The ATA Chronicle - July/August 2024 - 28

Learn More About
Organizations
Supporting Indigenous
Languages in California
California Rural Legal
Assistance
Centro Binacional para
el Desarrollo Indígena
Oaxaqueño
Collective of Indigenous
Interpreters of Oregon
Comunidades Indígenas
en Liderazgo
Comunidad Maya
Pixan Ixim
Frente Indígena de
Organizaciones
Binacionales
International Mayan
League
Mixteco Indigena
Community Organizing
Project
Mujeres Unidas y
Activas
orientations, with attendees
speaking different Mayan
languages, including K'iche',
Ixil, Q'anjob'al, and Mam.
Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim
staff members Cande, Sandra,
and Lola guided attendees
through an enlightening
journey, beginning with a
brief historical overview
of Mayan languages and
delving into the fundamental
distinctions between
translation and interpreting.
Ethical principles formed
the cornerstone of the
discussions, emphasizing
confidentiality, impartiality,
respect, professionalism,
accuracy, and cultural
responsiveness.
Day two of the workshop
saw a recapitulation of
the prior day's lessons,
reinforcing key concepts
before branching into an
exploration of the diverse
roles and responsibilities of
interpreters across different
domains. The various types
of interpreters-ranging
from court interpreters to
medical and community/
social services interpreters-
were explained, including
the distinct skill sets and
certifications required
for each. Attendees were
equipped with insights
regarding the rigorous
certification processes
and diverse training
avenues available to
aspiring interpreters,
empowering them to
navigate this complex
landscape with confidence
and competence. Through
engaging discussions and
interactive sessions, the
workshop fostered a deeper
understanding of the
multifaceted challenges and
responsibilities inherent
in the interpreter's role,
ultimately paving the way for
enhanced language access
and communication equity
in diverse communities.
Some consecutive and
sight translation practice
from Spanish into Mayan
languages was also part of
this session.
On day three, attendees
learned about starting their
careers in interpreting
by creating résumés
and gaining experience
through Indigenous-led
organizations. Emphasis
was placed on essential
tools like dictionaries,
digital note-taking devices,
language learning apps, and
professional development
resources. Attendees were
also taught the importance
of soft skills, including
active listening, memory
techniques, public speaking,
and ethics. We discussed
various payment avenues,
including interpreting
28 The ATA Chronicle | July/August 2024
www.atanet.org

https://crla.org/ https://crla.org/ https://www.centrobinacional.org/ https://www.centrobinacional.org/ https://www.centrobinacional.org/ https://www.pueblounidopdx.org/collective-of-indigenous-interpreters-of-oregon https://www.pueblounidopdx.org/collective-of-indigenous-interpreters-of-oregon https://mycielo.org/who-we-are/ https://mycielo.org/who-we-are/ https://www.pixanixim.org/ https://www.pixanixim.org/ https://www.fiob.online/ https://www.fiob.online/ https://www.fiob.online/ https://www.mayanleague.org/ https://www.mayanleague.org/ https://mixteco.org/ https://mixteco.org/ https://mixteco.org/ https://mujeresunidas.net/ https://mujeresunidas.net/ http://www.atanet.org

The ATA Chronicle - July/August 2024

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