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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Emergency Room Interpreter: Chaos, Challenges, and Compassion

Senior Spanish interpreter Elena Cruz shares her journey from starting as a phone interpreter to becoming an in-person interpreter in an emergency room.

Elena discusses the challenges of interpreting in chaotic environments, the emotional toll, and how she manages her mental health. She also provides valuable tips for aspiring medical interpreters, including the importance of note-taking and adapting quickly to fast-paced and distressing situations.

The Best Note-Taking Techniques for Interpreters

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Maritza shares a personal experience about the importance of being aware of your surroundings. She recounts a close call in an MRI room and underscores the consequences of not paying attention to safety protocols.

Maritza offers practical advice on where to stand in various interpreting environments such as courtrooms, medical facilities, and community settings.

The episode also touches on the challenges of certification tests and tips for studying everyday vocabulary.

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Whether you're in the legal or medical fields, this episode is a must-watch for professionals new to working with interpreters, as well as for interpreters looking to understand common challenges in the workplace.

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This episode addresses the complexities and surprises faced by interpreters in their daily work, revealing that even simple words can pose challenges.

The recent political changes in the United States, including the new executive order designating English as the official language, raises concerns about the future of interpreters, particularly the removal of ASL interpreters from White House briefings.

The episode also offers professional advice on making a good first impression through appropriate attire and shares relaxation tips for interpreters experiencing mental fatigue, especially for those engaged in over-the-phone interpreting.

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The Challenges and Rewards of Over-the-Phone Interpreting: Everything You Need to Know

The episode covers the history of OPI, its advantages and disadvantages, the skills required, and steps to become a telephone interpreter. Maritza provides practical advice for working conditions, handling difficult situations, and maintaining professional ethics. She also touches on the financial aspects of OPI, including compensation rates and tax responsibilities. The episode aims to provide comprehensive insights and encouragement for aspiring OPIs.

00:00 Introduction: The Most Difficult Type of Interpreting

01:06 History of Over-the-Phone Interpreting

02:30 Advantages and Disadvantages of OPI

04:37 Becoming an Over-the-Phone Interpreter

05:06 Working Conditions and Requirements

08:45 Handling Calls and Client Interactions

16:31 Self-Care and Best Practices

19:08 Conclusion and Encouragement

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