Épisodes

  • E116: Get to Know the American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation (AFTI)

    E116: Get to Know the American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation (AFTI)
    Feb 17 2026
    Preserving the past, supporting the present, and promoting the future of the translation and interpreting professions--That's the mission of the American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation (AFTI)! Since 1997, AFTI has served as the charitable arm of the American Translators Association. It is smaller in size and scope than ATA, so members and non-members may be unaware of the immense benefits they provide. In this episode we sit down with AFTI chair, Caitilin Walsh, to talk about the history of AFTI, what it is, and the many ways it supports language professionals. Tune into this episode of the ATA Podcast to find out about awards, scholarships, and the next AFTI game night! AFTI supports charitable activities, education, and research in support of the translation and interpreting professions. They promote this objective by sponsorship and dissemination of research and education in the fields of translation and interpreting through research grants, scholarships, conferences, and commissions for the production of education materials. Show Notes: American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation: https://afti.org/AFTI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-foundation-for-translation-and-interpretation-inc/about/S. Edmund Berger Prize in Excellence in Scientific and Technical Translation: https://afti.org/berger/Alicia Gordon Award for Word Artistry: https://afti.org/gordon/Marian S. Greenfield Financial Translation Presentation Award: https://afti.org/greenfield/First-time ATA Conference Attendee Scholarship: https://afti.org/ftas/ATA/AFTI Student Translation Award: https://afti.org/studenttx/Donate to AFTI: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML2H1J5JV4PJJ/checkout/YUQ53HCSXZCHBBFO7VGMQKOK Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/Benefits of ATA Membership: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/ATA's 67th Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata67/ Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening! Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan
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    34 min
  • E115: ASTM Standards on Language Services Explained

    E115: ASTM Standards on Language Services Explained
    Jan 15 2026
    Standards are a way to signal to the world that you care about the quality of your work and product, and it is up to us to set and encourage best practices in a given profession. When clients can't easily judge the quality of the services they purchase, they turn to standards to help gauge it. In this episode of the ATA Podcast, ASTM subcommittee chair and ATA member Steve Lank discusses the origins of ASTM translation and interpretation standards, how they were developed, and what they mean in practice for language professionals. ASTM International is one of the world's largest international standards developing organizations, defining and setting standards to improve the lives of millions. Listen and learn how ASTM standards affect both language services providers and those receiving services by understanding what clients are looking for and what language professionals need to know to meet those expectations. Show Notes:
    • ASTM International: https://www.astm.org/
    • ASTM Standard Practice for Language Translation: https://store.astm.org/f2575-23e02.html
    • ATA Certification: https://www.atanet.org/certification/
    • International Organization for Standardization: https://www.iso.org/home.html
    • Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
    • The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
    • ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
    • ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
    • The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/

    Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening!

    Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan
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    33 min
  • E114: Making Community with Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

    E114: Making Community with Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
    Dec 15 2025
    The ever-changing landscape of working as a language professional prompts translators and interpreters to lean into unique areas and specialties. ATA offers a way to build communities around these interests in the form of officially recognized Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Similar to divisions, SIGs are a convenient way to provide ATA members the opportunity to build, connect, and grow with other linguists within their professional or non-working niche. We are joined in this ATA Podcast episode by Robert Sette, CT, a longtime translator who works in many language pairs and is the founder of ATA's SIGs membership benefit. Tune in as Adam interviews him to hear more about ATA's current SIGs and what you can gain by joining or forming your own. Show Notes: Mentoring Program: https://www.atanet.org/career-education/mentoring/mentoring-program/ATA's Board of Directors: https://www.atanet.org/about-us/board/ATA Divisions and SIGs: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/ Join Divisions and Special Interest Groups: https://communityhub.atanet.org/mydivisions Southeast Asian Languages SIG: https://www.atanet.org/special-groups/seal-sig-southeast-asian-languages/ Financial Translators SIG: https://www.atanet.org/special-groups/ft-sig-financial-translators/ Translators and Interpreters in Education SIG: https://www.atanet.org/special-groups/ite-sig-interpreters-translators-in-education/ Benefits of ATA Membership: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/ ATA Membership Categories: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/member-categories/ American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education: https://www.aaite.org/ Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/ Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening! Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly
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    20 min
  • E113: The Ins and Outs of ATA Certification

    E113: The Ins and Outs of ATA Certification
    Aug 15 2025
    Are you interested in taking the ATA certification exam? Want to know what to expect and how it works? In this episode, ATA Podcast host Adam Sachs interviews Elias Shakkour, co-deputy chair of ATA's Certification Committee, to understand the ins and outs of ATA certification. Elias shares insights into the certification program and also explains how it works, how to prepare, how it's graded, and how to get the most out of your results. ATA certification is one of the industry's most respected credentials for translators and is the only widely recognized measure of competence for translation in the U.S. ATA-certified translators earn a distinction that can open doors to career advancement and higher compensation. Adam and Elias discuss this distinction and much more in this episode of the ATA Podcast! Show Notes: ATA Divisions and SIGs: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/ATA Certification: https://www.atanet.org/certification/Exam Schedule: https://www.atanet.org/certification/exam-schedule-and-registration/Practice Test: https://www.atanet.org/certification/practice-test/ATA Certification Exam Technical Requirements: https://www.atanet.org/certification/prepare-to-take-the-ata-certification-exam/restrictions-and-requirements/Online Resource List: https://www.atanet.org/certification/prepare-to-take-the-ata-certification-exam/restrictions-and-requirements/resources/ Why ATA Certification? Benefits of the Credential: https://www.atanet.org/certification-exam/why-ata-certification-benefits-of-the-credential/ The Ideal Candidate: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/highlights/the-ideal-candidate/ Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/ Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening! Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly
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    38 min
  • E112: Executive Order 14224 Explained with Dr. Bill Rivers

    E112: Executive Order 14224 Explained with Dr. Bill Rivers
    Jul 15 2025
    On March 1, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14224 designating English as the official language of the United States and revoking EO 13166, an executive order from 2000 aimed at improving language access. On this episode of the ATA Podcast, co-host Adam Sachs questions Dr. Bill Rivers on the order, its effects on language access, and how it affects language services providers. Dr. Rivers joins us with experience spanning over 30 years of research, advocacy, and work in translation and language access, and this episode thoroughly examines the new EO using his insights and expertise. Following EO 14224 being issued, six of the nation's leading professional T&I organizations issued a joint statement opposing the order. ATA stands with its members and the communities we serve, and ensuring language access for limited-English-proficient (LEP) individuals is a key part of ATA's mission. Voice your support for language access provisions by contacting your representatives and ensuring that the LEPs you engage with are aware of their language access rights, and listen to the ATA Podcast to stay informed and vigilant about this consequential topic and to hear other ways ATA is pushing back and standing up for language access. Show Notes: ATA Divisions and SIGs: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/ATA's Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata66/Executive Order 13166: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/Executive Order 14224: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/08/16/00-20938/improving-access-to-services-for-persons-with-limited-english-proficiencyJoint Statement on the Trump Administration's Executive Order 14224: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/leading-language-organizations-oppose-executive-order-14224-warn-of-potential-consequences/ Lau v. Nichols: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/414/563/ Meyer v. Nebraska: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/262/390/ Title VI, U.S. Constitution: https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI#:~:text=Title%20VI%2C%2042%20U.S.C.,activities%20receiving%20federal%20financial%20assistance LEP.gov: https://www.lep.gov/ Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening! Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly
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    37 min
  • E111: The 2025 ATA Halftime Show

    E111: The 2025 ATA Halftime Show
    Jun 25 2025

    Join ATA Podcast co-host Adam Sachs as he interviews ATA President Geoff Koby and ATA President-Elect Andy Benzo about ATA's standout accomplishments this year and what we can expect in the months to come! From reviewing ATA's recent advocacy efforts to how the upcoming ATA Annual Conference is shaping up, you'll get an all-around view of ATA's full 2025 agenda.

    Insights from the ATA leaders in this episode include updates about membership and member benefits, ATA's new association management system (AMS) and online directory, and where we and our members stand in the face of artificial intelligence. Geoff also mentions a new strategic plan in the works by the Board, and we hear what it means to be an involved and voting member. If you're catching up or new to ATA, this is the episode for you!

    Show Notes:

    • ATA Divisions: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/
    • ATA's Statement on AI: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/ata-statement-on-artificial-intelligence/
    • Joint Statement on the Trump Administration's Executive Order 14224: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/leading-language-organizations-oppose-executive-order-14224-warn-of-potential-consequences/
    • ATA's Letter in support of Afghan interpreters: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/ata-urges-u-s-government-to-reinstate-safe-pathways-for-afghan-allies-who-served-alongside-u-s-troops-as-interpreters-and-translators/
    • Become a Voting Member: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/become-a-voting-member/
    • ATA Elections: https://www.atanet.org/about-us/board/elections/
    • ATA's Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata66/

    • Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
    • The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
    • ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
    • ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn

    Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening!

    Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly
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    43 min
  • E110: ATA's New Guides to Buying Translation and Interpreting Services

    E110: ATA's New Guides to Buying Translation and Interpreting Services
    May 15 2025

    In this episode of the ATA Podcast, Adam Sachs connects with Eve Bodeux and Jamie Hartz to explore ATA's newly published Guide to Buying Translation Services and Guide to Buying Interpreting Services. Whether you are a translator, interpreter, agency, or organization seeking professional language services, these guides are invaluable reference tools to show you what working with a language service provider looks like and how to streamline every aspect of the process.

    Tune in as Eve and Jamie walk us through what it was like to put these guides together and what information is at your disposal to optimize your future endeavors. Are you new to interpreting and trying to get a sense of which official credentials will be valuable? Are you looking to hire a translator for a special project and want to know what kind of factors to consider to find the best fit? For providers and end users alike, this episode and these guides are a great way to map what your partnership should look like!

    Show Notes:

    • ATA66 Hotel Information: https://www.atanet.org/ata66/hotel/
    • ATA's Language Services Guides: https://www.atanet.org/client-assistance/buying-language-services/
    • Find a Language Professional: https://www.atanet.org/directory/
    • ATA Compass Blog: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-compass/
    • Guide to ATA Certification: https://www.atanet.org/certification/guide-to-ata-certification/
    • Credentialed Interpreter Designation: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/credentialed-interpreter-designation/

    • Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
    • The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
    • ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
    • ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn

    Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening!

    Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly

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    22 min
  • E109: Organizing a Local ATA Event

    E109: Organizing a Local ATA Event
    Apr 15 2025
    Did you know the joy of gathering with other language professionals isn't reserved exclusively for ATA's Annual Conference? Getting involved locally can be a wholesome and inexpensive way to connect with your community, expand your network, and form new partnerships. On this episode of the ATA Podcast, German Language Division administrator Karen Leube describes how and why the group's initial luncheon grew into an annual multi-day event in Europe—and she shares tips to organize your own event! From location to budget considerations, Karen shares her experience in covering all fronts of organizing a local division event. How do you collect registrations? What topics should you cover? What resources are there? Hear all of this and more in this episode!

    Show Notes:

    • ATA66 Hotel Information: https://www.atanet.org/ata66/hotel/
    • ATA Divisions & SIGs: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/
    • GLD Calendar: https://ata-divisions.org/GLD/gld-calendar/

    • Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
    • The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
    • ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
    • ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn

    Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to podcast@atanet.org. Thank you for listening!

    Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly

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    26 min