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Language is Evocative
The Conference Between the Sessions
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B e a Swan, Not a Duck
Wait… So What’s the Difference Between The Blog, CyberNews, and Proteus?
Court interpreting can be an isolating profession. This post explores the importance of building trusted professional networks, mentorship, and community within the interpreting field.
When AI-generated summaries begin influencing how interpreted testimony is remembered and discussed, where does ethical responsibility begin? This edition of “Let’s Test Your Ethics” explores the risks of administrative AI creep in the courtroom.
A reflection on the NAJIT 2026 Conference, highlighting community, connection, and the evolving role of judiciary interpreters and translators.
Preparing for the FCICE? These practical tips break down how to train effectively, avoid common mistakes, and build the discipline needed for federal certification.
A guest post exploring peer observation in interpreting, examining performance anxiety, professional growth, and the role of constructive feedback in strengthening the field.
In interpreting, reputation isn’t built on titles alone. This reflection explores how presence, empathy, and emotional intelligence shape meaningful communication and lasting impact.
A Matter of Due Process By Hilda Shymanik About six years ago, I met a colleague during a short-lived, recurring five-day full-time freelance assignment, a 40-hour-a-week two-year contract. We were both Mexican and new to that courthouse, as was the coordinator. It was also...
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What’s Going On in Our Field Right Now? By Julli Jaramillo I’ve been keeping up with what’s been happening in our field, and I think now is a good time to update everyone. There’s a lot shifting right now, and it’s not all happening...
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A Brief History of The Couch Series Since its debut in 2017, The Couch has been the place to provide our members with the space to discuss dilemmas, help one another, and network within our field. Past discussions have tackled ethical challenges, professional growth, and best practices, offering valuable...
The post The Couch: Are “Translator Headphones” Giving You the Ick Too? appeared first on NAJIT.
Language Access on the Biggest Stage By: Julli Jaramillo Last month, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the Super Bowl Halftime show. As always, the spotlight was on the teams, the halftime show, and the commercials that quickly became part of the cultural...
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Warts and All By Ángeles Estrada, M.A., F.C.C.I The letters written to the judge by Spanish-speaking defendants in U.S. penitentiaries are hard to read and time consuming to translate. Because of the literacy level of most defendants, their letters are laden with spelling mistakes ...
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Self-Care as an Ethical Necessity By: Athena Matilsky Be kinder to yourself. Then let your kindness flood the world. -Pema Chödron Have you ever found yourself skipping lunch, losing sleep and working 12-hour days even though you were your own boss? A few years ago,...
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Let’s Test Your Ethics: The Digital “Assist” The NAJIT Observer Team Honoring the Lunar New Year Before we turn to this month’s ethical discussion, we want to pause to recognize the Lunar New Year. For many communities around the world, this celebration marks renewal,...
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Playing The Infinite Game In Your Interpreting Career By: Jiraporn-Ann H. Huynh With Special Credit To Contributor and Editor: Hilda Shymanik I was at a dental event for an elite group of dental practitioners who don’t just fix teeth and collect money; they are...
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Not An Infallible Technique, After All By Hilda Shymanik Just recently, I was telling some colleagues how, since I started freelancing regularly in some of the best and interpreter-friendly courthouses in the area, I’ve found fewer topics to blog about. The reason? I rarely...
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Explores why verbatim interpretation is a misconception in court interpreting and how accuracy, meaning, and credibility truly function in the courtroom.
A reflection on NAJIT’s upcoming AI-focused conference and an open invitation for interpreters and translators to help shape future blog and Proteus coverage.
A reflection on attending a NAJIT Open House, highlighting community, thoughtful facilitation, and upcoming opportunities to learn more about membership and engagement.
A look at NAJIT’s webinar offerings, lessons learned from early challenges, and how ongoing professional learning continues to evolve for judiciary interpreters and translators.
A reflection on NAJIT’s resilience, the people behind the work, and entering 2026 grounded in history, continuity, and community.
A new NAJIT member reflects on the uncertainty of stepping into an established professional community and asks how others found connection, confidence, and belonging within NAJIT.
New to NAJIT? A recent graduate asks how to begin networking and getting involved in the judiciary interpreting profession. Members are invited to share advice.
A heartfelt tribute to Susan and Rob Cruz, whose decade of leadership, expertise, and warmth shaped NAJIT’s modern era. Discover their lasting impact, read member reflections, and see how The NAJIT Observer is moving forward with renewed purpose.
A courtroom interpreter faces an ethical dilemma after hearing a defendant confess to an unrelated crime during a privileged meeting. What would you do when confidentiality and conscience collide?
In "Beyond Language, The Expert Interpreter," Reme Bashi reflects on the balance between following judicial authority and asserting professional expertise in court interpreting. This insightful piece empowers interpreters to manage their work environment with confidence while upholding ethics and best practices.
Discover when and how compassion should take the lead in court interpreting. In emotionally charged cases, small acts of empathy can improve communication while maintaining professional boundaries. Learn why compassion benefits both interpreters and LEP individuals
Proteus, NAJIT’s quarterly publication, invites judiciary interpreters and translators to submit research-driven articles, industry insights, and thought-provoking discussions. Explore our 2025 themes and submission guidelines to contribute to the conversation shaping the future of legal translation and interpretation.
The Glendon Master’s in Conference Interpreting (MCI) at York University is under threat due to budget cuts and administrative pressure. This program has trained interpreters who facilitate equal access to healthcare and justice, making a global impact. Learn why preserving it is crucial for the future of professional
Imposter syndrome can affect even the most experienced interpreters and translators. This week, The Couch explores practical steps to boost confidence, develop resilience, and navigate self-doubt in judiciary interpreting. Share your thoughts and learn from your peers!
Discover how writing for The NAJIT Observer can enhance your skills, contribute to the profession, support newcomers, and honor seasoned experts in judiciary translation and interpretation.
Pushing through exhaustion comes at a cost. In high-stakes professions like judiciary translation and interpreting, rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Learn why self-care is essential, how to set boundaries, and why listening to your body now can prevent burnout later.
Kick off 2025 with The Observer! Reflecting on a year of growth and community, we share highlights from 2024, exciting plans for the year ahead, and a heartfelt message of gratitude. Join us in celebrating the power of connection and setting intentions for a successful year together.
Discover practical advice for new graduates entering the field of judiciary translation and interpreting. Explore key tips on certifications, finding opportunities, courtroom preparation, building relationships, and career growth. Join The Couch discussions for expert insights and shared experiences within the NAJIT Ob
Discover the key differences, challenges, and rewards of judiciary translation and interpretation. Explore which path aligns with your strengths and career goals in the vital world of language professionals bridging communication gaps in the judiciary system.
Discover practical tips for successful relay interpreting with remote colleagues abroad, including building trust, case preparation, and effective communication strategies. Enhance your international collaboration skills!
Interpreter's fatigue poses a real threat to due process, compromising accuracy and performance. Discover why team interpreting and periodic breaks are essential for maintaining quality and adhering to professional ethics in courtrooms.
Explore ethical dilemmas faced by professional interpreters and translators in 'Let’s Test Your Ethics.' This interactive segment by the NAJIT Observer Team presents real-world-inspired scenarios to spark thoughtful discussions, deepen understanding of ethical principles, and strengthen our professional community. Join
Discover the importance of the LEP's right to 'hear everything' in court and understand the judiciary interpreter's role in ensuring fair proceedings. Learn how interpreting every detail can impact cognitive load and the implications for legal practice.
Discover the importance of saying names correctly and how this small effort fosters respect and inclusivity, especially in interpreting and legal settings. A reflection on cultural sensitivity, gratitude, and connection.
The blog post discusses the significance of El Día de Muertos [Day of the Dead] as a cultural tradition that honors departed loved ones, featuring colorful imagery of the celebrations such as ofrendas [altars] adorned with cempasúchil [marigold flowers], La Catrina figures [skeleton sculptures], and butterfly-themed tr
In this insightful blog post, Hilda Shymanik recounts a challenging experience as a court interpreter during a remote bond hearing. She explores the complexities of attorney-client privilege in virtual settings and reflects on the interpreter's role in ensuring accurate communication. Hilda invites readers to share the
Discover NAJIT’s vibrant community with new Editor-in-Chief, Julli Jaramillo, leading engaging content on The NAJIT Observer. Meet the team, explore new series like 'Ethics Corner' and 'The Couch,' and stay informed on global legal and cultural insights. Join us for inspiration, learning, and connection.
There’s something we never want to talk about. Not unless it comes knocking on our door. But lately, it’s been knocking on many people’s doors, people I know, people I don’t know, one right after the other: mothers, fathers, leaving us grown children orphaned and disoriented. They were an anchor we never knew was there until it was suddenly lifted and gone. Maybe that’s why we don’t talk about it. Death is like a Beetlejuice incantation: say it three times and it will appear.
Have you ever been on assignments that booked you for a hearing but turned out to be a full-length trial? One that involves extensive evidence submission and multiple witnesses. These situations are inevitable as sometimes thing changes at the last minute. But what can we do about this? What can we do to raise awareness on the issue so everyone can benefit from having the interpreter in the room?
When the topic comes up among my colleagues of discussing our work as interpreters with lawyers and judges, they unanimously and enthusiastically agree that we have a lot to tell them. The following is the gist of what I would say upon such an opportunity.
