TRANSLATING HUMOR - Mar/Apr 2021 | Vol. 50 No. 2 ATA CHRONICLE - IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS - The ATA Chronicle
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ATA CHRONICLE
Mar/Apr 2021 | Vol. 50 No. 2 A Publication of the American Translators Association
TRANSLATING
HUMOR
IS A SERIOUS
BUSINESS
Contents March/April 2021 • Volume 50, Number 2
12
8 22
Features
8 12
ATA Joins Forces with the ATA’s New Mastermind
Connect with ATA Association of Language Program for Members: What
Companies to Bridge the Is It and Who Can Benefit
www.atanet.org Education/Career Gap Do your fellow ATA members know
Language services companies business practices, resources, and
www.twitter.com/atanet
increasingly need qualified talent to fill techniques you would never hear about
http://bit.ly/ATA-Facebook positions in translation, interpreting, in a class or webinar? ATA’s Mastermind
localization, language instruction, Program may just change that!
http://bit.ly/ATA-Instagram
testing, and more. Unfortunately, too few
http://bit.ly/ATA-LinkedIn language majors enter the marketplace
with real-world skills. The ALC Bridge
http://bit.ly/ChannelATA project came into being to close the
http://bit.ly/ATA-Pinterest gap between the needs of academic
institutions that are looking for job
opportunities for their language students,
See more from this issue at and the business world, which is seeking
www.ata-chronicle.online. students who are well prepared for
careers in the language services industry.
15 Columns American Translators Association
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590
Terms and Conditions
4
Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
of Service: The Key
Tel: +1-703-683-6100
to Future-Proofing
and Protecting Your From the President Fax: +1-703-683-6122
chronicle@atanet.org • www.atanet.org
Translation Business
From the buyer’s side, I can’t 6 Editorial Board
imagine working with a From the President-Elect Jost Zetzsche (chair), Paula Arturo, Lois
professional who doesn’t put Feuerle, Ben Karl, Barbara Inge Karsch,
Ted Wozniak
their promise in writing. From
the translator’s side, I can’t
7
Publisher/Executive Director
imagine doing business without From the Executive Director
Walter Bacak, CAE • walter@atanet.org
protecting my interests. A
well-drafted contract is such a 26 Editor
win for both sides in any line Jeff Sanfacon • jeff@atanet.org
Entrepreneurial Linguist
of business that the thought of
Advertising
doing business without one is, to
me, simply inconceivable. 28 advertising@atanet.org
Tel: +1-703-683-6100, ext. 3007
Resource Review Fax: +1-703-683-6122
18
How to Build 31 Design & Production
Blue House DC • www.bluehousedc.com
Resourcefulness as a GeekSpeak
Freelancing Parent The ATA Chronicle (ISSN 1078-6457) is
Freelancing parents constantly
face multiple challenges,
34 published six times per year by the American
Translators Association, 225 Reinekers Lane,
especially during the current Certification Forum Suite 590, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.
Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria,
pandemic. Although there’s
Virginia, and additional mailing offices.
no one-size-fits-all recipe for
success, there are a few simple
steps you can take to transition
26 Postmaster: Send address changes to
The ATA Chronicle, 225 Reinekers Lane,
smoothly into the life of a Suite 590, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.
freelancing parent. The American Translators Association (ATA)
was established in 1959 as a not-for-profit
22
professional society to foster and support the
professional development of translators and
Translating Humor Is a interpreters and to promote the translation
Serious Business and interpreting professions. The subscription
Puns, regionalisms, wordplay, rate for a member is $25 (included in the
dues payment). The U.S. subscription rate for
and cultural references can make
a nonmember is $65. Subscribers in Canada
the literal translation of humor
and Mexico add $25; all other non-U.S.
a joke in itself, not to mention a subscribers add $45. Statements of fact or
seemingly impossible challenge opinion are the responsibility of the authors
for the translator! alone and do not imply an opinion on the part
of the officers or the members of ATA.
Reprint Permission
Requests for permission to reprint articles
Looking for Member News should be sent to the editor of The ATA
Chronicle at jeff@atanet.org.
and Humor and Translation?
These columns are found in the ©2021 American Translators Association
Chronicle-Online edition:
www.ata-chronicle.online!
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Looking Forward More
than Backward
T
he president’s column getting needles in arms has I also hope that the
in this edition of The resulted in disparity at the Board will be able to hold
ATA Chronicle often local and state levels, despite its annual Strategy Day,
reflects on the year just clear guidance from the an informal meeting that
ended and recaps the Centers for Disease Control allows the Board to discuss
highlights for ATA and its and Prevention that in- big-picture items and take a
members. As I look back on person interpreters qualify longer-term, strategic look
TED R. WOZNIAK 2020, “The Year of COVID,” as health care providers or a at ATA’s future.
president@atanet.org I see that ATA and its Looking forward, ATA has
high-risk group.
members faced and overcame also made lemonade out
We continue to grapple
some severe challenges. But of the pandemic lemons.
with uncertainty regarding
if you’re as tired of COVID We increased our online
in-person events as we plan
as I am, I hope you’ll forgive professional development
for the Annual Conference
me for looking forward more offerings substantially with
and other events, including
than backward. new and timely webinars,
ATA Board meetings. I
But COVID is still with us including a free monthly
and can’t be ignored. As the remain optimistic that the
webinar. The Professional
country turns to vaccination situation will be much closer Development, Membership,
to end the pandemic, ATA to the “old normal” by this and Business Practices
will continue to advocate for summer or the fall at the Education Committees have
in-person interpreters to be latest, and that ATA62 can all worked to provide new
classified as high-priority and will be at least a hybrid remote opportunities for
vaccine recipients. The event—in person with continuing education and
decentralized structure for remote access. to recruit and welcome new
members to the Association.
ATA has made
lemonade out of the
pandemic lemons.
The pandemic also
accelerated the Certification
Committee’s efforts to find
a way to offer true remote,
at-home certification
exams. At the January Board
meeting, the committee
reported that they believe
they have now found a likely
solution and hope to offer
a test run sometime this
summer. If successful, this
will be a sea of change for
our Certification Program,
as candidates will no longer
have to travel to take the
exam. It won’t allow a shift
4 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.org
2021 Honors and Awards
Now Open!
ATA and the American Foundation for Translation and
to a 100% “pull” or on- worker classification is not
Interpretation (AFTI) present annual and biennial awards
demand system, as proctors over. Such a registry could
to encourage, reward, and publicize outstanding work
are still required, but it will be a great help in gaining
bring certification testing exemptions for practitioners done by both seasoned professionals and students.
into the candidate’s home where such legislation is Awards and scholarships for 2021 include:
office. On-site exam sittings enacted, possibly at the
will continue to be offered. federal level as well.
The Alexander Gode Medal, ATA’s most prestigious
Also at the January Board The second potential award, is presented to an individual or institution for
meeting, the Board approved offering under investigation outstanding service to the translating and interpreting
the members of two ad hoc is the establishment of a professions. This award may be given annually. Nominations
committees, both tasked “basic” credential, which are solicited from past recipients of the Gode Medal and the
with investigating and would be of particular membership at large.
making recommendations on interest to those who work
the establishment of two new in languages for which ATA The Alicia Gordon Award for Word Artistry in
potential offerings by ATA. does not offer certification. Translation is given for a translation (from French or
One is a national registry This is an extremely difficult Spanish into English, or from English into French or Spanish)
of freelance translators and nut to crack and it’s entirely in any subject that demonstrates the highest level of creativity
interpreters in the U.S. This possible that the committee in solving a particularly knotty translation problem. Open to
is in response to legislative will report that it’s not ATA members in good standing.
proposals in California feasible or practical. But
regarding exemptions from even if that’s the case, ATA The ATA Dynamo Award recognizes a person or entity
the automatic classification will at least have taken a that has worked in a particularly energetic way to benefit ATA
of translators and serious look at the issue and/or the language professions. This award is given in odd-
interpreters as employees and can have an answer to numbered years.
under California Assembly those practitioners working
Bill 5 (AB 5). State legislators in other languages who ask: The ATA Mentoring Award recognizes a person or
in California have focused on “Why can’t you offer me entity that has provided outstanding mentoring to the next
recognition by a translator some kind of recognition?” generation of translators and interpreters, either through the
or interpreter association as Finally, as I look at the ATA Mentoring Program or another channel. This award is
de facto evidence of being a second half of my term, I
given in odd-numbered years.
professional service provider. look forward to seeing many
If established, the sole of the projects and initiatives The ATA Rising Star Award recognizes an early-career
purpose of the registry would launched in the past three translator, interpreter, or entity that has already “made
be to provide such evidence years either coming to
a mark” on ATA and is seen as having great potential to
of independent contractor fruition or maturing. I
positively impact ATA and the language professions in the
status for individual especially look forward to
future. This award is given in odd-numbered years.
freelance translators and attending ATA62 in
interpreters for worker Minneapolis in person. I miss
The S. Edmund Berger Prize is offered by AFTI to
classification purposes only. seeing my ATA friends and
recognize excellence in scientific and technical translation by
In no way would it represent colleagues. I even miss being
an ATA member. The award may be given annually.
any kind of recognition buttonholed in the hallway or
of the “capabilities” elevator! But I’ll admit I The Student Translation Award is presented to any
or “qualifications” of don’t miss all the hugging.
graduate or undergraduate student, or group of students, for
those registered. But after a year of lockdowns
a literary or sci-tech translation or translation-related project.
“Sons of AB 5” legislation and video-only interactions,
The award may be given annually.
is certain to appear in other odds are good I’ll dislike
states (one has already having my personal space
been reintroduced in New invaded far less than For complete entry information and deadlines,
Jersey), so the battle over pre-COVID.
visit http://bit.ly/honors-and-awards.
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
Whether In Person or Virtual,
ATA62 Will Not Disappoint!
P
lanning is well underway for this year’s expect fewer people to attend the in-
Annual Conference, set to take place person portion of the conference, we’ll take
October 27-30 at the Hyatt Regency advantage of the cozy atmosphere (with
MADALENA
Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Last proper precautions in place!) and all that
SÁNCHEZ ZAMPAULO
year we took on a new conference model, a Minneapolis has to offer.
madalena@accessibletranslations.com fully virtual event, and this year we’ll be doing
@mszampaulo the same as we shoot for a hybrid conference
(in person and virtual). Whether you attend ATA62 in person
I’ve heard from many colleagues who
enjoyed ATA61 that they can’t wait to get
or virtually this year, I don’t think
together again in person. Well, if all goes you’ll be disappointed!
according to plan with the rollout of the
COVID-19 vaccine and there are no major In January I attended the virtual site visit
hiccups along the way, we’ll celebrate another of the host hotel for ATA62, and the location
exciting conference and the joy of meeting and setting will be wonderful, just as it
again in person! Yes, things will look different. always is when we come together. The Hyatt
Check Out the Host You can expect social distancing for all events Regency Minneapolis is a block from the
City (and Our ATA62 and sessions, masks required throughout convention center, 12 miles from Minneapolis
Host Chapter)! the conference venue, special precautionary International Airport, and within walking
Meet Minneapolis measures for serving and consuming meals, distance of shops, restaurants, and more. It’s
Visitor Center etc. But rest assured that we’re on top of located on the Loring Greenway, an urban
http://bit.ly/visit- the planning and will do our best to make pedestrian walkway with art, playgrounds,
Minneapolis attendees feel both welcome and safe. and more, connecting the downtown
The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis is ready area. And the Minneapolis Skyway System
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
to receive us and the hotel staff has been connects buildings across 9.5 miles (or 80
http://bit.ly/Hyatt-
lovely to work with as we plan this new-to- city blocks), including the host hotel, so you
Minneapolis
us conference. They are equipped to sanitize can get around easily and comfortably in
Loring Greenway rooms and common areas frequently so that colder weather.
https://loringgreenway. attendees feel comfortable during their stay. Our host chapter, the Upper Midwest
org/welcome The hotel also offers several dining options, Translators and Interpreters Association
as well as 24-hour access to the Stayfit (UMTIA) is excited to have us! If you’ve ever
Minneapolis
Athletic Club. visited this area of the Upper Midwest, then
Skyway System
http://bit.ly/Minn-Skyway Whether you attend ATA62 in person you know that the “Minnesota Nice” is one of
or virtually this year, I don’t think you’ll the best things about visiting the Twin Cities.
Upper Midwest Translators be disappointed! The deadline for session Don’t believe me? Just check out the welcome
and Interpreters Association proposals was March 1, and I’m excited to video that UMTIA shared with us last year
(Host Chapter for ATA62) see what educational offerings are in store during the ATA61 Closing Session! (See links
https://umtia.org/ for this year’s attendees. We’ll hold the in the sidebar.)
division annual meetings online, outside the As conference organizer, I look forward to
Upper Midwest Translators
and Interpreters conference dates, which opens up more slots this year’s conference planning as a familiar
Association Video: “ATA62 for educational sessions. We plan to stream challenge with some new components tossed
in Minneapolis in 2021” and record a wide variety of live sessions in for fun. If you have any questions, please
https://umtia.org/ for our virtual attendees and look forward feel free to reach out to me. Whether in person
ATA-Conference-2021 to offering networking opportunities that or virtually, I look forward to seeing you this
everyone can take part in. While we do year for ATA62!
6 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.org
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Board Meeting Highlights
The American Translators Association’s Board of Directors
held its Winter Board meeting virtually January 23–24.
Here are some meeting highlights.
Committee Appointments Certification
President Ted Wozniak led the Board Certification Committee Chair Michèle Hansen
discussion on his research regarding and Deputy Chair Larry Bogoslaw briefed the
WALTER BACAK, CAE
appointments to ATA committees. The Board on the committee’s work investigating
current wording of the Bylaws along with and testing remote exam options. The
walter@atanet.org
our parliamentary authority, Robert’s Rules committee is optimistic about ATA offering
of Order Newly Revised, require that the remote exam options later this year. The
appointment of members of all standing current plans are for ATA to continue offering
committees be approved by the Board. ATA in-person exam sittings as well. For this
has 20 standing committees and a handful of year, we’ve started to schedule limited exam
special committees. Special committees are sittings. These sittings are all tentative and
established for a specific purpose, such as subject to local mandates and regulations.
the Ad Hoc Website Committee, and dissolve
once the project is completed. (Please see Certification Renewal Fee
http://bit.ly/ATA-committees for the list of
The Board approved increasing the three-
committees and their charges.)
year certification renewal fee to $75 effective
January 1, 2022. This is the first change since
New Committee Chairs the fee was instituted in 2009 and is intended
In addition to several committee to more closely reflect the costs of renewal.
appointments, the Board approved the
appointment of Lebzy Gonzalez as chair of Nominating and Leadership
the Divisions Committee and Secretary Karen
Tkaczyk as chair of the Honors and Awards
Development Committee
The Board approved the appointment of the
Committee. Thanks to outgoing chairs Daniel
Nominating and Leadership Development
Sebesta (Divisions Committee) and Loie
Committee: Lebzy Gonzalez, Yolanda Secos,
Feuerle (Honors and Awards Committee) for
David Stephenson, and Izumi Suzuki. The
all their time and work for ATA.
chair is Past President David Rumsey, who
was approved in July 2020. The Nominating
Ad Hoc Committees and Leadership Development Committee is
At the last Board meeting in October, responsible for putting forward the slate of
the Board approved creating two ad hoc candidates for the fall election. This year, they
committees to investigate establishing a will be putting forward two candidates for The Board meeting
national registry of freelance translators and each officer position—president-elect, summary is posted online.
interpreters in the U.S. and offering a basic secretary, and treasurer—and two for each of The minutes will be posted
credential for translators and interpreters. once they are approved
the three directors’ positions.
The Board also approved the appointment of at the next Board meeting.
Past meeting summaries
the members to the ad hoc committees. Geoff
and minutes are also
Koby is the chair of both committees.
posted online at www.
atanet.org/membership/
minutes.php. The next
Board meeting is set for
April 24–25, 2021. The
meeting will be virtual.
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 7
ATA Joins Forces
with the
Association
of Language
Companies
to Bridge the Education/
Career Gap
By Caitilin Walsh
The Association of Language Companies (ALC) has been
working to increase connections, relationships, and shared
learning between the professional and academic sides of the
language services supply chain. From these efforts, the ALC
Bridge was born.
W
hen I was a junior at Willamette University in Oregon, my French
professor, a diminutive hunchbacked woman who threatened second-
year students with the literary past tense, mentioned translation in
passing. She said, “people translate into their native languages, since they’re
far more eloquent and efficient.” My interest was piqued. If there was a rule of
thumb around translation, it must be a real career, with real preparatory studies
and everything else.
8 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.org
After class, I ran to
the career center, which
working to form the next
generation of translators and
in hopes of creating clear
pathways for language
The ALC
consisted of about six feet interpreters, making it easier students to potential jobs. Bridge hosts
of shelves full of printed for students to find programs A task force was formed
graduate school catalogues. and making sure programs and, under the leadership a job board
I spent an hour checking the
index of every catalogue.
actually provide students
with information they can
of ALC’s board of directors,
an outreach initiative
that offers a
Not one had an entry for use to build careers. The (subsequently called the ALC plethora of
translation (except for one for committee is also authorized Bridge) was created.
the translation of computer to reach out and work with As the chair of this new jobs specific to
code). If I wanted to be a
translator, I was going to
other organizations, with the
understanding that this is an
program, Kathleen reached
out to colleagues from both
the language
have to look elsewhere. enormous task. the employer and educator industry.
As luck would have it, I sides of the issue to come
was to spend a year in France The Challenge together to form a volunteer
after graduating, giving me Language companies provide committee to further the
a vastly different perspective services and products goals of the ALC Bridge.
on learning languages and to clients in a range of Representatives from
their role in society. One year sectors in government and many organizations—both
stretched to three, and I met private industry. At a 2017 nonprofit and for-profit—
professional interpreters conference of ATA’s sister also jumped on board. As
who traveled first class and organization, the Association a partner association of
talked to several people who of Language Companies ALC, ATA’s Education and
were studying language and (ALC), members stated that Pedagogy Committee was
hoping to get into a grande the number one challenge given the green light to join
école (competitive graduate facing their businesses the effort.
schools that produced highly is insufficient linguistic ATA has also been working
regarded professionals). resources in their pipelines to encourage institutions
Fortunately, many things to meet the growing demand to include professional skill
have changed since then. for professional translators, building and illuminate
There are now graduate interpreters, localizers, and career pathways. But the
programs in translation project managers. jump from the safe haven
studies at more than one As an industry veteran and of higher education to the
institution in the U.S. And member of ALC’s board of real world of working is a
there are a handful of directors, Kathleen Diamond daunting one. While ATA
undergraduate and certificate knew that employers need provides resources like
programs that go beyond the qualified talent to fill the Savvy Newcomer blog
literary tradition associated positions in translation, to help those entering the
with universities. Increased interpreting, localization, profession, assisting the
globalization has led to language instruction, ALC Bridge to increase
explosive growth in demand testing, and more. From her connections, relationships,
for skilled people who can perspective, though, too and shared learning
broker information in other few language majors enter between the professional
languages. Translation and the marketplace with real- and academic sides of the
interpreting have become world skills—the result of a language services supply
“hot” careers, and the persistent scarcity of higher chain seemed like a perfect
demand doesn’t look to be education institutions in the way to extend our reach.
dropping off soon. U.S. that offer career-oriented The work is twofold:
As my term as ATA programs in the field of leveraging the needs of
president wound down, I translation and interpreting. academic institutions
wanted a chance to address Kathleen and her fellow looking for job opportunities
an area that clearly needed ALC board members for their language students,
attention: education. ATA’s determined that it would and those of the business
Education and Pedagogy be beneficial to connect world, which is seeking
Committee is charged with with academic institutions students who are well
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 9
The model of prepared for careers in the
language services industry.
universities and colleges
structure their language
companies and their clients
are becoming progressively
the humanities- The following provides an programs in response to, dependent on industry-
overview of initiatives that and in collaboration with, specific technology but
focused literary the ALC Bridge has undertaken companies’ demonstrable struggle to find language
program with its partners. It’s our
hope that the information
need for human talent. The
result will be appropriately
professionals adept at using
these tools or formats. The
needs heavy here will entice you to explore educated and trained model of the humanities-
the website (www.alcbridge. language students who are focused literary program
modifications org) and inspire you to think critical to the success of the needs heavy modifications
to prepare about other ways we can
bridge the gap—and what
21st-century world economy. to prepare students for the
realities of working with
students for role you might play. Working the Connections translation tools, not to
mention the software used
the realities of Education as
But the work of the ALC
Bridge is not just about
to run their businesses.
working with the Foundation creating a revolution in
Trends toward machine
translation, machine
Our efforts start with the way higher education
translation education. Globalization has institutions prepare students.
learning, multimedia
content, and automation
tools, not to led to a steady increase in the
demand for language services
It’s also about working with
key players in the language
are driving the evolution of
mention the in recent years. The biggest services industry to provide
the language industry, and
companies need tech-savvy
buyers of these services opportunities specific to
software used domestically are the U.S. graduates—or those nearing
language workers to help
them adapt. The ALC Bridge
to run their government and the health
care industry. (For example,
graduation—to gain and
hone skills and transition to
is in a unique position to
businesses. the U.S. Department of working life.
inform a curriculum that’s
not only solid in terms of
Defense has a significant Unlike mass job posting
the theory and practice
budget for language boards, the ALC Bridge hosts
of language transfer, but
services.) There is also a job board that offers a
also what cutting-edge
high demand for language plethora of jobs specific to
technologies students need
professionals in the courts, the language industry, not
to master to be competitive.
retail, customer service, just generic job listings for
software, and financial translators and interpreters.
sectors, to name a few. The site includes internships First Steps
Paradoxically, at the same as well as postings for other The first foray into
time, language programs positions, such as project connecting educators
at colleges and universities managers and localizers. and professionals came
are experiencing decreased The ALC Bridge is also in the form of a webinar
enrollment. Students (and creating opportunities to series. The ALC Bridge has
their parents) see little bring the business world committed to producing
opportunity for employment into the classroom, giving at least four quarterly
beyond traditional teaching students a peek at what webinars, all free, and
and tenured positions in awaits them. Judging from forming a library of on-
academia. In fact, companies webinar attendance and demand webinars. The
have jobs going unfilled in enrollments in our pilot first webinar in October
fields requiring language programs and the number 2019 was “Careers in
proficiency and functional of questions students have, Language: An Introduction
skills, such as language we’re filling a need. for Students.” Since then,
engineering, localization, When talking about we’ve produced webinars on
and subtitling. demand in the language careers in localization and
By connecting academia services industry, the translation and interpreting
to the realities of potential discussion inevitably turns for students. There has even
careers, the ALC Bridge to the role of technology and been one tailored to school
hopes for nothing short machine translation. It’s districts that discussed
of a revolution in the way true that language services three models for successful
10 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.orghigh school interpreter
training programs.
graduation. These paid
internships will include
The ALC Bridge is also creating
We’re planning webinars training and work in opportunities to bring the business
discussing the translation situations that will allow
and interpreting industry students to sharpen their world into the classroom, giving
in Europe, opportunities
for entrepreneurs, and
skills. We hope the ALC
Bridge Speakers Corps will
students a peek at what awaits them.
ones tailored to community provide a way for educators
colleges for the remainder to pull professionals and
of 2021. potential employers into
This article would not have
Career fairs also represent their classrooms to provide
been possible without the
a way to reach students and customized content that fits
help of Kathleen Diamond,
faculty to give them an idea their program needs.
the founding chair of the ALC
of what to expect working
Bridge. She is principal of
in the language services The Larger Network Kathleen Diamond & Co. and
industry. Partnering with The ALC Bridge is more a consultant, entrepreneur,
the Wasserman Center for than a few industry folks and business leader in the
Career Development at New leveraging their personal language services industry.
York University in March academic connections. She serves as chair of ASTM
2020, we helped stage mock By bringing together Committee F43 on Language
interviews for students employers in the language Services and Products. She is
who were preparing for life services industry, fluent in Spanish and French
beyond graduation. educational institutions, in addition to English. She has
While webinars provide and career seekers in a a master’s degree in 16th-
us with a broad reach, some vertical space dedicated century French literature from
educators we’ve talked with solely to the language the University of Florida.
have asked for something services, the number of
more that would “fit” connections increases Caitilin
better into a traditional exponentially. Walsh, CT is
academic setting. As a This is where we can all an ATA-certified
result, we’re piloting a play a role. Creating an French>English
13-week seminar program account on the ALC Bridge translator
developed with faculty at website is free, and we hope who delights in producing
Carnegie Mellon University. that our network of publication-quality
The course, which will meet partnerships can keep it so translations for the computer
weekly, includes virtual for the foreseeable future. industry and food lovers
visits by professionals Please visit the website and alike. A past president of
in different areas of the poke around. If you own a ATA, she currently chairs
language services industry. language services company, ATA’s Education and
It will require students the website is a great place Pedagogy Committee. She
to research questions in to post openings (or also serves as president-
advance and write their internships!). If you’re a elect of the Joint National
thoughts on the different recent graduate (or just Committee for Languages.
perspectives offered. looking for new clients), She teaches ethics and
The latest programs have a look at the current business practices at the
in the ALC Bridge lineup openings under “Where the Translation and Interpreting
include the creation of Jobs Are.” If you’re an Institute at Bellevue College.
the ALC Bridge Speakers educator, look at the She is also chair of the
Corps. LanguageLine, an materials available to you. Translation and Interpretation
ALC member, has also And if there’s something Advisory Committee for
announced they have you would like to see or the Puget Sound Skills
created an unlimited share, contact anyone on Center. She is a graduate of
number of internships for the ALC Bridge Committee Willamette University and
students in interpreting (info@alcbridge.org) and let the Université de Strasbourg.
programs nearing us know. cwalsh@nwlink.com
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 11ATA’s NEW
MASTERMIND
PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS:
What Is It and Who Can Benefit
ATA’s new Mastermind
Program offers you
“None of us is as smart as all of us.” —Ken Blanchard
M
the chance to take ost translators ATA’s new program offers ATA’s Mentoring
advantage of a new and interpreters mentoring designed to Committee, a subcommittee
go into business help you learn and develop of the Business Practices
kind of mentoring understanding that finding professionally. Participants Education Committee,
designed to offer you and retaining clients will be work together in small peer introduced the initiative this
the support you need! hard work. What many fail to groups (aka Mastermind year as a way to help serve
see, however, is the difficulty groups) that meet regularly, long-term members. The
in running a business alone giving members a chance pilot rollout for the groups
By Tess Whitty and and not always knowing to share knowledge on is planned for this spring.
Dorothee Racette what to do next. This is specific topics and work Although the Mastermind
where ATA’s Mastermind collaboratively to achieve groups for the 2021 program
Program can help! their learning goals. have already been organized,
12 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.orga call for applications will The size of each group The Mastermind Program • Retirement planning
be issued each January. The is relatively small, usually is only open to ATA members
• Translation and the digital
following should answer around six people. When and designed for more
transformation
most of your questions you think of a 60-minute experienced translators/
about how the program meeting, a group of six interpreters who want to • Contracts and non-
is structured and what’s or seven gives everybody grow their translation or disclosure agreements
involved. If this all sounds enough time to speak for interpreting businesses, The program will run
interesting, start making five to 10 minutes. Keeping develop another area as a pilot with a limited
plans to join us for next groups small is important of expertise, plan for number of groups in 2021.
year’s program! because participation from retirement, or discuss other The list of discussion topics
each member is essential. specific topics. We will is open and will be updated
initially offer three to four
What Are All members are expected
discussion topics a year, but
every year based on the
to come fully prepared and feedback we receive. If you’re
Mastermind Groups? are open to suggestions for
engage with each other in interested in a specific topic
The term “Mastermind” special issues ATA members
meaningful conversation. or are willing to facilitate a
may suggest a connection want to discuss. The groups Mastermind group for six
to the concept of a master will run from February to
class, in which a highly Why Is ATA Introducing July. ATA will not be directly
months, the time to let the
Mentoring Committee know
experienced person shares Mastermind Groups? involved in the scheduling is in January.
their knowledge as an There is plenty of information or running of the groups. The Mentoring Committee
instructor. Mastermind and training available for We will expect the groups will put people with the
groups, however, are the those starting out in our to follow shared guidelines same interests in contact
exact opposite. profession, but materials for so that everyone has equal and provide instructions for
Instead of people advanced specialization and learning opportunities. the next steps. As mentioned
learning from one expert, experience can be scarce. For At least two years of earlier, to facilitate
the groups are self-guided example, we may be using professional experience are discussion, the groups will
and choose their own the standard functions of our required to participate. The not be larger than six or
activities. Mastermind software tools but have never concept is not an ideal fit for seven people. The Mentoring
groups follow a peer- taken the time to explore beginners who are learning Committee will provide
based mentoring approach highly specific features. ATA about the industry and their training for people who
offering a combination of often receives feedback from careers. ATA offers other are interested in serving as
brainstorming, education, members with many years initiates that newcomers group facilitators.
peer accountability, and of experience as translators will find more beneficial, Groups will decide
support. Members challenge or interpreters who say including the Mentoring
independently where and
each other to set strong they find it harder to locate Program, webinars, and the
how to meet. Venues can
goals and, more importantly, learning content relevant to Savvy Newcomer blog.2
include Zoom, Google Meet,
work to accomplish them their concerns. or similar applications.
by holding each other The idea of Mastermind How Will the Someone in the group
accountable. As a result, groups originated from Groups Run? will keep an attendance
the groups benefit from the process of matching record for the purpose of
Groups will be assembled
the synergy of energy, mentors and mentees. continuing education points
according to their interests.
motivation, commitment, Although the Mentoring (CEPS). Group facilitators
For example, members may
and everyone’s willingness to Committee matches 30 want to talk about: and participants are eligible
learn and grow together. mentor/mentee pairs of for CEPs and can earn up to
• Moving up to a new
This means that members every year through 10 points (one CEP per two
pricing tier
professional peers—people at ATA’s Mentoring Program1, hours of volunteering).
approximately the same level we saw an unmet need for • Developing a new The monthly meetings
of professional experience— in-depth discussions of specialization will include aspects typically
get together regularly to more advanced topics. The not found in a class or
• Adding a new service to
learn more about a specific Mentoring Committee wants your portfolio presentation: giving each
topic jointly. The meetings to bring together people other feedback, sharing what
who are at the same level of • Moving from agencies to
follow a defined script, you learned, or pursuing
direct clients
which helps ensure equal professional experience so specific questions. No one
speaking opportunities for all they can meet virtually for • Starting or developing a in the group, including the
participants. structured discussions. translation company facilitator, has to be an
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 13expert on the subject matter. outcome everyone is looking any previous leadership membership benefits and
Activities such as selling your to create. Confidentiality is experience, and there is division activities.
services, discussing unrelated another critical aspect, so no expectation of teaching
concerns, or taking over the participants need to be sure or being an expert. This Want to Learn More?
conversation will be firmly to talk about what everyone means that the facilitator
Tess Whitty and Dorothee
discouraged. The quality can and can’t share. can have the same level of
Racette recorded a free
of discourse makes all the Participants must commit professional experience as
webinar in November to
difference. When members of to attending every meeting. the other group members.
provide an overview of the
a Mastermind group abandon As mentioned earlier, they Qualifications include an
program, which is available
their cooperative dialogue are expected to show up fully interest in learning about
on-demand.3
and start complaining, they prepared, take responsibility the topic and a willingness
ATA is excited to offer the
have turned their group into for their own goals, and hold to network with peers in
Mastermind Program as a
a committee. each other accountable for other language pairs/fields/
new membership benefit in
working toward these goals. locations. Please be aware
2021. With your active
The work of a Mastermind that all group facilitators
Instead of a group group doesn’t end after a will be asked to commit for a
participation and feedback,
we hope to roll out a more
of people learning meeting. Everyone must six-month period.
extensive variety of groups
dedicate time for taking Facilitating a Mastermind
in 2022. If you have any
from one expert, the action, learning, and group can expand your
questions or suggestions,
research between meetings. network beyond your
groups are self-guided The group can also decide language pair or division.
please reach out to us at
mentoring@atanet.org.
and choose their on shared activities outside Because all participants
We look forward to hearing
of meetings, such as reading are ATA members, you’ll
own activities. an article or chapter of a learn more about other ATA
from you!
book together. Groups may
Experience has shown that invite outside speakers on
the excitement and learning specific topics or arrange
NOTES
intensity of Mastermind for presentations. The
1
You can find more about ATA’s Mentoring Program here:
groups can wane after about most crucial point is that www.atanet.org/careers/mentoring.php.
six months. People usually activities are planned 2
See www.atanet.org/newcomers for more details.
begin to drift away because jointly and that everyone 3
ATA Mastermind Program Training Session,
the topic has been addressed takes an active role in the http://bit.ly/ATAmastermind-webinar.
to their satisfaction, or the conversations. Leaning back
group is not as fruitful as and letting others do the
Dorothee Racette, CT, an ATA-certified
it was initially. Of course, work is not acceptable.
GermanEnglish translator, has worked as
some groups may want to
a full-time freelance translator for over 25
stay together longer, but our
Mastermind Group years. She served as ATA president from 2011
expectation is for the groups to
work together for six months.
Facilitators to 2013. In 2014, she established her own
Applicants to the program coaching business, Take Back My Day, to help individuals
will have the option to and organizations solve problems related to workflow and
What Does It Take to volunteer as a Mastermind time management. As a certified productivity coach, she
Be a Mastermind Group group facilitator. What does now divides her time between translating and coaching.
Participant? this entail? Facilitators start dorothee.racette@gmail.com
To make a Mastermind group and run the groups. They
successful, participants help initiate discussions Tess Whitty, CT, is chair of ATA’s Business
should be both interested among members and ensure Practices Education Committee. An ATA-certified
and committed to making a successful group dynamic English>Swedish translator, she has been a
it work. Before the first by encouraging teamwork freelance translator since 2003, specializing
meeting, members will and accountability. in corporate communications, software, and
agree on group rules, Being a group facilitator information technology. With her degree in international
expectations, and guidelines. has many benefits. marketing and background as a marketing manager, she
That includes setting a It’s an ideal way to try enjoys sharing her marketing knowledge and experience with
single, definite focus for something new. A group other freelance translators as a speaker, trainer, consultant,
the group and clarifying the facilitator doesn’t need author, and podcaster. tess@swedishtranslationservices.com.
14 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.orgBoilerplates CHANGES TO THE TRANSLATION
Client’s Responsibilities CONFIDENTIALITY,
PRIVACY, AND NON-DISCLOSURE Copyright
EARLY CANCELATION BY THE CLIENT Incentives
LATE PAYMENT Method for Handling Com-
plaints OUTSOURCING Payment TRANSLA-
TION CREDITS Translator’s Responsibilities
Terms and
QUALITY GUARANTEE Boilerplates CHANGES TO Conditions
THE TRANSLATION Client’s Responsibilities
CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY, AND NON-DISCLO-
of Service:
SURE Copyright EARLY CANCELATION BY THE
The Key to Future-Proofing
CLIENT Incentives LATE PAYMENT Method
and Protecting Your
for Handling Complaints OUTSOURCING
Translation Business
Payment TRANSLATION CREDITS Transla-
tor’s Responsibilities QUALITY GUARANTEE By Paula Arturo
Boilerplates CHANGES TO THE TRANSLATION
The difficult part for most translators isn’t
Client’s Responsibilities CONFIDENTIALITY, finding an affordable attorney to draft their
PRIVACY, AND NON-DISCLOSURE Copyright terms and conditions, it’s actually working with
an attorney to get it right.
EARLY CANCELATION BY THE CLIENT Incentives
LATE PAYMENT Method for Handling Com-
A
few years ago, I decided to conduct a little survey to
see how many translators had their own terms and
plaints OUTSOURCING Payment TRANSLA- conditions of service. It wasn’t a capricious question.
I was generally interested in measuring whether or not my
TION CREDITS Translator’s Responsibilities colleagues were aware of the importance of protecting their
businesses with ironclad contracts. And, if not, why.
QUALITY GUARANTEE Boilerplates CHANGES TO I found that 51.3% of respondents didn’t operate with their
own terms and conditions, even though 82.1% of the group
THE TRANSLATION Client’s Responsibilities worked with direct clients. When asked why not, the number
one answer was fear of losing the client. Somehow in the social
CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY, AND NON-DISCLO- imaginary of this small sample group, the feeling was that
clients would be put off by contracts.
SURE Copyright EARLY CANCELATION BY THE As a lawyer, this logic is hard for me to understand. From the
buyer’s side, I can’t imagine working with a professional who
CLIENT Incentives LATE PAYMENT Method doesn’t put their promise in writing. From the translator’s side,
I can’t imagine doing business without protecting my interests.
for Handling Complaints OUTSOURCING A well-drafted contract is such a win for both sides in any line
of business that the thought of doing business without one is,
Payment TRANSLATION CREDITS Transla- to me, simply inconceivable.
Responsibilities QUALITY GUARANTEE
tor’s www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 15a certain period of time so
As a lawyer, this logic Yet, I can still see how
having your terms and
thought. But this outlook
on boilerplate clauses is they don’t come back a
is hard for me to conditions drafted for you misguided. While they may year later challenging your
can be a daunting task. And be standard in the sense that translation and expecting
understand. From the I understand why so many you’ll find them in almost you to respond overnight.
buyer’s side, I can’t translators are put off by
the idea of having to hire a
every contract with very
little variation, a significant
There’s no right or wrong
answer here. What you and
imagine working lawyer to do that. They say part of the time spent in your drafting attorney put
talk is cheap unless you’re court when contracts are into this clause will depend
with a professional talking to a lawyer, and breached actually revolves on your business model.
who doesn’t put their they’re right. But it doesn’t
have to be. There are plenty
around boilerplates. We
sometimes spend more time
But take your time to think
about it. Brainstorm possible
promise in writing. of professional contract fighting applicable law and scenarios and mention them
drafting services available at jurisdiction than we do more to your lawyer.
an affordable cost, so having substantive matters. And all
your terms and conditions that translates into high costs
Confidentiality, Privacy,
drafted for you doesn’t have and wasted time for you. This
and Non-Disclosure:
to cost you an arm and a leg. means your boilterplates have
These terms are not exactly
But even if you can’t find an to be well thought out and,
interchangeable and one
affordable service in your more importantly, if you and
thing that’s often unclear in
area, you can still think of your clients are in different
translation contracts is what
the money you’re spending countries, they should be
constitutes confidential or
as an investment in future- drafted by an attorney who
private information and what
proofing your business and is familiar enough with
may or may not be disclosed
protecting your interests in international contracts to do
and how. Make sure you and
the long-term. a good job. So, when choosing
your lawyer get this right.
The difficult part for most the right lawyer for you, ask if
You want your client to rest
translators isn’t finding an they’ve drafted international
assured that their important
affordable attorney to draft contracts before.
documents are in good hands.
their terms and conditions,
it’s actually working with an Changes to the Translation:
Copyright: Who owns your
attorney to get it right. That’s If your name is going on
translation? In many parts of
why you need to be very clear the translation, this is a
the world, the law determines
about what it is you do and particularly important one.
You want to make sure that that for you. In others, it’s up
what your business model
changes are submitted to you to the parties. Either way, ask
looks like so you can give
for review. After all, it’s your your lawyer what the law is in
your attorney the necessary
reputation at stake! your jurisdiction. Depending
information to draft your
on your area of specialization,
terms and conditions well.
owning your translation
In addition, there are some Client’s Responsibilities:
may be in your best interest.
specific considerations you Because your terms and
conditions are aimed at In other areas, it doesn’t
and your attorney need to
protecting you, you might really matter, but it may be
keep in mind, some of which
want to hold the client an incentive to make sure
are summarized here in
accountable for helping you’re paid.
alphabetical order and not
order of importance (read: you help them. Perhaps
they all matter!). explicitly state that it’s up Early Cancelation By the
to them to mention and Client: What if the client
Boilerplates: Boilerplate make available any reference engages your service and
clauses typically include materials they want you backs out after you started
force majeure, governing to follow, or that they’re translating? You want to
law, jurisdiction, and similar responsible for reviewing make sure you’re paid for the
clauses. Lawyers often think your work and submitting work performed before they
of them as standard clauses changes or questions for canceled. And that’s what
that don’t require too much your consideration within this clause is for.
16 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.orgIncentives: Instead of late sure you clearly outline
payment penalties, some
and keep the transaction
costs to a minimum. For what parameters you’ll
You need to be very
lawyers may recommend that, your payment clause use to measure quality. clear about what it
you use your payment should clearly indicate Remember, translation is
clause as an incentive to when (e.g., upon delivery, subjective by nature. What is you do and what
you understand by quality
secure payment by offering
a discount for full upfront
upon invoicing, 10 days
after invoicing, etc.) and might not be the same thing
your business model
payment. That might work how (e.g., check, PayPal, or the client understands. looks like so you can
for you. Or you might want bank transfer) you expect
to do both. Either way, don’t to be paid. But one thing
Of course this is not, nor
purports to be, an
give your attorney the
be afraid to discuss those
options with your lawyer.
translators often overlook
is who is going to cover the
exhaustive list of every necessary information
clause you should consider
transaction cost. By that I including in your terms and to draft your terms
Late Payment: Are you mean whatever charges are
expecting a late penalty fee? attached to your preferred
conditions. These are just
the ones that in my
and conditions well.
If so, what constitutes late payment method. This is experience translators often
payment? As of what date? especially important when overlook. So, think of this as
How high is that fee? How you and your client are in a cheat sheet to help guide
do you plan to enforce it? different countries, where your conversation with your
These are all questions you transaction costs can get attorney. The best way to
need to ask yourself to get pretty steep. future-proof and protect
this clause right. your business isn’t with
Translation Credits: If terms and conditions alone.
Method for Handling you’ve negotiated translation It’s with a well-crafted
Complaints: You may very credits, where and how business plan that’s properly
well be the world’s best should they appear? If it’s a outlined in your terms and
translator, but even the book, the credits might be conditions and having those
world’s best translator can on the cover page. If you’ve terms and conditions drafted
come across an impossibly translated a report, they by a competent attorney in
difficult client demanding might be on the back cover. your area.
unreasonable explanations Maybe you’ve translated a
of your word choices or poem. It doesn’t matter what Paula Arturo
wasting your time with you translated. What matters is a lawyer,
frivolous complaints. That’s is where and how you’re to translator, and
why it’s not a bad idea to be credited for your work. law professor
add a small charge or other with nearly two
disincentive to keep the Translator’s decades of experience in the
difficult ones at bay. Responsibilities: Contracts language profession. She
should be drafted fairly and is a linguistic consultant at
Outsourcing: Will you be in good faith. While your Marval, O’Farrell & Mairal
outsourcing the work? The terms and conditions are and directs Translating
client may have a right to there to protect you, that Lawyers Academy, an
know. In addition, the client doesn’t mean you can’t online academy that helps
may even get a say in some explicitly assume certain legal translators hone their
cases. If you’re outsourcing, responsibilities to ease your translation skills. She is
make sure to include that in client’s mind, and to prevent administrator of ATA’s Law
your terms and conditions. In them from demanding more Division and co-head of legal
addition, provide a thorough than you originally agreed to. affairs at the International
explanation to the client of Association of Professional
how private and confidential Quality Guarantee: Are Translators and Interpreters.
information will be handled you willing to put your Her bragging rights include
when outsourcing. money where your mouth translating the works of
is? If so, you might want several Nobel Prize laureates
Payment: You want to make to consider a quality and world-renowned jurists.
sure you get paid on time guarantee. If you do, make paula@translatinglawyers.com
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 17HOW BUILD
TO RESOURCEFULNESS
AS A FREELANCING PARENT
R
There’s no doubt that unning a freelance Challenge #1: about how to keep both your
translation/interpreting clients and family happy may
combining work with Transitioning from
business is like running all be reasons for a constant
parenthood is a marathon. And when you
a Freelancer to a headache and emotional
a challenging task, add family responsibilities, Freelancing Parent rollercoaster long before your
raising children, or dealing This might be the toughest child is born.
but the life of a
with a global pandemic, you transition in your freelance These challenges only
self-employed can end up with an extreme career. There’s no doubt multiply when you try
parent is definitely ultramarathon—turbulent, that combining work with working at the same capacity
ruthless, and unpredictable. parenthood is a challenging as in your pre-parenthood
more intense on
How do you stay calm and task, but the life of a self- days. Your energy,
every level. resourceful enough to make employed parent is definitely productivity, and ability to
it safely to the next control more intense on every level. focus seem to shrink every
point and enjoy your run? Lack of security tied to full- time you sit at your desk.
By Dorota Pawlak To adopt the right strategy time salaried employment, Your thoughts run to your
and reach the finish line, limited or almost nonexistent sleeping baby or—if you’re
you’ll first need to define maternity leave, and doubts lucky—to your childcare
your biggest hurdle. Every
freelancing parent may be
on a different phase on their
quest for harmony, so let’s
analyze three key common
challenges to help you build
your resourcefulness from
the right components.
18 The ATA Chronicle | March/April 2021 www.atanet.orgYou can also read
