Do you have bilingual employees that you think could assist your unit with translation and/interpreting services?
You need to be aware that not all bilinguals can use their languages for professional purposes. Bilinguals come in many shapes and forms. Not everyone who speaks English is a journalist or an English professor. Similarly, not every Spanish speaker will be hired by Univision or by the courts or hospital to work as an interpreter or translator. (for more on bilinguals, translators and interpreters go here)
Then, how do you know if a bilingual employee can serve as a translator or interpreter for your unit?
NCI can assist you. NCI can
- provide expert advice on whether an individual has the qualifications to provide translation or interpretation services for the University of Arizona in the context of their job, possibly saving the unit money.
- advice you on an employee’s necessary preparation for providing language services for your unit
- review the translations done by a staff member NCI has determined to be qualified.
Please be aware that this is not a certification process. NCI does not certify translators or interpreters, nor can we guarantee that every translation/interpretation provided by an individual will be error free.
Advantages of using NCI’s qualification review service:
- Improve quality and reduce liability (vs using a bilingual without review of qualifications)
- Cost savings
- Investment in education and professional development of staff
- Increased career opportunities for staff
- Financial reinvestment in the University of Arizona
- Translation/interpretation services provided by community members for community members.
If interested, please have the employee complete this questionnaire about their educational history and linguistic background. There you will be asked to upload the following materials:
- Employee’s CV/resume
- Sample translation (it should be a translation of materials typically needed in your unit) and/or sample interpretation (recording of the employee working as an interpreter)
NCI will provide a summary review of qualifications, along with a recommendation and justification.
Cost: $200 an hour