Professional Society for Translators and Interpreters

[Genevra Gerhart]

Greetings!

I had the great good fortune to deliver the Susana Griess Lecture for the
Slavic Division of the ATA -- American Translators Association this last
weekend. For me, it was a very good lesson on what a vigorous professional
organization can do for its members
The conference was fascinating. What energy and ingenuity goes into the
thing! Just the business meeting alone was interesting. They have hired a
professional PR type who has been notably successful promoting their
organization and their profession, on major media such as CNN, NPR, and
their ilk.  They are promoting the idea of the professional translator (not
just someone with some exposure to more than one language), they actually
certify translators via significant tests, they have pamphlets for
distribution to businesses making clear why a good translator is worth the
(significant) money paid for one. etc. etc.
They also had special programs demonstrating why professional (and
certified)translators should be used by both the medical and the legal
fraternities in their work.
It might be worth our while to check out what former students are up to.
Their web site is www.ata.org
Genevra Gerhart

http://www.GenevraGerhart.com

ggerhart at comcast.net
(206) 329-0053

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------