A new National Center for Interpretation program is being offered to assist University of Arizona departments and other units that might have a need for translation, interpretation or bilingual assistance.
NCI, founded at the U of A in 1979, offers a variety of services, including translator and interpreter training and testing in both the legal and medical fields, translation and interpretation services, and self-study materials to ensure interpreters reach a level of excellence required by the field.
The new Review of Bilingual Employee Qualifications program came about because of issues on campus with current bilingual employees being tasked with translation and interpretation, said NCI Director Sonia Colina.
“This serves the university because the university has resources in bilingual employees that it can use more efficiently. They’re mostly untapped and the work that is done is mostly ad hoc,” Colina said. “This is a way it can be done more systematically and ensure the quality.”
NCI can provide units with expert advice about whether an individual has the qualifications to provide translation or interpretation services in the context of their job, possibly saving the unit money.
NCI can also advise units on employee’s necessary preparation for providing language services for a unit and review the translations done by a staff member that NCI has determined to be qualified.
“They do know they have a bilingual employee, but just asking a bilingual employee to be a translator normally that doesn’t work,” Colina said. “This can help save money if a department can identify anyone internally who can take care of language needs, especially if they do it right and are vetted. This can make sure units know how to do things properly, and it helps with the professional development of the employees.”