Interpreters & Interrupters

Maritza and co-host Elena discuss why interpreting is more than just knowing two languages and translating words. They share five signs you might be well-suited to be an interpreter, or maybe not. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season Three of 'Interpreters and Interrupters' hosted by Maritza! In this episode, Maritza shares detailed insights about her journey and experiences in becoming a medical interpreter after starting as a legal interpreter in 2007. She outlines valuable tips for anyone considering a career in interpreting, offers advice for job searching and preparing for interviews, and discu...

AI vs. Human Interpreters: A Deep Dive into the Future of Jobs and Ethics In this episode of 'Interpreters and Interrupters,' host Maritza discusses the potential impact of AI on interpreting jobs and the broader implications for the workforce. She explores the ethical concerns highlighted by ethicistTristan Harris, featured in the documentary 'The Social Dilemma,' and delves i...

From Language Lover to Interpreter: A Conversation with Athena Matilsky Athena shares her journey into interpreting, which began with a love for Spanish.  Athena describes the differences between medical and court interpreting. She also emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, self-evaluation, and preparing for challenging certification exams. Athena reveals her passion for interpreting und...

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 st...

Fresh insights, practical tips, and career guidance. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, we've got you covered.  Our host, Maritza brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. She is a legal and certified medical Spanish interpreter, linguistics enthusiast, and polyglot, who is dedicated to helping you elevate your skills and career. Send us Fan Mail

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...

Maritza shares a personal experience about the importance of being aware of your surroundings. She recounts a close call in an MRI room and underscores the consequences of not paying attention to safety protocols.  Maritza offers practical advice on where to stand in various interpreting environments such as courtrooms, medical facilities, and community settings.  The episode also touches on the c...

Whether you're in the legal or medical fields, this episode is a must-watch for professionals new to working with interpreters, as well as for interpreters looking to understand common challenges in the workplace. Send us Fan Mail

This episode addresses the complexities and surprises faced by interpreters in their daily work, revealing that even simple words can pose challenges.  The recent political changes in the United States, including the new executive order designating English as the official language, raises concerns about the future of interpreters, particularly the removal of ASL interpreters from White House brief...

The Challenges and Rewards of Over-the-Phone Interpreting: Everything You Need to Know The episode covers the history of OPI, its advantages and disadvantages, the skills required, and steps to become a telephone interpreter. Maritza provides practical advice for working conditions, handling difficult situations, and maintaining professional ethics. She also touches on the financial aspects of OPI...

The Ethical Boundaries and Pitfalls of Professional Interpreting 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, inclu...

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...

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 impor...

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 c...

Ring of Fire 20 is the last installment of a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters and for all languages, including ASL. Terminology includes Medical, Legal, and General categories. Check out Practice 1 through 19. CCHI Global Workforce Survey of Health Care Interpreters In this Practice: Legal Terms Abstract; Brief; Bring an action; Care, custody and control; Carjacki...

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: Legal Terms Interest Rate; Tax Rate; Exchange Rate; Rental Rate; Success Rate; Overtime Rate; Discount Rate; Royalty Rate; Rate of Return; Default Rate; Hourly Rate. Medical Terms Heart Rate; Mortality Rate; Respirator...

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'r...

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: Legal Category Gross Misdemeanor, First Offender, Financial Statement, Voluntarily Committed, Reading of Rights, Burglarious Tools General Category Civil Celebrant, Sewar, Sewage, Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents,...

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.  Send us Fan Mail

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 Antisperm Antibodies; Assisted Reproductive Technology; Basal Body Temperature Estimated Due Date; Fertilization; Follicle; Frozen Embryo Transfer; Gonad; In Vitro Fertilization; Insemination; Trying t...

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 Achy, Amniocentesis, Backflow, Bed Sore, Calcification, Epidural, Femoral Artery, Menstrual Cramp, Spina Bifida, Wrist and Knee Braces, X-Ray Dye, Bed Pan, Eye Jerking Legal Category Abscond a Monitori...

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 Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, also known as ERCP; Do not Resuscitate, also known as DNR; Vein Mapping; Vital Signs; Appendectomy; Deviated Septum; Discharge Paper; Implanted Loop Reco...

Inside the International Institute of Buffalo: Refugee Support and Language Services In this episode, Robert Thoren, Recruiting and Training Coordinator, at the International Institute of Buffalo (iiBuffalo.org), discusses their work in supporting refugees and asylum seekers, as well as their language services.  The institute's New American Integration department helps with housing and cultur...

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 Allergen, Atrophy, Auditory, Authorized Party, Bloating, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Cirrhosis, Diabetic Retinopathy, Enuresis, Ferrous Sulfate, Genetic Counselor, Malnutrition, Maternal and Fetal Specialist,...