Interpreters & Interrupters

AI vs. Human Interpreters: A Deep Dive into the Future of Jobs and Ethics

In this episode of 'Interpreters and Interrupters,' host Maritza discusses the potential impact of AI on interpreting jobs and the broader implications for the workforce. She explores the ethical concerns highlighted by ethicistTristan Harris, featured in the documentary 'The Social Dilemma,' and delves into the technological advancements a...

From Language Lover to Interpreter: A Conversation with Athena Matilsky

Athena shares her journey into interpreting, which began with a love for Spanish.  Athena describes the differences between medical and court interpreting. She also emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, self-evaluation, and preparing for challenging certification exams. Athena reveals her passion for interpreting under pressure, her geeky approach to m...

The vocal mechanism is explained, including how vocal folds work and the impact of breath and body posture. Maritza shares practical tips for voice care, such as warming up with specific exercises, staying hydrated, dietary considerations, and avoiding harmful habits like throat clearing and smoking. Additional advice includes using a humidifier, practicing diaphragmatic breathing, and managing stress to maintain optimal vocal heal...

Emergency Room Interpreter: Chaos, Challenges, and Compassion 

Senior Spanish interpreter Elena Cruz shares her journey from starting as a phone interpreter to becoming an in-person interpreter in an emergency room. 

Elena discusses the challenges of interpreting in chaotic environments, the emotional toll, and how she manages her mental health. She also provides valuable tips for aspiring medical interpreters, including the importan...

Maritza shares a personal experience about the importance of being aware of your surroundings. She recounts a close call in an MRI room and underscores the consequences of not paying attention to safety protocols. 

Maritza offers practical advice on where to stand in various interpreting environments such as courtrooms, medical facilities, and community settings. 

The episode also touches on the challenges of certification tests and ...

This episode addresses the complexities and surprises faced by interpreters in their daily work, revealing that even simple words can pose challenges. 

The recent political changes in the United States, including the new executive order designating English as the official language, raises concerns about the future of interpreters, particularly the removal of ASL interpreters from White House briefings. 

The episode also offers profes...

The Challenges and Rewards of Over-the-Phone Interpreting: Everything You Need to Know

The episode covers the history of OPI, its advantages and disadvantages, the skills required, and steps to become a telephone interpreter. Maritza provides practical advice for working conditions, handling difficult situations, and maintaining professional ethics. She also touches on the financial aspects of OPI, including compensation rates and t...

The Ethical Boundaries and Pitfalls of Professional Interpreting
In this episode of Interpreters and Interrupters, host Maritza discusses the case of Ippei Mizuhara, an interpreter who defrauded baseball star Shohei Ohtani, emphasizing the importance of integrity and confidentiality in the profession. The episode concludes with advice on handling over-the-phone and video remote interpreting, including the importance of vocabula...

Indigenous Language Interpreting Is In Demand

We delve into the world of interpreting indigenous languages, specifically Q'eqchi'. Featuring Jace Norton, founder and CEO of Maya Bridge Language Services, we explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of interpreting for indigenous communities. 

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the significance of language access and the efforts to bridge gaps for sp...

Razan Roumany, shares her journey and experiences as an Arabic and Spanish medical and conference interpreter. Razan details her early inspiration to become an interpreter, her challenges, and the fulfilling aspects of her career. From deciding between medical and legal interpreting to handling interruptions and working under pressure, Razan offers invaluable insights. She also discusses the importance of preparation, effective com...

Interpreters and Interrupters welcomes Ana Fauvet, a nationally certified medical interpreter and event organizer. They discuss the delicate balance of compassion and professionalism in medical interpreting. The conversation covers the controversies of advocacy in medical settings, strategies to express compassion without breaching professional boundaries, and the crucial role of interpreters as cultural brokers. Ana shares valuabl...

Ring of Fire 20 is the last installment of a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters and for all languages, including ASL. Terminology includes Medical, Legal, and General categories. Check out Practice 1 through 19.

CCHI Global Workforce Survey of Health Care Interpreters

In this Practice:
Legal Terms

Abstract; Brief; Bring an action; Care, custody and control; Carjacking; Cease and Desist; Change of Ve...

Ring of Fire is a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters, students, new and seasoned, and can be used for all languages, including ASL.

In this Practice:
Legal Terms
Interest Rate; Tax Rate; Exchange Rate; Rental Rate; Success Rate; Overtime Rate; Discount Rate; Royalty Rate; Rate of Return; Default Rate; Hourly Rate.

Medical Terms
Heart Rate; Mortality Rate; Respiratory Rate; Compli...

In this episode, we explore the steps to becoming an interpreter in the United States. We delve into the differences between translators and interpreters, types of interpreting, and essential questions to ask yourself before starting this career. Discover the pathways to training, certification, and job opportunities, including the nuances of working with agencies and hospitals. Whether you're switching careers or starting ane...

Ring of Fire is a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters, students, new and seasoned, and can be used for all languages, including ASL.

In this Practice:
Legal Category
Gross Misdemeanor, First Offender, Financial Statement, Voluntarily Committed, Reading of Rights, Burglarious Tools

General Category
Civil Celebrant, Sewar, Sewage, Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents, Impound, Eligibility Wor...

Ring of Fire is a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters, students, new and seasoned, and can be used for all languages, including ASL.

In this Practice:
Medical Category
Antisperm Antibodies; Assisted Reproductive Technology; Basal Body Temperature Estimated Due Date; Fertilization; Follicle; Frozen Embryo Transfer; Gonad; In Vitro Fertilization; Insemination; Trying to Conceive; Proges...