Translators Associations North America: ATIM

A collective voice

Translation Association North America: ATIMThe Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Manitoba, Canada (ATIM) was founded in 1980 by a small group of professionals who wished to be heard. Their efforts led to the creation of this non-profit translation association that recruited members both in the public and private sectors. ATIM is affiliated with the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC), an umbrella organisation for the provincial and territorial associations of Canada.

The objectives of this organisation based in Winnipeg are the protection of the public interest as it ensures the quality standards of all services rendered by its members. The translators association wishes to be a collective voice for all members, at the same time making sure that all of them exercise their profession in accordance with the organisation’s code of ethics.

ATIM aims at providing opportunities for members to foster their professional development, ensuring that the profession is practiced according to ethics. This will hopefully contribute towards raising the awareness of how important the role played by translators – freelancers or employees of translation agencies – in society.

The Canadian translation association organises regular professional training and is committed to raising the recognition for the quality of its members’ work. ATIM “also strives to protect the public interest by certifying the skills of its members based on national standards”. In order to do so, ATIM coordinates CTTIC's standard certification exam in the province of Manitoba and administers the review of certification portfolios.

It is one of ATIM’s concerns to maintain amicable and professional relations with other translators associations, both in Canada and abroad.

The translation association has two membership categories: honorary members and certified members. All of them must comply with the by-laws and the code of ethics of the organisation.

The title of honorary member is attributed by the board to those who have rendered outstanding service to the profession. The board has the power to withdraw such title. Certified members granted honorary member status shall retain their acquired rights.

Certified members are either the founding members of the translators association or those candidates that have complied with requirements displayed in ATIM’s by-laws.

To become a certified member, one must meet one of several criteria. The candidate must hold a degree in translation, terminology, linguistics or interpretation which is recognised by the association as well as complete the mentorship programme the organisation has established. Alternatively, the candidate “must successfully challenge the standard certification examination set by the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council (CTIC), having first been recognised as a suitable candidate by passing the association's preselection test”.

There is another option to become a certified member. The candidate must meet the requirements established by the translation association for portfolio-based certification. In case he / she is a regular member in good standing (certified or equivalent status) of a professional translators association, society or interpreters and translators company which is acknowledged as such by the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council (CTIC) and submit a written application for admission to ATIM.

For ATIM, either French or English must be the source or target language of the mentorship programme undertaken by the candidate, portfolio-based certification or standard examination which qualify him / her to become a certified member. Only certified members in good standing may use the term Certified Translator or Certified Interpreter and use the title of the association after their names.

Professional certification has several benefits. For example, your skills become confirmed as a translator, terminologist or interpreter to all potential clients and employers. It is also a reflection of your commitment towards protecting the public.

As a member of ATIM, you became part of a large and national network of 3,000 translators, terminologists and interpreters. If you’re in good standing, you will also be listed in the online directory. There are also many professional development opportunities organised by ATIM. The translators association is committed to helping its members develop their professional skills through several training activities, such as conferences and workshops.

From time to time, the association receives job postings and work offers, which it redirects to its members.

ATIM is also responsible for organisation International Translation Day celebrations in Manitoba. Every year, the association invites its members to get together in an activity that marks the 30th September.

Keep in mind that Canada’s two main languages are English (58.8 % of the population) and French (23.2 %). In Manitoba, there is over a million inhabitants, 88% of which speak English. Around the world, there are around 328 million native English speakers (the actual figures are estimated to be much higher), whereas French native speakers are about 125 millions.

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