University Magazine

General Introduction to Court Interpretation

By Irene Tenney

Universidad de Buenos Aires
Facultad de Derecho -  Saturday 2nd May – 10:00 a.m.  Salón Verde

ADMISSION FREE

With the changing demographics in the United States, and especially in California, the need for highly skilled, qualified bilingual individuals in the courts and other occupational settings has risen proportionately. Law firms, state agencies, health organizations, interpreting agencies and the courts provide flexible, challenging and well-paid opportunities.

Court Interpreters are in some fashion the newest professionals in the judicial system. This fact requires a thorough understanding by all involved of the dual role of the interpreter as a court officer and as a linguistic bridge in criminal and civil proceedings. Preparation for this exacting and exciting profession entails a commitment to life-long learning.

Relevant points to be explored:

•             The basic requirements:  good hearing, quick tongue, clear voice/enunciation/mental agility/flexibility, quick thinking, resourcefulness, people’s skills, common sense, analytical mind, attention to detail, professional manner, dress code, decorum, respect for authority, multitasking, concentration, organizational skills, reading fever, glossary compiling fever, humility, PR skills, excellent memory, excellent self-control, public-speaking skills, deciphering skills, note-taking skills, maturity . Examples/situations

•             Languages: Bilingualism, biculturalism, multiculturalism, knowledge of regionalisms, lexical and syntactic variations in languages, college education, knowledge of Latin and Greek word roots.

•             Ethics:  knowledge of ethics code, the NEVER-EVERS, the role of the interpreter

•             Materials: excellent reference. library, dual tape-recorder, cassette library, wireless equipment,

•             Nature of the matters at hand:  criminal (murder, sexual assault, burglary, petty theft, etc.), family law, juvenile, dependency, civil, probate, expert witness testimony, photos, line-ups

•             Exams: oral and written; contents

•             Certifications:  Medical, Court, Administrative Hearing

•             Interpreting modes: Consecutive, Simultaneous, Sight translation - Applications

•             Non-English-speaking clients: defendants, witnesses, patients, victims, injured parties, deponents, marriage parties, juveniles, parents

•             Psychology and Communication skills: How do you come across? Body language, kinesics, voice quality, demeanor , political views, religious or racial factors, assertiveness, familiarity with vulgar language and slang

•             Imitation ability and Restraint

IRENE TENNEY

Biodata

Federally Certified Translator (Universidad de Buenos Aires)

TESL graduate  (Instituto Nacional Superior del Profesorado’ Dr. Joaquín V. Gonzalez’)

Fulbright Scholar:

o             Masters’ Degree in English and American Literatures (Southern Illinois University at Carbondale)

o             Masters’ Degree in Spanish and Spanish American Literatures (Southern Illinois University at Carbondale)

Ph. D. studies in English and American literatures at the University of California, Berkeley.

Ph. D. studies in Spanish and Spanish American literatures at the University of California, Berkeley.

Spanish language and translation instructor at the University of California, Berkeley. Statewide Spanish Materials Coordinator (translation, training, and editing) at Cooperative Extension, Division of Agriculture, University of California (Distinguished Service Award), CA State and U.S. Courts Judiciary Spanish Language Interpreter.

Court Interpretation Program Instructor at University of California, Davis (Distinguished Teaching Award) and California State College, Turlock, Program curriculum developer and designer.

Instructor at the Masters in Legal Interpretation, University of South Carolina at Charleston. Language expert witness qualified by the State and Federal Courts. Continuing Education Provider for Court Interpretation workshops (5) approved by the Judicial Council of California.

Currently working in the courts and freelancing in medical and legal settings.