News

Help ATIA Achieve Title Protection

  Dear colleagues and community, The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) is seeking the support of our communities, provincial representatives, stakeholders, and national and international communities in the profession to obtain title protection for translators and interpreters and eventually become the provincial regulating body in Alberta to better serve and protect our … Continue reading Help ATIA Achieve Title Protection

ATIA International Translation Day 2023

ATIA International Translation Day 2023 – Translation Unveils the Many Faces of Humanity   On September 23rd, 2023, ATIA hosted our International Translation Day online symposium with excellent participation from members and the public. Each presenter and panellist brought thought provoking and meaningful topics that related to this year’s theme of: Translation Unveils the Many … Continue reading ATIA International Translation Day 2023

TransLit Volume 13 – Call for Submissions

TransLit Volume 13 – An Anthology of Literary Translations The TransLit Editorial Board, in cooperation with the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) and the Literary Translators’ Association of Canada (LTAC), is planning to produce the thirteenth volume of TransLit for publication in the Spring of 2024.   TransLit Volume 13 – Deadline … Continue reading TransLit Volume 13 – Call for Submissions

TransLit Volume 12

TransLit Volume 12 On Thursday, September 22nd, at 7:00 pm, TransLit Volume12 was luanched at Shelf Life Books in Calgary, AB – With the participation of Calgary translators and of author and essayist Bill Bunn. The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) and the Literary Translators Association of Canada (LTAC/ ATTLC) invited members … Continue reading TransLit Volume 12

Open Letter: Protecting Translators and Interpreters Worldwide

Open Letter: Protecting Translators and Interpreters Worldwide ATIA President and FIT Council Member, Roula Salam, is assisting and embarking on a couple of long-term projects with some other FIT Council members. Roula, would like to share with the ATIA Membership an open letter co-signed by FIT that was shared with Council for approval prior to … Continue reading Open Letter: Protecting Translators and Interpreters Worldwide

Support for the Ukrainian Association of Translators and Interpreters (UATI)

Support for the Ukrainian Association of Translators and Interpreters (UATI)   In the spirit of solidarity and to show support to our counterpart translators and interpreters throughout the world who may be going through hard times, ATIA has been reaching out to sister associations and groups in different countries to raise awareness by inviting speakers … Continue reading Support for the Ukrainian Association of Translators and Interpreters (UATI)

IN MEMORY OF SANDRA BERTONI

IN MEMORY OF SANDRA BERTONI It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our dear members, Sandra Bertoni, on April 5th, 2021 after a battle with cancer. For the last few years, Sandra had been an active Board member with ATIA, serving as treasurer and being a great help and support … Continue reading IN MEMORY OF SANDRA BERTONI

PLANNING TO GET CERTIFIED THIS YEAR? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

PLANNING TO GET CERTIFIED THIS YEAR? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. As you know, in order to become certified as a translator or interpreter, you need to complete the certification process. This begins with becoming an Associate Member, then accumulating the prerequisite experience to qualify for certification. Associate Members must submit the hour sheet for … Continue reading PLANNING TO GET CERTIFIED THIS YEAR? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

ATIA FEATURE MEMBER – CLAUDIO BRINGAS

Claudio Bringas Contact Information: email info@cb-services.ca website https://cb-services.ca/languages/ To better promote our membership, ATIA is asking for associate and certified members to provide us with a photograph and small biography or profile. Selected members will be featured on our website, social media pages, and monthly newsletter. ATIA provides unique opportunities to members for professional development and … Continue reading ATIA FEATURE MEMBER – CLAUDIO BRINGAS

Free Events for Translation Day 2020

Translation Day is celebrated internationally. This year, many of the events to mark the occasion are being held online – including those offered by the ATIA. Below is a week’s worth of free online events for Translation Day 2020, enjoy! The ATIA’s Translation Day 2020 Symposium Saturday, October 3rd   Go to www.atia.ab.ca/events for more … Continue reading Free Events for Translation Day 2020

International Translation Day

The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta is looking forward to recognizing and celebrating the essential role that our members play as professional translators and interpreters in the community on International Translation Day 2020 next month. In the meantime, have you ever wondered why we celebrate Translation day, where it comes from, or why it’s … Continue reading International Translation Day

Introduction to Legal Translation – ICYMI

The ATIA’s own Regina Landeck, C.Tran presented an Introduction to Legal Translation Webinar, made possible by the Canadian Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters Council (CTTIC). The webinar was free to members of CTTIC’s affiliates, including members of the ATIA and other sister-associations across Canada. In case you missed it, here’s a brief summary of some highlights. … Continue reading Introduction to Legal Translation – ICYMI

Certified Translations for Translation Agencies: The Good, the Bad, and the Unacceptable

By C. K. Eichbauer   Like many of my freelance colleagues, as a certified translator, I have provided certified translations to a wide range of clients over the years. Generally, they fall into two categories: direct clients and indirect clients. My direct clients, i.e. those who approach me directly, include private clients who are most … Continue reading Certified Translations for Translation Agencies: The Good, the Bad, and the Unacceptable

Becoming a Translator: Sanja Leticia, Associate Translator Interview

Translation requires more than just fluency in two languages: an in-depth understanding of the syntax and semantics of both the source and target language are key to developing the skills necessary to create quality translations. For this reason, language teachers are often equipped to become translators: with the foundation of the linguistic knowledge required to … Continue reading Becoming a Translator: Sanja Leticia, Associate Translator Interview

Court of Queen’s Bench on COVID-19 Pandemic: Suspension of Sittings

Click following link for latest announcements:  COVID-19: Suspension of Sittings

Provincial Court of Alberta on COVID-19 Pandemic: Planning for the Scheduling of Matters

Click following link for latest announcements:  COVID-19 Pandemic Planning for the Scheduling of Matters    

A Candid Conversation with Carmen Aguilera, Certified Court Interpreter, ATIA

For this edition of the Member Interview Series, we are fortunate to be joined by Certified Court Interpreter Carmen Aguilera, an active member and current Vice President (Southern Alberta) of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA). Carmen’s incredible career has taken her from practicing law in Guatemala, to coordinating justice system improvement … Continue reading A Candid Conversation with Carmen Aguilera, Certified Court Interpreter, ATIA

Ways to Engage with your ATIA

As members of the ATIA, we are all accountable for the development of our profession – both through our own professional practice and through the public-facing aspects of our field. There are many ways you can engage with your ATIA to forward your own career and the sector as a whole, and every contribution elevates all … Continue reading Ways to Engage with your ATIA

Title Protection and Your ATIA

Big developments are underway with your ATIA The ATIA is working closely with the Government of Alberta to secure Title Protection for Certified Translators and Interpreters under the Professional and Occupations Association Registration Act in Alberta. What is Title Protection? Title Protection would reserve the right to the titles of “Certified Translator” and “Certified Interpreter” … Continue reading Title Protection and Your ATIA

Call for Participants: ATIA Member Interview Series

Winter Holiday Lunch in Edmonton!

Winter Holiday Dinner in Calgary!

Freelancers Unite! An Interview with CFU’s Paula Kirman

Many ATIA members may have met Paula Kirman of the Canadian Freelance Union (CFU) last year at the AGM in Edmonton, as she gave a presentation to our members on the benefits of joining the CFU. Thank you for joining us, Paula!   Q: Why don’t you start by telling us who can join the … Continue reading Freelancers Unite! An Interview with CFU’s Paula Kirman

Healthy Freelancing Boundaries

When you are a self-employed as a freelancer or contractor, being on the lookout for potential clients is a way of life.  When we find new potential clients, or when there are new inquiries into our work, it is certainly an exciting thing. This is especially the case when we are just starting out, are … Continue reading Healthy Freelancing Boundaries

?How to Help Your Clients Achieve the Perfect Translation

The first step to helping client’s get the translation they want is good communication between translator and writer. This is important so that you, as the translator, know the unique goals of the project and ensure the best possible translation project is created! Good communication starts with the basics – listening skills, and an ability … Continue reading ?How to Help Your Clients Achieve the Perfect Translation

Digital Marketing for The World of Languages

How do you market yourself online when you do not have specific goods to sell, but are selling your services?  The answer to this question is content marketing strategies. When you have a service to offer, generating content and an audience online can gather many potential clients. It is defined as the supply of relevant, … Continue reading Digital Marketing for The World of Languages

Marketing Strategies for Freelance Translators and Interpreters

?Understanding languages is a pretty good industry to get into. Globalization has increased the need for translators and interpreters to continue to break down language barriers. As such, it can be one of the most satisfying careers, as interpreters and translators have a direct role in bridging language and culture and breaking down barriers. The … Continue reading Marketing Strategies for Freelance Translators and Interpreters

Self-Care for Busy Professionals

Self-care is often defined as anything we purposefully do to take care of our emotional, spiritual, and mental health. But there is much more to it than that. What we often don’t hear about is self-care defined as the opposite – things we don’t engage in because they are not good for our health.  Additionally, … Continue reading Self-Care for Busy Professionals

Five Ways that Translators are Actually Writers

Translation is the act of taking written materials and converting it from one language into a target language. Any language can be translated into another, however, the degree of ease during which this happens can vary with the language chosen. A translator may work freelance, for a translation agency, or even in-house. Regardless of where … Continue reading Five Ways that Translators are Actually Writers

How We can Use Feedback for Business Growth

Feedback has always been an effective form of communication used by humans. It has been defined as a response to a person’s behavior that influences whether that behavior will continue or stop. In other words, feedback is information given to us that tells us how we are doing – the good and the bad. When … Continue reading How We can Use Feedback for Business Growth

What Happens in the Brain When We Interpret?

The human brain is a powerful control centre. It is responsible for everything from our ability to breathe to our ability to be empathic. It is responsible for all skills and abilities, and language is no exception.  Language is an exceptionally complicated, yet highly coordinated task. It is a cognitive skill that is both unique … Continue reading What Happens in the Brain When We Interpret?

6 Ways to Sharpen Listening Skills

?Steven R. Covey, in his famous book that outlines The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, stated that “most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply”.  Interpreters, however, understand that listening to understand is fundamental to the work we do. Without proper listening, vital information can … Continue reading 6 Ways to Sharpen Listening Skills

Creativity Boosting Ideas for Translators

?Translation isn’t always thought of as a creative process. Some view translation as a simple act of moving already created sentences and phrases from one language to another. Translation is actually much more complex. As a translator, you act as a gateway between two languages, as if you are standing along a border, balancing two worlds. It requires an understanding of … Continue reading Creativity Boosting Ideas for Translators

The Top Bloggers for Translators to Follow

The blogging world contains a wealth of information. The subject content is endless, and there is no shortage of writers who are passionate about different topics. Bloggers spend time researching and writing articles for all of us to read and learn from. Like anything found on the internet, it’s difficult to know which blogs are credible, … Continue reading The Top Bloggers for Translators to Follow

Partners in translation: why you need a translation buddy¬ and how to find one

? Even though you might love flying solo, you need a flock of like-minded translators to support you through your journey. Forming strong professional bonds is an investment in your growth. Not only that, a safe space where you can be frank about your struggles and successes is beneficial for your mental health and can … Continue reading Partners in translation: why you need a translation buddy¬ and how to find one

ATIA Perspective on Pre-signed Translator Statements

Recently, ATIA became aware that some agencies are asking translators to pre-stamp and/or pre-sign blank translator statements. The request is often accompanied by an offer that if the translator chooses to do so, they will be given priority when translation jobs come through the agency. While ATIA does not have a policy that prevents its … Continue reading ATIA Perspective on Pre-signed Translator Statements

4 reasons why you need to learn to let go of your translations

Translators, similar to writers, often get attached to the fruits of their creative work, the words they’ve crafted, creative solutions they spent hours pondering. That’s why handing over a project to a client can elicit mixed feelings—on the one hand, you’re thrilled to take on new challenges; on the other hand, you’re parting with your … Continue reading 4 reasons why you need to learn to let go of your translations

Life after translation: easy add-ons that can set you apart

So you finished translating a text—now what? What extra mini services can you offer to your clients without compromising the scope of the work and within your professional and personal comfort zone? While translation already involves multiple steps—from initial research, terminology checks, drafts, and revisions—there are ways to increase the value of your services and … Continue reading Life after translation: easy add-ons that can set you apart

6 qualities that set a translation professional apart from an amateur

After hours of scrolling through online profiles of prospective translators, flipping pages of portfolios and references, how do you land on a top few? Or maybe it’s your first time engaging a translator in a project, or you’re partnering up with a new person. What qualities and experiences beyond the professional platitudes found in resumes … Continue reading 6 qualities that set a translation professional apart from an amateur

Picking sides in translation: foreignization or localization?

The relationship between the source text, reader, and the target culture has always been at the forefront of the minds of the greatest translation scholars. How integrated into the receiving culture should the source text be? Does translation entail cutting all ties with the language and culture that produced it? Can two cultures meet halfway in a text … Continue reading Picking sides in translation: foreignization or localization?

Sidekick to your passions: why translation should be more than a job

What drove you to become a translator? Love of languages? Passion for intercultural communication? Or maybe an inherent flair for sifting through synonyms and finding one that’s just right? For many of us, it’s the profession’s agility and vastness that are most alluring, rewarding, and unique: the ability to pair translation or interpreting up with … Continue reading Sidekick to your passions: why translation should be more than a job

Preparing for, and passing, the Code of Ethics exam.

The Code of Ethics exam is just around the corner, March 9th to be exact, and if you are just as nervous as I was, keep on reading. I always become very stressed out about writing exams; I try to avoid them at all costs.  However, sometimes they are unavoidable such as the Code of … Continue reading Preparing for, and passing, the Code of Ethics exam.

5 Belated New Year’s resolutions, a translator’s edition

While you might have already committed to crushing personal goals, there’s still time to shine light on your professional persona and zero in on the path you’d like to pave for yourself this year. No matter how many hours a week you dedicate to translation, setting the right goals will help you advance your career. … Continue reading 5 Belated New Year’s resolutions, a translator’s edition

On the translator’s (in)visibility

A translated text is often structured as a cake – a dash of source language features, a handful of editor’s comments all layered on top of the message you’re trying to get across. Should the translator’s voice be added to the mix? The role of translator in the process of rendering a text into a … Continue reading On the translator’s (in)visibility

Five essential skills to help forge a successful career in translation

You might be a word nerd, a polyglot, or a self-proclaimed linguist – does this mean you were born a translator? Nurturing the passion for languages and translation along with developing the required technical skills lay the foundation for a potential career in translation. Strengthening certain personality traits and forming the right habits are just … Continue reading Five essential skills to help forge a successful career in translation

Translating Revolutions: The Activist Translator! (Guest Blog)

Revolutions have always been central in shaping and determining the course of human history. The concept itself refers to radical, transformative changes which denote several phenomena from the “industrial revolution”, the “sexual revolution”, to more contemporary revolutions that spark off fundamental political/institutional changes (e.g. The Bolshevik Revolution) and promote universal values such as democracy, human … Continue reading Translating Revolutions: The Activist Translator! (Guest Blog)

How to choose a translator or interpreter for life

Let’s be honest – a professional interpreter who knows the topic of your conference as much as you do is hard to find. An interpreter who thinks on their feet and doesn’t lose their cool when discussions start to heat up, or a translator capable of digesting your technical report can be your business supporters … Continue reading How to choose a translator or interpreter for life

Tips for building a successful freelance career in translation and interpretation

Whether freelancing is your full-time job or a side hustle, it takes more than just time to build up a network of clients, partners, and contacts. Working as a freelance translator or interpreter can be extremely rewarding – from cherry-picking the projects you take on to working at your own pace and building stronger relationships … Continue reading Tips for building a successful freelance career in translation and interpretation

Court Interpreter Mini-Courses – Calgary

These unique mini-courses are provided voluntarily by court judges, prosecutors, and lawyers. In these valuable sessions court interpreters can learn the vocabulary and procedures for court. The lectures will take place several times year. The topic will be different each time, and will always relate to criminal law. After the lecture, there will be a Q&A session with … Continue reading Court Interpreter Mini-Courses – Calgary

On Globalization and Translation

?What are the roles of translators and interpreters in a highly globalized, multilingual, and interconnected world? When every second citizen in a big city claims to be fluent in more than one language, what can we (passionate language lovers and professional translators) offer? Globalization: is it a threat for many of us who rely on … Continue reading On Globalization and Translation

Setting Up for Success: How to work with a translator

So, you’ve evaluated your translation needs, made a search on the ATIA membership directory or connected with a good translation agency, and assessed your candidate’s qualifications to find someone professional, trained, and deeply experienced in the exact area of translation that you need. Now, how to optimize your working relationship with this translator? Good communication … Continue reading Setting Up for Success: How to work with a translator

The Right Person for the Job: Choosing a Translator

A quick search online for any given language pairing could bring up pages and pages of translators working all over the world. How do you sort the true professionals from the crowd? How do you make sure that you will get the product you need? Choosing the right translator for a job can seem overwhelming … Continue reading The Right Person for the Job: Choosing a Translator

Are You Cut Out to Work as an Interpreter? Six key traits of professional interpreters

Are you a bilingual or multi-lingual individual thinking about putting your language knowledge to work? Perhaps already working as a translator and looking to branch out? Interpretation is rewarding work, but knowledge of languages is only a starting point for success in the field. Do you have several of these six traits of successful and … Continue reading Are You Cut Out to Work as an Interpreter? Six key traits of professional interpreters

Celebrating Translation Day: What Translation Means

Did you know that September 30, 2018 is International Translation Day? Translation Day started in 1953 and was set on the Catholic feast day of St. Jerome – the original biblical translator! In 1991, the day was made officially global by FIT (the International Federation of Translators) and it wasn’t until May 24, 2017 that … Continue reading Celebrating Translation Day: What Translation Means

Making Quality Interpreting Services Easier to Access: Interview with Mayagwe Director Bill Dodd

This month, ATIA sat down with Mayagwe founder and director Bill Dodd to talk about how the platform is revolutionizing access to professional interpreters. With numerous ATIA members represented on the tech platform, Mayagwe represents the way of the future for clients to connect with certified interpreters and procure their services. What is Mayagwe? Mayagwe is a … Continue reading Making Quality Interpreting Services Easier to Access: Interview with Mayagwe Director Bill Dodd

Strength in Numbers: How joining a professional association benefits you, your clients and your field

?Are you looking to establish and build a new career as a translator or interpreter or are you an already an established professional looking for ways to continue your professional development? Interested in becoming more actively engaged in your chosen field of translation or interpretation? Membership in a professional association has numerous benefits for both … Continue reading Strength in Numbers: How joining a professional association benefits you, your clients and your field

Practicing Customer Service as a Freelancer: Nine tips for translators and interpreters

Providing customer service based on communication, responsiveness and integrity is essential to a successful freelance career. When seeking new clients, customer service is what sets one certified expert apart from another. It is also what keeps clients returning. But what does good customer service actually look like for a translator or interpreter? We have nine … Continue reading Practicing Customer Service as a Freelancer: Nine tips for translators and interpreters

The Art of Exceeding Client Expectations: Why customer service should matter to freelancers

As a freelance translator or interpreter, you’ve dedicated years to learning your craft, building a portfolio and mastering certifications. You may want to believe that your specialized knowledge and experience will speak for (and sell) itself, but succeeding as a freelancer takes a whole host of other skills. A freelancer has to be his or … Continue reading The Art of Exceeding Client Expectations: Why customer service should matter to freelancers

Translation & The Richness of Culture (An Interview with ATIA President Perla Ben-Zvi)

In the coming months, the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) will be profiling some of our prominent members and those who have served (or continue to serve!) ATIA in a volunteer capacity. This month, we talked to Perla Ben Zvi, certified translator and current president of ATIA. How long have you been part of ATIA? In the year 2002 … Continue reading Translation & The Richness of Culture (An Interview with ATIA President Perla Ben-Zvi)

Important Tips for Working with Language Service Providers

As a new translator starting out or a seasoned professional who likes to keep things simple, it might be the case that you decide you want to work for a Language Service Provider (LSP) or translation agency rather than seeking out clients directly. Whatever your reasons for pursuing work with an LSP, there are some … Continue reading Important Tips for Working with Language Service Providers

Common Misconceptions about Interpretation

Becoming a community interpreter is one of the most accessible ways to get into the industry and start your professional career as an interpreter. Many professionals in specialized fields such as court or medical interpreting started out in community and even continue to do community interpreting as well! That being said, it doesn’t mean that … Continue reading Common Misconceptions about Interpretation

Getting it Right or Lost in Translation?

Emmanuel Macron—France’s handsome and charismatic President—made the news worldwide a little while ago for no other reason than his closing remarks at a recent speech in Sydney Australia.  President Macron exact words, directed to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, were:  “I wanted to thank you for, and your delicious wife, for your warm welcome and a … Continue reading Getting it Right or Lost in Translation?

Translation Success (An Interview with ATIA Member Hellen Martinez)

In the coming months, the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) will be profiling some of our prominent members and those who have served (or continue to serve!) ATIA in a volunteer capacity. This month, we talked to Hellen Martinez, certified translator and interpreter, and former ATIA President. How long have you been … Continue reading Translation Success (An Interview with ATIA Member Hellen Martinez)

Translating for Theatre as Performative Translation (Interview with Dr. Stefano Muneroni)

Translating a play for the stage may often be considered a form of literary translation, but it is a very different process. Unlike a novel or a poem, a play is meant to be performed, and the translator must consider how the language will be spoken and heard. My own journey into translation started with … Continue reading Translating for Theatre as Performative Translation (Interview with Dr. Stefano Muneroni)

Signs You’re Cut Out For Freelancing

If you have dabbled a bit in freelance work or are thinking about making it your career, there are some important points to consider when it comes to taking the plunge! While not all of these will be true for everyone and even if you don’t resonate with these, that shouldn’t deter you from trying … Continue reading Signs You’re Cut Out For Freelancing

Saving Lives Through Medical Interpreting

The professional fields of certified translation and interpretation are no different than any other skilled and regulated vocation: there are standards to uphold and suggested rules to follow in order to maintain some semblance of consistency across the board. This is particularly the case with ATIA associate and certified members who are bound by a … Continue reading Saving Lives Through Medical Interpreting

Essential Tips for Writing Your Translation CV

Translation agencies and organizations looking to hire in-house translators tend to receive a high volume of applications, even on a weekly basis. It becomes increasingly important then to ensure that your CV stands out in all the right ways. But what does this mean? Below, we explore the “dos and don’ts” of translation CVs. Do: … Continue reading Essential Tips for Writing Your Translation CV

Why Become a Translator?

As soon as you begin to pursue a dream, your life wakes up and everything has meaning.  — Barbara Sher Some people know what-they-want-to-be-when-they-grow-up shortly after they come out of the womb.  For others, it’s a slow realization, and by the time they leave high school, they are on their way to realizing their dream … Continue reading Why Become a Translator?

The Best Online Tools for Professional Translators

If you are working as a professional translator, especially in a freelance capacity, you know that there are plenty of things that need to be managed in order to make your client work proceed smoothly. Luckily, there are plenty of tool available to aid with managing everything from your clients, to documents and invoices, and … Continue reading The Best Online Tools for Professional Translators