Description. Translation is the process by which written text is rendered from one language into another. The original is in written form, and the translation into the other language is also produced in written form. Interpretation is the process by which oral communication is rendered from one language to another. The original is spoken, and the rendition is delivered in another spoken language. This certificate program prepares students for careers in legal translation and legal/court interpretation. It will instruct students in the techniques and procedures of producing an accurate, efficient translation, particularly in the legal field. Students completing this certificate will be well-prepared to take the State and Federal legal interpreter certification exams, the American Translators Association (ATA) Certification test, and be well prepared for a career providing high quality interpretation.
Learning Outcomes. Students will be able to:
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Analyze source texts, both technical and non-technical, from the perspective of an interpreter/translator;
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Perform advanced linguistic, terminological, and subject matter research as needed by the target communication or text;
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Convey oal and written communications or texts from a source into a target language according to specific standards of accuracy;
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Enter the interpretation/translation market or, if already in it, to advance with a high degree of professionalism, skills and knowledge;
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Perform consecutive or simultaneous interpretation or sight translation as needed by the situation;
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Gain a valuable broader understanding of the cultures implied, in addition to technical and professional knowledge.
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Be prepared to take the State and Federal legal interpreter certification exams;
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Be prepeared to take the ATA certification test
Rationale. The U.S. Department of Labor foresees a 42% employment growth rate for translators and interpreters between 2010 and 2020 (vs. a 14% average rate for other professions). Every multinational company and organization uses interpreter services, and many companies now have interpreters on staff. The ability to translate between languages is seen today as an asset by companies, institutions and government agencies. Legal translating skills will make students more marketable and competitive. It will complement any major in criminal justice fields. Furthermore, this program is going to provide heritage learners at John Jay with the tools to use and think about two languages in a professional context.
Credits Required. 24
Prerequisite. Fluency in English and Spanish, as determined by the department, required for enrollment.
Program Coordinator. Professor Aida Martinez-Gomez Gomez, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures (646.621.3755, amartinez-gomez@jjay.cuny.edu)
Please Note: Completion of all eight required courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater is required for successful completion of the certificate program.
Required Courses. Subtotal: 24 credits
SPA 230 Translating I
SPA 231 Interpreting I
SPA 250 Spanish for Criminal Investigation
SPA 330 Translating II
SPA 333 Interpreting II
SPA 340 Legal Interpreting I
SPA 435 Legal Translating
SPA 440 Legal Interpreting II
Total Credits: 24