Language Justice & Access
Interpretation & Translation Services
Just Communities acknowledges that Interpretation is a crucial skill in any language justice space, and this skill must be cultivated and nurtured. Through our Interpretation and Translation Services, we help organizations find interpreters and provide them with training and support. We are committed to foster and cultivate equitable and accessible interpretation and translation services through our Language Justice Network.
Due to limited staff capacity, we unfortunately aren't able to accept new clients or interpretation and translations contracts at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.
What is Interpretation?
The oral process of rendering a spoken message from one language into another.
What is Consecutive Interpretation?
The speaker speaks a few sentences and then pauses to allow the interpreter to repeat them in the other language. The speaker and interpreter take turns talking, so consecutive interpretation doubles the time required for information to be shared. This method requires interpreters with strong memory retention, but does not require any special audio equipment.
What is Simultaneous Interpretation?
The interpreter interprets the speaker’s message at the same time as the speaker is talking. Special audio transmitter equipment is required, and the interpreters need advanced listening-talking simultaneity skills. This method requires preparation in advance and commitment from the interpreter, audience, and organization to create just and inclusive bilingual and multilingual spaces.
What is Translation?
The written process of changing words or text from one language to another.
Language Justice Programs
What is a “language justice”?
At Just Communities, language Justice is about building and sustaining multilingual spaces in our organizations and social movements so that everyone's voice and lived experience can be heard both as an individual and as part of a diversity of communities and cultures. Valuing language Justice means recognizing the social and political dimensions of language and language access, while working to dismantle language barriers, equalize power dynamics, and build strong communities for social and racial Justice. No single or static definition for language justice exists. We expect that our understanding of the concept of language Justice and its implications for movement-building will continue to change and deepen as the movement grows.
One Room, Many Voices: Planning for Cross-Language Communication
This workshop explores best practices for working with interpreters and translators to plan inclusive and effective multilingual events.
Audience: Leaders and staff members of schools, non-profit organizations, government agencies, community leaders and organizers, etc.
Interpreting for Social Justice
Introductory workshop and curriculum planning to create bilingual/multilingual space for interpreting in a social justice context:
-
Skill building in consecutive and simultaneous interpretation
-
Ethical issues and the interpreter's role
-
Language, power, and social justice
-
Creating and inclusive and committed bilingual/multilingual space
Audience: This workshop is open to experienced and aspiring interpreters of sign and spoken languages. All levels, languages, and ages are welcome