These cards are available for download in over a dozen languages (and counting). Anyone can use them, including LEP individuals themselves or organizations that assist LEP individuals. Cardholders can present the cards in settings like hospitals and courtrooms to request language assistance. The front of the card is in English and indicates that the cardholder is exercising their right to interpreting or translation services in their language. It indicates the language and requests assistance in that language. On the back, users find instructions for how to use the card in their language. The card also includes a link to 础罢础’蝉 , where service providers can find a professional interpreter or translator. Anyone who needs help understanding the process of hiring and working with a professional interpreter or translator will find 础罢础’蝉 free guides very useful.

The project was initiated by 础罢础’蝉 Public Relations Committee to support LEP individuals in the United States, particularly as many have faced growing challenges to language access in recent years.

The ATA Compass spoke with ATA Public Relations Committee members Jamie Hartz and Olivia C. Caputo to learn more about this project and how the cards help LEP individuals understand their rights, improve language access, and connect them with qualified interpreters and translators.

Continue reading to learn:

• Why language access is critical in everyday life
• How to use the Language Access Cards
• How translators and interpreters provide solutions to language access challenges

LEP and Language Access: Breaking Down the Basics

Who is considered Limited English Proficient (LEP)?

JH: LEP is a term used to refer to individuals who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. Often, English is not their primary language. Many LEP individuals are immigrants or refugees, but many American citizens, such as people born in Puerto Rico or the many indigenous communities across the country, may also be LEP because they speak a language other than English at home or in their everyday lives.

What does “language access” mean?

OC: Language access means being able to access services in a language you understand or in which you are more comfortable communicating. In the United States, even if you speak some English, that language might be your native tongue.

As ATA explains, LEP individuals “have equal access to government services and programs and cannot be discriminated against based on national origin or limited English skills. […] If an agency or organization does not assist those who are LEP, it may be violating the law.”

Language access can come from private or public sources. For example, you may see signs at your local bank or pharmacy that say something like “se habla espa?ol.” This reassures and can attract Spanish-speaking customers, who may not feel comfortable discussing financial matters in their non-native language. In some cases, language access is legally required. The New York State Unified Court System is legally obligated to provide an interpreter for any court user who requests it, regardless of their level of English proficiency.

Language access is best provided by professional interpreters (spoken word) or translators (written word).

When the Stakes are High: Professional Translators and Interpreters Mean Equal Access

Why is language access so important?

JH: Those of us who grew up speaking English at home or speak it proficiently take it for granted, but there are many situations and settings where language access is critical in everyday life. Some of the most common include courts and medical settings. Life-altering decisions are often made in these settings, requiring extreme caution and a thorough understanding of what is going on. And it is precisely in these settings that individuals are more likely to experience high stress, encounter complex terminology, and interact with people they don’t know, all of which make it harder to accurately express themselves or follow along in a language that is less familiar to them.

Why are professional translators and interpreters critical in language-access situations?

JH: Translators and interpreters are exactly the people LEP individuals want in their corner for language access! These professionals not only have the linguistic know-how to bridge the language gap but also the experience, expertise, and competence to make it seamless. In the United States, LEP individuals must navigate many complex systems. Professional translators and interpreters offering language access services help to decrease liability risk, improve efficiency, and uphold the human dignity of the populations they serve.

Using 础罢础’蝉 Language Access Cards to Request Language Services

How does one use a Language Access Card?

JH: 础罢础’蝉 Language Access Cards are available as PDF files, which you can download here: www.atanet.org/language-access. Simply locate your language and click the “Download Card” button. You can download the PDF card to your phone or take a screenshot. Save it in a safe place that will be easy to access and find on your phone, like a favorites folder or digital wallet. Alternatively, you can print out the wallet size cards and cut them out to keep hard copies in your wallet or purse. Whether you carry the card in your phone or wallet, remember to show the card next time you are in a situation where you wish to exercise your right to interpreting or translation services, like the doctor’s office or at your child’s school.

Are the Language Access Cards available in all languages?

OC: ATA currently has cards available for the following languages, based on the languages most spoken in the US plus a few that were volunteered by ATA translators:

• Arabic
• Cantonese and Mandarin (simplified and traditional)
• Dari
• Farsi
• French
• Haitian Creole
• Japanese
• Korean
• Portuguese (Brazilian and European)
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swahili
• Tagalog
• Tajik
• Ukrainian
• Uzbek
• Vietnamese

What if my language isn’t available? Can I request a card in my language?

OC: Absolutely! Contact us by emailing the Public Relations Committee if you don’t see your language, especially if you’re a translator and would like to offer a translation in your native language. If you aren’t a translator, ATA will do its best to find a qualified ATA member to translate the card into your language.

What other resources are available on the ATA Language Access webpage?

OC: Some of the resources listed are language access plans, some are non-profits that help LEP individuals, and some are health insurance companies that have language access responses in place. Basically anything to help people get this access at the state level, which is where it’s most likely to come from, at least for now.

How it all Started: The Backstory of 础罢础’蝉 Language Access Cards

How did the idea for 础罢础’蝉 Language Access Cards originate?

JH: ATA is a strong advocate for language access rights. 础罢础’蝉 Public Relations and Advocacy Committees wanted to have a tool that would benefit both the LEP individuals served by our members and ATA members themselves. The cards are a simple and effective way for LEP individuals to be informed of and exercise their right to professional translation and interpreting services. Furthermore, with the recent changes in the implementation of language access rights, now is a critical time to provide a new resource that makes sure folks understand their rights and can avail themselves of these rights easily.

What is the goal of the Language Access Cards?

OC: Throughout the project, Jamie and I repeatedly said that our ultimate goal was to create something that would be actionable and useful, even in a changing landscape. The fact that the cards say, “You may have the right to language assistance at no cost…” is a reflection of recent cuts to language access at the federal level. We wanted to give people a way to advocate for themselves, even knowing that the help they’re offered may not be enough. That’s something we can’t control, but many people don’t even realize that they could have the right to an interpreter or translator in certain situations, and not all organizations will offer them unless asked. We wanted to at least facilitate that first step of seeking out the help and to give people a place to go to find more resources if needed.

How are the Language Access Cards translated?

OC: The cards were translated by wonderful volunteers from ATA — fellow professional translators who are native speakers of the target language. We reached out to specific language divisions of ATA, leveraged personal connections, and used the ATA directory to put out a call. The response was overwhelming and very heartening; so many people wanted to help and because of that we are able to offer so many languages right from the start with more on the way.

Jamie and I coordinated the translations; we’d have one person translate and another person proof/edit the cards to make sure everything looked correct. It was a lot of emailing back and forth, Google docs galore, and an incredibly large Canva file, but it was worth it.

We are immensely grateful for all the volunteers who contributed their language expertise to this project!

Language Access is Vital – Use and Share the Cards

ATA will promote the cards on its social channels in the near future and welcomes any support to spread the word to LEP individuals. Olivia shares that “continuing to ask for language access in various settings, as well as proving that there are providers ready and able to facilitate it, is a good reminder to institutions that this is a vital need and should be a fundamental right.”

Language access is essential for ensuring equitable access to services and protecting the rights of individuals with limited English proficiency. Tools like 础罢础’蝉 Language Access Cards help bridge communication gaps by making it easier for individuals to request professional interpretation or translation services when they need them most.

Visit 础罢础’蝉 Language Access page and download your Language Access Card today! To find a professional translator or interpreter, visit 础罢础’蝉 Language Services Directory.

About the Author

Meghan McCallum is an ATA-certified French to English translator and writer specializing in corporate communications, marketing, and international development. She is also an active volunteer for the 情侣自拍. The 情侣自拍 represents almost 9,000 translators and interpreters in more than 100 countries. To hire a translation or interpreting professional, please visit .

The post Empowering LEP Communities with Language Access Cards appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

Those questions matter. Accuracy is essential. Still, communication works only when meaning and context move together. The message must also fit the cultural and situational context in which it is received.

This is where the role of the professional translator expands. We become cultural consultants, offering insight into how people communicate in a particular cultural context and helping organizations avoid misunderstandings so that their message fits the audience it is meant to reach. Professional translators ensure linguistic accuracy, but we also think about how tone, assumptions, and cultural expectations shape how a message will be received. We are not merely transferring words from one language to another. We help organizations communicate appropriately and effectively across cultures.

In my work as a professional translator in educational and family-facing contexts, I see this regularly.

Why cultural consulting matters in translation

Organizations today communicate with audiences from many linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Healthcare providers share instructions in multiple languages. Companies introduce products in new regions. Public agencies publish information for diverse communities.

However, the message often gets “lost in translation” when organizations choose not to work with professional translators or turn to low-cost providers to save money. A bilingual person may understand the source but not know how to render it appropriate in the target language. And translators forced to prioritize speed over quality will at best produce an accurate translation.?

In these two scenarios, which unfortunately are all too common, the translator lacks either the skill or the time to adapt the translation accordingly and bridge that gap. Professionals take the time to ensure that what feels clear and persuasive in one language feels the same in the other.

Public health guidance from the notes that effective communication requires cultural adaptation in addition to linguistic transfer. In the United States, the emphasize culturally and linguistically appropriate communication as part of equitable service.

in multilingual communication shows something similar: people are more likely to understand and respond to information when it feels natural in their native language.

Accuracy matters. But a culturally adapted translation ensures it is both accurate and effective.

What cultural consulting looks like in practice?

In my own work, translating children’s books and family-facing materials, my role as a cultural consultant becomes very clear.

For example, I recently edited the Spanish translation of a children’s story that was technically accurate but overly formal. Phrases that felt normal in English were accurately translated and understandable, but created unintended distance in Spanish. The tone did not reflect how family members naturally speak to one another. By adjusting the register and refining the language, the final version felt warmer and more natural. The story did not just read correctly; it felt right.

Translators can serve as trusted partners when general cultural questions arise—even questions about geography! In The ATA Compass article, How to Hire a Translator: A Quick and Easy Guide, my colleague Kate Deimling, an ATA-certified French-to-English translator, writes about translating a company report from French that included a map of the U.S. placing Minneapolis almost on the West Coast. By raising the issue before publication, she prevented what would have been an embarrassing situation at best and a credibility issue at worst.

These examples show something important. Professional translators pay close attention to:?

• nuance
• context
• cultural detail

If you are unsure about a cultural reference, a custom, a symbol, or even a visual element, asking a translator a simple question can prevent confusion or reputational damage.

The value translators bring as cultural consultants

When clients tap into and leverage these key skills, their translators can deliver benefits that go well beyond the page.

Tone issues are corrected before release. Potential misunderstandings are identified early. Culturally sensitive wording is adjusted before it affects trust. Visual or contextual errors are caught before they undermine credibility.

This reduces revisions and avoids the cost of correcting materials after publication. It strengthens communication. It protects the organization’s reputation.

In regulated industries, it can support compliance. In competitive markets, it supports brand consistency. In community-facing communication, it builds confidence.

Consulting a translator is not an extra step. It is a way to avoid situations that can be prevented.

Final thoughts

Professional translators do more than check whether the words are correct. We help make sure the message fits the target culture.

When organizations recognize translators as both language professionals and cultural advisers, communication becomes clearer and more thoughtful. Cultural awareness is built into the process. Consulting a translator early can help avoid mistakes that are much harder to fix later.

If your organization communicates across languages, involve a translator from the beginning.

About the Author

Carolin Menéndez is an English-to-Spanish translator and editor with over twenty years of experience in the language industry. She specializes in educational translation and editing and is an editorial consultant for Scholastic, where she has contributed to translations for teachers and families. She advises on tone, register, and cultural context so that translated materials feel natural and appropriate for the communities they are meant to serve. She is the owner of Prose Language Services, where she works with organizations seeking clear and culturally aligned communication.

The post Translators as Cultural Consultants: Why We Bridge More than the Language Gap appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

In foreign-language interrogations like this, everything is caught on camera and can be used against the suspect in a court of law. And because of that, every word that is said and every action that is done has to be written down and translated. Not only the big words, but also the small ones: Um’s and uh’s must be accounted for. Half-words too: If the suspect wanted to say “Estaba ahí” (I was there), but stopped themself part-way, it would be documented as “Estaba a-,” (I was th-,). What if they stuttered? “Estaba a-, eh, yo est-, pero [tose] – ?dónde estaba yo?” (I was th-, uh, I wa-, but [coughs] – where was I?)

This practice of documentation is known as Forensic Transcription/Translation, and it is integral to criminal cases around the country.

What is Forensic Transcription/Translation?

Forensic Transcription and Translation (FTT) is a highly specialized branch of forensic linguistics that converts audio and video recordings into written evidence for legal proceedings. These recordings can be statements to law enforcement, police body camera footage, wiretaps, and several other kinds of media. And unlike the “cleaned-up” captions and subtitles in movies and TV shows, FTT requires a verbatim approach – every word matters.

Bilingual FTT transcripts must be formatted in a way that is easy to follow. As described in Fundamentals of Court Interpretation, the recommended format is a four-column table. Below is an example Spanish-English excerpt with Unidentified Males 1 and 2 (UM1 and UM2):

You can find a longer FTT transcript at . It shows the transcription and translation of a segment from the interrogation referenced above.

This work requires a special attention to detail and emotional tolerance that is distinct from other linguistic services. Forensic transcriptionists will spend hours transcribing and translating footage that might only be minutes long. And not only that, they must be able to psychologically handle watching (and rewatching) the content of that footage. Because of these requirements, there are relatively few linguists who are willing and capable of providing this service.

How to Find a Forensic Transcriptionist

What to Look For

The two most important factors when looking for a forensic transcriptionist are: Experience and Certification.

Experience: This goes without saying. A highly experienced forensic transcriptionist will be familiar with applicable best practices, and they will also have a strong knowledge of slang terminology and dialectal differences in the languages they are translating.

Certification: Two relevant types of certifications are relevant – Interpreting Certification and Translation Certification.

• Interpreting Certification: A state- or federal-level court interpreting certification proves a linguist’s ability to handle spoken dialogue, but does not necessarily translate to strong transcription or translation skills.
• Translation Certification: Certification by the 情侣自拍 proves a linguist’s high-level translation ability, but does not specifically test transcription speed or the ability to translate the nuances of spoken dialogue.

Unfortunately, there is no credible certification for bilingual forensic transcription. While the above certifications are not 100% related to this kind of work, they can still be helpful in demonstrating professional dedication to forensic transcription.

Where to Look

The 情侣自拍 Directory is a primary resource for finding translators who specialize in legal and forensic work. Along with entering the desired source and target languages (for example, English and Spanish), entering “transcription” or “forensic transcription” as a keyword limits search results.

In addition, many high-level experts rely on word-of-mouth and personal referral networks. The following is a common scenario: a lawyer needs a police statement transcribed and translated, so they contact a court interpreter they know well. Although that interpreter would like to do it, they’re simply too busy that month with interpreting appointments. But the interpreter knows someone else who does forensic transcription, so they refer the lawyer to that person.

Pricing and Timelines

While the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) in its that one minute of audio should take one hour of work by the transcriptionist, in fact, work speed depends on several factors, including:

• Audio Quality (a transcriptionist might have to listen to the audio multiple times)
• Number of Speakers (identifying speakers and documenting interruptions may take additional time)
• Recording Type (wiretaps are often more complex and time consuming to process than two-speaker police statements)???
• Speaker Accents (some accents are harder to understand than others)

Experienced forensic transcriptionists should ask to see or listen to the recording before accepting the job so that they can estimate their quote with these factors in mind. Professional rates can vary widely, and they are usually billed per audio minute of the source audio or video file.

Conclusion

Forensic Transcription and Translation is more than a linguistic service – it is a critical component of the judicial process that ensures evidence is preserved exactly as it occurred. For legal professionals, partnering with a specialized expert is an investment in the accuracy and defensibility of their case, and it ensures that voices are heard with the precision that justice requires.

About the Author

Peter Kashatus is a Spanish to English translator who specializes in forensic transcription/translation (FTT) for criminal cases and law enforcement investigations across the United States. He has transcribed and translated footage from police statements, body-worn cameras, and undercover wires. He has helped produce thousands of pages of FTT evidence for cases from a wide variety of topics, including murder, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. He is based in the Philadelphia area. More at .

The post From Roncando to the Record: Best Practices for Forensic Transcription/Translation (FTT) appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

Virtual interpreting is used in a wide range of settings, the most common being healthcare, but also including education, business, and legal forums as well as conferences. Virtual interpreting can also be used under different modalities including over-the-phone interpreting (OPI), video-remote interpreting (VRI), or remote-simultaneous interpreting (RSI). Learn about the differences between VRI and VSI at the 情侣自拍 website.

Successful virtual interpreting is a shared responsibility between interpreters and the users of language services. This article will explore how interpreters prepare for their assignments, their requirements to be able to provide high quality interpreting, what clients and language service users should be aware of during interpreting sessions, and what both can do to get maximum benefit from the interpreting experience.

What is Required on the Part of the Interpreter?

Professional interpreters are ready to meet defined standards and are prepared to work remotely. When working for interpreting agencies or companies, interpreting professionals are required to comply with the following standards:

• Professional qualifications and training: This includes formal education or proven technical knowledge in interpreting, specialized training (the most common specializations being medical and legal), and familiarity with interpreting protocols and relevant professional standards.
• Ethical and legal compliance: Interpreters must adhere to confidentiality and privacy obligations, HIPAA training and compliance for medical settings, professional conduct, respect, and neutrality.
• Technical readiness for virtual interpreting: Interpreters must be equipped with a reliable computer or device, a headset with an incorporated microphone and noise-cancelling feature, and possess a reliable and steady Internet connection.
• Professionalism in the work environment: Interpreters must provide services in a quiet and private space that protects client privacy. They should display a neutral background for remote work and the interpreter must have a professional appearance for VRI and RSI by wearing appropriate clothing consistent with professional settings.

Whether hiring a professional interpreter through an agency or privately, it’s important to make sure that the professional selected meets the above-mentioned standards.

What Should Clients Be Aware of During Interpreting Sessions?

Understanding what happens during a virtual interpreting session helps clients work more effectively with the professional interpreters on their projects. The following information about what is expected during VRI, OPI and RSI is useful for successful interpreting:

• Communication dynamics in virtual interpreting: It is essential for clients and language service users to understand what kind of interpreting technique will be used. During a consecutive interpreting session, interpreters take notes and reflect before rendering a message after quickly analyzing it. It is of paramount importance to respect each speaker’s turn during the interpreting session.
• Interpreting protocols and interventions: During interpreting sessions, language professionals make use of specific protocols to decide when to intervene and ask for clarification or repetition, for example. The interpreter may also ask clients to speak more slowly or in shorter sentences. These interventions are normal and necessary for accurate interpretation. Being familiar with these protocols and interventions fosters smooth communication.
• Linguistic and cultural factors: Language professionals interpret for people who often come from different countries and, therefore, interpreters must process differences in accents, regional vocabulary, and country-specific expressions. Because of this, interpreters may pause to verify terminology, ask for words to be spelled out, or use a brief explanation when interpreting to navigate cultural nuances.

What Can I Do as a Language Service User to Improve the Interpreting Experience?

For Scheduled Interpreting Sessions:

• Share relevant materials in advance (glossaries, industry terminology, presentations)
• Provide context about the interpreting session’s purpose and setting

?These additional steps allow interpreters to prepare in advance and be ready to face any challenges that may arise during the actual session. Communication will be much smoother if the interpreter is already familiar with the technical terminology that may appear during the session and if the professional language provider knows who will be present.

For On-Demand Interpreting Sessions:

• Offer a brief overview of what the session will address
• Identify the subject matter and participants when beginning

For All Virtual Interpreting Sessions:

• Be familiar with basic interpreting protocols
• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
• Practice patience and allow time for interpretation
• Be aware of the type of interpreting being used (consecutive vs. simultaneous)
• Minimize background noise and interruptions

Conclusion

Effective virtual interpreting is a collaborative process. Preparation and awareness improve outcomes for everyone involved in interpreting sessions. Next time you are hiring an interpreter, remember to take into account that as a client, you have an active role in boosting the interpreting experience and can do so by following the tips presented in this article.

About the Author

?is a Certified translator (English – Spanish) graduated from the University of Buenos Aires. She works as a freelance translator and interpreter and has over 3 years of hands-on experience as an over-the-phone and video-remote medical interpreter. As of 2026, Martina will be pursuing her postgraduate studies in consecutive & simultaneous interpreting. Martina offers translation, interpreting, proofreading and editing, and MTPE services and is specialized in the legal, economics & finance and medical fields. The 情侣自拍 represents almost 9,000 translators and interpreters in more than 100 countries. To hire a translation or interpreting professional, please visit .

The post Best Practices for Virtual Interpreting: What Clients and Language Service Users Should Know appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

When working with interpreters, it is helpful to be aware of terms that are specific to the profession.

INTERPRETING: converting spoken or signed speech from one language into another.

TRANSLATION: converting written text from one language into another.

Computer-assisted Interpreting (CAI): The use of computer software to increase a human interpreter’s productivity and consistency, such as quickly searching glossaries to find the right term. This is different from machine Interpreting.

Credentialed Interpreter: 础罢础’蝉 designation for an interpreter who has been assessed as competent in two or more languages by a professional organization or government entity that evaluates interpreting skills and knowledge.

Interpreting Equipment: Various types of equipment, such as microphones, headsets, booths or audiovisual technology may be used by interpreters.

Language pair: The combination of a Source and Target language in relation to the interpreting process. Examples of language pairs are English to Spanish or Spanish to English. An interpreter may work in more than one language pair.

Machine Interpreting (MI): When a spoken message is converted from one language to another, without the involvement of human interpreters.

Modality: Means of delivering interpreting services, such as over the phone, in person, or video remote interpreting.

Mode of Interpreting: Established method for the delivery of language interpreting services, such as consecutive or simultaneous.

Remote Interpreting Platform: A specialized application used to host interpreting sessions between interpreters and participants.

Source language: Language of the original message.

Target audience: The public for whom the interpreting services are provided.

Video Conference Platform: Any application used to host meetings, seminars or webinar sessions that may include features for interpretation in one or more languages, such as Zoom.

The post Guide to Buying Interpreting Services, Part V: Interpreting Terms to Know appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

But what happens if a story exists yet isn’t accessible? What if a family can’t read it, or a child can’t hear it in their own language? These are key questions about language access in education. They remind us that every family should be able to experience the power of story and learning together. Translation ensures family members’ voices are not lost.

Translation bridges the gap between home and school and is more than converting words from one language to another. Translation opens doors to understanding, trust, literacy, and participation.

Why translation in education matters

Language access is a foundational tenant of equity. When families can read school communications and educational materials in their home language, they can support their children’s learning with confidence.

Schools that communicate with families in their home languages build relationships grounded in trust and respect. These relationships help improve student outcomes and strengthen the connection between home and school.

Research shows that when schools provide materials in families’ home languages, students demonstrate stronger reading growth and families become more engaged in their children’s learning (WIDA, 2023).

Translation makes sure that no parent or caregiver is left out of the learning process. It helps families understand expectations, follow lessons, and participate in school life.

When translation is part of a school’s foundation:

• Families feel informed and included
• Teachers can focus on teaching instead of trying to work around untranslated materials
• Students receive consistent support at home and school
• Communities grow stronger through shared understanding

For administrators, investing in translation should not be just about compliance. It should be about building schools where every family has access to communication and learning.

Bilingual Books and Educational Publishing: Expanding Language Access

Children’s books are often a child’s first encounter with literacy, imagination, and identity. When written stories are available in a family’s home language, they forge meaningful connections between home and school.

Bilingual books allow students to see themselves and their families represented in the stories they read. They also help parents participate in their children’s learning, even when English is not their first language.

Providing bilingual books encourages reading at home and supports early literacy. It also helps students strengthen vocabulary and comprehension across languages.

When schools invest in bilingual children’s books:

• Literacy increases in both languages
• Cultural pride and belonging also increase
• Families share in their children’s learning

For more on translating children’s literature, visit Should I Translate My Children’s Book into Other Languages?

Bilingual literature and educational publishing together show every child that their language matters and belongs in the classroom.

Educational Publishing and Access for All Families

Educational publishing continues this work by creating materials that support language access throughout entire learning programs. When bilingual guides, lesson plans, and take-home resources are written or translated with care, they bridge communication gaps that exist between teachers and families.

Publishing bilingual and multilingual materials ensures that teachers and families have access to the same high-quality content that others do. When translators and publishers work together, every guide, letter, and resource becomes more consistent, accurate, and accessible.

This collaboration supports teachers in delivering lessons that all families can follow and helps parents feel more connected to what their children are learning.

Educational publishing that prioritizes translation helps schools ensure that every family can succeed. It gives every household the opportunity to engage with learning materials in the language they understand best.

Language Access Strengthens Communities

When families can understand and take part in their children’s education, they feel more connected and confident. Language access builds strong partnerships between schools and families and helps teachers communicate more effectively.

Schools that prioritize language access see:

• Stronger family engagement
• Better literacy and learning outcomes
• More connected school communities

When children see their home language in books and materials, they feel proud and supported. That sense of belonging helps them grow in confidence and strengthen their identity.

For school administrators and stakeholders, this is where the real impact begins. Supporting translation and bilingual educational publishing is not just about language. It’s about access, equity, and connection. By making language access in education a priority, schools can ensure that every voice is heard, every story is shared, and every family belongs.

Author bio:

Carolin Menéndez is an English-to-Spanish translator and editor with over twenty years of experience in the language industry. She specializes in educational translation and editing and is an editorial consultant for Scholastic, where she translates and edits materials for teachers and families. Carolin also provides interpretation services in schools and owns Prose Language Services.

The post Translation and Educational Publishing: Creating Language Access in Education appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

A perfect example of this is the Swedish sci-fi feature film Watch the Skies (original title: UFO Sweden). It recently made history as the first feature-length movie to use AI-powered visual dubbing or “vubbing.” The original Swedish version of Watch the Skies was released in 2022, followed by the vubbed English version in 2025. The new technology makes the English version feel more natural, and thereby improves the viewer’s experience. But it doesn’t replace human translators or voice actors. It enhances the creative work of humans, allowing it to shine even brighter.?

Let’s go behind the camera for a closer look at what’s at work in this new workflow of translation in film.

What’s the Difference Between Dubbing and Visual Dubbing?

If you’ve ever watched a foreign film, you likely know the difference between subtitling and dubbing, and you probably have your personal preference. Dubbing is a voice-over audio track in another language that replaces the original spoken dialogue. Voice actors perform the translated dialogue while watching the film to synchronize the audio as best they can with what the actors are saying and doing on the screen.?

Dubbing allows you to watch foreign films in your native language rather hearing the original actor’s voices and reading translated subtitles at the bottom of the screen. But no matter how good the dubbing is, the lip and mouth movements often don’t match up perfectly. That’s not due to a lack of quality work from the dubbing team. The fact is, languages are simply very different. Some viewers find these mismatched movements distracting, which is why some people choose when watching foreign language content.?

Visual dubbing now offers a technological solution to this common problem. Vubbing uses AI-enhanced software to modify the on-screen lip movements of each actor to match the translated dialogue.?

This new technology is often confused with “AI dubbing” where AI is used to translate the video or audio dialogue and synchronize a machine voice with the actor’s mouth movements. AI dubbing is an attempt to cut out human translators and voice actors from much of the dubbing process. But vubbing is just the opposite: By modifying the visual content, film producers can focus on creating a native experience in any language—one that relies on human translators for idiomatic dialogue adaptations and human voice actors for natural delivery of the translated dialogue.

This distinction is crucial. Unlike AI dubbing tools, which are intended to remove most human intervention from the dubbing process, vubbing empowers the industry to make use of human assets to produce a better foreign language film experience.

The Film Debut of Vubbing in Watch the Skies

The visual dubbing technology used in Watch the Skies was developed by a company called Flawless AI. Their system analyzes the actor’s face, learns the dynamics of speech, and subtly adjusts the mouth and jaw movements to fit the new language track. The result literally speaks for itself. The actors appear to be talking naturally in the language you hear with no lip movement mismatches, creating an illusion that they performed the lines themselves.?

In Watch the Skies, On-Screen Actors became Their Own Voice-Over Artists

In the case of Watch the Skies, that’s exactly what happened. The original Swedish actors were also the English voice actors—meaning they dubbed themselves. Listening to their Swedish accents gives the film a decidedly Swedish touch that just might win over subtitle fans who prefer the authentic touch when watching foreign content. In any case, AI did not replace humans, but helped them get the job done in a different way.

An AI-Enhanced Localization Process That Puts Humans First

In the translation industry, “localization” is the process of translating and adapting content for a foreign target audience. Vubbing is now a new and very promising form of localization for the film industry.?

So what exactly did the localization process look like for Watch the Skies? The actual workflow hasn’t been disclosed, but we know what tool they used and that the original actors dubbed themselves. So, as a Spanish-to-English translator with years of experience in audiovisual translation, I can tell you that it probably looked something like this:

1. Translation and adaptation: A team of human translators and localization experts translated what’s called the dialogue list—a specialized transcription of the film’s Swedish audio track—into English. The translation was then edited and adapted into a script that the voice actors used to record the English audio.?
2. Voice-over performance: The original actors recorded the translated dialogue in a studio while watching themselves on screen, ensuring emotional authenticity, tone, and pacing aligned with the original Swedish and the action in each scene.
3. AI processing: Flawless AI’s visual dubbing tool edited the video, adjusting the lip movements to align with the English audio and produce the final polished result, with lots of help from technical experts behind the scenes.

The Future of Foreign Film?

If you haven’t seen Watch the Skies, I invite you to check it out. As a movie lover myself, I find it hard to tell that you’re watching a film originally produced in Swedish. Plus, the actor’s accents add authenticity, providing a unique viewing experience.?

As a translator who works in the audiovisual industry, I’m excited about this new AI tool and how it can make my behind-the-scenes work look and feel like the original on the big screen. AI-powered vubbing can solve a purely technical challenge—synchronizing lip movements—that has long been a stumbling block in dubbing. And it’s another reminder of how AI can help rather than replace human creativity.?

About the Author

?is a Spanish to English subtitler and translator. Her subtitles can be seen on Netflix and she specializes in tourism translation. She is also an active volunteer for the 情侣自拍. The 情侣自拍 represents almost 9,000 translators and interpreters in more than 100 countries. To hire a translation or interpreting professional, please visit?.

The post When AI Doesn’t Replace Jobs: The Case of Visual Dubbing in Watch the Skies appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

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The card is designed so that LEP individuals can carry it in their wallets or on their phones. The front of the card indicates to the English-speaking provider or recipient of the card what the LEP is requesting, in what language, and how to find a translator or interpreter easily in 础罢础’蝉 online Language Services Directory.

The back of the card is for the LEP individual to get a basic understanding of their rights in their language and access more resources on the ATA website’s Language Access page. The PR Committee plans to continue building out the resources on this page with more helpful content and translations over time.

Learn more about this Language Access initiative!

The post 础罢础’蝉 Public Relations Committee Unveils Language Access Cards for LEP Individuals appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

Credentialed Interpreter (CI) Designation

The Credentialed Interpreter (CI) designation shown in 础罢础’蝉 Language Services Directory recognizes interpreters who are credentialed by certain ATA-approved entities in fields such as medical, legal and conference interpreting.

Proven Competency

ATA members who hold a CI designation have demonstrated linguistic competence, oral proficiency and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Approved Entities

The CI designation is not a certification. Rather, the credentialed interpreter designation in 础罢础’蝉 Language Services Directory acknowledges interpreters who are recognized by certain ATA-approved entities in fields such as medical legal conference interpreting.

Easy to Identify

ATA Credentialed Interpreters are clearly identified in the Language Services Directory.

Requirements for the CI Designation

1. Proficiency

Interpreters must demonstrate proficiency by:

• passing an oral exam that tests performance skills in two or more modes of interpreting, with published assessment instruments, research methods, development and validation procedures and eligibility requirements, or
• for conference interpreting, undergoing exacting peer review or testing through one of the organizations approved by ATA for the CI designation, or

• passing a monolingual oral exam that tests performance skills in two or more modes of interpreting, with requirements similar to the above as well as a prerequisite minimum language proficiency requirement for the untested language.

1. The credential must be granted by:

• A government agency, or
• A non-profit professional association, or
• A non-profit certification board or governing committee that meets specific criteria.

Additional ATA Resources

This is the fourth article in a series of articles introducing the 情侣自拍’s Guide to Buying Interpreting Services,?which was created to help those in need of interpreting services find the best provider for their project and work efficiently with the chosen interpreting provider. For the full guide, click?here.

About the Authors

Eve Bodeux is an ATA-certified French to English translator specialized in tech marketing, commercial communications, marketing research and official documents. She is the Secretary of the 情侣自拍 and serves on the ATA Public Relations Committee.

Jamie Hartz is an ATA-certified Spanish to English translator and transcriber specialized in legal and commercial translations. She currently serves as the Chair of the ATA Public Relations Committee.

The post Guide to Buying Interpreting Services, Part IV: 础罢础’蝉 Credentialed Interpreter (CI) Designation appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

Exercise Your Right to Language Access

ATA offers Language Access Cards that you can present in settings like hospitals and courtrooms to request assistance in your language and to prompt language services providers for assistance with language access resources.

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书面：简体中文

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То?ик?

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Ti?ng Vi?t

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The ATA Compass

Our outreach publication provides up-to-date information and resources about the translating and interpreting industry.

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Translators do the writing. Interpreters do the talking. ATA helps you find the right language professional.

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There are times when machine translation is useful, and times when it's not. Learn when to use Google Translate, and when to hire a professional.

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The post Know Your Rights to Language Access appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

Working with an Interpreter

Properly preparing to work with an interpreter is key to a positive outcome. The more information you are able to provide upfront, the more successful your collaboration will be. Follow the guidelines below to get started.

• Define Your Scope
• What languages need interpretation?
• Is a specific dialect or variant required?
• When and where will the interpreting take place (date, time and location)?
• What subject matter will be addressed?
• What is the expected duration of the interpreting session?
• Assignments lasting more than one hour typically require two interpreters.
• Preparation
  • Share as much information as possible so the interpreter can become familiar with the subject matter being discussed
  • Provide video or audio recordings of previous events so the interpreter can become familiar with the speaker(s)
  • Decide on video conferencing tools, booth equipment and portable audio equipment so the interpreter is prepared to use the proper technology
• Budget
  • The cost of interpreting services can vary considerably
  • Factors that may impact price include language pair, services requested, complexity, subject matter and how many interpreters are needed for the event
  • Interpreters may charge by the hour, half day, full day or a flat fee
  • Minimum fees and cancellation fees are standard
  • Requesting a quote from multiple providers is a good way to explore pricing options
• Communication
  • Designate a contact person for questions
  • Communicate acceptance of the service provider’s quote
  • Confirm schedule and acceptance of work
  • Update interpreter of any changes
  • Manage invoicing and payment
  • Provide constructive feedback to the interpreter

Additional ATA Resources

This is the third article in a series of articles introducing the 情侣自拍’s Guide to Buying Interpreting Services,?which was created to help those in need of interpreting services find the best provider for their project and work efficiently with the chosen interpreting provider. For the full guide, click?here.

About the Authors

Eve Bodeux is an ATA-certified French to English translator specialized in tech marketing, commercial communications, marketing research and official documents. She is the Secretary of the 情侣自拍 and serves on the ATA Public Relations Committee.

Jamie Hartz is an ATA-certified Spanish to English translator and transcriber specialized in legal and commercial translations. She currently serves as the Chair of the ATA Public Relations Committee.

The post Guide to Buying Interpreting Services, Part III: Working with an Interpreter appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).

Without a doubt, artificial intelligence provides exciting opportunities for us to innovate and automate tasks in our professional and personal lives. And AI can seem almost magical when it comes to languages, seamlessly converting information at the click of a button.?

But is AI always a safe and effective tool for language translation? Experts note concerns with using AI for translation, including privacy, accuracy, and legal implications.?

While AI can certainly be helpful, in some contexts, it can also be risky. Continue reading for insights from Ben Karl, a professional translator of French and Mandarin to English and chair of the 情侣自拍’s Advocacy Committee.?

AI translation for international travel

Q: Is it OK to use AI to translate things when traveling internationally?

A: Yes, but it’s important to understand that context is key. In many situations, it’s likely perfectly fine, like reading a timetable in a train station, deciphering an informational sign at a tourist site, or reading a basic menu. It gets trickier the higher the stakes are, because AI can be notoriously inaccurate when it comes to translation. Are you checking a menu to see if a dish contains a potentially dangerous allergen, or trying to inform someone about your medical condition? Are you trying to communicate with law enforcement or other officials, or to convey information that could have a serious impact on you? In cases where an AI mistake could be costly—or even deadly—you would do better to rely on the services of a trained professional.?

Note: While AI can provide useful information when traveling, use caution when making decisions about international travel and your personal documentation. A recent People article reported that because AI incorrectly told her that she did not need a visa.

Business applications of AI

Q: How can AI be helpful for international market research?

A: The internet is a treasure trove of useful information, and if AI is good at one thing, it’s summarizing existing information. To conduct research on international markets, AI tools can be an essential resource to accelerate the discovery process.?

However, while AI can compile excellent summaries, it is still prone to errors. Google AI using glue to affix cheese to pizza, and that’s just one example. If you’re planning the major step of internationalizing (and localizing) your product or service for another market, nothing beats real human expertise. At the very least, validate your findings with in-country experts before making a decision that could put your business on the line.?

Q: How can I use AI to share my content with people who speak other languages?

A: Most social media platforms already have built-in machine translation features to help your content reach a wider audience. In the context of social media, the risk of reputational damage due to these tools is low: if anyone is going to catch flack, it’s the social media platform, not the creator.?

But the tables are turned if a creator or brand misuses AI translation in an official post, and the response may be swift: the campaign for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez online, causing a swift backlash. Again, whenever your reputation is at stake, verify all content, in every language, as carefully as the original post.

High stakes: legal and medical settings

Q: What about using AI for language interpretation in high stakes situations, like in courtrooms or doctor’s offices?

A: As I mentioned above, context is key and things change when the stakes are high. You may have heard of what is now commonly called “AI interpreting.” It sounds so simple, but it’s actually several technologies rolled into one: a speech-to-text engine that transcribes spoken text, a machine translation engine that translates that text from one language to another, and a text-to-speech engine that reads the translation aloud. With each step, the risk of potential errors increases exponentially, but the users of the technology are none the wiser: they only speak one of the languages in question.?

If you’ve ever experienced AI interpreting, it probably amazed you. Like the first time you asked ChatGPT a question. But what sounds like fluent interpreting often deviates considerably from the original speakers’ words. In settings like a train station overseas, the consequences of an error are relatively low: you might miss your train or find yourself in an unexpected destination. Inconvenient, but normally not life-threatening. In a courtroom or doctor’s office, an error could be dire, resulting in expensive mistrials or terrible wrongful convictions in our courts or misdiagnoses and even death in our hospitals. The truth is that AI simply isn’t suitable when it comes to high-stakes interpreting.

For more on this topic, check out Think AI Should Replace Interpreters? Think Again.

Professional translators ensure accuracy and safety

Bottom line? “If sales, reputation, jobs, etc. are on the line, the cost of hiring a professional?translator or interpreter is likely far less than the cost of it blowing up in your face,” says Karl. “It’s almost like an insurance policy.”

Check out 础罢础’蝉 Guides to Buying Language Services–-one for buying translation services and one for buying interpreting services. Yes, there are some similarities, but a lot of differences. They can help you through the process step by step. To find a professional translator or interpreter, visit the ATA Language Services Directory.

About the Author

Meghan McCallum is an ATA-certified French to English translator and writer specializing in corporate communications, marketing, and international development. She is also an active volunteer for the 情侣自拍. The 情侣自拍 represents almost 9,000 translators and interpreters in more than 100 countries. To hire a translation or interpreting professional, please visit .

The post Using AI for Language Translation: Context is Everything appeared first on 情侣自拍 (ATA).