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As
event organizers, the overwhelming success of the ABRATES
(Brazilian Translators’ Association) 1st National Translation
Conference gave us immense pleasure, since it confirmed that
we had provided just the kind of encounter many translators
had been looking for. Careful organization allowed speakers
to present their ideas and know-how clearly and effectively,
while a professional infrastructure enabled exhibitors to
display their services and products to a core public. Participants,
meanwhile, were able to mingle freely with speakers and exhibitors
in an environment combining comfort and functionality. In
terms of both form and content, the Conference achieved precisely
what it set out to: “An opportunity for professionals
to meet and discuss key topics!”
So
what about the future? Can we look to ABRATES to achieve even
MORE?
The
simple answer is: YES!
As
an Association that unites professionals and institutions
working in translation services, ABRATES activities range
from educational, cultural and social projects to promoting
and publicizing courses, congresses and symposia, always working
in close cooperation with translation companies and teaching
institutions. In short, the organization pursues activities
that help translators to develop and present themselves to
the market as specialists dedicated to their vocation and
professional qualification.
The
ABRATES Newsletter publishes articles of interest to translators,
translation teachers and students, as well as companies that
provide or use translation services. It is also an ideal space
for sharing ideas and opinions. ABRATES associates receive
a printed copy directly, but the Newsletter is also sent out
to all those interested in keeping in touch with the latest
trends in the area (ask for your copy). This year, the Newsletter
will contain regular sections in direct response to reader
suggestions.
The
Accreditation Program is a service provided to all ABRATES
associates, enabling them to receive certification as qualified
translators. The service allows associates to present themselves
to prospective clients and provides the added advantage of
allowing them to have their competence recognized by a Professional
Association. The program has clearly defined rules and criteria
and an Examination Board composed of suitably qualified translators,
reviewers and teachers, all interested in the profession’s
public prestige and recognition. Examinations are held regularly
in various state capitals and the certificate is valid for
10 years.
The
ABRATES site (www.abrates.com.br)
contains information on courses, books, teaching institutions
and discussion lists. It also provides a wide range of information
to professionals and will soon be available in other languages,
enabling foreign clients to visit its pages. Furthermore,
by making the translator selection process available in other
languages, we hope to increase associate contracting by foreign
clients.
ABRATES also uses its web page to defend the profession as
a whole. Last year, for example, we challenged the claims
of a company that boasted a typist could be transformed into
a translator simply by purchasing the CD-ROM it was marketing.
In another case we alerted sworn translators and translator
associations to the anti-ethical posture of a company advertising
free translations of any kind – an attitude that undermined
all those working in the area by devaluing our profession.
And
what about seminars, workshops and conferences?
Our
plans are currently in the development stage and we will be
releasing news on them shortly. What we can reveal is that
the next conference will be even bigger and better: we are
making preparations for The ABRATES 1ST INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION
CONGRESS! A fresh challenge and another event that is certain
to be a highlight in the translation professional calendar.
This
is only possible with the involvement of everyone: directors
and associates, companies and institutions, translators and
interpreters, teachers and students. A prime example of this
involvement is Ccaps Translation and Localization, a company
affiliated with ABRATES. Among other things, Ccaps took an
active part in the ABRATES First National Translation Conference
and collaborates with our Newsletter via its Managing Director,
Fabiano Cid, who is also a member of the ABRATES Financial
Board.
You
should also take part! Listen, share your opinions, criticize,
pose questions, stimulate and lend support to events that
interest you – suggest, for example, courses that you
would like to see offered. In sum, assume an active voice
in your Association and help it work for the future of your
vocation. This is your chance to join forces with colleagues
looking to valorize the profession, defend its interests and
the image of the translator among the wider public –
all this with the support that affiliation with a professional
association such as ABRATES can give. In addition, you will
enjoy direct benefits such as discounts for events and courses
backed by ABRATES.
So
accept our invitation: take an active part in your Association,
benefit from the Accreditation Program and read and circulate
the ABRATES bulletins and Newsletter. Become a member!
Today
is the perfect day to join!
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