CETRAblog

Why do I Need a Court Certified Interpreter?

As of 2008, Pennsylvania has joined the National Consortium for Language Access in the Courts. It is a court-certification interpreter program that is mirrored in almost every state throughout the United States. Every court in the state is now required to use only court certified interpreters for civil, administrative and criminal procedures to ensure that every individual who is LEP (Limited English Proficient) is guaranteed his right to due process and a fair trial.

What does it take to become a court-certified interpreter? It is in fact, a rather difficult feat. In Pennsylvania, the interpreter must attend a two-day workshop that reviews court ethics, as well as take an examination that includes written as well as oral testing. The written exam has 130 multiple choice questions in English, followed by a written translation exam. If the interpreter passes the written portion, he or she moves onto the oral exam, which is even more challenging.

The full oral proficiency exam consists of all three parts: sight translation (interpreting in a foreign language based on an English source text), consecutive and simultaneous interpretation. The interpreters are then classified either as master (scoring an 80% or above) or certified.

What happens when there is no court-certified interpreter in a state for a given language? One option is to use a court-certified interpreter from another state and compensate their travel to the local court. Another is to consider contracting a professional language company to assist in procuring a qualified language professional. This is especially advisable when dealing with rarer languages.  Languages for which there is a full exam in Pennsylvania include Arabic, Cantonese, French, Haitian-Creole, Hmong, Ilocano, Italian, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The languages for which there is an abbreviated exam include Arabic (Egyptian Colloquial), Bosnian, Croatian, German, Serbian, and Turkish.

Also, when document translations are required, it is best practice to hire a professional translator who is also a court-certified interpreter; in the event that any kind of testimonial or statement of authenticity would be required should the case go to trial.  It is less likely that the accuracy and admissibility would be challenged if it is then introduced as evidence.

Interview with a Brazilian Portuguese Translator, Lucia Singer

 

Name: Lucia Singer

Location: São Paulo, Brazil

What languages do you work with?  What are some of the intricacies or challenges of the particular language you work with?       

I translate/edit and proofread mainly from English into Brazilian Portuguese, although now and then I also translate from Spanish into Portuguese.

Let’s focus here only my main language pair. The three main challenges, in my opinion are:

1) Polysemy (coexistence of many possible meanings for a word or phrase): the English language is highly polysemic and it may occasionally happen that the context cannot indicate which term should be chosen to Portuguese.

2) Word repetition: in English texts -mainly the technical ones- it  is common to repeat the same word 2-3 times in the same phrase, while repeating  the same term in the same line/paragraph is considered “poor Portuguese”. Whenever possible we should look for synonyms to replace these repetitions but then the client or the editor might say, “for the sake of consistency you should translate all the terms the same way”. And this puts us between devil and the deep blue sea …

3) Text expansion: English is a very concise language and almost always the translation into Portuguese means an expansion around 15% to 20% words. Additionally, texts coming from the USA tend to present too many abbreviations and acronyms, which sometimes can be translated but in some instances there is no equivalent acronym and it should be fully spelled in Portuguese.  

What are some of your most interesting projects? Why?

My preferred projects are those related to clinical trials, genetics, molecular biology, pharmacy and educational texts directed to patients and lay people. I am a biologist, initially specialized in Genetics and Biostatistics, and later I got a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology.   Most of my life was dedicated to research and education at the Biomedical Sciences Institute of the University of São Paulo and these are the most interesting areas for me because they represent a link with and continuation of my favorite areas in science.

What is the best part about being a translator? What do you love about it?

The variety of subjects and opinions we encounter in our daily life is the best part about being a translator. I love having new experiences and the opportunity to learn new things almost daily. It is good to feel that I can help researchers, patients, and healthcare professionals in varying fields. 

How did you know you were “ready” to be a translator?

I knew I was ready soon after I retired from academia. As I was used to read/write scientific papers both in Portuguese and in English, the transposition to the translation industry came very naturally. Also, soon after retirement  I had the opportunity to translate some medical articles for a couple of friends that loved my translations and this encouraged me to further study the Portuguese and English languages, read about translation processes, and attend classes and conferences on translation.

What is the most difficult part about your job? 

The most difficult parts are to explain to a potential client some facts like: a) medical translations are a very delicate area and should be done very carefully; after a translation is completed I like to re-read and edit it twice, preferably on different days to catch possible errors/omission. Therefore I do not accept a job with an unrealistic timeframe. b) Brazilian Portuguese is very different from European Portuguese, therefore I do not translate something they call “Universal Portuguese” because this does not exist.

Can you translate a sentence for us? Your favorite quote? Your favorite word?

I will not cite my favorite quote because as George Santayana (philosopher, poet and writer) said:
 “Almost every wise saying has an opposite one, no less wise, to balance it."

In Portuguese :
“Para cada provérbio sábio há quase sempre uma contrapartida, nem sempre menos sábia, para contrabalançar”.

3 Essential Pointers for Selecting a Conference Interpretation Provider

When working with a conference interpretation provider, there are certain standards and procedures that must be followed in order to ensure a successful event. These three guidelines are the first basic things to look for when choosing a qualified language services provider (LSP).

1.)    The LSP should recruit the appropriate number of qualified interpreters  

Simultaneous interpreting is very strenuous, and thus interpreters never work alone, unless the period of time is less than forty-five minutes. They work in teams of two, taking breaks every twenty to thirty minutes. As a common practice, if the subject matter is of a highly technical nature or the workload is heavy, three interpreters may be required.

Another consideration that can facilitate recruitment and possibly help to cut costs is relay interpretation; if there are unusual language combinations, an interpreter might interpret from another interpreter, and not from the original speaker. For example, if there is a conference requiring English, French, and Mandarin, the French interpreter may not interpret from Chinese to French, but rather from the Mandarin interpreter’s English into French. This leads to less accurate translation, but can be an option for a tight budget.

 

2.)    The LSP should provide the interpreters with the material they need to research the subject matter and terminology

The more the interpreters know in advance about the context, subject matter, and terminology at your meeting, the better their performance will be. Who will they be interpreting for? Students? Scientists? Regulators?

-          Schedule briefings when the subject matter is highly technical

-          Provide brochures, glossaries, and marketing material

-          Provide a schedule of events and list of speakers, with their titles

 

3.)    The LSP should ensure that they use professional quality interpretation equipment operated by a trained technician

Essential requirements: interpreters need to hear, see and concentrate. They need a higher level of volume than other speakers (treble, bass, and volume control). Interpreters need a console with individual controls, a headset (125 to 12500 hz), a microphone that can be turned on and off, a reading lamp, and a sound-proof booth that meets ISO standards. In addition, a technician should always present to operate the soundand troubleshoot any malfunction or issues.

It is a common best practice for the interpretation provider to provide everything, equipment included, to avoid glitches the day of the conference. By following these basic guidelines, you can make an informed decision about who to trust with communication at your conference.

 

Behind the CETRA Scene: Interview with a Russian Interpreter, Ludmila Annable

Name: Ludmila (Lucy) Annable

Location: Yardley, PA

What languages do you work with?  What are some of the intricacies or challenges of the particular language you work with?

I work only with Russian and English languages although I know a few more.   In my professional life the greatest demand was for these two and I focused on them the most.  As for intricacies which exist within this language pair, it’s a difference in a length of a sentence.  English is an analytical language.  Russian is almost a purely synthetic language with a complicated system of declension and conjugation which ultimately leads to longer words and sentences.  As a result, on average Russian text is 25% longer than its English equivalent.  And it definitely presents a challenge for simultaneous interpretation.  When a presenter speaks very fast, it means that an interpreter should do it even faster.

 What are some of your most interesting projects? Why?

I’ve been very fortunate to take part in a wide variety of projects from aerospace to coal mining.  But the most memorable ones are those which involved meetings at U.S. Senate and the White House Executive Office.  Participation in such projects gave me a different perspective on our profession and its significance. 

What is the best part about being an interpreter? What do you love about it?

I think the best part of interpreter’s job is its diversity.  It has its pluses and minuses.  It gives you an opportunity to constantly learn new things, explore new areas of knowledge and technology.  It is challenging, and at the same time it is rewarding.  It is like opening a new chapter in my life every time I start a new project.  I love it all – discovering new things, achieving new goals, meeting new interesting people, creating bright memories.   One thing is certain – interpreter’s life is never dull or boring.

How did you know you were “ready” to be an interpreter?

I was “ready” when I graduated from Minsk State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages (presently Minsk State Linguistic University) with an equivalent of a Master’s degree in teaching English and German.  Interpretation and translation were an integral part of that degree.  At that time I was ready to do my work at a required professional level but professional confidence and ease came later with years of experience and additional studies in the field.  The years of teaching experience at my alma mater and postgraduate studies made a great difference in my professional confidence. 

What is the most difficult part about your job?

The most difficult part about my job is to say good-bye to my project team members when the project is completed.  It is always hard to say good-bye to people with whom you went through good and, sometimes, trying times and shared the joy of accomplishments.  Although we try to stay in touch, but it’s not the same thing when you work together everyday.

There is one more difficult part in interpreter’s job.  An interpreter has to be always ready to meet new people, to adjust, to excel.  I would say it requires good social skills, diplomacy, flexibility and dedication to the profession.

Can you translate a sentence for us? Your favorite quote? Your favorite word?

I don’t have a favorite word, but if I had to choose one I would pick “confidence”.

My favorite quote I borrowed from one of the greatest Russian writers Maksim Gorky who liked to repeat it.

“If I am not for myself, who is for me then?  If I am only for myself, what am I for?”

« Если я не за себя, то кто за меня?  Если я только за себя, зачем я?»

 

 

CETRA Language Solutions Opens an Office in Limerick, Ireland

Translation services company to create 20 jobs

Limerick, 5 January 2012 – The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD today announced that CETRA, the US headquartered language translation company, is establishing its European Service Centre in Limerick with the support of Government through IDA Ireland.

CETRA plans to create 20 jobs in Limerick to better serve their existing European clients and further grow its EMEA client base.  CETRA Ireland staff will include management, administration, project managers and sales staff. The company will initially locate in the Limerick Institute of Technology Acceleration Centre.   The company will begin recruitment for initial positions immediately.

CETRA offers translation, localisation and interpretation services to the market research, legal, and life science industries using a global network of professional linguists. CETRA’s team of multilingual project managers brings a wealth of diverse, worldwide experience to each request. CETRA adds value through prompt and responsive assistance, insightful cultural consulting, and a proactive, partnering approach.

Making today’s announcement Minister Bruton said:

“Today’s announcement is great news for Limerick and for Ireland. This is a high-growth international company which has chosen to locate in Ireland with the creation of jobs due to the graduate output of one of our universities. With the right policies we can replicate this announcement across the country over the coming years. I am determined to achieve the high levels of jobs growth we so badly need, and that is why in January with the Action Plan for Jobs we will start implementing radical reform across the economy to help get people back to work”.

“We were attracted to Limerick primarily due to the graduate output of the University of Limerick and the ability to collaborate with the Localisation Research Centre in UL to develop a technology localisation offering. We’re excited about expanding our business into EMEA from our Limerick base”, said Dr. Jiri Stejskal, President and CEO of CETRA.

Commenting on the announcement IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary said “CETRA is a welcome addition to the growing cluster of early growth multinational business services companies which have recently established international operations in Ireland.”

Notes to Editor

CETRA was founded in 1997 by Dr. Jiri Stejskal, President and CEO, who currently serves as vice-president of the International Federation of Translators (FIT). CETRA actively participates in the development of language quality standards as a member of the US delegation to the ISO Technical Committee 37 and a member of the ASTM F43 Committee. CETRA is ISO 9001:2008–and ISO 13485:2003–certified. For more information please visit www.cetra.com

For media queries please contact
CETRA – Angela Wende|Director of Marketing and Sales|+1-215-635-7090, +1 215-690-9088 and angela@cetra.com

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation – Conor Quinn, Press l Advisor to Minister Bruton, +353 1 631 2218, +353 87 374 3783 and conor.quinn@deti.ie

IDA Ireland – Press office +353 1 603 4226

 

 

Behind the CETRA Scene: Interview with an Arabic Translator, Louay Abdulla

Name: Louay Abdulla

Location: Clifton Park, New York

What languages do you work with?  What are some of the intricacies or challenges of the particular language you work with?

I translate between Arabic and English exclusively. Arabic has its own non-Latin alphabet and goes from right to left. It also has a dual format and is gender specific, need I say more about challenges? In addition to technical issues Arabic translators have to deal with the vast cultural differences between the Arabic-speaking world and the English-speaking one. There are many regional spoken dialects of Arabic, but thankfully, written Arabic is unified and known as Modern Standard Arabic.   

What are some of your most interesting projects? Why?

The more a project is engrossed in culture the more interesting it is to me. While legal or medical translations are less culturally specific, advertising is the most culturally steeped translation subject. The most interesting project was subtitling a commercial for a brand of chocolate, where a couple of police officers sitting in a cruiser would be enticed by a chocolate bar. Everything from the police officers to the car and even the chocolate bar was American, but the message had to be transformed in a way that would not sound silly in Arabic. A cultural consideration was the high regard Arab culture bestows on policing, and more practically speaking, the fact that making light of the police may not play well on Arab television stations. So a tight rope had to be walked in order to transfer the joy of eating that chocolate bar without belittling the job of police officers.

What is the best part about being a translator? What do you love about it?

The freedom and the art of the craft are the best parts of this profession. What I love the most is the challenge and the satisfaction I feel when I conquer a new term or a difficult phrase.   

How did you know you were “ready” to be a translator?

I come from a family of linguists, so I grew up around people discussing proper grammar and syntax, but life took me away from language for a while until, at the age of 33, I took a job that required me to supervise translators. I fell in love with the craft and my love for languages came roaring back. I never turned away from it for 16 years now.  

What is the most difficult part about your job?

I always say that translation is one of the few professions where other people are not afraid to challenge the professionals, so a linguist is always on the defensive about his or her linguistic abilities. I think the most difficult part is guessing what the client is looking for, a linguist is hardly ever given adequate information about the purpose or use of their translation. 

Can you translate a sentence for us? Your favorite quote? Your favorite word?

This is one of the nicest sayings I ever heard, and I believe it is true. People who make the most noise are usually the ones without much substance.

English: Empty vessels make the most noise.

Arabic equivalent: أكثر عربات القطار ضجيجاً هي العربة الفارغة

Back translation: The noisiest train car is the empty one.

 

Global Networking with CETRA: January 18th

CETRA Movie Night: The Killing Fields

Monday, January 9th
7:00-7:30 PM Networking
7:30-9:30 PM Film

Please join us for Academy award winning film “The Killing Fields”. Directed by Roland Joffre, this film follows New York Times reporter Sidney Schanberg's coverage of the US pullout in Vietnam in 1975. Dith Pran, a Cambodian interpreter who aides Schanberg, stays in Cambodia and is captured by the Khmer Rouge. Full of guilt, Schanberg is determined to save his friend. The “best moments are the human ones, the conversations, the exchanges of trust, the waiting around, the sudden fear, the quick bursts of violence, the desperation” ( Roger Ebert).

In English, French, Khmer, and Russian with English subtitles.

Please RSVP to Brenna at brenna@cetra.com. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark your calendars:

February 13, 2012 – “The Interpreter”
March 12, 2012  – “The Church on Dauphine Street”
April 16, 2012 - “Babel”

May 14 - "Traduire"

What is the difference between translation and interpretation?

A common misconception is the idea that translators and interpreters do the same thing. In fact, translation and interpretation are very different.

Translation revolves around the written word: if you have a document such as an international contract, marketing brochure, book, manual, or survey that needs to be communicated in another language, you need a translator.

Some examples of translation projects in 2011:

• A market research company in Florida needed a customer satisfaction survey translated into Russian, Portuguese, German, and Spanish
• A green engineering firm needed petroleum reports translated Korean into English  edited and reviewed
• Arabic translation of birth and death certificates and review of authenticity for a legal client in Washington DC

Interpretation involves oral communication. If you have an investor visiting from Japan, a diplomat from Brazil, or a Korean immigrant in a court trial, you need an interpreter to interpret the spoken word.

There are two types of interpretation: simultaneous and consecutive. Simultaneous interpreters anticipate what the speaker is going to say, and interpret at the same time as the speaker is speaking. Less taxing is consecutive interpretation, when an interpreter waits until the speaker has finished a sentence or phrase before conveying that message to the audience's target language.

Some examples of interpretation projects in 2011:

• A local employee association used a Spanish interpreter to present a sexual harassment training and interactive workshop to a group of Hispanic employees in Philadelphia.
• A national technical standards organization used teams of simultaneous Russian interpreters for training sessions in Washington, DC and Philadelphia.
• Consecutive telephonic interpretation of 40 interviews on trade shows over two days in Germany (German), France (French), and Brazil (Portuguese) for an international market research company.

 

You're Invited to Movie Night: Tradurre