As a librarian, I am always in search of quality resources. However, when I'm wearing my translator/interpreter cap I'm in search of linguistic resources that will facilitate my daily workload. I recently decided to try out Babylon, a dictionary and translation computer tool. At first I wasn't sure what to expect from this software, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover how user-friendly and useful this tool is. It not only provides translations in up to 75 languages, but also provides immediate access to lexicographical and encyclopedic content. All you have to do is simply click CTRL+Right Click Mouse over the word in question and a box will open indicating its translation into the target language, as well as additional relevant content from Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, and the Oxford English Dictionary (for an additional fee). They also offer spell check and automatic text translation in 17 languages, however I would not rely on machine translation software as they do not adequately translate grammar and syntax.
Babylon is a great supplementary resource to the various references that translators/interpreters use. However, I wouldn't run to my office and start throwing away my print dictionaries. Babylon dictionaries and glossaries should be used as an additional tool to the varied reference materials that we already use.
Overall, a great tool!
Tuesday, June 17
Monday, February 11
Preparation for the California Court Interpreter Examination: An Interview
Throughout my training in the field of interpretation, I've observed a strong desire from new students to understand what it really takes to pass the California Court Interpreter Examination. In order to gain a better understanding of both the examination and preparation process, I interviewed Edgar Hidalgo Garcia, a state certified court interpreter. In this interview, Edgar offers personal anecdotes and advice for preparing to pass this examination.
PART I: Introduction and Training
PART II: Preparation and Examination
PART I: Introduction and Training
PART II: Preparation and Examination
Edgar Hidalgo Garcia earned a bachelor of arts degree in Translation and Interpretation from California State University, Long Beach and has presented for the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators.
Wednesday, January 23
CHIA 8th Annual Conference: From Grassroots to Redwoods
The California Healthcare Interpreting Association annual conference will be held Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Costa Mesa in Orange County. This year's conference theme will be the rise of healthcare interpreting as a profession.
Please mark your calendars! And watch this space for more information.
Tuesday, December 25
From Our Lips to Your Ears: How Interpreters Are Changing the World
Calling all Interpreters with great stories!
A book titled, From Our Lips to Your Ears: How Interpreters are Changing the World is currently in the works. It will consist of personal anecdotes from interpreters like you and me.
This is not an academic publication, but simply a compilation of honest stories from interpreters in order to demonstrate how important the work of an interpreter really is.
For those of you interested in participating in the project, please visit the official website: www.fromourlips.com
Best Regards,
Nick Arce
A book titled, From Our Lips to Your Ears: How Interpreters are Changing the World is currently in the works. It will consist of personal anecdotes from interpreters like you and me.
This is not an academic publication, but simply a compilation of honest stories from interpreters in order to demonstrate how important the work of an interpreter really is.
For those of you interested in participating in the project, please visit the official website: www.fromourlips.com
Best Regards,
Nick Arce
Wednesday, November 7
Interpreting for Brain Death Situations
Brain Dead, what does it mean?
Lack of blood flow to the brain, thus brain does not receive oxygen. If brain does not receive oxygen for approximately four minutes then brain is dead. California law states that patient must have no brain activity in order to be declared brain dead. Furthermore, brain death is irreversible. It is not to be confused with “coma” which is an entirely different medical state which is reversible.
How long can someone be “brain dead” before their body shuts down?
If someone is young and healthy, up to four days; an elderly or sick individual, up to two days or less.
How does this affect Interpreters?
Brain death is a sensitive and difficult concept to explain, especially to non-western cultures. Most available medical literature is not written in a culturally sensitive perspective which may influence the way the medical staff will explain concept to family. This is where the interpreter will act as a cultural clarifier and explain sensitivity to medical staff.
Terms or expressions:
The expression “Vegetable state” should be avoided at all cost. It is equivalent to a racial slur because it is demeaning/comparing a human/human life to a vegetable. The correct expression is “Vegetative state,” however it is a complicated expression which is also discouraged. Medical staff should offer an explanation of what Brain death means instead of simply using unintelligible terms.
Other terms to know:
Durable Power of Attorney
Conservatorship
Advance Directive
Next of Kin
What exams are performed to determine brain death?
Radionuclide
Angiogram
EEG
Neurological exam
Pupil Dilation
Cold Calorics
CT Scan
For Further Information Please See:
http://www.braindeath.org/law/california.htm
Lack of blood flow to the brain, thus brain does not receive oxygen. If brain does not receive oxygen for approximately four minutes then brain is dead. California law states that patient must have no brain activity in order to be declared brain dead. Furthermore, brain death is irreversible. It is not to be confused with “coma” which is an entirely different medical state which is reversible.
How long can someone be “brain dead” before their body shuts down?
If someone is young and healthy, up to four days; an elderly or sick individual, up to two days or less.
How does this affect Interpreters?
Brain death is a sensitive and difficult concept to explain, especially to non-western cultures. Most available medical literature is not written in a culturally sensitive perspective which may influence the way the medical staff will explain concept to family. This is where the interpreter will act as a cultural clarifier and explain sensitivity to medical staff.
Terms or expressions:
The expression “Vegetable state” should be avoided at all cost. It is equivalent to a racial slur because it is demeaning/comparing a human/human life to a vegetable. The correct expression is “Vegetative state,” however it is a complicated expression which is also discouraged. Medical staff should offer an explanation of what Brain death means instead of simply using unintelligible terms.
Other terms to know:
Durable Power of Attorney
Conservatorship
Advance Directive
Next of Kin
What exams are performed to determine brain death?
Radionuclide
Angiogram
EEG
Neurological exam
Pupil Dilation
Cold Calorics
CT Scan
For Further Information Please See:
http://www.braindeath.org/law/california.htm
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