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Advocacy in interpreting is hotly contested. The role of the interpreter is unquestionably to be a language conduit, a clarifier, and a cultural broker. Being an advocate is much more difficult to pin down: what’s meant by advocate? And when is advocacy appropriate for an interpreter? In this installment of our Interpreter Skills series, we’ll…

In this installment of our Interpreter Skills series, we’re going to cover notetaking. Taking notes while interpreting is both a skill and an asset. When executed properly, note-taking becomes an essential part of your interpreting. There are three aspects to consider: the tools you’ll use, what to note, and how to note it during a…

One of the most common questions interpreters ask is, “What do we do when a client says something rude or derogatory?” It’s a tricky situation and quite uncomfortable but there’s a clear answer: interpret everything you hear. In this installment of our Interpreter Skills series, we’ll cover how to handle these incidents. Interpreting Everything You…

Physically preparing for an assignment the night before the session is a vital part of interpreting. Having the tools for the job prepped the night before helps you eliminate obstacles to being on time. Physical preparation also helps your mental preparation: bringing you into the correct mindset to act as a professional interpreter. In this…

As you start in the interpreting industry, you’ll acclimate to so many different aspects of job preparation. They become a routine, an automatic reflex before you begin your assignments. The term “prep session” is somewhat misleading as it doesn’t have to do with physical or mental preparation. However, it’s still a vital part of assignment…

Working as a professional interpreter requires a great deal of organization and thought. You’re not only representing yourself; you’re also representing the interpreting service for whom you’re working. To demonstrate best practices, we’ve broken the concept of “professionalism” into three parts: before, during and after the assignment. Interpreting should never be taken lightly, and preparation is…

In the first parts of this blog series, we’ve discussed types of school meetings and what to anticipate. Now, let’s talk about IEP meetings. Meetings to develop an IEP are some of the most common school interpreting meetings you’ll encounter as an interpreter. They’re collaborative processes between school administration, parents, and students, to determine how…

School interpreting differs significantly from medical or legal interpreting but is still one of the most common types of assignments. In our last installment of this series, we discussed the most common appointments you’ll likely encounter as an interpreter. Now, let’s talk about what to expect when preparing for and attending a school interpreting assignment.…

As an interpreter, you’ll inevitably encounter times when you feel uncomfortable on the job. Some clients or non-English speakers will speak in a way you feel is inappropriate, offensive, or derogatory. You may feel personally insulted by the comments, regardless of if they’re directed at you. In the most extreme circumstances, they may be directed…

School interpreting is a subset of business/escort interpreting—but it’s much more than that. School interpreting accounts for a significant portion of agency work. To work as a professional interpreter, it’s important to have school interpreting skills in your repertoire. In this three-part blog series, we’ll cover different aspects of school interpreting to keep you cool…

Interpreting is a career in which it’s vital to prepare with off-the-job study hours. Alongside learning terminology, organizing assignments, and professional training seminars, the best preparation is practice. Interpreting is best learned through doing and though out-loud practice may seem awkward at first, it’s an invaluable resource. Learning how to not only practice but practice…

Legal interpreting isn’t for the faint-hearted and is widely regarded as the most difficult form of interpreting. As a new interpreter approaching the subject, you’ll need to prepare yourself for commitment to years of training. However, legal interpreting provides one of the most stable careers in the interpreting industry. Once you’ve mastered the basics and…

As you begin your career as a medical interpreter, you’ll likely encounter a few common appointments. These appointments range in difficulty and are often daunting when you first start out. If you’re working with an agency, they’ll be able to assign you to appointments to help you gain experience. Don’t worry! After you have a…

As you start interpreting, you’ll find that using medical terminology is a vital part of your new career. This is self-evident: medical interpreters work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and a variety of other places patients seek consultation. Thus, medical interpreters must use proper medical terminology whenever possible. In this article, we’ll address some of…

Learning medical terminology can seem daunting when you first start your career as an interpreter. There are so many words and phrases to learn and every appointment requires different vocabulary. Luckily, once you get into a grove, you’ll find that self-study comes naturally and your confidence grows. The Importance of Learning Medical Terminology Knowing basic…

Interpreting medical terminology is, naturally, one of the key parts of being a medical interpreter. While it’s not necessary that you be a medical professional, medical interpreters need to have foundational knowledge. The ability to translate medical terms in any circumstance is crucial. Through proper preparation and self-study, medical terminology is a breeze for even…

When it comes to defining the concept of “bridge the gap” or “bridging the gap” we refer to connecting concepts. When these concepts or items have similar qualities or when we are trying to connect the dots between those elements, we are also trying to bridge the gap. Furthermore, what we are trying to accomplish…

In the first part of this blog series, we covered the differences between virtual classroom trainings and in-person courses. Here, we’ll expand to give you tips to prepare for your virtual course. Proper preparation is the key to success. Feeling grounded and ready will give you the best foundation for retaining information as you begin…

Knowing medical terminology is highly beneficial to working interpreters. The “behind the scenes” aspects of job preparation is one of the most vital parts of an interpreting session. Learning medical terminology seems challenging at first glance. Luckily, there are some easy ways to start yourself on the right path. Why learn medical terms? Job preparation…

Becoming a Certified National Medical Interpreter is an excellent way to advance your career and interpreting ability. This blog contains an easy-to-use flowchart; to help you understand the requirements to become a Certified National Medical Interpreter. Our goal is to help you to easily navigate through the requirements; while comparing both certifications. There are currently…

2020 was an out-of-the-ordinary year for everyone, with COVID-19 affecting every aspect of daily life. The move to fully online courses was one of the most profound changes for students and professionals undergoing interpreting trainings. While most understand the ins and outs of taking a “traditional” course; the transition to online platforms is still difficult.…

As an interpreter (and particularly a medical interpreter), learning medical terminology is a vital part of the job. Without a basic understanding of medical terms and phrases; your interpreting sessions can’t proceed smoothly. It can be daunting: the medical field is vast and complex so medical terminology is often complicated and highly nuanced. Luckily, you…

Standardized interpreter training is a vital part of the interpreting industry. A well-crafted interpreter training program not only prepares an interpreter for the demands of the job but ensures consistent quality. But why attend a professional interpreter training session? What are the benefits of training with a group, rather than as an individual? What constitutes…

There are various reasons why you might need to work with an interpreter; a professional who facilitates communication between speakers of different languages. Whether you seek to reach a larger audience at your conference; provide healthcare to those with limited English proficiency; or communicate in a legal setting – the reasons to use an interpreter…

As the person responsible for technology improvements, sales and marketing at Global Arena; I wanted outline the essentials of the translation business; and how to apply that knowledge to your organization while optimizing your translation costs. In addition to my above-mentioned responsibilities; I also have a hand in vendor, finance and overall operations management at…

You might be accustomed with interpreting services, or with the act of simplifying the communication between two people who don’t speak the same language. Are you aware that it is possible to have interpreting service in a remote way? By meaning without an interpreter being physically present in the same room. Video Remote Interpreting Video…

There is a fundamental difference between Simultaneous Interpretation and Remote Simultaneous Interpretation. Simultaneous interpreting is the instantaneous conversion of one spoken language to another; a simultaneous interpreter listens to the words being spoken and immediately renders them in the second language, while simultaneously listening to the next sentence (the first language). However, when you add…

International mobility is a key factor in multinational success. As your company expands, it’s natural to face challenges as you prepare for your new chapter abroad. Global Arena’s Mobility Department will help you handle everything you need to develop an international relocation plan. From language training and intercultural training to destination services, Global Arena provides…

Learn what you need to know in less than 5 minutes. A Comprehensive Guide for Everyday Use. The acronym, “OSHA” is familiar to most workers as it pertains to workplace safety and employee rights. As such, it may seem strange to think about how language services, such as interpreting, could connect to any kind of…

Let’s say you are a growing company looking to break into the global marketplace. You know that going global will open up many possibilities, but there are also challenges. You know that to compete in the global marketplace you must understand how to engage across cultures. However, one of the biggest hurdles you may face…

What are the ingredients for a good translation? What differentiates a good translation from an excellent one? These are the questions that preoccupy translation providers and were uppermost in my mind when thinking about how to shed light on our practices, priorities and thought processes. With this in mind, I decided that my main goal…

Moving to another country is one of the most gratifying and challenging experiences in life. It’s vital for a business considering employee relocation to think about a prospective mover’s well-being in their new home. Using global mobility services can help make a temporary or permanent assignment a rich and positive experience. Our environment has an…

For Deaf students, having an interpreter makes all the difference in their academic careers. One adage (often attributed to Helen Keller) states; “Blindness cuts us off from things; deafness cuts us off from people“. While conventional interpreting facilitates comprehension, Educational Interpreters for the Deaf also create social connection. As these students often face stigma in…

Global Arena is the premier source for personalized language training programs. We offer lessons in over 150 languages. Our trainers are native speakers who are dedicated to helping you achieve success in your language-learning endeavors. We’ll work with you to ensure that you’re able to meet your goals—for any reason you’d like to learn. Motivations…

In any relocation program, people come first Businesses commonly cite five main reasons for relocating operations to a new location. These are: Labor and work force issues (including disputes between employees and difficulty reaching KPIs) The desire to reach new markets (both international and domestic) The need to upgrade facilities or equipment (office space, warehousing…

When it comes to providing health care services, communication is an essential factor. The patient will need to describe their symptoms, discuss treatment and results, and give their informed consent. Research shows that language barriers can cause numerous issues in health care. Being unable to communicate clearly with medical professionals can result in misdiagnosis, incorrect…

Methods to enhance language skills Language training methods may be taught as general school subjects, through specialized training schools, or even through online courses. Many different methods are used to teach languages. Some have fallen into relative obscurity while others are widely used. However, even those with a small following offer useful insight. Three of…

The United States holds enormous cultural diversity. Historically, our country is known as a “melting pot,” a place where people from all cultures can make a home. This diversity shows in every aspect of American life and is especially noticeable in the workplace. From small, local business to multinational corporations, intercultural training and cultural competency…

Important Update: Global Arena is Offering Remote Bridging the Gap Medical Certificate Courses Global Arena is a licensed provider for Bridging the Gap, a nationally recognized medical interpreter training program. Bridging the Gap offers standardized training to ensure the highest level of interpreting professionalism and client experience. The program is forty hours and covers the…

Translation or Interpreting? There is a lot of confusion surrounding the terms “interpreting” and “translation”. While both deal with translating one language into another, interpreting refers to facilitating communication in spoken language and translation refers to written text. Clients who are searching for language service providers sometimes mistake translation and interpreting services as more or…

When speaking American English, the clearest sound comes from reducing regional accent and direction towards Modern Use Standard English (MUSE). MUSE is classed as “midwestern English” and is known as the “Standard American Accent.” When looking to achieve MUSE, accent reduction training is an invaluable tool for polishing speech patterns and enhancing diction. Accents by…

Online Business English Training provides a time-efficient and cost-effective way to develop the English-language skills that your company needs. Online training offers a flexible, from-anywhere solution that works for everyone from entry-level managers to C-suite executives. The training emphasizes English vocabulary and conversation skills that match the learner’s role, sector and working scenarios. Most English…

When it comes to translation, the nature of each project varies greatly. For example, concepts and messages are very important in marketing and advertising. Communicating the nature of these messages in different languages and cultures is often more important than simply translating them literally. Although professional document translation will deliver clear, correct text in your…

At Global Arena, we strive to help our customers improve their internal communications and interactions across cultures and time zones. As an international company ourselves (with employees in four countries spread across two continents) this subject is personal for us. We’re highly versed in the challenges that international relocations and expansions create. We also understand…

Can A Non-Native Speaker achieve the Proficiency level Of A Native Speaker? There are many reasons to learn a foreign language. You might want to speak a new language in order to be able to communicate with others or navigate a foreign country. Maybe you want to read books or watch movies in their original…

Global Arena provides personalized intercultural training programs with the goal of alleviating internal diversity concerns. We specialize in connecting cultures and building positive, culturally sensitive work environments. We customize our trainings according to our clients’ needs and unique specifications. Also we work with companies to help each employee address their individual needs and create the…

Repatriation Training 12 to 20 percent of employees leave their job within 1 to 2 years of returning home from an international assignment. International assignments represent a huge investment and losing an employee after they return home can turn profit into loss. A well-thought-out and professionally conducted Repatriation Training contributes to loss prevention. It helps…

An interpreter is someone whose primary role is to facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. They aim to fully convey what the original speaker says to another individual who does not share the language. Often this includes interpreting cultural cues to express the speaker’s intent. Therefore, a qualified interpreter is not just someone…

Coronavirus approach – Safety First and get vaccinated A year and a half into the Covid-19 Pandemic, we continue taking the health and well-being of our employees, contractors and the populations we serve very seriously. The number of cases of Covid-19 (also known as Coronavirus) in the USA continues being concerning and the recent Delta…

The value of professional translation services is not always easy to calculate, especially for someone unfamiliar with the industry. The return on investment is difficult to define, and we should not measure it based only on cost. It is easy to think that every agency completes translations the same way. When looking for the right…

Healthcare facilities have a responsibility to their patients to provide the best possible care. One way to improve patient satisfaction that may not come to mind at first is to offer quality interpreting services for limited English proficiency patients. After all, how can a patient be satisfied if they cannot fully understand their experience at…

We celebrate International Translator Day annually on September 30th. But what are the reasons to become a professional translator? At a glance, translation is the conversion of written text between the source language and the target language. While this is the definition of translation in its most basic form, it is also much more exciting…

There is an increasing issue in the United States: a lack of qualified medical interpreters. According to the US Census Bureau, around 25 million Americans have limited English proficiency. The groups most affected by the lack of interpreters are immigrants, refugees, and migrant workers. Non-English speakers or those with limited English proficiency sometimes avoid seeking…

Connecting Cultures: America and Japan Global Arena’s intercultural language academy specializes in designing, customizing, and delivering a vast array of intercultural training services. We aim to tackle and overcome our clients’ unique cultural challenges. We tailor our trainings to each client’s requirements, specifications, and goals. An we love working with our clients to create programs…

Finding the Right Translation Partner The challenge a potential customer faces today is no longer how to find a translator, but rather how to find the right translation partner. Nowadays, translation agencies can carry out the entire process online. We scan, email, and translate documents, eliminating the need to find the right translation agency locally.…

What is HIPAA? A Brief Explanation HIPAA is The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996. The aim of the Act is to ensure that employees who work for American companies can retain their health insurance coverage while moving to different jobs…

Combining the Art of Translation with the Science of Language In the age of Google translate and AI, we must rethink the role of the human translator. Some may even wonder, where do human translation services fit in this modern climate? Why bother with the process of hiring a translator when there are plenty of…

Global Arena Offers Language Training Programs all Over the World Language training is an integral part of working with international clients; multicultural populations, and expanding or relocating your business and employee base. Language is our common ground, our basis for all human connection; and the quickest way to establish a working relationship. At Global Arena,…

Relocating to a Foreign Country Relocating abroad is one of the most exciting projects that an individual or company can take on. Relocation and international expansion have a number of benefits, including a vast new network, more revenue potential, opportunities for employee advancement and retention, heightened employee morale; and the ability to find new outlets…

In our blog post 10 Translation & Localization Acronyms, we introduced the concept of OPI, or Over-the-Phone Interpreting services. Also known as Telephonic Interpreting, OPI is a service that provides a remote alternative to face-to-face interpreting. Essentially, when you require interpreting services, you simply call a number and you’ll be connected immediately with a native…

The translation industry can be intimidating if you aren’t familiar with it, with a lot of industry-specific terminology. Global Arena is here to serve all your translation needs, but you can become savvy by familiarizing yourself with this translation lingo. Today we are going to introduce ten concepts that, in fact, all translators know… And,…

While all interpreters are expected to maintain professional confidentiality in their work, it is even more crucial in medical contexts. The conversations between a doctor and patient can be sensitive enough even without the presence of a third party. How do interpreters put their clients at ease and guarantee that what is being shared will…

After you’ve finished university – especially if you’ve attended graduate school – it can be tempting to think you’re done with learning. Further Education is for you You might acquire some new skills or take a workshop here and there, but no more homework or exams, right? In truth, learning is a lifelong pursuit, with…

What is Learning and Development? An overview of some new offerings Having skilled interpreters with linguistic expertise and providing workers with cultural education is only part of expanding your company and “going global”. Refining policies, practices, and structures is also an integral part of creating an international operation.   In some industries, such as medical…

As globalization brings speakers of different languages into closer contact; interpreters have become commonplace in a variety of contexts. Medical and legal professionals are especially used to working with linguists in hospitals and courtrooms where mutual understanding is crucial. When a linguist is not readily available in person, options such as telephonic interpreting can help…

What is culture? It seems like a straightforward question, but when talking about a person’s cultural background, the answer is actually quite complex. Culture in this context means a set of learned values, internalized practices, and shared beliefs among a group of people. We often think of it simultaneously as something internal and external, both…

What is Conference Interpreting? Are you familiar with the different types of interpreting services? Each situation needs a specific interpreting service. There are some situations that require an interpreter like conferences, large gatherings, seminars, etc. When you give a lecture to a large number of people who might be limited English speakers; the best choice…

Chances are, you’ve encountered at least a few examples of poorly-translated websites, signs, or product labels here and there. The localization industry is replete with stories about translation projects gone wrong; with results ranging from offensive to hilarious. You want to ensure that the translations for your globalizing project or company are as accurate and…

The Medical Interpreter’s Official Role… For any doctor it is very important to ensure that their patients comprehend their questions; in order to apply the best treatment. Having medical interpreters on call is crucial for helping patients with limited English ability. However, interpreting shows the difference between the skills from active participants in a communicative…

Companies cannot afford to take the risk of cutting corners with confidentiality. Whether for a business contract, legal document or personal papers; they should always use professional language services to translate confidential documents securely. Trusting a friend or acquaintance with sensitive information, even if he or she speaks the language fluently, could have unwanted legal…

Machine translation is software that automatically translates languages on websites. Do not confuse it with online translation tools or applications for smartphones; they are tools designed for the rapid translation of words; and also short phrases. Machine Translation is designed for large volumes of text. It uses pre-programmed computer coding to switch automatically between languages.…

Each May, we celebrate some important holidays that often go overlooked. Of course, you might not have heard of these special days, but they are quite important within the language and cultural industry. Teachers and interpreters are important parts of our daily life. Without them, we would not be able to communicate across borders. There…

Creating Connections with Expert Translators The benefits of certified translation for a business or organization may not seem apparent at first glance. Why go the extra mile when you just can search for cheap freelancers; or use one of the ever-increasing number of software and web translation tools? But the truth is that without a…

Benefits of Language Training Effective communication is essential for doing business. That requires recognizing and respecting cultural differences and having the ability to adapt accordingly. Communicating in the language of your client takes effective networking to the next level. Executive language training (ELT) programs allow executives and managers to develop language skills quickly; conveniently and…

Early Intervention services provide support to families with young children who have developmental delays, disabilities, or specific health conditions. Limited English proficiency (LEP) families require the assistance of professional interpreters to understand the concerns expressed and discussed in Early Intervention appointments. Global Arena published a blog titled “The Role of the Interpreter in Early Intervention”…

How to choose your ideal translation partner? Discover 5 tips for the perfect choice The success of a company depends on many factors: innovation, leadership, financial management, a clear vision, quality in service, team work, team management, and efficiency, to name a few. Companies with global objectives strive to excel in both qualitative and, quantitative…

A freelance translator or a translation company. What’s the better option? The inner workings of a translation agency can seem quite opaque to an outsider. Do you know what goes on behind the walls of a translation agency? What about working with a translation freelancer? Translation Companies work like a talent language tranlation agency, because…