Please look through our on-line Translation Services Directory, first by language and then by special fields of interest and pick the person that best suits your needs. Please do not call the CATI office for individual referrals. If you don't wish to take the time to do that or can't find the right language, please call one of our corporate members (translation companies/agencies) and ask them for what you need, they will help you find someone for your project.

Translators work with documents, Interpreters work with the spoken word. Translators usually work remotely using specialised software such as word processors and web design tools whereas interpreters work on-site along side you and your clients. Translating and interpreting are two very different skills and, although some people offer both services, it is important not to confuse the two when commissioning work.

Translation and Interpreting are unregulated professions in the U.S. There is no license or certification that is universally accepted. In general, the more credentials you have, the better. For Translators, the most widely recognized credential is Accreditation by the ATA, obtained by passing a rigorous translation exam. For Interpreters, the matter is more complicated, with different agencies having their own exam.

In the industry, the term translator tends to refer to any written work carried out, i.e. rendering one document into another language. Whereas an interpreter always refers to someone who translates orally, e.g. at a conference where there are two or more parties speaking different languages. Just to confuse you, the term “translator” can also sometimes refer to someone translating orally. However “Interpreter” never refers to written translation.

To be a translator or interpreter requires professional training and expertise. It is not necessarily any bilingual person who makes a good interpreter or translator, although this may appear to be the only prerequisite. Fluency in two or more languages does not ensure that the person is going to be good at managing the process of transfer between two languages. Translators need to be more than bilingual.

NAATI is the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters in Australia. It is particularly important to use NAATI accredited translators if you require a literal translation for legal purposes. Top If you would like any more information about us or how we can help you to market your products or services in Japan then please don't hesitate to call us or send an E-mail.

You may find it useful to read some of ITI's careers orientated literature, which can be obtained using our Publications Order Form or downloaded from this website. Freelance work and staff vacancies in translation/interpreting companies or in other organisations are often advertised in the national press, and especially in specialist trade media. These include ITI's own bulletin (free to ITI members), Multilingual and many newsgroups/organisations' websites on the World Wide Web.

Interpreters speak and provide oral interpreting. Translators write and provide written translations. Clearly, there are some people who do both but they are, in fact, very different skills. If you are interested in interpreters or interpreting, please do contact our sister company, Interpreters Unlimited. All translations must be carried out by more than one person. The world's best translator is capable of overlooking or missing some piece of information.

this time, there is no "certification" for translators in the U.S., only the "accreditation" given by the American Translators Association (ATA) to its members, although there may be changes coming about soon in this program. There is a limited number of language pairs that can be accredited at this time; more are added as tests are developed and graders trained. Please contact the ATA directly for membership and other information. Their web site is www.atanet.org.

Please see Looking Beyond Bilingualism. Or you can attend the Beginners/Newcomers short course offered by CATI at its Annual conference every year.

The ATA puts out a publication called Translation and Interpretation Programs in North America: A Survey, by Dr. William M. Park, that lists all the teaching institutions, both public and private, that offer either individual classes or full programs on translation and interpretation. It can be purchased from the ATA for around $25.00.

In Australia, translation is generally a profession for graduates from various disciplines. There are some post-graduate courses available to train students to be interpreters and translators. To practice as an interpreter or translator, it is necessary to be accredited by NAATI - the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. NAATI was first established in 1977 by the Federal Government.

The eligibility criteria for the Translator test have been broadened to allow for the fact that NAATI does not offer tests at the paraprofessional level in most languages. In the case of interpreting, those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the professional level are able to sit the test at the paraprofessional level.

The Institute has always wished to be regarded as the country's premier professional body for the freelance translator and interpreter. We continually strive to demonstrate that the use of an ITI member guarantees both quality and integrity of service. The Institute is now in the enviable position where members can take advantage of specially negotiated rates with a leading insurer, McParland Finn Ltd.

You can do all this by logging in to the account management area. Click on the "Manage Account" button.

Inquire as to the interpreter's credentials and years of experience. When you first try out an interpreter, if the pacing of the communication seems to flow and the interpreter does not hesitate or mumble, engages in no private conversation with the parties and you hardly even notice the interpreter is there, that is a good indication of competence. It is not a sign of incompetence if an interpreter occasionally asks for clarification of meaning before interpreting.

a free service, the hospital provides qualified professional and volunteer interpreters, as well as a telephone language line service to assist patients who do not speak English. Hospital patients who need an interpreter can ask their physician or nurse to call Interpreter Services. If you are making an appointment for a family member or friend who will need an interpreter, please ask the scheduler to request one.

The Yizkor Book Project maintains a list of people able to translate yizkor books for a fee on our Web. Click here to see: Yizkor Book Translators. We cannot recommend particular translators. Financial and other arrangements shall be between the Translator and the clients.