Main Conference Schedule: Saturday & Sunday

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: DARINKA MANGINO

There is a general understanding among practitioners that preparation is related to higher quality and job satisfaction. The amount of conference material and time available is a key factor affecting the preparation process.  No matter the type of setting, preparing for some assignments could be described as a paradox. Interpreters might be given all the material needed for thorough preparation, though they might receive it very close to the time of the conference. In other cases interpreters are given sufficient time to prepare but receive very few details on their assignment.

Objectives: The primary objective of this workshop is to provide interpreters with a preparation method based Dell Hyme´s SPEAKING approach (setting, participants, ends, act sequence, key, instrumentalities, norms of interaction, genre) and tools allowing them to most effectively use their time and the material available when preparing for an assignment, especially when time is a limited resource. The secondary objective is to implement the method by means of three practical scenarios. The tertiary objective is to use the method to target contextual and terminological searches to produce a relevant glossary.

LEVEL: ADVANCED
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: ERNEST NIÑO-MURCIA

Forensic chemists who identify and grade controlled substances seized by law enforcement are expert witnesses interpreters will frequently encounter in drug cases. The breadth and depth of terms in disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics and general science presented in a fast-paced question and answer format can challenge even experienced, skilled interpreters. This session aims to give participants a theoretical overview of the underlying scientific principles and concepts covered by forensic chemists in their testimony. Participants will practice simultaneously interpreting a direct examination of a forensic chemist into their own language.

Objectives: Participants will be able to describe the basic science behind forensic drug analysis while beginning to practice their application in simultaneous interpreting.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH WITH SPANISH LEXICON
PRESENTER: VINKA VALDIVIA

This session will provide a brief history of the modern LGBT movement with a focus on recent legislation affecting people’s rights and accompanying terminology that interpreters may encounter in legal settings as a result. Attendees will learn what the appropriate terminology to use is and what terms to avoid altogether because they are either outdated or offensive. Focus will be primarily on the U.S. with some examples of international issues in this area. Both the legalization of same-sex marriage by the Supreme Court and recent so-called bathroom laws have increased the likelihood of more cases involving LGBT people, including divorce, adoption, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, just to name a few. Will you be prepared with the correct terminology when you come across one of these cases? Will you know how to address a transgender person? Don’t wait until you find yourself in one of these cases to answer these questions. Inform yourself and be prepared.

Objectives: This session provides a brief overview and history of the modern LGBT movement, terminology, and applicable law. Focus will be on appropriate and inappropriate terminology. Resources will be provided.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PRESENTERS: CHRISTOPHER D. MELLINGER, PHD AND MELISSA WALLACE, PHD
MODERATOR: MELISSA WALLACE, PHD

The Society for the Study of Translation and Interpretation (SSTI), NAJIT’s 501c3 educational foundation, is sponsoring two presentations as part of our goal of fostering connections between empirical research and the actual practice of judiciary interpreting and legal translation. Join us to learn how researchers in academia are taking on the challenges of aligning academic curricula and research with professional standards/practices in the fields of translation and interpreting.

Presentations:

Christopher D. Mellinger: “Challenges of a Process-oriented Pedagogy for Judiciary Interpreters” This presentation will discuss fundamental notions of process-oriented pedagogy as applied for judiciary interpreting. It will address its potential challenges and propose solutions to help overcome them. It will identify gaps in current research about what constitutes interpreting expertise and competence within the judicial setting and the need for researchers to collaborate with language professionals, and adapt research methods to address the specifics of judiciary interpreting.

Melissa Wallace: “Professionals’ perceptions of the future of court interpreting research: results from focus groups”. This presentation will share the results of a focus group study conducted with practicing court/legal interpreters in New York and Texas. Its goal is to gain valuable information regarding  problem-solving among court/legal interpreters and identify which strategies and resources court/legal interpreters use when they face difficulties in their day-to-day interpreting practice. This presentation will include the formal launch of a national survey based on the results of the focus group study.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH AND CHINESE
PRESENTER: SANDRO TOMASI

Legal translation/interpreting is a double operation consisting of both legal and interlingual transfer, with an emphasis on legal transfer, which constitutes the principal operation. With this presentation, attendees will learn about the principles and techniques of legal translation, conduct an analysis of Chinese-English law dictionaries and translate Chinese criminal-procedure statutes into English.

Objectives: Interpreters and translators will learn how to go beyond the prima-facie meaning of a legal term by using statutes and treatises to identify the full legal semantics thereof.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: DR. GLORIA M. RIVERA

Objectives: Utilizing the toxicology report of Carrie Fisher’s death, participants will become familiarized with the structure of a toxicology report and its various parts and will understand the results in that case.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: DR. JUANITA ULLOA

Interpreters lean on their excellent brains for linguistic accuracy. Yet, to transmit this important information the interpreter brain needs to develop knowledgeable body awareness for breathing and sound production. Voice trainer, Dr. Ulloa uses simple and practical terminology, pictures, discussion, and her own singing and speech examples to clarify vocal production for interpreters. By picturing what is going on inside one’s body as sound is produced, interpreters develop a concrete awareness of where the breath really comes from (NOT the diaphragm) and where your body actually resonates and projects from (NOT outside of you).  This knowledge alone improves your sound. Finally, we practice mindfulness posture and demystify the process of articulation. Using the mouth is a very small part of vocal production. The body and mind work in perfect coordination as we interpret. By increasing your knowledge of vocal production, you will naturally produce rich and healthier sounds, learn to breathe more efficiently, and develop protective tools to use when feeling vocal fatigue. All questions and levels are welcome.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: MELINDA GONZALEZ-HIBNER

Often, our sense of obligation to the justice system, to language access, or to our role as officers of the court collides with the expectations of unobtrusiveness, impartiality and/or confidentiality that are fundamental to the profession. This is understandable, as we can be simultaneously defined as expert witnesses, officers of the court and/or purveyors of specialized linguistic services. What should one do if a fellow member of the profession is misinterpreting testimony? What if the misinterpretation is not going on the record, but the LEP is hearing an incorrect version of what is being said? Where does the role of the interpreter end, and the duty as an officer of the court, or as a citizen, begin? This session will explore the boundaries of our proper role and scope of practice, and review the legal authorities that define our sphere of action. If you have ever wondered whether to speak up or bite your tongue, this session is for you.

Objectives: The presenter will define the court interpreter’s scope of practice, and address problematic scenarios for court interpreters. She will discuss the proper role of interpreters in the courtroom, using as a reference the Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary, the Guide to Judiciary Policy of the US Federal Courts, Vol. 5, and selected State Codes of Professional Standards and Ethics for Court Interpreters. Attendees will review and understand the interpreter’s limitations and obligations as a linguistic expert in the courtroom and the limits and justification for actions that go beyond pure interpreting in the courtroom.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PRESENTER: ESTHER HERMIDA

Whether you are a seasoned court certified interpreter or a newly certified interpreter exploring business opportunities in the legal field outside of court you need to know how to stand out from the crowd. You are not offering a mere service, you are offering your specific skills, your knowledge, and your expertise. The presenter will break down how this can be accomplished by sharing tips on creating your very own website, getting your business cards, CV updated and marketing tips on how to let others know about your awesome professional self.

Objectives: This session will provide ideas on how to promote yourself as an interpreter, share an overview of available opportunities in the private sector for court interpreters, and networking. Lastly, this session will discuss ways to showcase your experience and skill set with agencies, law firms, private institutions, and other areas where top notch interpreters are needed.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PANELISTS: KATHARINE ALLEN, MEDICAL INTERPRETER AND CO-FOUNDER OF INTERPRETAMERICA
ROBERT LICHTENBERG, J.D., LANGUAGE ACCESS COORDINATOR, WASHINGTON STATE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS (AOC)
LORENA ORTIZ SCHNEIDER, CWCIA IP&O COMMITTEE CHAIR
MATT WAPNICK, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, COURTCALL
MODERATOR: ROB CRUZ, NAJIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Remote interpreting is an undeniable factor in the interpreting field, with impact on language access and the way interpreters carry out their work. While remote interpreting offers opportunities to expand the reach and availability of interpreting services, it also has the potential to disrupt current relationships and employment patterns. Will remote interpreting improve language access or reduce the quality of interpreting services?  This unique panel will both provide an update on the status of remote interpreting and be a forum for NAJIT members to discuss the impact remote interpreting will have on the interpreting profession and the potential of establishing best practices for this changing field.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: AGUSTÍN SERVIN DE LA MORA

Are you frustrated? Do you feel stuck? Do you want to “get better” but have not succeeded even though you are working very hard at it? Have you tried unsuccessfully to pass the certification exam in spite of your best efforts? Then this session is for you. Come join a fast-paced interactive trip to help you get over the hump. Find out how a simple change of paradigm will propel you to new levels of performance. And yes, perhaps happiness. This is skill-building language-neutral seminar for all levels.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: OLGA SHOSTACHUK

All foreign official documents when filed in the United States must be presented in English. The documents must be also certified and authenticated for official use. This session is designed to provide translators of official documents with an understanding of the authentication and legalization processes, of the role of notaries public, notaries, and attorneys, and of how to add additional income streams by providing authentication-related services. The translators will learn about their role in the preparation and authentication of official documents for immigration purposes, as well as how official documents must be prepared in order to be accepted in the United States and foreign countries. The participants will also be able to learn about the legal discourse pertaining to official document translation and improve their terminology management and research skills. The session is presented in English.

Objectives: Learn about a pivotal role of translation in the immigration process. Understand the requirements of the immigration regarding document translation. Analyze and evaluate pitfalls that translators face based on concrete examples.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: MARGARITA BEKKER, CoreCHI™

Consecutive interpreting skills consist of a complex set of sub-skills and abilities. Good short-term memory is one of the pre-requisites to successful interpreting in general, and consecutive mode in particular. This practical, engaging, and hands-on workshop will help participants better understand how short-term memory works. The presenter will demonstrate ways to improve short-term memory. Attendees will learn practical tips and exercises that every interpreter can use to develop their short-term memory between assignments.

Objectives: This workshop will demonstrate ways to improve short-term memory, and provide practical tips and exercises for self-study and continuous development by understanding how short-term memory works.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PRESENTER: ANNA MEDINA

An attorney from the Civil Rights Division’s State Courts Language Access Initiative will provide a brief overview of the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and their implications for state court interpreters and translators; an update of the State Court Language Access Initiative’s work to ensure limited English proficient individuals have meaningful access to state court proceedings; and a question and answer session.

Objectives: Attendees will learn about the important role interpreters and translators play in the work of Civil Rights Division’s State Courts Language Access Initiative, have an opportunity to ask questions about Title VI legal requirements, and relay issues relevant to interpreters and translators that are implicated by the State Courts Language Access Initiative.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: JEFF TORRES

This instructor-led course will familiarize the student with current laws, trends and the social/cultural aspects as they pertain to heroin and opiate abuse and usage. Recently, the use of heroin has skyrocketed in the United States causing a major upswing in heroin- and opiate- related court cases and criminal proceedings. Students will learn current terminology and phrases associated with the re-emergence of the heroin/opiate crisis in our society. Students can also expect to learn about heroin and opiate ingestion, types and use of specific paraphernalia and the signs and symptoms of individuals who use and abuse heroin- and opiate- based narcotics. Interpreters assigned to a courtroom environment will find this class helpful in regard to terminology associated with varied heroin- and opiate- based narcotic slang. The class will also offer insight into the complex and oftentimes differing social and cultural attitudes as they pertain to persons facing criminal proceedings for these types of criminal charges.

Objectives: This class will familiarize participants with heroin- and opiate-related terminology and phrases, paraphernalia and descriptions, as well as heroin/opiate-related culture and abuse that culminate in courtroom proceedings.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: PROF. KAREN BORGENHEIMER

This mini-clinic focuses on improving the interpreter’s voice efficiency and quality for improved job performance. This clinic will help the professional interpreter improve his/her voice quality through a lively presentation on: Intonation and expressiveness, articulation, enunciation, proper breathing techniques and voice projection.  Participants will learn to use their voices effectively for improved voice quality. Singers learn to hit that high note, athletes improve their abilities, interpreters learn voice quality. The instructor will explain the importance of voice development training for interpreters. Group exercises include: 1) Initial voice analysis worksheet; 2) Breathing techniques; 3) Voice expression to portray emotion. The presenter will blend interpreting concepts and techniques with real-life applications and a good dose of humor. Content: Approximately 60% lecture and 40% group voice, speech and breathing exercises.

Objectives: The interpreter’s tool of the trade or “musical instrument” is his/her voice, and as such, the interpreter must practice to achieve a voice that is: Distinct, intelligible, clear, easily understood and heard.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: MICHAEL KAGAN

By using transcripts of court proceedings and interviews, the presenter will revisit the ethical code of court interpreters, and what occurs when judicial interpreters stray from them. The first case discussed is that of Mohamed Yousry, a professor who interpreted during the interviews for the appeal process for Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman. Yousry was charged and convicted for providing material support to terrorist organizations. The second case considered is more recent, involving an Ixhil (Mayan language variation) interpreter during a competency hearing. The analysis of the performance of these interpreters should give pause to new and experienced colleagues the next time they make the decision to go beyond the scope of the judicial interpreter code of ethics.

Objectives: The presenter will discuss ethics, historical perspective, and transcript analysis.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH AND ARABIC
PRESENTER: AMINE EL FAJRI

Arabic court interpreters will be introduced to more than 100 common criminal terms, their meanings, and the Arabic target language renditions. Extensive key terminology and a glossary of legal terms will be used throughout the session. Attendees will review the language and terms commonly used in criminal court proceedings. Time will be allowed for group discussions.

Objectives: In this session, participants will learn common words used during criminal court proceedings, their definitions, and their equivalent in Arabic.

LEVEL: ADVANCED
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: BETHANY KORP

As the field of interpreting advances and grows, interpreters find ourselves in increasingly complex ethical situations that do not fit neatly into our canons of professional ethics. Rather than adding more and more rules, perhaps we can rethink the framing of our codes of ethics. Drawing from recent developments in American Sign Language interpreting and interpreter training, the Code of Professional Conduct of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and the presenter’s own experience rewriting the New Mexico Code of Professional Responsibility, participants will examine a new way of thinking about ethical decision-making. Can we find overarching themes that will allow us to resolve our ethical dilemmas without relying on overly-specific rules? What can we learn from our counterparts in the world of signed-language interpreting? And what would our field look like if we rethought the framing of our Codes of Ethics?

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: AIMEE BENAVIDES

This presentation has been designed to give attendees an overview of the work that goes into providing high- quality transcriptions and translations for criminal cases. Tools and resources that are helpful for T&T work will be discussed. There are also ethical decisions involved in providing alternative translations that will be covered, taking into account relevant evidence codes. Interpreters and translators who specialize in T&T also open themselves up to being called as witnesses and on occasion are hired specifically as expert witnesses due to the content of the recording. This presentation will help equip interpreters to handle these situations.

Objectives: This session discusses the best practices and tools used to provide high quality transcriptions for criminal cases, and includes a review the NAJIT position paper and evidence codes to help in understanding the complex issues involved in translation choices. Attendees will draft a certification of a transcription and translation and will learn what to expect when called as an expert to either lay a foundation for the Transcription & Translation or provide opinion evidence regarding language usage.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH AND SPANISH
PRESENTER: NÉSTOR WAGNER

Most glossaries provide equivalent translations of legal terminologies without explaining how context changes the transfer. Localization technique evaluates the unit (legal term + overall message) to determine the proper transfer of “the unit”. In other words, localization is the art of transferring the message, taking into consideration the elements of “the unit” that affect the legal term. It is the opposite of transferring “word-for-word” which any professional interpreter or translator understands may be quite inaccurate. Grammatical and jurisdictional interference are also considered in the localization process of “the unit”. Localization techniques will be demonstrated using sample documents from various Spanish-speaking countries. Legal terminologies will include criminal, civil, and immigration law. Within civil, areas such as family law, contract law, probate, unlawful detainers, and corporate law are included.

Objectives: This session is designed to make interpreters aware of the importance of localization techniques along with the implementation of filters of syntactical interference that produce noise in the transfer; to emphasize the transfer of “the unit” instead of the word; and to provide properly localized transfers of Civil, Criminal and Immigration terminology. Transfers are into Spanish.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PANELISTS: HEIDI CAZES SEVILLA, AGUSTIN DE LA MORA, MELINDA GONZALEZ HIBNER, AND VIRGINIA VALENCIA
MODERATOR: ARMANDO EZQUERRA HASBUN

Make the most of the experience and trajectory of seasoned colleagues in our profession by asking them questions in connection with the following: technical and research queries, career planning and professional growth, educational/training strategies and resources, preparation for and acquisition of credentials, standards of professional practice and best professional practices, protocol and ethics quandaries, and new developments and perspectives in our profession. The session will be moderated and you are encouraged to send your questions in advance to admin@najit.org. Your subject line should state “NAJIT’s Ask the Experts”.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: YVETTE CITIZEN

Civil depositions provide a great source of work opportunities for freelancing judicial interpreters.  However, they can oftentimes turn into adversarial and contentious encounters, presenting a challenge to interpreters who usually work alone in these circumstances.  Among other things, this workshop will cover the following: reasons for civil depositions; the format and protocol followed at a civil deposition; examples of civil cases that usually involve civil depositions; legal terminology the interpreter is likely to encounter during a civil deposition; potential ethical challenges and professional dilemmas that an interpreter may face while interpreting at a civil deposition. Participants will have the opportunity to listen and review examples of witness testimony during civil depositions and will receive a glossary of civil legal terminology along with the PowerPoint presented during the session.

Objectives: The goal of this session is for participants to understand the protocol, terminology, and potential challenges that an interpreter faces during civil depositions.   At the end of the workshop, participants should be familiar with: legal terms commonly used at civil depositions, including objections; the procedures typically followed during civil depositions; and ethical dilemmas the interpreter may encounter while interpreting for civil depositions.

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
LANGUAGE: FRENCH
PRESENTER: GLADYS MATTHEWS, PhD

By and large, the procedure for prosecuting an alleged criminal act starts with either the issuance of a summons, the issuance of a warrant (to arrest), or an arrest without a warrant. The outcome of each step determines the next one.  In this English-French session, these various steps will be reviewed. The presentation will also analyze the stages during and after a trial. Concepts and related terminology will be based on the Canadian and American criminal justice systems and address their differences and commonalities. French concepts and terminology will be based on the Canadian and French criminal justice systems. The presentation also includes general principles governing these systems, such as the presumption of innocence and the classification of the various types of offences and crimes.

Objectives: Attendees will become familiar with the various steps of a criminal case and their related terminology in both English and French.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PANELISTS: THE NAJIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MODERATOR: ROB CRUZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Join the NAJIT Board and key committee chairs to discuss NAJIT and issues within the profession.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: HEIDI CAZES

Have you ever considered taking a staff job as an interpreter or translator? In general, translators and interpreters usually work on their own, as independent entities providing services to different types of clients. Because there are not many permanent positions available, we generally leave that option out of our mental radar, and do not even consider being an employee as an option. Nevertheless, although scarce, permanent positions do exist in our fields. Usually, people make the decision to leave a permanent position and become a freelancer, but in our profession, it might happen in the opposite direction. Before deciding to make a change, it is important to be aware of what being an employee entails. This presentation, given by someone who, after a lifetime as a freelancer became a full-time employee for the first time in her life, will look at the different aspects involved. Some of the aspects discussed will include the difference in working conditions, financial issues, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each setting.

Objectives: After this presentation, participants will be aware of the different conditions that exist when working as a freelancer or an employee. They will be able to compare the advantages and challenges present in each situation, and will have the tools to make a more informed decision, based on their personal circumstances and temperament, when considering a change in their working status.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: DIANA ARBISER AND FÁTIMA CORNWALL

Presenters will share their own method on how to work collaboratively on preparing for a trial as a team. The presentation will include topics such as obtaining court documents, creating a glossary, recognizing reputable resources, and organizing effectively in order to achieve the best results. Attendees will hear about strategies to successfully approach the task of team interpreting. The group will further discuss the ethical significance of this collaborative process.

Objectives: Interpreters that attend this session will be able to access tools to approach team interpreting and trial preparation in a collaborative manner; develop techniques to be ready to interpret in court settings that require a thorough knowledge of specific subjects;  select reputable and reliable resources and tools for research and glossary building; identify strategies to work effectively and collaboratively as a team; and reflect on the implications of this process in relation to our code of ethics.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PRESENTER: JAVIER SOLER

Join a representative from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to discuss recent updates and engage in a question and answer session.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH WITH SPANISH LEXICON
PRESENTER: GENEVIEVE NAVAR FRANKLIN, M.A.ED.

The presenter, one of two witness interpreters in a staggering quadruple-murder and rape case in which the prosecution sought capital punishment, retells her experience, reviews salient aspects of the case, and shares her observations and conclusions regarding the challenges of the task.  Elements to be covered by means of actual examples from the case include pre-trial challenges to translation of statements; media coverage and comments; electronic recording of testimony interpretation; complaints by defendant regarding interpretation; potential challenges by non-staff language experts; effect on accuracy of impediments such as noise, speed and fatigue; recognition and management of errors; preventive discretion around jury members; dealing with disturbing visual exhibits and verbal testimony; interpreting impassioned victim statements;  and managing the tension of responsibility in capital murder trials.  The workshop will primarily be expository in a large group setting, with opportunities for participant comments, questions, and some moderated discussion and sharing of experiences as appropriate.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will know how to prepare for disturbing evidentiary elements in trials; ask for conditions that are conducive to interpretation; and recognize potential and actual impediments to interpreting accuracy. They will be able to develop strategies for managing stressors and maintaining equanimity during trial; know how to identify situations which can compromise testimony and/or lead to mistrial; be able to plan ways to manage errors in high-tension settings; and understand the importance of self-care and mitigating vicarious trauma after high stress assignments.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PRESENTERS: HON. STEVEN K. AUSTIN AND DOUGLAS DENTON

A representative of the Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force and program staff will provide an update on ongoing efforts to implement the Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts (adopted January 2015). The presentation will cover plan implementation efforts and progress to date, including securing funding for interpreters to provide services in civil cases, and an update on the Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Pilot Project with spoken language interpreters to evaluate different equipment solutions. The session will highlight various language access accomplishments made by the Task Force and products added to the online resource, the Language Access Toolkit, including: the status of civil expansion by the 58 superior courts; new rules of court; small claims legislation; glossary of signage terms and protocol for assisting LEP court users; and training curriculum for bilingual staff and court interpreters.

Objectives: Participants will learn about language access plan implementation, including progress to date in the California courts, how plan implementation affects them professionally as interpreters or translators.  The session will provide an opportunity for those in attendance to offer comments that could help improve the ongoing implementation of the plan.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: ATHENA MATILSKY

This workshop is intended for interpreters of Languages Other Than Spanish (LOTS). These are the interpreters who do not always have the luxury of ready-made interpreting practice tapes, complete with keys for complicated terminology. LOTS interpreters must be creative, thinking outside the box when it comes to study materials and finding resources. Attendees of this workshop will learn how to do just that. Among other things, they will learn the benefits of having a study partner when improving skills and/or preparing for certification exams. They will discover how to use language-neutral materials to create their own language-specific study exercises, and they will share information about trust-worthy bilingual glossaries and dictionaries. Participants will come away with lots of LOTS resources, and they will be better-prepared to meet their professional goals.

Objectives: Participants will learn how to find and create personal study materials, no matter what the language, and how to prepare for interpreting exams.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PRESENTERS: SUSAN CRUZ, CFP^®

Have you thought about planning for retirement and felt it was too complicated, too time consuming, or just flat-out overwhelming? Whether someone is self-employed or has a 401k through an employer, this session will demonstrate that creating a plan for retirement need not be complicated, nor expensive. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM will walk attendees through items to consider when creating a plan, and discuss four potential strategies for investing. The attendees will also learn about free resources available to review their strategy and confirm they are on track. Lastly, the presenter will share ways to approach obtaining help from a financial advisor and things to know about how advisors are compensated. It is never too early or too late to begin planning for retirement.

Objectives:  The presenter will provide attendees with a foundation for planning for retirement. They will walk away with an understanding of simple ways to begin creating a strategy to plan for retirement, and will learn four approaches to investing and resources available to review their strategy. Attendees will also hear about ways to approach obtaining help from a financial advisor.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: MARIA CAMILA PULIDO

When we train as interpreters we are told to follow the ethical standards as defined in the Code of Ethics. The Codes of Ethics for both medical and legal specialties share many canons. However, because the judicial system is an adversarial one and the medical system is, on the other hand, collaborative, the interpreter must abide by the rules set in the corresponding code of ethics. In the case of court-ordered psychological evaluations, interpreters face a big conundrum: do they follow the incremental intervention approach as stated in the medical interpreter’s code of ethics, or do they remain solely as a conduit as the judicial interpreter’s code of ethics dictates? Participants will be encouraged to contribute to this discussion based on real case experiences in which the presenters have participated.  The discussion will serve as a basis for creating a draft of a future paper on the subject.

Objectives: Participants will learn how to navigate court-ordered psych evaluations.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: MYLENE GREEN

“An interpreter must use his or her best skills and judgment to interpret accurately without embellishing, omitting, or editing.”  California Rules of Court, Rule 2.890(b).  Witnesses play an important role in the justice system.  In law, a witness is someone who provides testimonial evidence, either oral or written, of what he/she knows or claims to know about the matter before the court.  Witnesses come from all levels of society, situations and age.  Some are willing and eager to tell their story, and some are not.  Some can express themselves very eloquently and some cannot.  To all of the above, add the language barrier and now an even greater challenge is presented.  This workshop will focus on the importance of the interpreter’s role insofar as the interpretation of testimony is concerned, as well as ethical duties and courtroom protocols.  The presenter will offer suggestions on how to prepare to work with witnesses and how to handle the unexpected.  The session will also include role-play exercises.

Objectives: While there are many interpreting programs in the United States, most of them focus on learning the different modes of interpretation, as well as terminology.  Unfortunately, there is very little formal training on how to work with witnesses.  This workshop will focus on understanding the importance of our role, learning what can be done prior to taking the witness stand (obtaining case information, etc.) and addressing technical issues and protocols (where to sit, who to face, dealing with microphones and other devices, etc.).  In addition, the proper handling of language difficulties and how to handle unexpected situations will be addressed.  At the end of the session there will be a hands-on role play exercise.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTER: ERNEST NIÑO-MURCIA

If you’re interested in improving your note-taking through the use of symbols to represent objects or abstract concepts, the answer may be as close as the last text message you sent. Emoji are an everyday application of the fundamental principles that can help you create effective, memorable symbols to take your note-taking to the next level. This session is geared toward interpreters looking to start using symbols in their note-taking or improve their existing technique with respect to symbols. After providing a theoretical backdrop on what emoji can teach us about creating effective symbols for note-taking, this session will provide participants the opportunity to put their new knowledge into action by creating some symbols and beginning to use them in practice exercises.

Objectives: In this session, participants will Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using symbols in note-taking; identify do’s and don’ts for creation of note-taking symbols; create symbols for some basic concepts; and begin practicing incorporating symbols into personal note-taking technique.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: PORTUGUESE (BRAZIL)
PRESENTERS: JAQUELINE NEVES NORDIN, FLÁVIA LIMA AND JUDGE PAULO MARCOS RODRIGUES DE ALMEIDA

As Portuguese court interpreters, we must be familiar with proper terminology used in the American and Brazilian judicial systems. This training session addresses the unintentional mistranslated terminology Portuguese-speakers face in courts, and aims to offer useful and reliable resources for these linguistic challenges. It includes translation techniques to empower investigative skills when using specialized glossaries and dictionaries. Needless to say, it is quite a challenge for a lexicographer to include all levels of legal terminology in state, federal and immigration courts in the Portuguese language in just one dictionary or glossary, and for that reason it is incumbent upon us to follow our ethical cannons and provide a rendition with the closest equivalent possible in Portuguese. During this English and Portuguese workshop, participants will become familiar with some of the differences between terms that have been literally translated and the parallel between localized terms.

Objectives: By the end of this training session, interpreters will be better equipped to use comparative analysis between Brazilian Portuguese & English court terms; learn the differences between terms used in state, federal & immigration courts; translate non-equivalent terminology by conveying the meaning from these judicial systems; identify reliable resources to enhance terminology management; and Boost investigative terminology strategies in their daily lives.

LEVEL: ALL
LANGUAGE: LANGUAGE NEUTRAL
PRESENTERS: JULIE JOHNSON, EdD

Judicial interpreters often work on the edge of cognitive overload and under significant pressure, causing them to experience both cognitive and emotional stress. How one responds to these demands and stress can be either productive or unproductive, ultimately optimizing or undermining performance. The presenter will offer enlightening theoretical frameworks and empirical examples from interpreting studies and cognitive psychology that help explain these phenomena. Drawing both from research and her multiple years teaching mindfulness to graduate interpreting students, she will show how practicing mindfulness can help interpreters develop the kind of self-compassion, attentional control, and emotional stability under stress that will enable them to perform at their best, whatever the circumstances. Participants will receive resources for further reading and for practicing mindfulness.

Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants will understand cognitive and physiological explanations for why interpreting can be so challenging and trigger feelings of stress or anxiety; know how to improve their performance and wellbeing by learning to regulate their own attention (recover from distractions and refocus a wandering mind); and control emotions (calm their own stress or anxiety). They will grasp what mindfulness is all about and why interpreters and lawyers alike are being trained in how to practice it; recognize a few major theories and enlightening empirical studies from interpreting studies and cognitive psychology, and appreciate insights that can be gained from them.