ATA Interpreters Division

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International Translation Day 2019

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Today, on International Translation Day, we reflect on how this work has been brought to the attention of the world by quoting the UN statements on this topic. International Translation Day is meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and … [Read more...]

A quiet revolution in diplomatic interpretation

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A story of innovation at the UN as told by the sidekick Sheila Shermet One Saturday morning in January 2007 the phone rang as I emerged from the shower. I ran to answer. I had only been in Geneva for about six months, having transferred from Vienna where I served for almost five years. The Chief of the English booth was on the other end. "Would you like to go on mission with … [Read more...]

Journey of a recent graduate

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Last month I attended the first MIIS FORUM at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey and met all kinds of interesting people, including Dr. Yun-hyang Lee, Chief of the Interpreting Division and Trump's Korean interpreter. But more on that later. The purpose of the FORUM was to bring consumers of T&I services into the same room as the educators of our … [Read more...]

Tribute

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Maha El-Metwally shares touching tribute to the three UN interpreters who were among the 157 passengers and crew who died on board Ethiopian Airlines flight 302, last Sunday. … [Read more...]

United Nations Interpreters: An insider’s view – Part 4

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In the fourth and final part of Sheila’s bird’s eye view of what it’s like to be a UN interpreter, she addresses mastering sight translation of complex written speeches and practicing interpreting “densely drafted speech.”  Just another technique UN interpreters develop in their training, which requires tons of practice. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series of articles about … [Read more...]

United Nations Interpreters: An insider’s view – Part 3

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In part 3 of Sheila’s first-hand account of life as a UN interpreter, she takes us through the fundamental objective of our profession—communication—through the UN lens, and also addresses the traditional interpreter–client relationship in the same setting. Stay tuned for the conclusion in part 4!  Aleyna Maria Tusa, Contributing Editor   Read Part 1 | Part 2 | … [Read more...]

United Nations Interpreters: An insider’s view – Part 2

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The second part of Sheila Shermet’s reporting regarding UN interpreting is here! It focuses on the four main UN duty stations around the world with resident teams of staff interpreters and the substantive work of each. Sheila’s first article, published last year, was one of our most read articles, and this one is sure not to disappoint. Enjoy learning more about UN … [Read more...]