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The Voice of Interpreters and Translators
THE
ATA
Sept/Oct 2018
Volume XLVII
Number 5
TIPS FOR NETWORKING
WHEN YOU WORK
FROM HOME
A Publication of the American Translators Association
If you’re already a Voting member of American Translators Association
ATA, please vote either by electronic 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590
proxy (every voting member will receive Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
this information in late September), Tel: +1.703.683.6100
or—better yet—vote in person in New Fax: +1.703.683.6122
Orleans at the conference. If you’re not E-mail: chronicle@atanet.org
Website: www.atanet.org
yet a Voting member of ATA and you
FROM THE PRESIDENT
meet the requirements, we encourage Editorial Board
CORINNE MCKAY
you to fill out the free, fast (less than five Paula Arturo
president@atanet.org
minutes, I promise!) online application Lois Feuerle
Twitter handle: @corinnemckay
for voting membership status Geoff Koby (chair)
(http://bit.ly/Active-Member-Review) Corinne McKay
before September 24 if you would like to Mary McKee
vote in this year’s election. Ted Wozniak
Jost Zetzsche
ATA needs your voice in many ways. Publisher/Executive Director
Elections, Walter Bacak, CAE
walter@atanet.org
Position Papers, ATA needs your voice in many
Editor
Jeff Sanfacon
and More: ways. One is by voting; another is by
giving your input on ATA’s position
jeff@atanet.org
ATA Counts on papers. Position papers represent a Advertising
advertising@atanet.org
new direction for ATA. They give us
Tel: +1.703.683.6100, ext. 3007
Your Voice an opportunity to use our association-
sized voice to advance the interests
Fax: +1.703.683.6122
of professional translators and Design & Production
A
interpreters in a rapidly changing BHDC
s I write this in mid-August, ATA’s www.bluehousedc.com
work environment. The Board and
2017–2018 Board has met for the
last time (in beautiful Portland, the Governance and Communications
The ATA Chronicle (ISSN 1078-6457) is published
Oregon!), and we’re speeding toward Committee have been working on this six times per year by the American Translators
ATA’s 59th Annual Conference in New initiative for some time—first, creating Association, 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590,
Orleans at the end of October, where a position paper policy to steer the Alexandria, VA 22314 USA. Periodicals postage
we’ll elect new directors to ATA’s Board. process. Then, identifying timely topics paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and additional
Six candidates—Eve Bodeux, Melinda in our professions and recruiting teams mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
Gonzalez-Hibner, Diego Mansilla, of authors with subject-area knowledge changes to The ATA Chronicle, 225 Reinekers
Meghan McCallum, Tianlu Redmon, to write on these topics. Lane, Suite 590, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.
and Kyle Vraa—are running for three The American Translators Association (ATA)
I’m excited to report that our
director positions with three-year terms, was established in 1959 as a not-for-profit
first position paper—on machine
and current Director Tony Guerra is professional society to foster and support the
translation—was approved by the
running unopposed for a one-year term professional development of translators and
Board to be released to the membership interpreters and to promote the translation and
to fill the remaining year in the director
for comment. You may have seen this interpreting professions. The subscription rate for
position opened by Karen Tkaczyk’s
announced in the August 15 issue of a member is $28 (included in the dues payment).
election to secretary in 2017.
ATA Newsbriefs. (The member comment The U.S. subscription rate for a nonmember is $65.
Most importantly, thank you to every
period ran from August 15–September 5.) Subscribers in Canada and Mexico add $25;
one of these candidates for putting
If you didn’t get a chance to comment, all other non-U.S. subscribers add $45.
themselves forward! ATA could not
we hope that you’ll give us your thoughts Single copies are available for $7 per issue.
continue to function without the
dedication of our volunteer Board, and on our next position paper—on remote ©2018 American Translators Association
we’re thrilled to have such a robust slate interpreting—to be released in 2019.
of candidates. We also need you to vote We’re grateful that every one of you Reprint Permission
in the upcoming election so that your has chosen to be an ATA member, and we Requests for permission to reprint articles
should be sent to the editor of The ATA Chronicle
voice can be heard in our Association. hope to see you soon in New Orleans.
at jeff@atanet.org.
2 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2018 www.atanet.org
CONTENTS Sept/Oct 2018
Volume XLVII
Number 5
21
FEATURES Recovering from Setbacks:
It’s the Narrative That Counts
7 Based on what I’ve learned from
ATA 2018 Elections: coaching, here are some strategies
Candidate Statements you can use to improve your work
Calling all Voting members! experience and help you bounce
Participating in ATA’s annual back from challenging situations.
elections is your opportunity to help
shape the future of the Association.
Learn what this year’s candidates 24
for ATA’s Board of Directors have to Modality Matters: Including
say, and remember to vote! Remote Interpreting in
Interpreter Training Programs
12 As the demand and opportunity
for remote interpreting grows,
Top Economics, Finance, and
interpreters need to develop their
Translation Experts Convene in ability to perform effectively in this
Brussels for UETF 2018 area. Let’s examine a framework to
UETF 2018 featured 18 sessions categorize key areas of professional
over three days, delivering invaluable development for remote interpreters
content and helping attendees and discuss perceptions and trends
expand their subject matter and how they impact training.
expertise, keep abreast of the latest
trends in the fast-paced world of
finance and economics, and—last, 27
but definitely not least—improve 18 Advanced Tips and Tricks in
their translation skills through Microsoft Word
downright granular translation slams
Microsoft Word contains more
and hands-on workshops.
handy features than most people
realize. Here are some tips and
15 tricks to improve productivity and
The Benefits of a Translator format documents with ease.
Collective: Staying Sane as a
ADVERTISING DIRECTORY
Freelance Translator
A translation collective is a great 17 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
www.utrgv.edu/en-us
way to collaborate on projects while
20 Across Systems GmbH
remaining your own boss.
www.across.net
18 COLUMNS
Tips for Networking When You
Work from Home 2 From the President
Let’s be honest. The traditional
4 From the President-elect
methods of networking are not
effective for everyone all the time. If 5 Letter to the Editor
I’ve learned anything over the years
5 ATA Social Media
about networking effectively, it’s
that you don’t have to know how to 6 From the Executive Director
work a room to be good (or great!)
31 Geekspeak
at networking.
33 The Entrepreneurial Linguist
Looking for Member News
and Humor and Translation? 35 Resource Review
These columns are found in the
Chronicle-Online edition: 24 37 New Certified Members
www.atanet.org/chronicle-online! 38 Certification Forum
Connect www.atanet.org www.facebook.com/
AmericanTranslatorsAssociation
with ATA
www.twitter.com/atanet www.linkedin.com
http://bit.ly/ATA-youtube http://bit.ly/GooglePlusATA
24 hours in advance using the link at Pitre is offering on-site headshot
the conference website. services. Get three headshots for $30.
Job Fair: One of the primary reasons This is a great opportunity for you to
professional translators and interpreters update your photo for your website or
attend ATA’s Annual Conference is to business card at a very affordable price.
expand their client base and obtain more To make an appointment and provide
work. To help you meet that goal, this payment, contact Sandra directly at
FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT year’s Job Fair has been extended to two ataphotos2018@gmail.com.
TED R. WOZNIAK nights instead of just one. This will give
ted@tedwozniak.net Dictionary Exchange: New this year
you a little flexibility in your evening
is the Dictionary Exchange. If you have
schedule in case you want to attend a
paper dictionaries and reference books
division off-site event or enjoy a relaxing
you no longer need, bring them to the
conversation with the new friends you
conference. There will be a table set up
made the first day of the conference.
for you to drop off your books where
newcomers to the profession can pick
ATA59 Is
them up for free. Please note that this
This year’s Job Fair has been
table will not be supervised, but strictly
extended to two nights instead “first-come first-served.” Any items left
Just Around of just one. on the table Saturday afternoon when
the Exhibit Hall closes will be donated
the Corner! to a nonprofit organization if possible.
So, make sure your travel plans
B
y the time you read this ATA59 are in order to attend ATA59 in New
will be just weeks away. If you Orleans. You can use the preliminary
haven’t registered yet, head over Buddies Welcome Newbies: Speaking
program on the conference website
to the conference website and sign of making new friends, I strongly
to start scheduling your sessions and
up today! Here’s a rundown of some encourage all attendees to participate
networking events. Come together with
important information you’ll need to in the very popular “Buddies Welcome
more than 1,500 of your colleagues to
assist you while making travel plans. Newbies” program. The program pairs
improve your professional skills, expand
I’ve also highlighted just a few of the first-time attendees (“Newbies”) with
more experienced attendees (“Buddies”). your client base, make new friends, dine
many reasons why you’ll be glad you
As a buddy, you help make your at some of the world’s best restaurants,
made the investment to attend ATA59!
newbie’s first conference more enjoyable and let the good times roll.
Hotel Reservations: Please make your and rewarding by sharing tips from your
hotel reservations as soon as possible. experiences. In addition to the rewards
Check ATA’s conference website for the you get from helping your Newbie,
IMPORTANT CONFERENCE LINKS
latest information on accommodations don’t be surprised if their enthusiasm Buddies Welcome Newbies
(www.atanet.org/conf/2018/hotel). is infectious and they help make your www.atanet.org/conf/2018/newbies
If you make your reservation before conference experience more enjoyable
October 22, you’ll automatically be Hotel Reservations
as well. If you’re a first-time attendee,
entered to win a free night for your www.atanet.org/conf/2018/hotel
your Buddy can provide a little extra
existing hotel reservation! Winners will support as you navigate all the sessions
be announced at the Closing Session on Job Fair
and events so you get the most out www.atanet.org/conf/2018/jobfair
Saturday afternoon. of your first ATA Annual Conference.
Discounted Airport Shuttle: If There will be a debriefing on Saturday Preliminary Program
you’re flying to New Orleans, ATA has afternoon to help participants process http://bit.ly/ATA59-preliminary
negotiated discounted prices for the everything they have taken in and learn
what to do next. Special Events
airport shuttle. A one-way trip is just
www.atanet.org/conf/2018/special
$20 dollars and a round-trip is just $40, Update Your Headshot: Another new
a savings of about $15 per leg compared benefit this year will be the presence Registration
to a taxi or Uber. To get the discount, of a headshot photographer in the www.atanet.org/conf/2018/registration
you must make your reservation at least Exhibit Hall. Photographer Sandra
4 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2018 www.atanet.org
ATA SOCIAL MEDIA FROM OUR MEMBERS
28,300 13,300 3,900
FACEBOOK FANS TWITTER FOLLOWERS LINKEDIN MEMBERS
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Translation Scams Reloaded | Carola F. Berger
Thank you for the excellent article in the July-August issue about the various scams being
FEATURED FACEBOOK POST
practiced on translators. I also appreciated the links for reporting such scams.
As suggested in the article, I attach a copy of the report I made to the bank in whose
name two forged checks were sent to me. I’ve also filed a complaint with the FBI using American Translators
the link in the article. Keep these useful articles coming! Association
August 25
___________________________________________________________
Mother tongue versus father
I do not bank with you but received two identical checks (one yesterday, one
tongue—a new study reconciles
today), apparently drawn on your bank in New Orleans, which appear to be
forgeries. These were sent to me via UPS: the first from Las Vegas, Nevada and the
the two hypotheses
second from Miami, Florida. I attach copies of both checks and shipping labels to “Does the mother or father
help you track the originators. have a stronger influence on
The following background information may help. I’m a certified translator in Atlanta, their children’s language? The
Georgia, listed in the Directory of Translators and Interpreters of the American Translators mother tongue hypothesis
Association. Potential clients find me through that directory and generally contact me suggests that language usage
via e-mail and attach documents they wish me to translate. In this case, I was asked follows matrilineal inheritance.
to translate a lengthy German document that appeared to be genuine and agreed to
The father tongue hypothesis
provide a quote for it.
The two checks were sent as advance payment for the translation that the client had holds that paternal lines
said was urgently needed. I became suspicious when the first check arrived because: dominate the local language
a) full payment in advance is not the normal practice in my business, b) the check in an already populated
covers double the amount I had quoted for the job, and c) the name of the issuer, Basics region, which was proposed
Underneath LLC, is misspelled Basics UnderMeath. Arrival of the second identical check based on other genetic and
today confirmed that suspicion beyond all doubt! anthropological research.”
I also attach a copy of the e-mail from the client explaining why the check was being
sent. However, in view of the apparent forgery, I intend to have no further contact with Read on—
whoever that person may be. I trust that you can use this information to track down the https://bit.ly/2MD8KNy
people behind this scam and will do my best to answer any questions you may have.
Andrew Sherwood | Atlanta, GA
TOP TWEETS
Ubang: The Nigerian village
where men and women speak
different languages |
https://bbc.in/2NlHRdC
AUGUST 27 / @ATANET
U.S. Senate Committee
Holds Hearing on Native
American Language Revitalization |
JNCL-NCLIS:
http://ow.ly/reum30lxMd3
AUGUST 24 / @ATANET
www.atanet.org American Translators Association 5
Proposed Bylaws Amendment. The
Board approved presenting a proposed
bylaws amendment to the membership
for their approval. The proposed change
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR is to increase the number of signatories
WALTER BACAK, CAE required to establish a division to 150.
walter@atanet.org The current number required (20)
has been in place for decades and was
established when ATA was much smaller.
Board Meeting Highlights This proposed bylaws amendment will
be on the ballot this fall. The elections
will be held October 25 at the Annual
Meeting of Voting Members—also known
as the Presentation of Candidates and
Election—in conjunction with the Annual
Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Please see page 7 of this issue for more
information on the proposed bylaws
revisions and the candidate statements.)
Date of Record: The Board set September
24, 2018, as the date of record for the
2018 elections. This means that if you
want to participate in this year’s elections
you need to be a voting member by
September 24. There are two ways to
become a voting member: pass the
certification exam or apply through the
Standing from left: Directors Faiza Sultan, Frieda Ruppaner-Lind, Geoff Koby, Madalena Sánchez online Active Membership Review process
Zampaulo, Melinda Gonzalez-Hibner, Tony Guerra, Evelyn Yang Garland, and Cristina Helmerichs. (http://bit.ly/Active-Member).
Seated from left: Secretary Karen Tkaczyk, President Corinne McKay, Past President Ann Macfarlane,
The Board meeting summary and
President-Elect Ted Wozniak, and Treasurer John Milan. (Not pictured: Director Elena Langdon)
minutes will be posted online once they
are approved. Past meeting summaries
T
and minutes are always posted online at
he American Translators Association’s $3.31 million. The difference is due to a
www.atanet.org/membership/minutes.php.
Board of Directors met August 4–5, projected smaller Annual Conference than
The next Board meeting is set for October
2018, in Portland, Oregon. Here are last year’s in Washington, DC.
27–28, 2018, in conjunction with ATA’s
some highlights from the Board meeting. Audiovisual Division: The Board Annual Conference in New Orleans,
Final Budget: The Board approved the approved the establishment of the Louisiana. As always, the meeting is
July 1, 2018–June 30, 2019 final budget Audiovisual Division (AVD). AVD will open to all members, and members are
and the 2019–2021 draft budgets. work to create a community to support encouraged to attend.
The approved budget is $3.24 million. and mentor audiovisual linguists and
This compares to last year’s budget of to build bridges between translators
and interpreters and media content NEW FALL WEBINARS SET
creators. The Board also approved the Get top-level learning delivered right to
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL appointments of Deborah Wexler as you through ATA’s webinar series. Two new
acting administrator and Ana Salotti
TRANSLATION DAY webinars have been scheduled:
as acting assistant administrator until ■■ Find and Keep Your Best Clients Using
Join ATA in celebrating International the AVD election in October 2019.
the 80/20 Principle (October 2)
Translation Day with a social media blitz You can join AVD and any of the other
on September 28! You’ll find posts, tweets, 21 divisions anytime by going to your ■■ Building Entrepreneurial Skills for
and downloadable infographics to share. membership account. (And, just a Interpreters and Translators (October 10)
Look for #InternationalTranslationDay reminder that division memberships are ATA members get a 25% discount. Sign
and #ataitd2018! included in your ATA dues, so there is no up today at www.atanet.org/webinars!
extra charge for joining.)
6 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2018 www.atanet.org
ATA 2018 Elections: Candidate Statements
ATA will hold its regularly scheduled elections at the upcoming 2018 ATA Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana,
to elect three directors for a three-year term. There will also be an election for a director for a one-year term. (The
vacancy occurred with the election of Director Karen Tkaczyk to secretary.) In addition, members will vote on two
proposed revisions to ATA’s bylaws.
DIRECTOR the rebirth of the FLD newsletter. I been a lively forum for the language
have successfully increased volunteer
(THREE-YEAR TERM) participation from members and fostered
professions since 2008.
This information should give you
EVE LINDEMUTH BODEUX a strong sense of community within some context as to who I am and what
eve@bodeuxinternational.com the division. I am currently serving is important to me. Since my earliest
An ATA member for my second term on ATA’s Divisions days in the language industry, I have
nearly 20 years, I have Committee, and have served on several been committed to bringing translators
witnessed the many division nominating committees. and interpreters together, sharing my
changes that have affected In addition to my involvement knowledge, and helping translation
the language professions in ATA, I have filled multiple roles and interpreting clients understand the
over the past two decades. in my local chapter, the Colorado importance of our work.
It would be a privilege to help guide Translators Association: two terms as As a Board member, I would like to
ATA into the future as a member of the vice president, e-mail list manager, focus on:
Board of Directors. I am honored to be a Elections Committee member, and ■■ Strengthening all divisions and local
candidate and thank the Nominating and mentor. Other ATA chapters (Carolina
chapters—they are key to promoting
Leadership Development Committee for Association of Translators and
member satisfaction and involvement.
their confidence. Interpreters, National Capital Area
Alongside my work as a freelance Translators Association, Northeast Ohio ■■ Supporting ATA’s Government
French>English translator specializing Translators Association, and Northwest Relations Committee in monitoring
in international development, corporate Translators and Interpreters Society), laws, regulations, and policies that
communications, and tech marketing, in addition to the Société française des affect translators and interpreters in
I am a passionate proponent of traducteurs and European Language the U.S. and abroad.
professional associations and of the idea Industry Association, have called on ■■ Expanding ATA’s lobbying role. It
that we are stronger together. Starting me to present on various topics. I have
is important to make our voices
out as editor of the newsletter for ATA’s also been privileged to present at ATA’s
heard, not only at the very successful
French Language Division (FLD) when Annual Conference.
Advocacy Day during the 2017
it was still produced in hard copy, I am I recently combined my expertise
conference, but every day, at the
now, quite a few years later, finishing my into a book for language professionals,
international, national, state, and
second term as FLD administrator. In Maintaining Your Second Language. And
local levels.
this role, I have overseen the founding anyone who knows me knows I love
of the division’s social media presence, to talk! I am co-host of the podcast It would be my honor to serve you,
its continuing education podcast, and Speaking of Translation, which has and I thank you for your support.
www.atanet.org American Translators Association 7
ATA 2018 ELECTIONS: CANDIDATE STATEMENTS continued
DIRECTOR by the U.S. Department of State. I am
also an ATA-certified Spanish>English
many workshops for ATA certification
candidates, including three-hour
(THREE-YEAR TERM) translator. I train court interpreters exam preparation workshops during
MELINDA GONZALEZ-HIBNER across the country and participate in the Advanced Skills and Training Day
certification testing and standards- at ATA’s Annual Conference. I was
melindagonzalezhibner@gmail.com
setting programs for interpreters. also one of four graders who offered
It has been my honor
My service to the profession is the first ATA Certification Exam
and great pleasure to
long-standing at both the local and Preparation Workshop this past January
serve on ATA’s Board
national levels. During my time on at the University of Massachusetts
of Directors during the
the Board, I have served as chair of Boston. My expertise as an online
past three years, and I
ATA’s Interpretation Policy Advisory professor of translation and my work
am excited to have the
Committee, on the Government as a proctor for the certification exam
opportunity to do it again! I welcome
Relations Committee, on the help me understand the challenges
the chance to continue serving
Governance and Communications ATA’s Certification Program is facing
interpreters and translators on such a
Committee, and as a spokesperson for and the type of support exam-
large stage. If elected, I will continue
the Public Relations Committee. takers need.
my work as chair of ATA’s Interpretation
As our fields continue to experience ATA certification is a highly treasured
Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC) and
fast transformation and growth, ATA achievement for most professional
as a member of the Governance and
must remain at the forefront of issues translators. I would like to ensure
Communications Committee.
of importance to practitioners, the that we offer candidates plenty of
For those of you who do not know
industry, and the profession. As a opportunities to improve their skills
me, I bring a unique set of experiences
Board member, I promise to work on and be better translators so that they
to the table. My personal focus and
behalf of practitioner members, actively can eventually obtain certification.
interest is to strengthen ATA’s role as a For instance, I am part of the group
promoting professional standards and
voice for individual practitioners and that is developing “study packets”
public awareness of our fields
to advocate for the highest standards for candidate preparation, which is a
of practice.
of professional practice. That focus new initiative from the Certification
I hope you will consider voting for
drove IPAC’s successful initiative to Committee. If these offerings are well
me. It would be my honor and great
identify credentialed interpreters organized and executed, candidates
privilege to continue to serve.
more prominently in ATA’s Directory will gain expertise, the Certification
of Translators and Interpreters, which Program will enhance its visibility and
is a great program for interpreter DIRECTOR reputation, and ATA will have many
members of ATA. It also propelled my
participation in the upcoming ATA
(THREE-YEAR TERM) more certified members. I would love
every member of ATA to be certified
position paper on remote interpreting. DIEGO MANSILLA even as the same high certification
One of my goals is to continue umbtranslation@gmail.com standards are maintained.
working to improve the definition It is an honor to be One major accomplishment we
of our professions in the General nominated for the achieved during my tenure as a
Services Administration Schedule, prestigious position of board member of the New England
which is used for the procurement of director on ATA’s Board Translators Association (NETA) was a
translation and interpreting services of Directors. close collaboration with the University
by the U.S. government. I will also I have been a grader of Massachusetts Boston for NETA’s
continue to support a variety of of English>Spanish certification exams annual conference. I wrote an article,
continuing education options and for several years, so ATA’s Certification which was published in The ATA
the many projects of ATA’s Public Program is one of my main areas of Chronicle, after the first conference
Relations Committee. focus. I participated in the process under this arrangement. NETA’s
I have worn many hats during my of putting the new computerized annual conferences have been held in
career, and I think this has allowed me exam in place. This undertaking, collaboration with UMass Boston ever
to serve the members of ATA well. My implemented by ATA Certification since, with increasing success: more
experience includes heading the Court Committee Chair David Stephenson attendees, new members attracted, a
Interpreter Program for the Colorado and the rest of the Certification wider variety of sessions offered, and
State Courts, being an individual Committee, was undoubtedly one of more sponsors. I was also directly
practitioner for over 15 years, and the most significant steps forward for responsible for the creation of NETA’s
currently serving as a staff interpreter ATA, and one that will require constant new Academic Division, which offers
for a U.S. district court. I am a state and attention and adjustments given the a unique opportunity for students,
federally certified court interpreter and rapid changes in technology. Together faculty, and professional translators
qualified as a seminar level interpreter with fellow graders, I have offered and interpreters to share knowledge,
8 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2018 www.atanet.org
experience, mentoring, and work
opportunities. There are multiple
and interpreters and their future clients DIRECTOR
collaboration opportunities such
every year.
I served on MATI’s Board of Directors
(THREE-YEAR TERM)
as these for ATA. I think we should for two consecutive two-year terms TIANLU REDMON
identify and promote these types of from 2013 to 2017, both as director and tianlu@tianluchinese.com
initiatives in which everybody wins. acting vice president. In these positions, I attended my first
Finally, as a certified translator, I participated in and led a wide variety gathering of translators and
grader, professor of translation, of initiatives, including planning interpreters on a winter
and former member of ATA’s Ethics four annual chapter conferences, night in Chapel Hill, North
Committee, I recognize the importance serving as the host chapter for ATA’s Carolina. The parking lot
of following our code of ethics to guide 55th Annual Conference in Chicago, was dark and wet, but the
our professional lives. I would be moderating webinars, maintaining the coffee shop was filled with warm lights and
honored to receive your vote so that I organization’s website, blog, and social welcoming faces. I left with a bundle of
can act in a leadership role for ATA and
media pages, writing articles for and business cards, thrilled by the possibilities
contribute my years of experience to
serving as co-editor and editor of the that lay before me. That evening marked
serving you, our Association, and
quarterly newsletter, and participating the beginning of my career as a freelance
our profession.
in MATI’s video podcast. The leadership, translator and interpreter.
organizational, and technology skills I I frequented events hosted by the
DIRECTOR developed serving on MATI’s Board will Carolina Association of Translators and
(THREE-YEAR TERM) serve me well as an ATA director should Interpreters (CATI), an ATA chapter.
CATI members guided and inspired me,
I be elected.
MEGHAN MCCALLUM I am passionate about fostering a and I wanted to give back. In 2015, I
meghan@fr-en.com sense of community among translators was elected to CATI’s board of directors.
I am honored to be and interpreters and advocating for During my two years on the board, I ran
nominated for a position our profession to the general public. I the association’s mentorship program,
on ATA’s Board of often speak to others about translation initiated a school outreach presentation at
Directors. Having served and interpreting, whether it is in a Duke University, co-organized a workshop
in various capacities over classroom, over Skype, at a trade fair, for local attorneys, and helped organize
the years for ATA and or in one-on-one meetups with people CATI’s conferences.
the Midwest Association of Translators new to the field. When someone asks I attended my first ATA Annual
and Interpreters (MATI), my local Conference in 2014. The community
me how to start a career in translation,
ATA chapter, I look forward to the immediately welcomed me, so when
one of the first resources I point to is
opportunity to take my volunteer efforts called upon, I volunteered for both
ATA. I encourage people to not only
a step further by serving on ATA’s Board. the Interpreters Division (ID) and the
take advantage of the Association’s many
I have been actively involved in Chinese Language Division (CLD).
resources, but also to get involved. If
ATA’s School Outreach Program, I joined ID’s Leadership Council in
elected to serve as an ATA director, I
under the umbrella of the Public 2015, where I quickly learned how to
will extend my enthusiasm for outreach
Relations Committee, since 2010. harness the power of social media. From
and education to my new role with a
I was appointed to the position of July 2015 to June 2018, ID’s Twitter
focus on membership relations and followers grew from 17 to 688, and
School Outreach Program coordinator
recruitment for our Association. Facebook likes from 877 to 2,468.
in 2011, and continue to serve in this
Serving within ATA and MATI has I have served as CLD’s newsletter
capacity. In this role, I lead a team of
been one of the most valuable and layout editor since 2015. Additionally,
fellow volunteers in promoting school
visits to speak about the professions enjoyable parts of my career thus far. I I set up a group chat for CLD members
of translation and interpreting in am eager to work together with ATA’s and other Chinese translators and
classrooms around the world. Over Board to not only attract and build interpreters. Since 2015, the chat
the years our team has expanded and relationships with new members, but group has had daily activity, including
updated various aspects of the School also to encourage active participation job and training opportunities, ethics
Outreach Program, using our webpage from current members to ensure long- discussions, and plenty of translation
to provide tips on videoconferencing term retention. I look forward to the questions and language jokes. The
and up-to-date resources to spark opportunity to help carry ATA into group has also helped members connect
interest within today’s classrooms. the future to provide the best possible regionally and network offline.
Through the School Outreach support, resources, and professional Because so many of you have helped
Program, we spread our passion development for our current and me, I want to help others succeed. I have
for translation and interpreting to future members. Thank you for spoken at two chamber of commerce
thousands of tomorrow’s translators your consideration. meetings on why and how to work with
www.atanet.org American Translators Association 9
ATA 2018 ELECTIONS: CANDIDATE STATEMENTS continued
language professionals, volunteered as a There are three areas of interest for opportunity to travel to new places and
buddy for the Buddies Welcome Newbies which I could bring a good perspective network with translators who do not have
event at ATA’s Annual Conference since to ATA’s Board: 1) languages of limited the opportunity to attend ATA’s Annual
2015, attended leadership training diffusion, 2) mentoring, and 3) Conference. Attendance of our members
since 2016 to learn how to better expansion of ATA’s co-sponsorship of at conferences abroad also raises ATA’s
serve members, and, in preparing this seminars and conferences abroad. global profile and adds to the credibility
statement, asked some of you what you My experience working in a major of American translators and interpreters.
cared about most. language (German), alongside languages
If elected, I will focus on three areas: of limited diffusion, the Scandinavian
■■ Raising public awareness of our languages, and Dutch, has taught me that DIRECTOR
profession. We should continue the practices of those working in languages (ONE-YEAR TERM)
educating current and potential of limited diffusion differ somewhat
clients and promoting the value from those who work in major language TONY GUERRA
of both ATA certification and pairs. For example, pricing, breadth of aeguerra@aol.com
interpreters’ credentials. specialization, the profitability of working During the past year it
with direct clients versus agencies, the has been my honor and
■■ Helping our members adapt to
usefulness of computer-assisted translation privilege to be a part of
market and technological changes.
tools, and many other aspects require the team of the brilliant
We are experts in our profession. We
a different approach for those working and dedicated members
must collaborate with the industries
in languages of limited diffusion. My of ATA’s Board. Having
that support and use our services to
perspective working on both sides of this learned so much, I am delighted to have
engineer change together.
equation would be a valuable resource to the opportunity to run for another year
■■ Engaging participation in ATA. I ATA’s Board as it strives to represent the and to continue fulfilling promises made
will work to assist ATA divisions and interests of all members of the Association, during last year’s election, in addition to
chapters in developing programs and no matter how common or obscure their tackling new challenges and committees.
presentations to draw both members and language pairs. I am currently a full-time freelance
nonmembers to the ATA community. Being a mentor in ATA’s Mentoring SpanishEnglish interpreter specializing
I am a Mandarin interpreter certified Program for the past six years has in the legal, government, and health
by two state courts and a Chinese reinforced my commitment to helping care sectors. I previously worked on
translator and teacher. I am also an ATA recent graduates and career changers make the corporate side, purchasing language
member like you. Please join me in the transition into our profession. When services for many years.
shaping the changing landscape of our I started my career 17 years ago, I did Throughout my freelance and agency
profession. Together, we are stronger. so without the benefit of a mentor. As a phases, I became increasingly involved as a
Please email me to share more of your dedicated and independent individual, I volunteer with ATA and the Delaware Valley
thoughts on our profession. Thank you learned about the profession and built my Translators Association (DVTA), my local
for supporting the ATA community. translation career through trial and error, ATA chapter. Within DVTA, I served first as
not really certain that people could actually a director and recently completed two terms
make a living doing only translation. as its president (2012–2017). I continue to
DIRECTOR After nearly two decades as a successful serve on the board as chair of DVTA’s Public
(THREE-YEAR TERM) freelancer, it is a pleasure to reassure Relations and Certification Committees.
nervous newcomers to the profession that My current ATA activities include:
KYLE VRAA succeeding in translation is not a pipe
ATA Public Relations Committee,
kylevraa@hotmail.com dream, but a very realistic professional goal
Speakers Bureau (2015–2018)
I am an ATA-certified with the correct approach. I would like to
■■ Last year, I presented “Navigating
Danish>English and continue to advocate for mentoring as a
Language Access in Legal Proceedings”
German>English translator member of ATA’s Board.
to the Philadelphia Bar Association
who has been freelancing Finally, I have had the pleasure of
as a representative of ATA’s Speakers
full-time since the summer attending conferences abroad that were
Bureau. In 2018, I was asked to present
of 2000. I also translate co-sponsored by ATA (one of the most
on this topic again to the Philadelphia
from the Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, recent was in Freiburg, Germany), as well
Office of Language Access.
and Dutch languages. I became a mentor as other non-ATA-affiliated conferences,
in ATA’s Mentoring Program in 2013, and such as the Translation and Localization ■■ I was selected to take a lead role on
have taken on individual mentees each Conference in Warsaw, Poland. As ATA’s PR Committee, generating
year since that time. I became a member a regular attendee of ATA’s Annual speaking opportunities for members
of ATA’s Mentoring Committee in 2016, Conference, I have found earning ATA of the Speakers Bureau. By targeting
and have served as its chair since the continuing education points at smaller organizations and associations interested
summer of 2017. conferences abroad to be an excellent in professional language services, we aim
10 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2018 www.atanet.orgto leverage the talent pool of speakers in
our bureau nationwide.
ATA Interpretation Policy Advisory
Proposed Changes to the Bylaws to
Committee (2015–2018)
■■ I have been a member of IPAC since
be Presented to the Membership for
it was established, contributing to
policy, strategy, and goals. Voting in October 2018
■■ IPAC continues to promote greater In addition to electing four directors, voting members will also vote on proposed
equity for interpreters with the bylaws amendments. The Board approved putting forward two proposed bylaws
ongoing implementation of the amendments for approval by the membership. The proposed revisions appear below
Credentialed Interpreter (CI) and are posted online at www.atanet.org/bylaws_change.php. Please note that
designation in ATA’s Directory of material proposed to be deleted is struck through; material proposed to be added is
Translators and Interpreters. underlined. ATA’s bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed by a two-thirds vote
ATA Chapters Committee Chair of the voting members.
(2016–2018)
■■ As chair of ATA’s Chapters Committee, PROPOSED BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
I serve as the national liaison between Proposed: That Article III, Section 2a. of membership was about 2,175 and there was
ATA Headquarters and all ATA chapters the Bylaws be amended as follows: only one division (Sci-Tech), compared to
and affiliate groups, helping to solve the current approximately 10,000 members
“1) Any person who (a) is professionally
any issues and answer questions. I have and 22 divisions.
engaged in translating, interpreting, or
also collaborated with the chair of ATA’s The proposed amendment has
closely related work, (b) is a citizen or
Divisions Committee to organize the two purposes:
permanent resident of the United States,
leadership training at the past three ATA First, to extend the right to support the
and (c) meets one of the following
Annual Conferences. establishment of a division to all individual
criteria: (i) has passed a certification
Launched ATA’s Chapters Best Practices members. The majority of individual
■■ examination administered by the
Initiative, which is a compilation of members are not active or corresponding
Association, or (ii) has been granted
national resources, links, forms, and (voting) members. Yet associate members
Credentialed Interpreter status by
processes available to all ATA chapters comprise the majority of division members.
the Association, or (iii) has achieved
to facilitate expedited, efficient, and As only the division officers must be voting
demonstrable professional status as
consistent systems of operation. members, associate members may comprise
determined by peer evaluation, is
the majority of volunteers in division
■■ Formulated and led a study group at eligible for Active membership.”
activities. It is thus appropriate and just to
the August 2018 ATA Board meeting Commentary: The intent of this amendment allow associate members to demonstrate
to examine, evaluate, and consider is to provide equal treatment to interpreters support for a new division.
the current state, structure, and future who are certified or accredited by an ATA- Second, the number of signatures
of ATA chapters and affiliates for recognized body and given “Credentialed required is increased to ensure that a new
continuous improvement. Interpreter” status by ATA by automatically division has sufficient core support to
ATA’s Mentoring Program granting voting rights to such members. provide the required services. Divisions
(2014–2018) must have an administrator and assistant
■■ I have been inspired to give back to Proposed: That Article XIII, Section 2a. of administrator. They usually also need a
our remarkable community by offering the Bylaws be amended as follows: webmaster, newsletter or blog editor, listserv
guidance and sharing experiences. “A petition for the establishment of administrators, and other volunteers. The
a Division must be signed by twenty establishment of Leadership Councils for
I previously served on ATA’s each division has also increased the number
Nominating and Leadership Development or more voting 150 or more active,
corresponding, or associate members of division volunteers needed. Leadership
Committee (2012–2016). I remain on Councils often have 10–15 members. Many
the Leadership Council for the Medical of the Association, at least 50 of whom
must be active or corresponding divisions also have additional committees
Division, following my two terms as such as conference or networking
assistant administrator (2012–2016). I members, who shall signify their
desire to participate in the activities of committees that also require volunteers.
have also contributed several articles to The increase in the number of
The ATA Chronicle and presented at ATA the Division.”
signatures required helps ensure that a
conferences in Chicago and Miami. Commentary: The requirements regarding new division has the minimum level of
I consider it a great privilege to the number of signatures necessary to support from individual members who
represent your interests on the Board. petition for the establishment of a division will comprise the core volunteers who will
I thank you for your vote and your have not changed since 1983, when total make the division viable.
deliberation of my candidacy.
www.atanet.org American Translators Association 11FEATURE BY AMANDA N. WILLIAMS
Executives of this caliber don’t often
take time out of their busy schedules to
address language professionals.
On the agenda: compelling topics
that ranged from the latest news on
Brexit negotiations to current global
macroeconomic trends, the business
environment in the European Union,
trade credit insurance, Basel III Pillar 3
regulations, VAT tax policy and fraud,
renewable energy, and the oil and gas
industry. The program also included
challenging financial translation-specific
sessions and workshops.
UETF 2018 featured 18 sessions over
three days, delivering invaluable content
and helping attendees expand their
subject matter expertise, keep abreast of
the latest trends in the fast-paced world
of finance and economics, and—last,
but definitely not least—improve their
translation skills through downright
granular translation slams and hands-on
workshops. Here are some highlights and
insights from the event.
BREAKING DOWN BREXIT
Attendees at UETF 2018 participate in a complex and interactive workshop on translating Basel III Pillar Conference attendees had an
3 financial disclosures. Photo credit: Bernhard Lorenz.
extraordinary opportunity to hear Brexit
commentary and analysis from two
renowned speakers—Joris Luyendijk,
Top Economics, Finance, and an author and journalist from the
Netherlands, previously based in London,
Translation Experts Convene in and Charles Grant, co-founder and
director of the U.K.’s Centre for European
Brussels for UETF 2018 Reform. Grant decided to make his
session off-the-record, so, unfortunately, I
cannot recap or remark on his speech (but
Highly specialized translation conferences may be few and far between, but I’m delighted to finally have the chance to
say I can’t talk about something because it
they’re worth their weight in gold. was off-the-record).
O
Luckily, Joris Luyendijk spoke on-
n July 4, 2018, 120 expert financial recommended for novice translators or for the-record in his session (“Brexit: Why
translators from 12 countries and the faint of heart. It Happened, How It Happened, What
representatives from national and Why would some attendees travel Happens Now?”), and what a rousing
multinational institutions descended nearly 4,500 miles to attend? Quite and frank speech it was. For an hour,
upon Brussels to attend the Université frankly, it would be tough to pass Luyendijk led attendees on a colorful
d’été de la traduction financière (UETF), up a speaker lineup featuring Jean and sometimes jarring journey through
the biennial Summer School for Financial Paul Servais, chairman of the Belgian “leaver” and European mentalities as they
Translators. Organized by the Société Financial Services and Markets navigate tempestuous Brexit negotiations.
française des traducteurs (SFT)—this Authority (FSMA)—roughly the So why did Brexit happen? For this
year with support from host institution equivalent of the U.S. Securities and Dutch observer, Britain has a powerful
BNP Paribas Fortis—UETF is an intense Exchange Commission—and Vincent misinformation machine with a host of
three-day conference packed with Van Dessel, chairman and chief media outlets, notably tabloids that he
sessions, workshops, and networking executive officer of Euronext Brussels, says skew the truth. Together, these have
opportunities. This event is generally not along with 16 top industry experts. stirred negative sentiment within certain
12 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2018 www.atanet.orgdemographics in the country for decades. exchanges in six cities across Europe of an effort to maintain market stability
Now that U.K. citizens have voted to (Paris, Brussels, Lisbon, Amsterdam, than their U.S. counterparts.
leave the EU, the same misinformation London, and Dublin). Companies listed
machine is downplaying the economic on Euronext markets include AB Inbev,
consequences of this decision, both on
THE GUARDIANS OF BELGIAN FINANCE
L’Oreal, Airbus, and Danone. Each
Jean Paul Servais, chairman of the
a national and international scale. By Euronext member exchange has its own
contrast, Europe doesn’t have a unified Belgian FSMA, shared a meticulous
regulator. Representatives from all six
media presence at an international level, account of FSMA and how it oversees
exchanges form a College of Regulators to
which, Luyendijk says, means very the entire Belgian financial sector in
discuss current market events and
little accurate information on the real his presentation “Rôles, réalisations et
new developments.
consequences of Brexit is being published. défis d’une autorité de contrôle telle que la
Van Dessel provided his perspective
How did Brexit happen? Luyendijk on the role of markets and exchanges in FSMA” (“FSMA: Roles, Achievements,
says the referendum was “presented the economy. He urged us to let go of and Challenges”). FSMA was established
as just another stunt.” In addition, a the notion that the markets themselves by Belgian law on April 1, 2011 as an
peculiar phenomenon occurred. David influence the economy. Buyers and sellers independent public institution and
Cameron and Boris Johnson both— fulfills tasks assigned to it by the Belgian
really do the influencing—the stock
uncharacteristically—underestimated their Parliament. Both the National Bank of
exchange merely offers them the space
respective popularity, while Theresa May Belgium and FSMA oversee the Belgian
to make it happen. He then walked us
believed herself more popular than she financial sector, but FSMA is responsible
through the multitude of players and
really was. The end result: the “leavers”
financial instruments involved in the for overseeing the following areas:
won the Brexit referendum although no ■■ Financial markets and corporate
stock market and their various roles
official sincerely wanted it to happen.
in the investor universe. Finally, he financial reporting
What happens now? According to
Luyendijk, Britain needs to wake up, explained how prices are formed from ■■ Compliance with corporate
realize it’s no longer in a position of power, Euronext being an order-driven market— conduct rules
and come to the negotiation table with like the New York Stock Exchange and
Toronto Stock Exchange—and how they ■■ Financial products
realistic expectations and awareness that
the EU will not go easy on them under use a fixing (price setting) schedule to ■■ Financial service providers and brokers
any circumstances. Because the EU simply minimize market volatility. I enjoyed
reflecting on how Belgium (and other
■■ Supplementary pensions
can’t. Any leniency would make every
member of the EU wonder if they should markets in Europe) seem to make more ■■ Consumer financial education
leave the EU next, so it’s paramount that
they make an example of Britain to show
all other EU member states that leaving is
a terrible idea. Luyendijk says the future of
the EU depends on it.
What about Luyendijk’s personal take?
He’s glad Britain voted to leave, as he
believes the rest of the EU will be better
off without them.
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO EURONEXT
Vincent Van Dessel, chief executive
officer of Euronext Brussels, took us
on a virtual tour of the Euronext stock
exchange in his presentation “Euronext,
le plus grand marché européen, construit
selon un modèle fédéral” (“Euronext, The
Largest European Stock Exchange, Based
on a Federal Model”). He began with
an overview of Euronext. If you’re not
familiar with it, Euronext, as the title
of the session suggests, is the largest
European stock exchange, describing itself
as “pan-European.” Founded in 2000 and Larry Cohen and Rosie Wells discuss their respective translations of a financial article with the audience
listed since 2014, it operates member during a translation slam at UETF 2018. Photo credit: Bernhard Lorenz.
www.atanet.org American Translators Association 13TOP ECONOMICS, FINANCE, AND TRANSLATION EXPERTS CONVENE IN BRUSSELS FOR UETF 2018 continued
Servais stressed how FSMA protects UETF is an intense three-day of our current political climate, was both
consumers by ensuring that investment powerful and educational. It’s a talk I will
products offered on the market are easy conference packed with not soon forget.
to understand, with as little fine print as
possible. It also wants consumers to know
sessions, workshops, and
AND THAT’S A WRAP
exactly what fees each product entails. networking opportunities. While this was my first time attending
To that end, they verify that all financial UETF, it will not be my last. Of all the
product advertising is honest, clear, and annual translation conferences I’ve
user-friendly, and ensure that the financial attended over the past eight years, none
products themselves comply with all have catered so specifically to enhancing
applicable laws and regulations. future instability are already visible—
my skills and subject-matter expertise.
FSMA also monitors the stock market labor underutilization rates are still
I especially appreciated hearing directly
in several ways. First, they make sure quite high in Europe, the Eurozone is
from industry experts in addition to
companies meet financial reporting still grappling with tensions between
translation experts.
requirements, publishing complete high-production countries in the north
I left the conference with a greater
information in a timely manner that that want to make the euro as strong
appreciation of the interplay between
accurately and faithfully depicts the as possible, versus lower-production
politics, government regulations, and
company. Second, they verify that listed countries in the south that can’t keep
finance. I also brought home additional
companies treat all shareholders equally. up. The Phillips curve has flattened
translation tricks and tips to help
They also supervise how the markets in the U.S., and wealth inequality and
transform the most complex French
themselves operate (including Euronext) ageing populations are on the rise.
(The Phillips curve is a single-equation texts into eye-catching English prose. It
and step in if needed. One thing I found wasn’t easy picking a handful of sessions
fascinating was that Belgium suspends econometric model representing the
relationship between the rate of inflation to highlight, as they were all thought-
trading fairly regularly to maintain provoking and relevant to the field. For
market stability. They also halt trading and the unemployment rate.)
In addition to these current a full list of the conference program, see
prior to press release publications (at the http://bit.ly/UETF2018-program.
company’s request), which curbs insider phenomena, there are any number of
trading. In addition, they supervise and potential incidents that could trigger
another crisis, such as a major central
regulate all types of brokers (banking,
bank ending its monetary policy, higher
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
insurance, stock market, etc.). Overall,
inflation, geopolitical risks, rising Société française des traducteurs
FSMA takes a prudent and responsible
approach to financial oversight, and isolationism around the world, and an www.sft.fr
it was fun to learn the ins-and-outs of economic downturn in China. Many
of these potential incidents could be Université d’été de la traduction financière
this institution compared to France’s
sparked by the unpredictable decisions https://uetf.fr/en/home.html
stock market regulator, the Autorité des
made by the current U.S. president—
marchés financiers, the institution I know
launching trade wars, starting Twitter
most about.
fights, ostracizing allies, exhibiting
authoritarian tendencies, and threatening
A FITFUL GLOBAL ECONOMY to leave international organizations and Amanda N. Williams is the
As an attendee from the U.S., I found agreements such as the North Atlantic assistant administrator of ATA’s
the session by Belgian economist Bruno Literary Division. An ATA-
Treaty Organization, G7, World Trade
Colmant, “Une économie incertaine” certified French>English
Organization, and North American
(“An Uncertain Economy”), the most translator, she specializes in
Free Trade Agreement. Any of these
business, international trade,
gripping of them all, as he spoke at great actions could have fast and far-reaching
and financial translation. She worked for one of the
length about the U.S. role in our global consequences from an economic top 100 largest ocean importers in the U.S. She
economy’s uncertainty. standpoint. Brexit in the U.K. adds held various roles, including sales, operations, and
He began by explaining the latest additional potential stress on the global trade compliance manager, where she was
recessions for the U.S. and Europe economy, and Colmant warned that a responsible for managing a U.S. customs audit and
and their respective recovery times hard Brexit would be tough for everyone. creating, implementing, and maintaining the
(Europe’s recovery being slower than in As a U.S. citizen, I found Colmant’s company’s import compliance program. She served
the U.S. due to a third financial crisis talk poignant. Whatever your politics, six years on the board of directors of the Atlanta
in 2011). Colmant believes the global you likely read local media and news Association of Interpreters and Translators, an ATA
economy will continue improving that resonates with your own worldview. chapter. You can find her on Twitter as the
throughout 2018, but warned that we Hearing Dr. Colmant, who is not Adorkable Translator (@Adorkable_Trans) or on her
are approaching the end of a growth emotionally invested in American politics website at www.mirrorimagetranslations.com.
cycle. Some warning signs of potential the way I am, talk about the global impact Contact: amanda@mirrorimagetranslations.com.
14 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2018 www.atanet.orgYou can also read
