was Terms, compiled by the National that both creator and spectator under- he an artist or a craftsman? Henri Council on Interpreting in Health Care, stand. Creative artists (film and the- Langlois, founder of the Cinémathèque www.ncihc.org). In the entertainment ater directors, actors, choreographers, Française, once said that directors did industry, the social context is almost dancers, and musicians) are often not create films, that all films already always the discussion or promotion of extremely articulate about their own exist, and that the director simply the work or works of a particular artist. work, but what if their spoken lan- Much has been written about the guage is not the one the interviewer, skills that should be developed in the journalist, or the audience under- “…Presentation is order to be a successful consecutive stands? Enter the interpreter, the sur- extremely important when interpreter. The following, while not rogate voice of the artist, the conduit interpreting for film and an exhaustive list, are the skills that for communication, sharing the spot- we can work at improving: listening, light…but remaining invisible. performing artists. It is a voice, concentration, memory, note- As part of this very unique world performance art in and of taking, and presentation. Listening is of interpreting, I have been in the listening not just for meaning, but spotlight with film and performing itself….” also for tone, for nuance, for subtlety. artists for several years. I am often Voice is the instrument used by the asked what it is like to do this type of reveals and records them during the interpreter to verbalize what she or he work and what kind of special prepa- filmmaking process. Alfred Hitchcock, has heard and understood. ration and skills are necessary to do it François Truffaut, Federico Fellini— Concentration is what makes it pos- successfully. In the article that fol- were they auteurs or craftsmen? sible for the interpreter to engage in lows, I would like to address these As interpreters, we do not create sustained listening, unbothered by questions, first by discussing the art our own texts, so the argument could the distraction of other voices and and craft of consecutive interpreting rightly be made that we are other words. Memory is what enables in general, and then by taking you craftsmen, applying our skills to the the interpreter to take what has been through an assignment, step-by-step, works (or words) of others. However, said and treat it as a whole—in a from pre-assignment preliminaries to the skilled interpreter who is able to phrase, a sentence, or a paragraph— the last word, highlighting what is render the thoughts of one individual, rather than as individual words. Note- important at each stage. Although spoken in one language, into another taking is a tool to aid memory, and is some of the advice I am about to give language, and to convey all nuances available for use as the interpreter is very specific to the entertainment inherent in those words so they can sees fit. Finally, presentation is what industry, the process is one that can be understood by someone from makes it possible to communicate be modified for use with any type of another culture—this, in my opinion, what we have heard to an audience, consecutive interpreting assignment. is the work of a true artist. Like whether of one or one thousand. Michelangelo, we release words that Presentation is extremely impor- Interpreting as an Art and a Skill are there, already spoken, and enable tant when interpreting for film and Is interpreting an art or a skill? Is the them to be heard and understood in a performing artists. It is a performance successful interpreter an artist or a way that would not be possible art in and of itself. Good presentation skilled craftsman? These are philo- without our intervention, our artistry. skills make it possible for the inter- sophical questions that could take Interpreting in the entertainment preter to vanish, to become invisible, pages to answer, but at the risk of being industry primarily involves consecutive only to reappear as an extension of the facetious, I am going to answer in one interpreting. My favorite definition of artist, a surrogate voice that ➡

40 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 seamlessly merges with the original. you are not available for the entire that can accommodate change. It has It requires a strong sense of self and a assignment, let the client know when been my experience that mutual trust healthy ego that is not afraid of being you are available. If you have worked and established relationships play a submerged into that of another. And it for this client before and they like significant role in this industry and, as is precisely in this area of ego that your work, they will sometimes alter a result, very few assignments are potential problems may arise, when the schedule to accommodate you. done on a contract basis. the originator, the artist/creator of the Continuity is an important factor, and words, is insecure and sees the inter- it is generally better for the artist to Step 2: Once You Have Agreed to preter as a competitor rather than an work with one interpreter. If you Take the Assignment— ally, as a dissonant rather than a har- cannot be there for the full assign- Background Research monious voice. Does this happen? ment, even if the client is willing, it It is absolutely imperative that you Yes, but not often. Most subjects rec- might be better not to accept it. do your preliminary research and be ognize that the interpreter is there for Find out whether you are also thorough about it. Expertise is impor- them to facilitate their communica- expected to attend, but not neces- tant, so do not accept an assignment tion, and it is the responsibility of the sarily to constantly work through, if you do not feel confident about interpreter to reinforce this idea. luncheons, dinners, and parties. Is your subject knowledge. We are there, not to share the spot- there travel involved? If so, is travel There are many sources of infor- light or to take it away, but rather to time compensated? mation about performing artists and enhance it through the process of bilin- Discuss compensation. Is there a their work, both online and in print. gual, bidirectional communication. fixed fee for the entire assignment, or Look them up and check them out. will you be paid based on an hourly For artists who are promoting a par- The Interpreting Assignment or per diem rate? What about down ticular work or performance, the pub- You have just received a telephone time? If there are two interviews in licist, producer, or distributor will call to interpret for a visiting film the morning and a screening in the often provide you with information in director. You will be interpreting for evening, will you be paid for the full advance of the assignment. If there is journalists’ interviews for print and day, or only for the times you are a press kit available, by all means ask other media, doing a Q&A session working? If there is travel involved, for one. If it is a film, ask if it is pos- following a screening, and attending a will both your travel time and your sible to see it in advance, either at a pre- or post-premiere reception. The expenses be paid? press screening or on video. job sounds exciting, as it is a film- Find out who will be paying you. What type of information should maker whose work you admire, and This is not as obvious as it may seem. you look for? What information is your immediate reaction is to say yes. When you are working with a useful? With regard to the individual However, before you do, review the director who is promoting a film that artist, look for general biographical following steps, as they will help to has a publicist, who has been hired by information (place of birth, education, ensure that your assignment is suc- the distributor, who, in turn, is etc.), titles of previous works, signifi- cessful, your client is satisfied, and working for the production company, cant influences (names of teachers or that you will be called again. any one of these parties may be colleagues who were important in the responsible for paying you. Be clear artist’s life or who influenced his or her Step 1: Before Accepting the about who is giving the orders and work). If the artist is promoting a spe- Assignment—Some where to send the invoice. cific work, be familiar with the plot, Pre-assignment Preliminaries Finally, determine whether or not the names of the characters, the names Find out the times you will be you are going to be working with a of cast and crew, and the title of the needed, and determine whether you contract. If the client wants a contract, work in the original language and its will be available for all of them. Be review the terms carefully before you foreign release title, if any. Make every flexible, since this type of work often sign. If the client does not offer a con- effort to see the work—a question that involves many last-minute additions tract and you are not comfortable may seem very strange and out of con- and changes to the schedule. Ask for working without one, recognize that text may become totally comprehen- a copy of the schedule in writing, flexibility is often of paramount sible when you have seen the work and even if it is only a preliminary one. If importance, and propose a contract understand the references. ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 41 Invisible in the Spotlight: Interpreting for Film and Performing Artists Continued

Who is your audience? Is it the gen- should be the focus of attention, and important to establish a rhythm as eral public, students, other profes- bright colors can be distracting. And soon as possible. Find out whether sionals or journalists? Knowing who don’t forget to wear comfortable your subject prefers to speak in long the audience will be helps you to know shoes—many in-theater sessions are or short sentences, and try to accom- what level of understanding to expect done standing up! modate them as best you can. and what type of terminology to use. You will be working very close to If you are interpreting in a public What is the venue? Is it a public or your subject, so do not wear any kind forum, work with the interviewer. Let private setting? Is the interview in- of scented product. Many people are them repeat the question to the audi- person or by phone? Is it being allergic to perfume, and you do not ence, since this gives you extra time recorded? want to cause your subject to have an to interpret the question to your sub- Will you be working in a public allergic reaction. Breath mints are ject. If someone in the audience asks setting where there may be com- equally important. a question in the subject’s native lan- peting noise, such as in a hotel lobby, If the interview is by phone, be guage, repeat it in English so that the restaurant, bar, classroom, or theater? clear about the time zones involved rest of the audience understands. Or will you be working in a more pri- when setting the time for the call. Try Be true to your subject, to their vate setting, such as a hotel room or to familiarize yourself with confer- words, and their emotions. Do not add business office, or in a radio or tele- ence call technology, since some- to or subtract from what they are vision studio? times you might be the one who has saying. Be discreet when needed. If you will be working by phone, to set up the call. Remember that you are a communica- will you be together with the subject Always arrive early: schedules are tions professional. Accurately con- or will you be interpreting from a usually pretty tight. Once you arrive, veying the idea, rather than the exact remote location via conference call? introduce yourself to everyone. Talk words, is the ultimate goal in this type All of this information should be with your subject before you begin, of interpreting. Speak naturally and ascertained in advance in order to since this will put both of you at ease. It without hesitation. It is important that make the actual day of the assign- will also give you the opportunity to you engage the audience’s attention, ment run smoothly. hear what the subject’s voice is like— and sometimes this is as much about whether they speak with a regional presentation as it is about interpreta- Step 3: On the Day of the accent, talk fast, slow, loud, soft, if there tion. This is the moment when you are Assignment—Prepare Before You is any kind of speech impediment, or if most visible. If you are doing your job Begin they speak any English. Remember, well, the transition from one language Physical preparation is very your subject is often just as nervous as to another will be seamless, an exten- important and should not be neg- you are. Let them know that you are sion of what the subject is saying, and lected. Try to get a good night’s sleep there for them whenever they need you. this will be the moment that you the night before: fatigue is the Talk with your subject and decide become completely invisible. greatest enemy of concentration. together where you will stand or sit. If you are working with journalists Have your materials prepared: If you are using a microphone, find in individual or group interviews, estab- notepad, pencil, and any extra mate- out if there is one for each of you or lish a rapport with them. If you do this rial (such as a cast list or credits list if you will have to pass it back and type of work often, chances are you will for name references). Be kind to your forth (organizers frequently forget to meet some of them again. In most voice: bring throat lozenges, throat include an extra microphone, or an cases, they will be recording the inter- spray, or water with you. Keep your extra chair, for the interpreter). If view and yours will be the only voice vocal chords lubricated. recording equipment is being used, they will understand. Let them know Dress appropriately—know the determine where you must stand or that you are available should they need type of event and dress accordingly. sit in order to be heard. to clarify something later on. If you are working a full day, with Remember to give them your card— interviews in the morning and a Step 4: When the Interpreting some journalists will mention you by reception in the evening, bring a Begins name in an interview, some will not. If change of clothing. Wear subdued Remember that your work is bilin- you are interpreting for a number of colors—it is the artist, not you, that gual and bidirectional, so it is interviews in a single day, try to make

42 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 each interview seem fresh. Remember, aired. This is a good way to review communicate their works and ideas this may be the fifth or sixth interview yourself, and also serves as the foun- to the public. It is incredibly for the artist and for you, but it is the dation for a portfolio of your work. rewarding, but it requires a great deal first for the interviewer. Be sure to invoice promptly. In of work and is not for the faint-of- some cases, you may be asked to heart. If you are uncomfortable Step 5: When the Assignment is have the invoice with you when you speaking in front of large audiences Over—After the Last Word is arrive for the assignment. or working with some larger-than-life Spoken Finally, follow up on anything that egos, this may not be appropriate Once you have finished the assign- may have caused you problems in work for you. However, the sugges- ment, be sure to thank all of the par- your interpreting: subject matter or tions I have given above, when mod- ties involved. Make sure to have terminology. This way, you will be ified, are applicable to many other business cards with you in the event prepared for the next time. types of interpreting situations. They someone has heard you and is inter- are based on my own experience, so ested in hiring you. Final Thoughts when you read them, adapt them and If you are working with journalists, I consider it a great privilege to be make them work for you. ask when the printed interview will be able to work with film and per- published or the recorded interview forming artists and to enable them to

An Exercise in the Organization of Interpreting Services at High-Level Diplomatic Conferences Continued from page 39 ATA Members 6. U.S. Department of State. 1988. 7. Van Hoof. 1962. Théorie et Check out Retirement Escort Interpreter Manual. Pratique de L’Interprétation. Max Programs through— Office of Language Services, Hueber Verlag, Munich. p. 38. Washington Washington, DC. Pension Center 888.817.7877 301.941.9179

Here are the top SEVEN REASONS why you should attend It’s Not Too Early ATA’s Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada To Plan October 13–16, 2004 ATA’s 2005 Annual Conference 1. Networking 5. Learning what others 2. Sharing information are doing in the field Seattle, with your colleagues 6. Learning or improving skills Washington 3. Making new contacts and techniques November 9-12 4. Gaining inspiration 7. Break from job/routine

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 43 Lunch with a Legend

By Tanya Gesse©

Peter Less has been living in Chicago, only sister are all gone. I am the only where he practices law, for over 50 one still around. years. He attended the Geneva School of Conference Interpretation and, in Why did you choose Switzerland? 1946, interpreted at the Nuremberg That was the only country where I Trials of Nazi war criminals. Less, could go without a visa at the time. whose mother, father, sister, and grand- For a while, my father would send me mother were killed by the Nazis, had to 50 marks a month to live on, but sit in the courtroom and interpret for about six months later that became some of the masterminds responsible illegal. I had to find another way to for these atrocities. How could he do survive, but I had no residence permit it? Come hear Mr. Less speak at ATA’s and no work permit. So I became a 45th Annual Conference in Toronto student of hotel management at the (October 13-16, 2004).

s I clip a microphone to Peter “…We felt like pioneers, Less’s tie, he says: “That’s but at the same time we A how they have microphones now, not these old ones bolted down didn’t think we were in the middle of the table.” anything special. We were I then show him some archival photos of the Nuremberg Trials. kids, we were He says, “Umm-hmm, those are adventurous, and we liked the guys. There’s Hermann Goering what we did. At night we and Rudolf Hess… Hjalmar Interpreters were required to wear uniforms at went to the movies…” the Nuremberg Trials. This 1946 photo of Schacht—he was one of the three Peter Less in front of the Grand Hotel shows found not guilty. Erhard Milch—I had him in the uniform of a civilian attached to the him in a deposition. He knew perfect U.S. Army. English. If there was one word in my École Hôtelière in Neuchâtel, where I translation he didn’t like, he would spent some very useful months. I nice commander, and weekends off. correct it. He was usually right.” learned to cook, to wait on tables, and We were free to go to the big cities on I got good food. the weekends. If we had a few pen- Would you tell me about your When the course ended, I became nies, we went to Zurich and had a childhood? an undocumented alien. The Swiss good time chasing girls, going to the I grew up in a nice, comfortable authorities issued me a so-called “tol- movies, and sitting in coffee shops. middle class German home in erance permit” valid for three months. Koenigsberg. My father was an After three months, I’d go back to the What kind of work did you do in attorney and my mother managed my police and they would ask: “Why these camps? grandmother’s store. As the Nazis haven’t you left Switzerland yet?” Needless work. Dig ditches one came to power, things got worse and And I would say: “I would love to! day, cover them up the next. We told worse. In 1938, when I was 17, I told Tell me where I can go! The Germans those in charge that we could be my parents we should leave are in Germany, Austria, France, in helpful to the Swiss economy if they Germany. But like so many intellec- Italy, all the surrounding countries— would only let us. “No, we can’t— tuals, they said: “This cannot go on where can I go?” And so they would these are orders from above.” But much longer. Social democrats will renew the permit. there were always nice people in come back soon.” So I left alone and Eventually, the Swiss put me in a Switzerland who helped refugees, went to Switzerland. They stayed. labor camp, but it wasn’t bad. We got such as the Quakers. They had pam- My family perished. My father, my military food, so the Swiss soldiers ate phlets in French, and we would trans- mother, my grandmother, and my the same things we did. Nice billets, a late them into German, English, or

44 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 whatever they needed. And they paid speak very slowly, accentuating every When we arrived at Nuremberg, they us, which was totally illegal because syllable: “Heute ist das Wetter sehr gave us a couple hours of training and we were not allowed to work outside schoen.”—“Today the weather is then put us in a glass booth in the court- of the camps. very nice.” After a few weeks, they room. We worked in hour-and-a-half Then one day, a nice Swiss would speak quickly and with an shifts (an hour-and-a-half in the Foreign Service officer named Merz, accent. We gradually learned to listen morning, an hour-and-a-half in the after- said: “We can get you out of here if and speak at the same time. noon), and it felt longer than an eight- you agree to do work where there is a There were about 15 or 18 stu- hour day at the office. The day wasn’t shortage of labor. You have a choice: dents in my class. We graduated finished then, either, because at night we a butcher, a baker, a painter, or a shortly after WWII ended. At that had to correct the gibberish transcribed barber.” I chose to be a barber and got time, the Americans, the British, and during the day. When you interpret fast, sometimes you don’t speak elegantly, but when it gets printed in the record, everything must be correct. We also did translation work. For example, when the final judgment was issued, it had to be translated. It was 360 pages long. The military police locked us up in an old Bavarian castle and told us: “You will be court-martialed if a word leaks out of what’s in those papers. Every reporter is going to offer you your weight in gold to get a scoop, to be the first.” We couldn’t leave, couldn’t even use the phone.

What was the average age of the Nuremberg interpreters? We were fairly young. The two French sisters were only 22, but the Tribunal Courtroom entrance pass. others were a little older. There were four languages used for placed with a barber in La Chaux de the French were organizing an inter- interpretation in the courtroom: Fond who needed an apprentice, and national war crimes tribunal. One German, French, English, and Russian. stayed there for about a year. day, American officers in uniform The interpretation equipment was Then Merz found out that the came to the school. They tested a primitive: a microphone bolted University of Geneva was willing to dozen people and hired three, down in the middle of the table, and give refugees a grant. By that time I including me. “Tomorrow morning,” you had to bend over to speak into it. knew French, so I enrolled in the the American officer said, “you must It was uncomfortable and strained Faculté des Lettres and got my uni- fly to Nuremberg.” your back. You couldn’t turn your versity degree. Attached to the As students, in addition to learning head because then it wouldn’t cap- University of Geneva was the École the skill of listening and speaking at ture your voice. The earphones were d’Interprètes, a Rockefeller-founded the same time, we studied various big, like you see in old movies. They department that trained simultaneous terminology—military, political, legal, fit over your head, heavy and tight, interpreters. I spoke German, English, including Nazi terms, and the rank and crushed your ears. They were and French, and I enrolled there. It equivalents in the French or American terrible, very uncomfortable. Your was a two-year course. They put us in army—so we were prepared. ears were red when you finally got a glass booth. At first, they would I was 25. rid of them. ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 45 Lunch with a Legend Continued

end of the workday, jeeps would drive us to our temporary homes and pick us up again in the morning to go to the courthouse. We ate at the Grand Hotel, the only hotel that was still standing. Everything else was destroyed, but the Allies kept the hotel in good shape because they had to sleep somewhere. The waiters and wait- resses were all Germans. They got paid in cigarettes. I sent my entire salary home to my wife, and used the allowance of cigarettes I got to buy things. Once that same year, 1946, I was flown to the Four-Power Conference in Berlin to translate for two days. On my time off, I walked the streets and Tribunal Courtroom with interpreters in the booth (Less is in the last row of interpreters, touching bought a typewriter—and paid his forehead). almost a whole carton of cigarettes for it. I still have it. And the sound was scratchy, like too fast. In those cases, you could just an old record. There was also a get the gist of what the witness was How many interpreters were there button you could push in the inter- saying across, but you had to make it total? preters’ booth. It would turn on a red clear that this was not a literal trans- About 30 or 40 altogether, in all light that told the speaker to slow lation. Some witnesses were crying, languages. All the time I worked down. They’d see that red light, slow muffling their words with their sobs. there I didn’t even know all of them, down for about 15 seconds, then go We did the best we could. since they had different hours and back to their usual manner of shifts. I saw the ones that were sitting speaking. The volume depended What were some of the other lan- next to me during the same shift. largely on the speaker. If the speaker guages that witnesses used? We were young and not very experi- did not speak loud enough, there was Polish, Lithuanian, and Ukrainian. enced, but we were indispensable. The nothing you could do to enhance the École d’Interprètes was the only place volume. And if they were shouting How were those languages handled that trained interpreters at that time. too loud, there was nothing you in the courtroom? could do to tone them down. I inter- In those cases, the witnesses had Did you have a supervisor? preted the proceedings between to give a written statement that was Yes, Brigadier General Telford German and English. translated into English. The author- Taylor was an intermediate boss. He I had to interpret as well as trans- ized translation would then be read died recently, in 2003 in New York. late. If a witness testified that she had into the record. The real boss was Robert H. to jump out a first floor window, the Jackson, the Supreme Court judge Americans would say, “big deal, Where were you staying while who was the chief counsel. I spoke street level.” I had to translate it interpreting at the trials? to him on the telephone just before “second-floor window”—then they We were housed in beautiful he died. would say, “oh, that was quite a fall.” villas confiscated from top Nazis, Sometimes witnesses would use located in the suburbs of Did you get any time off? languages not offered at the trial. Nuremberg. There were about three Yes, we had some days off, and They would use Yiddish or else speak or four interpreters per villa. At the weekends. Once I got Friday off, so I

46 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 quickly went to Paris to meet my At the recent International War You told me that you were a member wife, who came up from Geneva. Crimes Tribunal of Slobodan of, I think it was called the Milosevic, interpreters received International Association of What stands out in your mind psychological aid to deal with the Parliamentary Interpreters, the fore- today about your work as an inter- descriptions of atrocities they had runner of today’s AIIC (Interna- preter at Nuremberg? to interpret. Did you receive any tional Association of Conference I guess the fact that we were the psychological aid? Interpreters). Did you remain a first. The Nuremberg Trials were the No, they didn’t really know what member after you left Geneva? first time simultaneous interpreta- psychology was back then—Freud Yes, for a year or two, and then I tion was used. They had to use it, had just died in 1939—but we were lost contact. But I still have a certifi- because if they used consecutive young and we could disassociate our cate hanging on the wall at my house. interpretation, especially with four feelings from our job. official languages, the trials would What was the mood like on the part only just be finishing now. So we When you moved to the U.S. in of the audience? felt like pioneers, but at the same 1946, did you work as an inter- Well, they had to remain calm, time we didn’t think we were any- preter here? because any commotion would get you thing special. We were kids, we were No, but I did work as a translator expelled from the courtroom. They had adventurous, and we liked what we and teacher for Berlitz, teaching to just sit there and observe. They did. At night we went to the movies. German and French to GIs coming couldn’t smile, applaud, or express any home from the war. We taught hatred or repugnance. Courtrooms are How did you maintain your them how to say things they wanted run with a lot of decorum in general, neutrality? to know (like “where are the girls?” and that was especially true there, It wasn’t easy. You were sitting in the or “which is the best beer?”). My when the eyes of the world were on same room with the people who prob- wife translated for the Red Cross. that courtroom. All the newspapers ably killed your parents, but you could She also worked for them in were there, and there was radio equip- not let your feelings interfere with your Geneva, translating records, ment all over the place. job. You swore to interpret as faithfully looking for missing persons and as possible, to put the speaker’s idea prisoners of war. She even met Do you know if the court building is into the listener’s head. So we did. Winston Churchill. still there today? Oh yes, I saw it years later.

What were the defendants’ attitudes? They were all different. Hans Frank showed genuine remorse, while others showed phony remorse in order to get a lighter sentence or escape the hangman’s noose. Some were not remorseful at all, but said they “just sat in their office and signed papers.”

What special terminology did you have to know? The Nazi terminology and ranks for the army and the SS—we trans- lated them into equivalent American or British terms. Oberst was a colonel, for example. Some things Attorney Paula Weisberg (Less’s colleague), Peter Less, and Tanya Gesse at lunch at The Berghoff, a we didn’t translate, like “the SS.” It German restaurant in downtown Chicago that Peter has frequented for the past 50 years. stands for Schutzstaffel, but you ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 47 Lunch with a Legend Continued didn’t translate that since everybody father and my uncle were attorneys. terms that we don’t know in knew what it meant. I did all kinds of odd jobs to get America, and you had to be careful through school. in explaining it, but you can’t always Did you meet all of the interpreters do this in open court. at Nuremberg? Did you make any mistakes at No, there were nine other trials Nuremberg that you remember? So you had to be a legal expert? going on. I interpreted at the major Oh yes, once I made a big mistake Yes, we studied legal terminology war criminals’ trial—Hermann and almost caused World War III. It at the Geneva School. We studied Goering, Rudolf Hess, Hans Frank, was over a word—a name, actually— international law, Roman law, and Ernst Kaltenbrunner, and others. “Rascher.” The question was “What did common law. So we knew what it was, There were also the doctors’ trials, the Rascher do?” and I translated: “What but to impart these ideas into the head concentration camp trials, the indus- did Russia do?” The Russian officer of the listener is not very simple, trialist trials, and others. They went immediately jumped up, shook his because they are all brought up in their on from 1945-46, all the way until hands in the air, and said: “WHAT?! own culture, which, to them, is the 1949. I did not stay until the end. What are you involving Russia for?” I only meaningful and correct one. They then had to explain that I meant the don’t realize that other systems are Why not? You said you were German General Rascher, not Russia built on different assumptions. making a great living. the country, and apologized. I sure was, but I got a visa to go to What kind of law do you practice now? the U.S. and couldn’t let it expire. What were some of the difficulties? Mostly family law. Well, the fact that the German Was your visa to the States kind of defense counsel were good attorneys Having lived through tumultuous a thank-you gesture on the part of in Roman law, and the Americans and historical times, what advice would the Americans that hired you? the British were good attorneys in you give us today? No, I got the visa on my own. Now, common law. That sometimes made Don’t follow somebody who tells because I was attached to the U.S. it difficult to explain the concepts, you what’s good for you. I like the Army, upon my arrival in the U.S., I not the words. motto “Lead me to those searching had to report at the Pentagon in order to for truth, but keep me away from get an official release from my duties. Could you do that while interpreting? those who have ‘found it.’” No, you had to explain the con- After Nuremberg, did you consider cepts before and after, off the record, The author wishes to specially thank continuing as an interpreter? because they would use terms that attorney Paula Weisberg for making Yes, for a while. I wanted to work the other side couldn’t understand. the connection between the two gen- at the newly founded United Nations, When an American attorney speaks erations of interpreters, Agnès but they didn’t need German. about the writ of habeas corpus, a Donnadieu for her photo work, and German would say, “what is he the many professional interpreters So after you didn’t start working at talking about?” Then you had to from New York to London to the United Nations, what did you do? explain what legal document they Jerusalem who submitted questions I went to law school. I always had. On the other side, the Roman for the interview. wanted to be a lawyer because my law professionals would use Latin

Call for Papers XVII World Congress of the Submission deadline: October 31, 2004. International Federation of Translators For detailed information, including the “Rights On!” guidelines for submitting a presentation, please visit www.fit2005.org. August 4-7, 2005 Tampere, Finland

48 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 Certification Forum: The Newest Additions to the Certification Program: Croatian→English and English→Croatian

By Terry Hanlen, Certification Program Manager

am happy to announce that Program is enthusiastically supported 3) ** Select a chair and establish Croatian into English and English and encouraged by the ATA Board of formal contact with the I into Croatian have been added to Directors, Certification Committee Certification Committee. Provide the testable languages that make up members, and Headquarters staff. In the Certification Committee with ATA’s Certification Program. The adding a language combination, the a list of the committee members. ATA Board of Directors approved the majority of the work is done by the additions in July and candidates may members of the workgroup who desire 4) ** Prepare a list of ATA members begin ordering practice tests immedi- testing in the new combination. The role and nonmembers who would be ately. Examinations in these combi- of the Committee and Headquarters interested in taking the exam. nations will be available at all exam staff is to provide guidance, informa- Provide documentation to verify sittings when the new exam year tion, and oversight to facilitate the that: a) there is support for adding begins in 2005. process. (Headquarters staff is unable to a new language combination; b) Adding a new language combina- take on the routine administrative tasks there will be enough sustained tion for testing is a labor-intensive, related to the establishment of a new interest to ensure continuing all-volunteer process. The only assis- language.) Since this work is done by administrative support on their tance ATA Headquarters and the unpaid volunteers, it is important to be part; and c) other candidates will Certification Committee can give is to aware of the time and effort that will be come forward to take the exam in help with coordination, oversight, and required in order to establish a new lan- successive years. This is necessary advice. On average, it takes a min- guage combination into the Certifi- since offering the exam on a tem- imum of two years, from the initial cation Program. The process takes porary or limited basis is inconsis- steps to final approval from the ATA several years and requires a dedicated tent with the philosophy upon Board, to add a language combina- and knowledgeable workgroup. Please which the Certification Program is tion. There were many helping hands note that costs of establishing a new lan- based. Were a test offered on a involved in securing approval for guage pair cannot be covered or reim- one-time basis, those who failed Croatian in both directions, but the bursed by ATA (this includes could not retake the test. At least tireless driving forces who deserve to photocopying, postage, long distance 50 names should be submitted. be recognized are Marijan Bo‰koviç, telephone, as well as travel expenses for Paula Gordon, and David Stephenson. attending meetings or grader training). 5) Decide who will select the passages This accomplishment would not be Limited costs of grader training are and who will grade the initial round possible without them. And they did it reimbursable only upon formal intro- of exams (at least four graders all in remarkable time—just under duction of the new language pair into should be designated for each lan- two years. the Certification Program. guage combination). These graders Currently, there are efforts Note the steps marked with **. At must be ATA members, have appro- underway to prepare other language these points, documentation needs to priate credentials, and be willing to combinations for testing. This gives be provided to the Certification commit a minimum of two years as me the opportunity to present our pro- Program Manager. graders to ensure some continuity cedure for establishing languages for as appropriate candidates pass the testing. The process is detailed and the 1) Contact the Certification Program exam and are brought into the volume of work is daunting, but the Manager at ATA Headquarters for grading workgroup. Graders must goal is to establish language combina- information about the steps of this also be aware that this obligation tions that are relevant and in demand, grass-roots process. requires that they forfeit their and to ensure that the testing program opportunity to become certified can be sustained for years to come. 2) Contact colleagues to discuss the until the exam year after they are no matter and find volunteers to form a longer involved in grading or pas- Procedure for Establishing a New committee. A notice can be placed sage selection. The key grader Language Combination Within the in the Chronicle and appropriate selection will be the Language ATA Certification Program chapter or division newsletters, and Chair and Deputy Language Chair. The addition of new language com- meetings may be organized at the The Language Chair will coordi- binations to ATA’s Certification Annual Conference. nate the activities of the grader ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 49 Certification Forum Continued

workgroup and become the liaison Certification Committee, and the Language Chair meeting in to the Certification Committee. The Language Chair or a workgroup Alexandria, Virginia (usually April Deputy Language Chair is respon- representative is invited to any or May) or at the ATA Annual sible for organizing passage selec- workshops for Language Chairs. Conference. No funding is pro- tion and should be willing to At least one member of the work- vided for this initial training. eventually assume the Language group must attend such a work- Chair position. shop before the language 11) Select remaining sets of passages. The original chair and com- combination will be approved. The workgroup selects another six mittee may or may not become the passages (three for the first year’s Language Chair and grader work- 7) ** Select an initial set of three exams and three backup passages, group. If they do not take on these passages. The grading workgroup, which become the second year’s roles, their responsibilities will be to led by the Language Chair, selects exams) and prepares sample transla- coordinate collection of the neces- three practice test passages and tions and passage-specific grading sary documentation and to locate the submits them to the Certification guidelines for these passages. appropriate candidates to be graders. Committee for review and Once the grading workgroup is approval. (Provide an English 12)** Submit all passage-related established, the original subcom- translation for foreign-language materials to the Certification mittee’s work is completed and the passages.) Committee. When grader training, grading workgroup takes over. passage selection, and grading To help locate these graders, 8) Prepare grading guidelines. The guidelines are complete, present the Certification Committee sug- Language Chair prepares pas- the materials to the Certification gests conferring with the appro- sage-specific (for the three Committee for final review and priate ATA division, contacting practice-test passages) and lan- approval and for its recommenda- universities that offer training in guage-specific grading guidelines tion to the Board. the language, or communicating and submits them to the other with a counterpart professional graders for discussion. If neces- 13)Approval procedure. Upon organization in another country. If sary, the Language Chair revises receiving the Certification Com- these resources are unavailable or the grading guidelines based on mittee’s recommendation, the unhelpful, the Committee, Head- workgroup response. Board will vote formally to estab- quarters, and the newly formed lish the new language combination subcommittee will work together 9) ** Submit both sets of grading at the next scheduled Board to investigate alternatives. guidelines to the Certification meeting. Once approval is given, Committee for review. an announcement is placed in the 6) ** Submit grader resumes to ATA Chronicle and on ATA’s website Headquarters. On approval, the 10)Grading training and practice. and in the association’s literature. Certification Program Manager Once the grading guidelines are Practice tests will be available will provide appropriate mate- approved, the graders take the immediately and exams may be rials, including job descriptions practice tests, grade each other’s taken at sittings following the for the Language Chair and translations according to the announcement. graders, guidelines for passage grading guidelines, and discuss selection, sample passages, their grading decisions. (The lan- 14) The approved graders will grade grading standards, and other guage-specific guidelines may be exams taken during the remainder of useful information. A mentor revised as part of this process.) the exam year, recommend new from an existing language combi- graders from excellent exams, select nation may be available to assist. Note: The Language Chair should passages and backup passages for contact the Certification Program the next year, and work with the Note: Once the grading workgroup is Manager to arrange for at least one Certification Committee to maintain selected, graders may attend any of the graders to attend a grader the program in subsequent years. grader workshops offered by the training either at the spring

50 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 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.

Beam me up, FBIS (and read that background material while you’re at it)

recent story first published in In technical translation, such and insights into how processes get off Beijing daily Keji Ribao and mishaps typically occur when trans- track (and might be set straight). A translated into English by the lators are working too quickly or A glossy guide to the beaches of CIA’s Foreign Broadcast Information lack basic information about what Sitges in Catalonia (Spain) is a case Service (FBIS) cites the “Folding they are translating. Steve Aftergood in point. Published by the munic- Chair” and “Wine Jug” systems, both of the FAS agrees that translation ipal authorities, it begins with a of which it claims are used for the quality is an obvious issue in a high- warm message from mayor Jordi “latest generation of U.S. military volume undertaking that sees hun- Baijet i Vidal in Catalan, Spanish, surveillance satellites.” FBIS is part dreds, if not thousands, of pages and English entitled “Saluting of of the intelligence arm of the U.S. translated every day. When mistakes the mayor.” government; it collects, translates, arise, he told The Onionskin, it is The tone set, Mr. Baijet i Videal and publishes open-source (i.e., not often not due to “translation incom- goes on to describe this otherwise classified) material from foreign petence, but rather insufficient sub- informative booklet as a “tool [that] broadcasts for consumption by ject-matter expertise.” will allow all citizens, both people clients in government. Yet surely knowing your field who visit us during the summer as the Yet U.S. government experts insist inside out is an integral part of the villains, enjoy the information as that neither Folding Chair nor Wine skill set required for translating in much as possible […]”. Jug exists. Nor do the French surveil- this high-tech, security-critical Is this seaside town actually lance spacecraft “Cherry” and domain. Most professional transla- looking to draw gangsters? “Zenong” mentioned in the same tors insist that you cannot translate No, a patient Catalan speaker article, they say. what you do not understand. If you explained. After breaking rule The misunderstanding appears to don’t track your subject closely, it number one of the translator’s guide stem from slipshod translation, or so becomes extraordinarily difficult to to good practice (work only into your says a former CIA analyst and spe- fit the linguistic pieces together—no native language), the perpetrator cialist in national security in the wonder magnums become wine jugs. appears to have simply misread a dic- intriguingly named Secrecy News, a The FAS Project on Government tionary entry, looking up vilatan(e)s newsletter published by the Secrecy project was set up to chal- (Catalan for “citizen”) under vilan(e) Federation of American Scientists lenge excessive government secrecy —villain, rustic. as part of their Project on and promote public oversight through What with the sun shining and the Government Secrecy. research, advocacy, and public educa- sangria flowing, our attempts to According to this source, Folding tion. Clearly, translator education is locate and educate the stumbler(s) Chair refers to the “Jumpseat” satellite needed, too. failed, although all signs point to an program and Wine Jug to codename unnamed town hall employee. Yet “Magnum,” while “Cherry” and Black Hats in the Sun? with the Catalan translators’ associa- “Zenong” are none other than France’s “Greetings from sunny Catalonia, tion gearing up to launch its own CERISE and Xenon programs. where the sun is shining, the sangria is client education brochure and the The errors result from retransla- flowing, and the translations are not Sitges team alerted to the problem, tion of Chinese phrases based on done by natives,” writes another reader. next year’s edition will be better, we English source material by linguists True, summer would not be are assured. unfamiliar with the U.S. satellite pro- summer without a fresh crop of grams—much as transmission errors oddly translated tourist brochures. Signage Revisited: Success Stories in the children’s game “telephone” Low budgets and a resolutely do-it- Translation work that is literally distort the original message. It’s yourself mindset among local carved into stone introduces a whole amusing for kids, but more worrying tourist authorities are the main cul- new level of accuracy anxiety, reports when you get the names of your gov- prits, as usual. ATA corporate member Ken Clark. ernment’s own programs wrong, says Looking on the bright side, the In 1994, his company, 1-800- the reader who sent this in. resulting errors bring both comic relief Translate, was approached by ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 51 The Onionskin Continued architect Joseph De Pace to translate “Let Freedom Ring!” into 36 lan- A Lesson in Korean Linguistics guages to appear on a monumental Secrecy News missed some nuances and included some errors in a recent discus- work at the Community College of sion of the simmering controversy over whether the name of the South Korean presi- Philadelphia. Located in an exterior dent should be written “Roh Moo-hyun,” as the South Korean government prefers, or courtyard, this sandblasted granite “No Mu-hyun,” as the CIA World Fact Book would have it (SN, 07/16/04). cosmogram is 24 feet in diameter Tom Emerson, a computational linguist specializing in Chinese, Korean, and Arabic natural language processing, helped set the newsletter straight. with concrete walls, steps and ramps, “The pronunciation of the president’s name sounds like ‘Roh,’ so a transcription of plus granite seating and copings. his name would use this, as it reflects the sounds heard,” Mr. Emerson explained. Languages were selected to reflect “However, if you transliterate the actual Korean letters used to write his surname, you the population of the school, but also will literally get ‘No’ in all extant transliteration systems, including the McCune- a metaphorical journey around the Reischauer system” and half a dozen others. world, says De Pace. They even “The CIA uses a transliteration of the native hankul spelling of the president’s name, included an historical reference— which is perfectly valid,” he said, adding, “The objections coming from the Koreans Leni-Lenape, spoken by Native stem, I expect, from the fact that ‘No’ carries semantic baggage that is detrimental to the Americans in Philadelphia before the public image of their president.” arrival of Europeans. “Interestingly enough,” notes Emerson, “Roh’s name is spelled differently in North When the proactive client pro- Korea than it is in South Korea. If you take North Korea’s spelling and transliterate into Latin you would have ‘Lo.’ You can imagine the complexities of dealing with names when vided an initial Lenape version, Ken searching for people on watch-lists and the like.” Clark asked if it had been checked for Reprinted with permission accuracy. No need, he was told, since Secrecy News from the FAS Project on Government Secrecy it’s a dead language. His interest Volume 2004, Issue No. 67 piqued, Clark nonetheless set about July 19, 2004 tracking down surviving speakers of Unami, the dialect of Lenape once spoken in the Delaware Valley. He relative positions in the corporate “Filipino, Arabic, Russian, and eventually found three elderly indi- hierarchy—essential to compose a Hindi.” A blind translation of the viduals, all in Oklahoma, including suitable greeting. three words would have made little an experienced linguist. And clearly something went right: sense, but the client stepped in to set “Betsy Snake was kind enough to a memo received from the client after the stage: “Ships entering port must review our client’s translation from the ceremony enthused “Had our now have a container for their her hospital bed,” Clark told The meeting yesterday with the Japanese catering waste when they come into Onionskin, “and she laughed out loud guests. The ‘Welcome’ translation dock. This container must be identi- at our version: what we thought was went down very well, and certainly fied as such.” Lenape for ‘Let Freedom Ring’ was helped set a very cooperative tone for These stories and others are wel- actually ‘Kill the guy with the bell’.” what was going to be a very difficult come reminders that there are transla- For this quality-obsessed supplier, meeting. They spent quite a bit of time tion suppliers out there prepared to the moral of the story is simple: “It discussing it on first sight, and asked go the extra mile. Yet budgets remain always pays to check translation, how and where we had got it done an issue, tempting ill-informed carved in stone or not.” because they could not fault it—pre- clients to go the cheap route. In the U.K., Didier Philippart of sumably most that try get it wrong in Nick Rosenthal of Salford Trans- Cicero Translations, too, knows that some respect. I have a happy client!” lations in the U.K. summarized a pre- attention to detail pays. Asked to For Philippart, context is critical vailing corporate view as follows: translate a welcome sign for visiting in signage projects. In another “The reason most signage transla- Japanese dignitaries, his company example, his company received an tions go wrong is very, very simple: spent over a week compiling infor- initial call for help from a signmaker mation on names, functions, and seeking “Vessel Catering Waste” in Continued on p.55

52 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 Dictionary Reviews Compiled by Boris Silversteyn

Silversteyn is chair of the ATA Dictionary Review Committee.

The Interpreter ging my nails into my palms till they points in the text. Author: bled while I translated” [3-4]); the The reader shares life in the booth Suzanne Glass practice of team interpreting, with Dominique and her colleagues. Publisher: including having your partner take Glass includes comments intended Steerforth Press: over after 30-minute interpreting for the uninitiated, including the diffi- South Royalton, VT stints; the experience of having other culty of the interpretation task and the (302 pages) people’s words running through your “cerebral dexterity” (9) involved. Publication date: head after the conference ends; the Dominique’s friend, Nicholas, states 2001 importance of not leaving your that he used to think of interpreters ISBN: boothmate(s) for an extended period; “…as no more than translating 1586420038 topic preparation; confidentiality; machines,” and that he still feels Price: and rescuing a colleague in trouble “…guilty at [his] one-time lack of $11.16 (Softcover) on Amazon.com or working with one who is unbear- appreciation of the interpreters” (9). $22 (Hardcover) on Amazon.com able. Other common characteristics/ In this way, Glass uses a principal problems of the profession appear character other than the interpreter Reviewed by: throughout the book. These include: herself to educate the audience about Nancy Schweda Nicholson the challenge of idiomatic expres- the interpreting process. Throughout sions; nightmares about losing one’s the book, Nicholas pays Dominique “As an interpreter, I choose words as voice before an important meeting; many compliments on her inter- a sculptor chooses clay” (43). going to lunch with conference dele- preting skills. At one point, he says gates, but having little chance to eat that watching her work is “…like “Foxes. We interpreters are foxes and when seated between two attendees watching the eighth wonder of the the speaker’s words are our prey. We who speak different languages; the world” (145). A bit too self-serving sneak up behind them, snatch them, use of chuchotage (“whispering”) for Glass? Well, after all, Nicholas IS flip them upside down, and play with for clients at small meetings; an in love with Dominique! Chalk it up them as we choose.” (96). “interpreter-unfriendly” positioning to romance! of the interpreting booths so that they Early on, Dominique characterizes he above quotes, taken from The face the audience without affording a consecutive interpretation as Interpreter by Suzanne Glass, view of the speakers; the role of “…undoubtedly the most terrifying” T illustrate the importance of words anticipation and prediction; and the job (18). She offers an explanation of and the role they play in an interpreter’s difficulty of the heavily accented how this mode of interpreting is car- professional life. Dominique, the philosophical output of a nonnative ried out by stating that the interpreter novel’s protagonist, is a conference speaker (“…translating his words was sits near the speaker “…notating his interpreter whose story unfolds not the mental equivalent of doing sit-ups every word in symbols” (18). To eluci- only through her own eyes, but also with the flu,” 109). Even without her date, she provides the example of through those of Nicholas (an Italian notepad to assist with recall, drawing a picture of an umbrella and leukemia researcher who takes a job in Dominique is able to remember some suggests possible meanings for the New York) and Anna (an old friend critically important information in a sketch depending on the context. Not from interpreting school). The novel is very detailed fashion (a nod to inter- to be a picker of nits but, as an inter- set in the world of pharmaceuticals and preters’ excellent memory skills). preter trainer who has been teaching medical interpreting. Dominique also shares the student consecutive note-taking for over 20 Glass crams much about being an motto at her interpreting school with years, I was surprised by the statement interpreter into the first few pages of her audience: “…with the hide of a that all of the words were transformed this book and offers the reader an rhino you might get out of here alive” into symbols in the interpreter’s notes. authentic depiction of the job. She (33). All in all, interpreters will find Although most agree that note-taking covers such topics as: stress (“…I themselves nodding their heads in is highly personal (Schweda vowed to get out of the habit of dig- agreement as they encounter these Nicholson 1993; 1990), some ➡

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 53 Dictionary Reviews Continued systems have been proposed over the throughout the book. The ideas of behind the speaker’s words, but years (Rozan, 1956, for example, individuality, personal freedom, and sometimes the spray was too although even his framework does not suppression of ego also dominate. strong, some outside noise dis- consist solely of symbols). As a result, Dominique states: “We cannot create. tracted you, or your headphones I believe Dominique’s statement is Only recreate. And eventually if we dug into your ear and you began to somewhat misleading for the non- allow ourselves to be trapped in the wobble. You missed a word, a sen- interpreter reader. It has an air of world of secondhand words our imag- tence, an idea and right there in the hocus-pocus about it, perhaps inten- inations shrivel and die” (79). When booth you lost your footing and tionally so. Dominique confides to her friend, you toppled” (186). The text is peppered with child- Anna, about overhearing people hood reminiscences of the tenuous talking about some illegal activity at While the dénouement is not com- and often vitriolic relationship the end of a conference because a del- pletely predictable, it is not a total between her parents, as well as her egate’s microphone has been left on, surprise to the reader, either. The mother’s flashbacks of Nazi wartime Anna becomes very emotional and quality of the writing is average. The experiences. For example, preparing angry. Dominique is concerned about Interpreter is definitely not a page- to go on a trip reminds Dominique’s breaching confidentiality, an ethical turner with plot twists and turns like mother of the packing and repacking canon that was pounded into them in the novels of Scott Turow and John she did as a child when running from interpreting school. In response to Grisham. Although Glass does the Nazis. As a result, leisure travel— Dominique’s quandary, Anna says: wobble now and then, I believe that a source of adventure and excitement “Don’t you have a voice?” (227), a most interpreters will probably enjoy for both the child and the adult very symbolic answer that stresses the this book, as it presents an opportu- Dominique—brings back terrifying difference between speaking one’s nity to read about their work in a pop- memories for her mother. own words as opposed to expressing ular mass media publication rather Glass also includes numerous ref- others’ thoughts. At one point, than in a research article! And, as erences to words and their various Dominique pays Nicholas a compli- Rosemary Dann (a National Associ- definitions/interpretations, a testa- ment, saying, “You know how to make ation of Judiciary Interpreters and ment to the fact that the author is people talk” (189). Glass wants the Translators colleague) told me as we truly fascinated by language. Text in reader to interpret this as “you know chatted in the shuttle to the Denver French, German, Italian, and Hebrew how to make me talk,” as if to say that airport, The Interpreter will soon be appears in addition to descriptions of the talking Dominique does all day as made into a major motion picture Zurich (and other Swiss cities), New an interpreter doesn’t really count. with Nicole Kidman in the lead role. York City, and Florence. What matters is when she speaks her Look out, world! Interpreters are I noticed several prevalent themes own words, and it is Nicholas who is soon to be pop culture icons! running throughout the novel. For able to draw her out. It is probably no example, a research scientist’s isola- coincidence that the book jacket photo References tion in his or her lab is compared to places the title word Interpreter over Rozan, Jean-François. 1956. La prise the interpreter’s solitude in the inter- the woman’s lips, stressing once again de notes en interprétation consécu- preting booth. In this same vein, the focus on language. tive. Genève: Georg. Glass parallels the lack of apprecia- Glass offers an interesting analogy tion for interpreters with a lack of when she compares the interpreter to Schweda Nicholson, Nancy. 1993. An feedback at Nicholas’s research job. a surfer: Introduction to Basic Note-taking Skills Both the presence of light and the for Consecutive Interpretation. In: lack of it pervade many descriptions. “…when you were interpreting Losa, Edith (Ed.). New Frontiers: For instance, Dominique prefers the and you had got it just right. You Proceedings of the 33rd Annual booth to be dark, needs a pitch dark wanted to stay up there, tri- Conference of the American Translators room to sleep, and offers images of umphant on the bright blue surf- Association. Medford, NJ: Learned dimly lit restaurants and museums board, riding the crest of the wave Information, Inc. pp. 197-204.

54 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 Schweda Nicholson, Nancy. 1990. Nancy Schweda Nicholson, Ph.D., is a Consecutive Note-taking for professor of linguistics and cognitive Community Interpretation. In: science and also holds a secondary ATA Members Bowen, D. and M. (Eds.). appointment in the Legal Studies Interpreting—Yesterday, Today, Program at the University of Delaware. MasterCard She is widely published in the areas of and Tomorrow (ATA Series on interpretation theory and practice, MBNA America Translation and Interpretation IV). interpreter training, and language Reference Code: IFKV Binghamton: State University of planning for court interpreting services in 800.847.7378 • 302.457.2165 New York. pp. 136-145. the U.S. and abroad. Contact: [email protected].

The Onionskin Continued from page 52

People try to cut costs. Rule 1 in the So any saving off the $400 is a making company to sort it out. Making Quality Assurance game is ‘do it false economy. good a sign gone bad is more costly right the first time.’” Whence a final tip to sign commis- than getting it right first time around. Buyers may balk at paying $400 sioners: Get the translation done for a good translation, says professionally, and PAY to get the trans- With thanks to Bob Blake, Lillian Rosenthal, but happily spend $800 on lation done professionally. Don’t try to Clementi, and Jean-Luc Herin. having the sign produced and fitted. get it done cheap. Don’t leave the sign-

Call for Submissions PEN American Center Translation Fund Awards

Applicants should submit: 1) a sample translation of 10-12 or, should that prove unfeasible, sent separately as hard copy (7 pages, single-spaced; 2) the same passage in the original (and, if copies please) to: The PEN Translation Fund, PEN American the work has been translated before, the passage in the earlier Center, 568 Broadway, 4th floor, New York, NY 10012-3225. version); 3) a statement of 1-2 pages, single-spaced, outlining the work and describing its importance; 4) a bio-bibliography of Submissions will be judged by a jury of prominent translators, the author (including information on translations of his or her writers, and editors on the quality of the original work and the works into other languages); 5) a CV of the translator; 6) an quality of the translation. In cases of equal merit, priority will be account of any prior funding the project has received (including given to underrepresented languages and authors and to works advances from publishers); 7) the copyright notice of the previously untranslated. original; and 8) a document signed by the holder of the copyright indicating that English rights to the original work are available, or For further information, consult the PEN website at a copy of a publication contract for the translation, where such a www.PEN.org, or contact Peter G. Meyer, Director of Literary contract exists, indicating that the publisher has duly acquired Awards, at (212) 334-1660 x108 or [email protected]. the necessary rights to the original work. Deadline: January 15, 2005. Awards will be announced at the All of the above should be sent as attachments to [email protected]. end of March 2005. Beneficiaries will receive half of the award at Items 2, 7, and 8 may be scanned and included as attachments that time and half upon submitting the completed translation.

The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 55 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.

eople who work from English as dances and sparkles with light. Is (Pt-E 9-04/9) A Lantra-l correspon- their source language should take there already a version and, if not, dent ran into “propedêuticas” in a P note of a trend in that language who wants to attempt it? description of a medical course in that grows stronger every day: the use (E-I 9-04/3) In this contract-law Portugal, and wonders how to best of the adverb with the “-ly” ending is text encountered by a ProZ user, the render this in English. (This came up in becoming an endangered species. It is following was a problem: The sup- Russian for the Translation Inquirer, being replaced by “on a ______plier shall promptly discharge any too.) A series of these exist: “prope- basis.” You may fill in the blank with lien which is attached to Work, Plant dêutica cirúrgica, propedêutica the adjective (“rolling,” “persistent,” or any part thereof…. How to render médica, propedêutica obstetrícia e “alternating”), or even the adverb this into good Italian? ginecológica, propedêutica pediátrica.” (“daily,” “weekly,” “monthly”). Of (F-E 9-04/4) In a collective agree- What is a good English equivalent? course, this makes the phrase really ment for a company that manufactures (R-E 9-04/10) There must be some- absurd (a form of linguistic elephanti- security seals, this Lantran had thing more than mere levels of respon- asis, as the Underground Grammarian trouble with the department (“fils et sibility in the phrase that troubled a would say). The absurdity is height- pinces”) (4.a) and the designation of ProZer, namely ehjdyb jndtncnd- ened by the fact that the same language the job title (“Opérateur machine à tyyjcnb d cnhjbntkmcndt. As these is plagued with excessive abbrevia- broche”) (4.b). What are they? terms relate to building regulations, they tions which are presumably used to (F-E 9-04/5) In translating some keep appearing again and again, and it’s save time. If so, then why this elephan- employees’ responses to a survey, a clear that only two of them exist. This is tiasis? The Translation Inquirer fully Lantran found this: “organiser des also related to licensing requirements. expects in the near future to go to a dîners à batons rompus avec les Who is familiar with this? public place where there is some sort gérants….” The two words in bold (Sp-E 9-04/11) This is a cluster of of emergency. A public safety director print, she surmises, might mean unknown terms from Colombian will emerge with a bullhorn and urge something like no holds barred, but higher education: under the category people to “Be alert, and move along on she is not sure. of “nombre asignatura”: (11.a) a quick basis!” (F-E 9-04/6) A title of a museum “Cátedra rosarista N”; (11.b) “cuadro exhibition, “parcours-découverte,” sug- resumen de créditos”; (11.c) [Abbreviations used with this column: gested itinerary to a Lantra-l member, “tipologías”; and the abbreviations EÐEnglish; FÐFrench; GÐGerman; who promptly rejected it as not fitting “B, C, O” in (11.d) “indispensable IÐItalian; PtÐPortuguese; RÐRussian; the context. What might it be? B”; “complemetarias C”; and “elec- SpÐSpanish] (G-E 9-04/7) The problem for a tives Hem O.” Also, the “Hem” (11.e) ProZ user in dealing with the Swiss is problematical. New Queries legal terms “Rechtsöffnung” (7.a) and (Sp-E 9-04/12) Relating to a (E-Sp 9-04/1) An anonymous “Rechtsvorschlag” (7.b) is not in power transformer, a denizen of contributor worries that she cannot understanding them, but in getting Lantra-l found “contacto de disparo,” find the right phrase for never gets acceptable English equivalents. What and got totally stumped by it with a old. The phrase that stumped her might these be? They were found in tight deadline. What is it? goes like this: The honor of being in the “betreffend” line of an appeal to the top 500 franchises never gets old. the Swiss Federal Court. Replies to Old Queries In fact every year we look forward to (G-E 9-04/8) Also from Swiss law, (E-Sp 3-04/3) (goop): Ricky the report with hopes that our efforts what would one in English call an Lacina knows this only as the are recognized. “Audienzrichteramt?” In this case, it cleaning agent for hands. It is also a (E-F 9-04/2) No one ever quoted happens to be an office within the brand name. The Translation Inquirer Ralph Waldo Emerson to me, but this Bezirksgericht Zürich. It might be also admits that he never heard of any Lantran wonders if a French version somewhat equivalent to the office of usage of the word goop to designate already exists for his phrase: To the an administrative law judge, but that an airborne substance dropped to fight illumined mind the whole universe might be way off. fires on the ground. Are there any

56 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 emergency medical technicians and “chacun des époux par rapport à who gives the standard dictionary def- fire fighters out there who can com- l’autre” (each of the spouses with inition of to stare like a stuck pig. To ment on this unusual usage? respect to the other). use paralyzed appears to be too strong (F-E 5-03/5) (“agent de mainte- (F-E 6-04/5) (“publireportage”): for this condition, expressing an inci- nance”): Yes, says Ricky Lacina, this Leah Brumer suggests infomercial for dent in a story where a sheep comes is a cleaning person, but the objection this, and if it is limited to only a few back home and sees a new gate. The she raises is that it is prefaced on page minutes, it may be translated as implication is that the person is baf- 58 of the January 2004 Chronicle by minimercial. fled, bemused, and cannot figure out the derogatory words just a. The use (F-E 6-04/7) (“jacquette”): For what happened. of them is what has given rise over the Dana Goodier, this is a button-down (Sp-E 1-04/13) (NBI): One need years to such euphemisms as sanita- sweater or cardigan. not quibble about basic vs. essential, tion engineer. (F-E 6-04/8) (“chaînes de roule- asserts Ricky Lacina, in this abbrevia- (F-E 1-04/5) (“sans prejudice ment”): The context suggests to tion which works out to be de”): It means without prejudice to, Leonid Gornik that the chains here “Necesidades Básicas Insatisfechas.” says Ricky Lacina. Using Harrap’s have nothing to do with the chains What caused her to laugh was the New as the support, she finds this that are put onto wheels. The term is notion of what one considers basic. example: to accept a principle out of place here. Caterpillar and Take flush toilets, for example. Are without prejudice to the measures other companies make tractors with they essential, asks Ricky? No, they already taken. tracks consisting of rubberized metal represent a step up from truly basic (F-E 4-04/2) (“être dur à mon links, rather than plain steel links. The facilities like latrines, which, as she corps”): It refers to having high toler- term track in French is “chenille” or says, are “basic basic.” ance for pain, hardened, or inured to, “chemin de roulement,” and this is (Sp-E 4-04/9) (“seguridad de sum- says Ricky Lacina. what they had to use, he contends. inistro”): This has to do with a reliable (F-E 5-04/4) (“disponibilité”): The (G-E 6-04/10) (“Tennenfläche”): supply, which is a concern in the case usual meaning of this is availability, Although not especially familiar of energy for many countries around asserts Ricky Lacina, and she believes with construction terms, Denzel the world, opines Ricky Lacina. the writer meant that the more per- Dyer believes this refers to a tamped (Sp-E 4-04/10) (“energía com- sonnel available, the greater the surface, as on a field where some primida”): This kind of “com- demands put upon them (see the orig- sport is played. primida,” says Ricky Lacina, is inal lengthy context quote on page 47 (R-E 6-04/12) (gjcnexysq rjyn- precisely the same as the compressed of the May Chronicle). hjkm): Leonid Gornik prefers 100% air or oxygen under pressure in diving (F-E 6-04/3) (“conjoint[e]”): Dana inspection to piece-by-piece. The latter tanks, and the kind of stuff that one is Goodier calls this simply a partner,a is a random (or sample) inspection, not permitted to carry aboard aircraft. non-married live-in boyfriend or girl- carried out by sampling a specified friend, as Canadian French renders it. quantity of identical items from the The Translation Inquirer will want Ricky Lacina considers it a term for batch. Denzel Dyer replies that in the to meet as many of the above contrib- spouse of either gender. She finds it in U.S., inspection of every item is, as utors as possible in person at the her 1959 Larousse, and the meaning Leonid said above, 100% inspection. Toronto conference! You know what I is remarkably modern there, consid- (R-E 6-04/13) (cvjnhtnm rfr look like—just turn back to the start ering that it was 1959: “intimement ,fhfy yf yjdst djhjnf): Again, our of this column! uni.” More to the point is this: response comes from Leonid Gornik,

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The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 57 Humor and Translation By Mark Herman Herman is a librettist and translator. Submit items for future columns via e-mail to [email protected] or via snail mail to Mark Herman, 5748 W Brooks Rd., Shepherd, MI 48883-9202. Discussions of the translation of humor and examples thereof are preferred, but humorous anecdotes about translators, translations, and mistranslations are also welcome. Include copyright information and permission if relevant.

Lost in Translation by Richard Lederer1

he 2003 film “Lost in The slogan for a brand of bread ¥ Sewerage treatment plant as Translation” owes much of its baked in Tokyo announces, “All of marked on a Tokyo map: Dirty T popularity and humor to the contents are no additional. It’s burned Water Punishment Place. language barrier that looms between to a crisp with all our heart,” and an ¥ On a package of drinking straws: the English and Japanese languages. ad for a calendar heralds “Skin clock Let’s try homeparty fashionbly In a Japanese fashion magazine for those wishing to become a dog.” and have a joyful chat with nice appears “JOYFUL ENGLISH Among other Japanese ad lines we fellow. Fujinami’s straw will pro- LOVELY” printed beneath a cartoon discover “Number worth plentys duce you young party happily and of Bambi. Much of Japanese commer- mean,” “Happy is he who other men’s exceedingly! cial English, also known as “Engrish,” charms beware,” “A frolicking pure is English Lovely or English spiritual existence out of the blue,” And from all over the Nipponese Charming, or English Confusing. “No stagnant emotion,” “Girl meet nation gleam out these Japanese A T-shirt carried this actually boys,” “ Violence jack off,” “Look at Rules of the Road: poetic passage of English Lovely: reality, walk straight ahead,” and—a “This wants to show the continuation typical message printed on a Japanese 1. At the rise of the hand of the of a dream for them, even if the day shopping bag—“Now baby. Tonight I policeman, stop rapidly. Do not which bursts into flames even if it am feeling cool and hard boiled.” pass him, otherwise disrespect rains and a wind blows and a calm The Japanese take on English him. night are the ends in the world.” doesn’t stop there: 2. When passenger of the foot heave I’d wear that shirt! in sight, tootle the horn trumpet A Nagasaki coffee shop sports the ¥ A greeting card message: For you, melodiously at first. If he still name Placebo Labor Handbag. Other I always think of your thing. obstacles your passage, tootle with Japanese establishments display ¥ A hotel sign: Come on My House vigor and express by word of monikers such as Ghastly Custom ¥ Sign for restrooms: Go back mouth the warning “Hai. Hai.” Shops, Ox-Creation Beauty Parlor, toward your behind. 3. Beware of the wandering horse that Business Incubator, Tomato Bank, ¥ On a motel: Pleasurable and grati- he shall not take fright as you pass Cafe Feel, and Cafe Aspirin. fying rooms him. Do not explosion the exhaust Believe it or not, there’s a soup ¥ In a restaurant window: Please do pipe. Go soothingly by him or stop made in Japan called The Goo, a line not bring outside food, excluding by the roadside till he pass away. of cosmetics named Cookie Face, and children under 5. Thank you. 4. Give big space to the festive dog rolls of toilet paper identified as ¥ In another restaurant: Please Keep that make sport in the roadway. Naïve Lady and My Fannie Print. chair on position & Keep tables Avoid entanglement with your Proof that the Japanese have a love cleaned after dying. Thanks for wheel spoke. affair with all things English can be your corporation. 5. Go soothingly on the grease mud seen in their signs and brand names— ¥ In yet another restaurant: Persons as there lurk the skid demon. Great Coffee Smile, The Bathing eating restaurant using cell will be 6. Try bigger and bigger, but press Ape, Acid Milk, Booty Trap Jeans, eliminated. more and more dainty. Sweet Camel Jeans, Love Body, X- ¥ In a hotel: Maid tipping is gen- 7. Press the brake of the foot as you Box, Catch Eye! Catalog Shopping, erous for services. More is better. roll around the corner to save the Ministry Candy Stripper, and ¥ Wake-up message from the front collapse and tires. Hawaiian Plucked Bread. desk of a hotel: Your time is up.

1. Richard Lederer has recently had two pieces printed in the Funny Times. Here is a slightly expanded version of his first piece, reprinted here by permission of Richard Lederer. His second piece will appear here next month.

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58 The ATA Chronicle | September 2004 45th Annual Conference of the Conference Registration Form American Translators Association

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