> This is
> truly an emergency, or I would have insisted they use professional
> translators - people with Masters Level and certificates.
>
Just a clarification, and a request for more info.

In most countries, there are processes for certifying translators --
nearly always in a particular language combination (expressed as two
languages, the "from" followed by the "into"), often a particular area
of expertise (translation means written, interpretation means spoken,
terminology and revision are more advanced or precise areas). So
generally, yes, translators with certificates should be given first
opportunity. However, community interpretors are often volunteers,
without certificates because the certification process costs money. The
accreditation or certification criteria include education, experience,
examination, adherence to a code of ethics, etc. If this sounds
familiar, it is because (as I have mentioned before on Lactnet) it is
similar to IBLCE accreditation, and the bar is generally raised over
time. However, Masters level is not a requirement, even in Canada where
we have strong professional training programs for translators that often
include graduate schools. We can't fill our need for translators as it
is, and we have never been able to show that postgraduate education is
helpful in passing the exam, although we have found that experience
correlates to success on the exam (which is fairly low) and with
satisfaction and retention in the workplace. As a result, the experience
required has increased, and, yes, I have been monitoring it for
inclusiveness (stay-at-home moms can work free-lance :-)

My question : what are the criteria or procedures in other countries?

My rationale : this is breastfeeding - related because, increasingly, we
are seeing a need for readable materials in other languages for our
breastfeeding clients.

Jo-Anne Elder, PhD, Cert. Tr. (CTIC by affiliation, French-English) aka
Jo-Anne Elder-Gomes, IBCLC


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