The Evolving Linguist Conference is just around the corner! PLD’s very own Dr. Nattalia Paterson will be leading a workshop on the importance of precision in court interpreting, emphasizing its relevance not only for professionalism but also as a safeguard for due process.
In this workshop, Dr. Paterson will provide a comparative exploration of legal terminology in the Brazilian and American systems, empowering interpreters to navigate these distinct frameworks with greater clarity and confidence. Participants will critically examine high-impact terminology and deceptive false cognates—such as “sentence” versus “sentença”—which can easily disrupt an interpretation.
The workshop will also unpack system-specific legal concepts, such as “plea bargain,” and clarify the often-confused differences between “probation” and “parole.” Legal terms will be analyzed in context, highlighting the legal philosophies that shape their usage. To support ongoing professional growth, the workshop will introduce concrete research methods for validating legal terminology using credible, system-specific resources. Blending theoretical insights with practical guidance, this workshop will equip participants with tools they can apply immediately.
Whether you are a new interpreter seeking a solid foundation or a seasoned professional looking to refine your legal vocabulary, this workshop invites you to sharpen your skills, deepen your expertise, and elevate the standard of linguistic access in legal settings.
Don’t miss this enlightening workshop. You can register for the Evolving Linguist Conference here. Also, you can explore the full program at https://dvta.org/2025-conference-schedule/
About the Presenter: Dr. Nattalia Paterson
Brazilian-born Dr. Nattalia Paterson brings extensive expertise to the field of interpretation and translation through her diverse professional qualifications. She holds a court interpreter certification in multiple U.S. states and is professionally qualified to serve in the U.S. federal courts. She also maintains professional credentials as a healthcare interpreter, conference interpreter, and translator, including her service as a contract seminar interpreter for the U.S. Department of State. Dr. Paterson’s academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Translation, and Conference Interpretation from PUC-Rio. Beyond her interpreting work, she actively shapes the profession through her contributions to NAJIT’s advocacy, position papers, conferences, and forensic transcription and translation committees. She previously served as the organization’s board chair for two years. Nattalia also dedicates time to training Portuguese court interpreters as they prepare for state certification examinations, helping to develop the next generation of qualified professionals in the field.
Leave a Reply