Beginning literary translators may now apply for travel funds to attend the 2008 conference of the American Literary Translators Association in Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota, on October 15–18. To apply, send a letter that includes the applicant’s curriculum vitae, ten double-spaced pages of translation into English, and the original foreign language text to:

ALTA Travel Fellowship Award c/o UTDallas 800 W. Campbell Road - JO51 Richardson, TX 75020-3021 Attention: Lindy Jolly

Application deadline is May 15.

AATIA will host an information session on the American Translators Association (ATA) translator certification program on March 1, 2008, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 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 April 12, 2008, and for potential candidates who want to learn more about the exam before taking the plunge.

The session will be held at the International Center of Austin, 201 E. 2nd St. Download more information about the session and a registration form. The registration fee for AATIA members is $25. Non-members pay $30. The fee includes a packet of materials containing general information on the ATA certification program and exam, together with language-specific tips for candidates and samples of previous exam passages.

Esther Diaz will speak on Demystifying Cardiovascular Terminology at a medical seminar in Houston on February 23–24, 2008, sponsored by the American Translators Association and its regional affiliate, the Houston Interpreters and Translators Association (HITA). This professional development event targets experienced translators and interpreters who are seeking advanced-level continuing education:

• Overcome the unique challenges when translating for the healthcare consumer
• Learn to use the appropriate register, protect patient rights, and follow government regulations
• Effectively translate examination notes, prescriptions, autopsy reports, and other medical records
• Understand cardiovascular procedures to achieve an accurate translation

An ATA certification exam sitting will be offered on Sunday, February 24. Separate registration is required for the exam. ATA-certified translators can earn 9 Continuing Education Points for attending both days of this seminar.

The American Translators Association has called for presentation proposals for its 49th Annual Conference, to be held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, November 5–8, 2008.

Proposals are invited on topics in all areas of translation and interpreting, including the following: Financial Translation and Interpreting; Independent Contractors; Interpreting; Language Services Providers; Language-specific Sessions; Language Technology; Legal Translation and Interpreting; Literary; Media; Medical Translation and Interpreting; Science and Technology; Terminology; and Training and Pedagogy.

Submission deadline is March 14, 2008.