Language   

Master the skills and knowledge you need to begin a career as a professional interpreter.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Headphones or speakers.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Linux may also be used.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Office or LibreOffice (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

This course will enable you to develop the skills necessary to use your knowledge of languages to help other people communicate. You'll start by gaining a clear understanding of what interpreting is; the different interpreting techniques, settings, and delivery modes; and the differences between a career in public services interpreting and other language-related fields. You will also receive a thorough grounding in the principles of ethics and professional conduct as they apply to the interpreting field. In addition, you'll learn how to control the communication flow of an interpreting encounter to ensure that all parties are recognized and heard during the meeting.

With this solid foundation, the course prepares you for the real world by providing you with practical information to help you gain employment confidently as a public services interpreter. You will also have the option to be listed for free in an employer-searchable directory to jump-start your new career. Once you complete the course, you'll be prepared to embark upon an exciting and rewarding career. As a professional interpreter, you'll often work with immigrants in vulnerable situations, becoming their only communication bridge. You can expect to assist families as they apply for food stamps and Medicaid, help residents set up utility services in a new home, and assist refugees as they complete their applications. You'll find your assignments vary from day to day—sometimes even from hour to hour—and opportunities abound!

1. Home (Introduction)
2. Learning Styles Assessment Exercise
3. Module 1: Basic Concepts of Language Interpreting
   1. Basic Concepts: What is language interpreting? What is language translation?
   2. Contrasting the interpretation and translation tasks
   3. Translation and adaptation: Localization and transcreation
   4. What does it take to become a professional interpreter?
   5. Certificate vs. Certification vs. Professional Licensure
   6. Where do interpreters work?
   7. Message delivery: The techniques
   8. Consecutive interpreting video demonstration
   9. Sight translation video demonstration
   10. Review Questions
   11. On-Site interpreting
   12. Remote and Telephonic Interpretation
   13. Telephonic interpreting, continued
   14. Video remote interpreting and video relay interpreting
   15. Sight translation
   16. Vocabulary Game
   17. Review Questions
   18. The Evolution of Interpreting in the Community
   19. The Evolution of Interpreting in the Community: Steps Toward Professional Recognition
   20. The Evolution of Interpreting in the Community: Professional Associations
   21. Public Services Interpreting Drivers
   22. Standards Guiding the Interpreting Profession
   23. Associations: Why are they important?
   24. Module 1 Self-assessment
   25. Resources
   26. Module Feedback
4. Module 2: Interpreting Skills and Techniques
   1. Preparing yourself for this module
   2. Active listening
   3. Active listening: Suspending yourself
   4. Emotions and Culture
   5. Level of Interest and Objectivity
   6. Capacity to Concentrate
   7. Who you are influences greatly the way you listen and communicate
   8. Listening Exercises: Introduction
   9. Shadowing: Introduction
   10. Short-Term Memory Retention: Visual
   11. Short-Term Memory Retention: Auditory
   12. Note-Taking
   13. Sight Translation: Introduction
   14. Putting It All Together: Interpreting
   15. Module Vocabulary Game
   16. Module 2 Self-Assessment
   17. Resources
   18. Module Feedback
5. Module 3: Ethics and standards: Expected professional behavior
   1. What are Professional Standards?
   2. The Interpreter's Professional Profile
   3. Accuracy
   4. Acting Ethically and Honestly
   5. Confidentiality
   6. Competence
   7. Neutrality
   8. Reliability
   9. Respect for the Profession
   10. Role Preservation
   11. Scenarios and Exercises
   12. Resources
   13. Module 3 Self-Assessment
   14. Module Feedback
6. Module 4: The Business of Interpreting
   1. Basic public services interpreting market concepts
   2. The Supply
   3. The Demand
   4. Working as a freelance interpreter
   5. Interview video
   6. Working as a Full-time Interpreter
   7. Interview video
   8. Building a Resume
   9. Formatting a resume
   10. Resume Sample
   11. Writing a Cover Letter
   12. Joining professional associations
   13. Joining online professional directories
   14. Continued Education
   15. Resources
   16. Module Feedback

What you will learn

• Become an effective communicator
• Master listening skills
• Learn how to transfer information in multicultural situations
• Develop interpreting-specific skills such as short-term memory retention, shadowing, note-taking, sight-translation, consecutive interpreting, and more

How you will benefit

• Complete the course and be listed for free in an employer-searchable directory
• Make a difference in the lives of people in need of communication/translation services
• Spend time in rewarding multicultural situations
• Gain the confidence and skills needed to kick off your career as a public services interpreter

Rocío Txabarriaga

Rocío Txabarriaga, MA is vice president of Content Development and co-founder of the Virginia Institute of Interpreting. She is responsible for course planning, development, validation, and maintenance. Ms. Txabarriaga has over 20 years of experience in language services and international business management ranging from independent consulting to senior executive positions, and business ownership. Her extensive experience spans operations, ISO-quality processes, interpreter recruiting and training, qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, as well as in-depth involvement with several language technology platforms. Ms. Txabarriaga has several degrees, including a master's degree from Monterey Institute of International Studies, has earned many certificates, and speaks five languages fluently. Ms. Txabarriaga is also a NASBITE-Certified Global Business Professional and an accomplished writer and public speaker.

Learn professional translation skills in English and Spanish and prepare for the American Translators Association (ATA) certification exam in this comprehensive course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

The demand for skilled Spanish translators is skyrocketing as our world becomes more interconnected. With our dynamic Spanish translator certification course, you will acquire the essential skills to thrive in a career as an English/Spanish translator.

This translator certification course will equip you with the necessary expertise for career success and prepare you for the highly esteemed American Translators Association (ATA) certification exam. Whether you are new to the translator and interpreter field or seeking to expand your skill set in a related industry, completing an ATA-certified course can open exciting new opportunities and enhance your professional prospects.

Note: If you possess a bachelor's degree in translation, English, or Spanish, you will find this course suitable for preparing to take the ATA exam. If you are a candidate with a degree in other domains, this course serves as an introduction to the field of professional translation.

This online translation course focuses on the art of seamlessly translating written messages from English into Spanish and vice versa. Dive deep into the intricacies of translation, learning invaluable techniques to eliminate linguistic interference, maintain grammatical structure, and provide cross-cultural localization.

These skills will enable you to bridge language barriers and convey meaning with precision and cultural sensitivity—helping you achieve career success and stand out to future employers!

1. Principles of Translation
   1. Identification of potentially awkward transfers into Spanish
   2. Explanation of the various tools to filter any potential interference into Spanish.
   3. Class activities – Translation of selected passages into Spanish
   4. Interactive activities into Spanish
   5. Proper usage of Spanish grammar
   6. How prepositions change meaning in the transfer into Spanish
   7. Identification of potentially awkward transfers into English
   8. Comprehension of the message taking into account cross cultural differences
   9. Translation protocol – Abbreviations and proper nouns
   10. Class activities – Translation of selected passages into English
   11. Interactive activities into English
   12. Proper usage of English grammar
   13. Prepositions and how they can change the message into English.
2. Advanced Translation Skills – From Spanish into English
   1. General aspects of translations
   2. Equivalence at word level and False Cognates
   3. Context and translation
   4. False Cognates – Forms and function in language and translation
   5. Proofreading
   6. Genres in translation
   7. Types of meaning – expressive, connotative, attitudinal
   8. Translating spoken interactions
   9. Language and culture – cross cultural differences
   10. Class activities
   11. Interactive activities
3. Advanced Translation Skills – From English into Spanish
   1. Typical mistakes made by non-trained translators in the transfer into Spanish
   2. Prepositions and their impact on the transfer into Spanish
   3. Proper grammatical transfers into Spanish
   4. Translation of literary material into Spanish
   5. Ambiguity and redundancy
   6. Modulation
   7. Transposition
   8. Style and protocol in the transfer of abbreviations and proper noun
   9. Class activities
   10. Interactive activities

What you will learn

• Become a master in translating both English and Spanish, equipping yourself with the language skills necessary for a successful career as a professional translator
• Learn the art of transferring grammatical structures accurately, ensuring that the meaning and integrity of the original message are maintained in the translated text
• Develop the keen ability to identify and filter potential interferences in the original message, allowing you to provide localized and properly structured written translations
• Gain a deep understanding of cross-cultural differences that can impact the transfer of written messages, enabling you to navigate cultural nuances and ensure effective communication across languages
• Master the art of achieving proper grammatical and lexical cohesion in your translations, ensuring that the translated text flows naturally and coherently
• Develop the necessary skills to excel in translating spoken interactions

How you will benefit

• Launch your career as an English/Spanish translator with confidence
• Prepare for the American Translators Association (ATA) certification exam
• Provide professional translation services with expertise and precision
• Master the art of translating between English and Spanish

Raquel Albornoz

Raquel Albornoz is an experienced professional translator and university professor. Throughout her career, she has translated more than 100 books including "The Exorcist" by William Peter Blatty, "The Haj" by Leon Uris, "Contact" by Carl Sagan, and "The Rain King" by Saul Bellow. Albornoz was a full professor of Literary Translation for more than 25 years, teaching at the National Institute of Higher Education and the University of Belgrano in Argentina. She also served as Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Studies for the University of Belgrano from 2002-2015.

Alejandro Parini

Alejandro Parini is the Director of the School of Languages and International Studies at University of Belgrano, Argentina. He is also a professor of English linguistics and translation at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and serves as a visiting professor at City University, London.