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April 8, 2010

Sigma Delta Pi hosts presentation on interpreting and translating skills

The Lambda Sigma Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi and the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Louisiana at Monroe hosted presentations by Dr. Dianne Douglas, a retired professor of Spanish at Louisiana Tech University, and Barbara Michaelides, assistant professor of Spanish and director of the ULM Success Center, on March 24. Douglas and Michaelides discussed their experiences as translators.

Douglas explained the process of translating literature, explaining that to translate literature from Spanish to English, the translator must have a deep knowledge of the target language and culture as well as a solid background in English. She highlighted the process of literary translation from start to finish.

Michaelides discussed her experiences as a translator both in the Monroe area and in her work with the State Department in Nicaragua and Paraguay. She explained that the ability to work with industry requires both a strong background in the languages and access to materials in specialized areas. She also explained the process for becoming a certified translator/interpreter.

“The government and businesses need multilingual personnel,” said Dr. Ruth Smith, professor and foreign languages department head. “The department sponsored the event to help its students understand the skills that are required and the rewarding experiences that are available.”

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