Beyond Language, The Expert Interpreter By Reme Bashi   “You can sit there,” the judge told me, as he pointed to an empty seat at the respondent’s table. I politely replied: “Thank you, your honor, but I’ll be using equipment and not sitting by the respondent.”  The judge...

When to Let Compassion Take the Driver’s Seat   By: Jiraporn Ann H. Huynh   At least once in a court interpreter’s lifetime, the moment will come when we interpret a hearing with Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals who are mentally compromised, whether from birth or from a life...

Writing for Proteus: Calling for Submissions   By: The NAJIT Observer Proteus is NAJIT’s quarterly publication, providing judiciary interpreters and translators with an avenue to explore complex industry topics. What Sets Proteus Apart? While both Proteus and The NAJIT Observer serve NAJIT’s mission of promoting professional excellence, they differ in...

The Couch: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome   The NAJIT Observer   A Brief History of The Couch Series [caption id="attachment_36172" align="alignright" width="300"] A symbolic representation of interpreters and translators fostering understanding, depicted by a figure on a couch and another actively listening[/caption]   Since its debut in 2017, The Couch has been the place to provide professionals with...

Writing for The NAJIT Observer   By: The NAJIT Observer   Writing for The NAJIT Observer is not only an opportunity to share insights and experiences, but also a powerful way to refine our own skills, uplift newcomers, and honor those who have paved the way for us. Whether...

Listen to Your Body: Rest Now or Pay Later By Julli Jaramillo   Living in the Northeast of the United States means tolerating brutal winters, but this year, the cold has felt especially relentless—not just in the air, but in the weight of everything happening around us. Political...

The Couch: Starting Fresh-Advice for New Graduates in Judiciary Translation and Interpreting The NAJIT Observer   A Brief History of The Couch Series [caption id="attachment_36172" align="alignright" width="300"] A symbolic representation of interpreters and translators fostering understanding, depicted by a figure on a couch and another actively listening[/caption]   Since its debut...

Judiciary Translation vs. Judiciary Interpretation: Which Path Resonates with You? By: Julli Jaramillo   Language professionals are essential in bridging communication gaps within the judiciary system. As experienced judiciary interpreters and translators, your expertise is vital in ensuring justice and equity for all parties involved. However, many aspiring...

The Importance of Being Called by Your Name By: Ann Heath-Huynh   As the year draws close to an end, we all seem to have different reasons to be scrambling about. Perhaps, in a rush to close business deals or to buy Christmas presents, or planning holiday events. We...

The Day of the Dead: El Día de Muertos – A Lesson in Adapting to Change By Reme Bashi   [caption id="attachment_37368" align="alignright" width="225"] A striking portrayal of La Catrina in front of an intricately carved stone archway during El Día de Muertos celebrations[/caption] If you are unfamiliar with El...