Interpretation is one of the most vital professions that facilitates cross-linguistic and cross-cultural communication. Numerous associations and organizations have been founded worldwide to support interpreters and advance best practices. These organizations support many facets of interpreting, such as networking, certification, advocacy, and education. Both new and seasoned interpreters can benefit from peer connections, access to helpful resources, and advancement in the field through a thorough understanding of the various interpreting associations and organizations. For both new and seasoned interpreters, a deep understanding of the many interpreting associations and organizations can help to advance the field, create peer connections, and give access to helpful resources.

Some various types of interpreting organizations and how to get involved:

1. Professional Associations for Interpreters

Organizations that unite interpreters and industry stakeholders are known as professional associations. They provide a plethora of advantages, such as professional development resources, networking opportunities, and access to news and trends in the industry. Among the most well-known organizations for interpreters in their field are:

  • The International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC): Professional conference interpreters are represented by the international association AIIC. It establishes guidelines for the industry, offers chances for education and career advancement, and represents conference interpreters’ interests globally.
  • The American Translators Association (ATA): ATA provides services to interpreters in addition to translation. It provides a job board, certification programs, and other tools for professional growth. 
  • The International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI): IAPTI works to advance the rights of qualified interpreters and translators. 

It provides resources for professional development, networking opportunities, and a forum for cooperation and advocacy.

How to Get Involved: It is usually easy to become a member of a professional association. On their websites, the majority of associations offer membership applications. While many associations offer discounted rates for students and early-career professionals, membership fees do vary.

2. Certification and Accreditation Bodies

Organizations that provide certification and accreditation are essential for guaranteeing the caliber and expertise of interpreters. To assist interpreters in meeting these standards, they create certification exams, set standards for the profession, and offer resources and training. Among the major accrediting and certification organizations in the interpreting industry are:

The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT): 

NAJIT is an association dedicated to the practice of legal interpretation and translation. It offers resources for professional growth in the legal industry as well as certification for legal interpreters.

The Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI): 

Healthcare interpreting is the primary focus of CCHI, a certification organization. It provides resources for professional development in the healthcare industry and certifies interpreters for use in medical settings.

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): RID specializes in sign language interpretation. It provides resources for professional development in the field of sign language interpreting as well as certification for sign language interpreters.

How to Get Involved: Typically, to obtain certification from one of these organizations, one must pass a certification exam and fulfill additional requirements like education and experience.  The websites of the various organizations provide information about certification exams and requirements.

3. Industry-specific Associations

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Some associations concentrate on particular industries or kinds of interpreting in addition to general professional associations. For interpreters working in these fields, these associations offer networking opportunities and specialized resources. A few examples are:

  • The Audiovisual Translation and Media Accessibility (ATMA) Research Group: Subtitling, dubbing, and audio description are among the media accessibility and audiovisual translation techniques that this group specializes in. It encourages research in these fields and offers resources.
  • Critical Link International: One organization that specializes in community interpreting is Critical Link International. It offers resources to interpreters who work in community settings and encourages the growth of community interpreting as a profession.

How to Get Involved: You can visit the websites of industry-specific associations to learn more about membership requirements and how to apply. Both professionals and students are eligible to become members of many of these associations.

4. Local and Regional Associations

At the grassroots level, local and regional associations are essential in providing support to interpreters. They offer local advocacy, resources for professional development, and networking opportunities. These associations concentrate on local issues but are frequently connected to larger national or international organizations. Participating in local and regional associations can be a terrific way to meet local interpreters and learn about upcoming events and opportunities.

How to Get Involved: You can find information about membership and upcoming events on the websites or social media pages of local and regional associations. Getting involved and getting to know other interpreters in your community can be accomplished by attending meetings and events.

5. Educational Institutions and Programs

The purpose of educational programs and institutions is to train the next generation of interpreters. They provide workshops, certifications, and degree programs that equip students with the know-how and abilities required to be successful in the industry. Professional associations often have student chapters in many educational institutions, which can offer more opportunities for professional development and networking. Participating in educational institutions can be a terrific way to mentor aspiring interpreters and stay up to date on the most recent developments in the field of interpreting.

How to Get Involved: Professionals from the industry are often appointed to advisory boards or committees at educational institutions. You can get in contact with these organizations to find out about ways to become involved, like giving guest lectures or serving on advisory boards.

6. Nonprofit Organizations and NGOs

Interpreters are frequently employed by nonprofits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide language services in fields like international development, humanitarian aid, and refugee assistance. Programs designed especially to prepare and assist interpreters working in these situations may be offered by these organizations. 

Participating in NGOs and nonprofit organizations can be a fulfilling way to put your interpreting talents to good use and change the world.

How to Get Involved: Volunteer opportunities and job openings for interpreters are frequently offered by nonprofits and NGOs. You can get in contact with these organizations directly to find out about job or volunteer opportunities. 

7. Online Communities and Forums

There are numerous online communities and forums where interpreters can interact with one another and access resources and support in addition to conventional organizations and associations. In particular, interpreters who might not have access to local or regional associations can benefit greatly from these online communities. They offer a venue for networking, knowledge and experience sharing, and keeping up with news and developments in the industry.

How to Get Involved: Setting up an account on a platform is typically all that is required to join online forums and communities. You can locate a community that is pertinent to your interests and level of experience by browsing through the many online communities that have sections devoted to various facets of interpreting, such as languages or styles of interpreting.

Conclusion

Participating in interpreting associations and organizations can offer interpreters many advantages, such as a professional development resource base, advocacy platforms, and networking opportunities. There are many chances to become involved and support the growth of the profession, regardless of your level of experience or recent entry into the industry. You can keep developing and succeeding as an interpreter by maintaining relationships with other interpreters and keeping up with industry advancements.

For those who are looking for additional support, Unspoken Language Services offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Sora Shimazaki