...it helped me a lot. I had already attended one [session] before, during one of the ATA conferences, but the one in Austin was much more detailed and it helped me prepare. Most of all it helped me understand the difference in expectations between the reviewers of the certification exam and my regular every-day clients.

Of course we can't guarantee that everybody who attends an information session will pass the exam, but we can say that these sessions provide valuable information and helpful tips for anyone thinking of attempting it. Our next information session will be on March 20th. The registration deadline is this coming Monday, March 15th.

So, if you've been thinking of signing up, don't delay. Register online now!

The session will include general information about ATA certification and specific tips on preparing for and taking the certification exam. No practice tests will be given during the information session, but sample test passages in a variety of languages will be available for participants to take and use for practice on their own.

This session is intended both for candidates who are planning to sit for the ATA certification exam in Austin on June 12, 2010, and for potential candidates who want to learn more about the exam before taking the plunge. 

*TDLR course nos. 4127 and 4586. Provider: Berkana Language Center, Provider no. 1345

This all-day workshop is aimed primarily at practicing court interpreters seeking to fulfill their TDLR continuing education requirement. It will also provide excellent training for interpreters preparing to take the TDLR licensing exam. Other non-licensed interpreters are welcome, provided they have some professional interpreting experience. The workshop will not be language-specific. The language of instruction will be English, with some vocabulary provided in Spanish.

The presenter, Eta Trabing, worked as a conference and federally certified court interpreter from 1968 until her retirement in 2002. She has been teaching interpretation and translation for almost three decades and is an approved training provider for TDLR and the American Translators Association. She has been a guest speaker and trainer at numerous conferences and seminars throughout the US and abroad.

Participants who are TDLR-licensed will earn 8 continuing education hours. Those who are ATA-certified will earn 8 continuing education points. Click here to find out more and sign up. AATIA members pay a discounted rate as a benefit of membership. Non-members may join AATIA before registering and pay the member rate.

Space is limited, so register now! Questions? Contact AATIA Workshops Coordinator Laura Vlasman.

Hello,
I am Donard Cius. I am an English speaking Spanish. I will be coming over to US on holidays from 20th of September to the 9th of October.2009 for a 21 days vacation with my Spanish wife, daughter and son and they only speak Spanish. We will require the services of a Spanish interpreter for 5 hours daily X 21 days. Please acknowledge if you can offer this service and give me a price quote. We will like to pay in advance of our visit so we can be assured of an escort during our shopping and sightseeing. An early reply will be appreciated.
Thanks.
Mr. Donard Cius

This is an old scam. The writer is laying the bait by saying he’d like to pay in advance. The unwary interpreter provides a quote and “Donard” sends a check for more than that amount. The interpreter writes back and mentions the overpayment, whereupon “Donard” says something about a stupid accountant and asks for the excess money to be wired back to him, inviting the interpreter to keep some of it in payment for the trouble. The interpreter deposits what appears to be a cashier’s check at the bank and wires the extra money to the client. Then the bank calls to say that the check is a fake. By that time, the interpreter’s money has gone and there is no way to reach the swindler.

Tony 
 

The next membership meeting – Saturday, September 12 – will feature a Web 2.0 Technology presentation by Jorge Ungo (*see below).

And there’ll be a special celebration for International Translators & Interpreters Day, scheduled for late September/early October.

Watch this blog for more details on both these excellent opportunities for translators and interpreters!

* Recognition for the healthcare interpreting profession is on the rise, as is the need for skilled interpreters. With training resources usually tailored for the more commonly encountered languages, some interpreters may feel isolated and lacking in language-specific training and resources. In the past decade, however, worldwide internet usage has grown by over 300%, and the new wave of Web 2.0 technology is providing interpreters with easy and cost-effective ways to create and share resources with colleagues all over the world. From wikis and blogs to social bookmarking – this presentation will demystify the world of 2.0 and will demonstrate how interpreters can use technology to connect with colleagues and share important tools and resources.

Jorge Ungo is the Southwest Region Manager for Pacific Interpreters – a nationwide leader in healthcare interpreting. In his regional manager role, Jorge consults with health and social service organizations throughout the Southwestern United States on how to design and implement cost-effective yet highly efficient language access programs. Prior to his work with Pacific Interpreters, Jorge was the director of an international interpreting program, responsible for business operations including sales and marketing, HR administration, operational logistics, and company-wide training. Jorge is President of the Texas Association of Healthcare Interpreters and Translators (TAHIT) and a board member and membership co-chair on the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare (NCIHC). 
 

Participate in exercises for consecutive interpreting and sight translation and talk to current and former students about the course offerings.

When: Saturday, August 8, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: International Center of Austin
201 East 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
Parking: Street parking available. (Garage closed for repairs this day.)

Contact: Esther Diaz mediaz@austin.rr.com

FRNL 1070 - Introduction to Translation and Interpreting is intended for individuals who are fluent in a foreign language and interested in putting their language skills to work. It offers an overview of the translation and interpreting professions and defines the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to work successfully as a translator or interpreter. Students also gain an awareness of the general problems involved in translating and interpreting.

This class meets once a week for 10 weeks at ACC’s Highland Business Center. There are two sessions available:
18 97482 Wednesdays, 5:30 - 8:30 PM - June 10 - August 12
18 97483 Saturdays, 1:00 - 4:00 PM - June 13 - August 15

Tuition is $175 for students in the ACC District. You may register in person at ACC Highland Business Center, 4th floor, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, M-Th and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday; or by phone at (512) 223-7542.

For further information, contact:
Esther Diaz
Translator and Interpreter Trainer
ATA Certified for Translation from
English to Spanish and Spanish to English
mediaz@austin.rr.com
(512) 731-5266