From Language Lover to Interpreter: A Conversation with Athena Matilsky

Athena shares her journey into interpreting, which began with a love for Spanish. Athena describes the differences between medical and court interpreting. She also emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, self-evaluation, and preparing for challenging certification exams. Athena reveals her passion for interpreting under pressure, her geeky approach to mastering interpreting skills, and the importance of community among interpreters.

LINKS

GLENDON WORKSHOPS - https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/mcis-shop

US COURTS FED INTERPRETER CERT: https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/federal-court-interpreters/federal-court-interpreter-certification-examination

UNITED NATIONS

https://www.un.org/dgacm/en/content/exams-interpreters

To work as an interpreter at the United Nations, you need a first-level university degree and proficiency in your main language, along with excellent knowledge of one or two other official UN languages. You must also pass a competitive examination that tests your interpreting skills and comprehension of the source languages.

ACEBO - https://acebo.myshopify.com/

INTERPRETRAIN - https://interpretrain.com

The Best Note-Taking Techniques for Interpreters

PRACTICE 1 - LEGAL AND MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY - There are 20 practice episodes available

Working as a UN interpreter with Gillian Curry

PHOTO: Paula Paulson as Nurse Mildred Ratched in the 2020 series Ratched

FUN FACT: Estelle Louise Fletcher who played Nurse Ratched in the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) was the daughter of deaf parents. Her parents worked with the deaf/hard-of-hearing, but Fletcher and her three siblings were all of normal hearing,so they were sent in turns to live with Estelle's hearing sister in Texas for three months at a time to ensure they learned spoken English. Fletcher received an honorary degree from Gallaudet University in 1982. Reference from Wikipedia.

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The vocal mechanism is explained, including how vocal folds work and the impact of breath and body posture. Maritza shares practical tips for voice care, such as warming up with specific exercises, staying hydrated, dietary considerations, and avoiding harmful habits like throat clearing and smoking. Additional advice includes using a humidifier, practicing diaphragmatic breathing, and managing stress to maintain optimal vocal health.

Check out voice warm-up exercises here:
https://Voicelesson.com

https://youtu.be/i65C5Xi-IiA?si=SJ5QJGWOlwpKSmxl

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Fresh insights, practical tips, and career guidance. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, we've got you covered.

Our host, Maritza brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. She is a legal and certified medical Spanish interpreter, linguistics enthusiast, and polyglot, who is dedicated to helping you elevate your skills and career.

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