Online magazine Slate recently outlined how interpretation works at the United Nations.

The brief article by political reporter Christopher Beam explained the difference between interpretation and translation and between simultaneous and consecutive interpretation. It also described the working conditions of the interpreters:

At any given moment, the U.N. Interpretation Service has a dozen interpreters working six booths—one for every official language. The pair of interpreters in the English booth translates into English, the French booth translates into French, and so on. Attendees can then listen to the interpretations on headphones, clicking across channels for different languages. The job is exhausting, so interpreters will usually switch off every 20 minutes or so. They can also take breaks when the speech is in their language, since no translation is necessary.

The article gave a shout-out to AATIA member Stephen Mines, as well as American Translator Association President Jiri Stejskal and Hossam Fahr of the UN Interpretation Service, for their help in the preparation of the article.

Join the Interpreters Special Interest Group on Saturday, August 8, for a live demonstration of an ACC interpreting class.

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

AATIA will offer a workshop for court interpreters on September 19th. This 8-hour workshop is aimed at practicing court interpreters and will enable those licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to fulfill their annual continuing education requirement. Details will be posted in August.

The Translation and Interpreting program at Austin Community College will offer the first course in the series this Summer.

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

Vancouver, British Columbia, will host an international conference May 6–8, 2009, that is designed to help interpreters understand the impact of globalization and how they can strengthen their organizations in order to meet their service goals.

Dynamic keynote speakers, exciting multi-disciplinary panels, and interactive breakout sessions will explore international best practices, innovations, and
improved services for our new global community.

The conference will offer an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, network with colleagues, and share perspectives on the changing face of community interpreting. Full details.

AATIA’s November meeting will offer valuable training and information for interpreters. For maximum results, bring a hand-held recording device to tape yourself as Cristina Helmerichs and Steve Mines lead us in simultaneous exercises from English to your other language. Cristina and Steve will share tips and answer questions, drawing on their years of experience interpreting in court and conference settings.

The second meeting segment will feature Renee Blakeslee of VOLT Workforce Solutions, one of the few companies offering work to interpreters that offers health insurance to its contractors. The newly elected Board of Directors will talk about their plans and solicit ideas for future AATIA events. Refreshments and networking will round out the session.

Visitors are welcome to the meeting, which will be held at the Austin History Center, 9th and Guadalupe, on November 8, 2008, 1 – 4 p.m.

Seasoned interpreters in conference and court settings, Christina Helmerichs and Steve Mines will speak at AATIA’s September 13 member meeting.

The candidates for 2009 Board of Directors will also talk about their goals for for the association during the coming year and beyond.

Guests and visitors are welcome to come learn from the best, socialize, and network at 1 p.m. at the Austin History Center, 9th and Guadalupe.

Several professional associations are planning upcoming conferences that focus on interpreting in a medical setting. Details are available at the respective websites:

Tennessee Association of Professional Interpreters and Translators (TAPIT)
September 12-14, 2008 - Nashville, Tennessee

Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association (UMTIA) and National Conference on Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations
September 21-24, 2008 - Minneapolis, Minnesota

International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA)
October 10-12, 2008 - Boston, Massachusetts