Monthly News & Updates for Educators, Interpreters and Translators | | |
Integrating an Interpreter in Early Intervention Programs
Collaborating with interpreters in early intervention programs can open doors for linguistically diverse families, especially when supporting children with hearing loss through auditory-based approaches. This article offers practical tips for making the collaboration effective, from knowing when an interpreter is needed to choosing the right interpretation mode for each session.
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Translator Tip of the Month
Efficient translation requires not only linguistic skill but also the right tools and habits. This article shares great information about the basic tools needed to become a successful translator, such as a good chair for comfort; high-quality headsets; CAT tools; file formatting, and organizational software; breaks and exercise; and online dictionaries, among others.
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Elevating the Voices of Interpreters and Translators in Education
Interpreters and translators in education are dedicated professionals who are curious about languages, cultures and effective ways to strengthen communication bridges. Here are some statements reflecting such commitment:
'“I feel valued and appreciated when people request that I be their interpreter because it shows a level of trust in my abilities and the quality of the service that I provide. I really devote a lot of my life to my work and constantly strive to improve my skills. So, when that hard work, time, and commitment is recognized by the very people I do it for, it feels really good.”
“Being bilingual is not enough to work as an interpreter in education or any setting. Coming prepared and being willing to learn new words reflect our respect for our families and our educators.”
“I love languages, I love people, I love to make an impact through acts of service. The idea that I can wake up and learn something new every single day excites me. The idea that I will meet and work with someone from a different walk of life every day inspires me. That’s why I love to interpret.”
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Braille: A Powerful Communication System
In 1824, Louis Braille created the system known as braille, a universal method of writing and printing for the blind. This system allows blind individuals to read and write through touch, using raised dots to represent the letters of the alphabet. It also includes equivalents for punctuation marks and symbols to indicate letter groupings. Braille is read by moving one or both hands from left to right along each line, with the index fingers typically performing the reading. Through the braille alphabet, blind individuals can review and study written text and access a variety of reading materials.
The word braille remains the same across many languages, as it is a proper noun derived from Louis Braille's name. However, make sure to check whether it is expected to be capitalized or not in your language. For instance, some organizations expressed a desire for the word braille to be capitalized in all situations, regardless of whether it is being used as a proper noun or not.
Yet, according to the Diccionario de la lengua española, when the name used to designate objects, devices, systems, procedures, or products comes from the proper name of their inventor, discoverer, manufacturer, or the person who popularized them or in whose honor they were made, the proper name becomes a common noun and should be written in lowercase. Other examples of these words are boycott, carburetor, diesel, and mauser.
You can find this clarification for Spanish spelling in NAETISL's Glossary of Frequently Used Words in English and Spanish.
Have an educational glossary to share? Email us at sesoincga@gmail.com
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Professional interpreters play a crucial role in ensuring equitable education for the over five million English Language Learners (ELLs) in U.S. public schools. Language barriers can hinder student success, limit family engagement, and create challenges for educators. Research shows that schools investing in professional interpretation services see improved academic performance, attendance, and engagement among ELL students. However, many districts still rely on untrained interpreters, leading to miscommunication and legal risks. To foster inclusivity and compliance with federal regulations, schools should prioritize professional language services, staff training, and digital interpretation solutions, ensuring all students and families can fully participate in the education system. |
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Spanish continues to flourish in the United States and globally, even amid political resistance and anti-immigrant rhetoric. With over 600 million Spanish speakers worldwide and the US ranking as the second-largest Spanish-speaking country, the language is deeply interwoven into the cultural fabric of American life. From Spanglish innovations to Spanish-speaking celebrities dominating major events, the language persists as a vibrant force, reflecting the growing Latino population and their impact. Despite attempts to suppress its use, Spanish remains central to the identity and diversity of the United States, embodying its multicultural foundation.
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| Trump’s executive order declaring English as the official language of the U.S. follows the removal of the White House’s Spanish-language website and social media accounts. However, as a linguist explains, this move ignores the country’s deep multilingual history. Spanish has been spoken in the U.S. since before the nation’s founding, and government institutions have long provided key information in multiple languages. While Trump’s order is largely symbolic—federal agencies must still offer multilingual services—it aligns with his broader anti-immigrant rhetoric. Ironically, Trump himself used Spanish-language ads during his campaign, highlighting the political convenience of multilingualism despite his public rejection of it. | | | COURSES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | | | Translation and Interpretation Practice Sessions | |
Ready to put your skills into practice and receive immediate feedback? Sessions available for Arabic and Spanish speakers with more languages to come. Participants will practice consecutive/simultaneous interpretation skills and note-taking using scripts with basic, intermediate and advanced vocabulary common in early childhood and K-12 settings. In the translation practice series, discuss potential methods, techniques and resources to make effective translation decisions, manage acronyms, symbols, and abbreviations; verb and tense, cultural references, prepositions and more.
| | | To have your professional development opportunity featured in our next newsletter, email us at sesoincga@gmail.com | | Ana Soler, BSW, MPH - Ph.D. in Special Education Student | Contact Us |
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