Summary

In this episode of the Found In Interpretation Podcast, hosts Alain Breton and Brian Bickford welcome Corrine McKay, a seasoned freelance interpreter and translator. They discuss Corrine's journey into the world of translation and interpreting, the importance of professional associations like the American Translators Association (ATA), and the challenges and rewards of freelancing. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of language rights in the U.S., the impact of political changes on language services, and the unique aspects of interpreting in the U.S. legal system. In this conversation, Corinne McKay discusses the dynamics of the language services market, the evolution of freelancing in translation, and the upcoming publications that aim to guide new professionals in the field. She highlights the differences in working conditions between the US and Canadian markets, the value of interpreting versus translation, and offers advice for aspiring translators and interpreters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the bright future of the profession despite challenges posed by technology and market fluctuations.

Takeaways

Corrine McKay emphasizes the importance of professional associations for freelancers.

The struggle for many freelancers is not the language work, but the business side.

Freelancing offers flexibility but comes with financial uncertainty.

Joining professional associations can provide networking and training opportunities.

The U.S. legal system mandates interpreter services for non-English speakers in court.

The U.S. does not have an official language, impacting language services.

Political changes can influence funding for language services.

Interpreting for African French speakers is generally easier than for other dialects.

The ATA provides a directory for clients to find interpreters and translators.

Freelancers often have to adapt to changing market demands. The US language services market has historical stability despite administration changes.

Freelancing in translation has evolved significantly since the early 2000s.

Upcoming publications aim to address current challenges in the profession.

International relevance of translation guides is crucial for global practitioners.

Working conditions differ greatly between US and Canadian markets.

Interpreting offers a sense of closure that translation does not.

The future of translation and interpreting remains bright despite challenges.

Marketing is essential for building a successful freelance business.

Persistence is key in establishing a stable client base.

The profession requires adaptability to changing technologies and market demands.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:27 Corrine McKay's Journey in Translation and Interpreting

05:16 The Role of Professional Associations in Freelancing

10:20 The Impact of Freelancing on Work-Life Balance

12:11 Interpreting in the U.S. Legal System

19:17 Language Dynamics in the U.S. and Canada

22:30 The Paradox of Language Rights in the U.S.

27:06 Political Influence on Language Services

28:05 Language Services Market Dynamics

29:28 The Evolution of Freelancing in Translation

31:03 Upcoming Publications and Their Impact

32:14 International Relevance of Translation Guides

33:28 Working Conditions: A Comparative Analysis

35:40 The Value of Interpreting vs. Translation

46:27 Advice for Aspiring Translators and Interpreters