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# Working with Translators
Nancy Cálix, Assistant Extension Administrator for County Operations
Jessica Marquez, Bilingual Community Resource Development Extension Assistant
## Key Concepts
## Translation
Rendering of written information from one language to another language.
## Translation
Performs a translation.
## Limited English Proficient (LEP)
An individual who does not speak English as his/her primary language and has limited ability to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Expanding programming to Limited English Proficient (LEP) clients may include translation of written materials. Key to the quality of the translation is the successful reflection of cultural nuances and expressions that may bear meaning on the content of the message. Being bilingual does not guarantee the ability to accurately convey meaning from one language to another language; therefore, it is important to be aware and/or be able to assess language aptitude and skills necessary to convert a message from one language to another.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, indicates that “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Failure to provide access to information and effective participation of federally funded programs and activities may violate rights of LEP individuals protected under Title VI regulations on the grounds of national origin discrimination.
## Quality
The translation document should convey “true” meaning of information. This is achieved by selecting a competent translator who:
• has proficiency in the target language;
• is cognizant of the culture of the target language;
- has proficiency in punctuation, spelling, and grammar in the target language;
• avoids literal conversions;
- is certified by a translation agency or has completed translator training;
- is knowledgeable of the subject matter and terminology;
- has excellent research skills and access to language resources; and
• is computer literate.
When hiring a translator you may request a sample of their previous work and letter of reference and proof of credentials. Translators should also be
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willing and able to work with others in the process of proofreading, editing, and publishing. They should have the ability to judge the time needed to complete a translation project and meet the deadlines for production.
## Cost
Fees for translation will vary. Translators may charge by word or page, or may even provide discounts associated with contracts or volume. Do a thorough research of pricing information to ensure adequate allocation of funds.
## Translation and/or Interpreting Services Available in Kentucky
Listed are a few language service providers that can assist us in reaching LEP clients. Contact Nancy Cálix for assistance on identifying additional providers.
Accipio Language Services
838 East High Street, Suite 160
Lexington, KY 40502
info@accipioservices.com
Al Día en America
P.O. Box 206275, Louisville, KY 40250
Telephone: 502-451-8489
Central Kentucky Interpreter Referral Inc.
201 West Broadway Street Danville, KY
(859) 236-9888
Catholic Charities Of Louisville, Inc.
2911 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 637-9786
## For more information contact:
Nancy Cálix
Assistant Extension Administrator for County Operations
(502) 597-5233
nancy.cálix@kysu.edu
Jessica Marquez
Bilingual Community Resource Development
Extension Assistant
(502) 569-2344
jessica.marquez@kysu.edu
## References
What's in a Word? A Guide to Understanding Interpreting and Translation in Health Care,
http://www.healthlaw.org/images/stories/Whats_in_a_Word_Guide.pdf
Communicating More for Less, http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/LEP-translationtechnology.pdf
Limited English Proficiency, http://www.justice.gov/crt/lep/faqs.html
Translation: Buying a Non-Commodity, http://www.atanet.org/docs/translation_buying_guide.pdf
### KYSU.EDU/AG | @KYSUAG