Interpreters & Interrupters

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 importance of note-taking and adapting quickly to fast-paced and distressing situations.

The Best Note-Taking Techniques for Interpreters

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Maritza shares her personal experiences and challenges during interpreting tests and provides information on the different formats and requirements that will help you be successful. 

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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.

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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
Root Canal, Gauge, Syndrome, Chicken Pox, Failure, Blood Vessel, Living Will, Monkey Pox, Lower Extremities, Triage Team,

Legal Category
Discovery,  Extenuating Circumstances, Exculpatory Evidence, File as in File in Court,  Judiciary, Indictment, Accusatory Instrument, Litigation, Dismiss.

General Category
Leverage, Lawnmower, Checkmark, Demeaning, Car Seat, Time Sensitive, Dispatcher, Answering Service, Acknowledgement.

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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 speakers of indigenous language languages. Plus, how to become an indigenous interpreter. 

Stay tuned until the end for a sample of the Q'eqchi' language!

Maya Bridge

Qʼeqchiʼ Language Wikipedia

YouTube links to listen to people speaking Mayan languages:

Q'eqchi'

K'iche'

Mayan

Ch'orti'

The Qʼeqchiʼ language, casually spoken | Amalaia speaking Kekchi Mayan | Wikitongues

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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 valuable insights and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding, active listening, and empathy in interactions with patients. They also talk about Ana's inspiring event, Nadie Lucha Sola, which offers support to women undergoing cancer treatment.

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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 health.

Check out voice warm-up exercises here:
https://Voicelesson.com

https://youtu.be/i65C5Xi-IiA?si=SJ5QJGWOlwpKSmxl

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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 communication with colleagues, and how to handle challenging terminology during assignments. Whether you're a seasoned interpreter or just starting, this episode is packed with essential advice and personal stories to inspire and educate.

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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 anew, this guide provides valuable insights to help you on your journey.

Indeed.com
ACEBO
Challenges of Over-the-Phone Interpreting
Community Interpreting
Expert Tips from an ASL Interpreter
Working as a UN Interpreter with Gillian Curry

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Maritza shares a safety-focused episode of Interpreters and Interrupters about paying attention to surroundings while interpreting, recounting a near-miss in radiology when she almost stepped into an MRI room without being cleared for metal.

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