Multilingual Services

As a province, Alberta undertakes relations with many nations around the world.  Often, translation and interpretation services are required to facilitate the communications process.

Members of the public requiring assistance with translations or interpretation services are encouraged to contact the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA).  The ATIA can be contacted either in Edmonton at (780) 434-8384 or Calgary (403) 243-3477; or at www.atia.ab.ca.

Alberta government departments or agencies requiring further information regarding multilingual services may contact:

        Emly Anderson

        Associate Director, Coordination Services

        Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations

        Telephone: (780) 415-8397 or emly.anderson@gov.ab.ca

Translation deals with the written word.  Text is converted from one language into another, retaining the meaning and context.  Interpretation deals with the spoken word.  Consecutive interpretation is when the speaker pauses periodically for interpretation.  Simultaneous interpretation happens continuously through electronic equipment directly to the listener without the speaker having to pause.

Interpreters and translators need to be fluent in both English and the language to be translated.  They strive to facilitate understanding and clear communication by supplying the best possible translation and interpretation.  They understand more than just another language.  They also have a deep understanding of the cultures and countries of origin of the languages in which they work.  Interpreters and translators must pass a comprehensive examination verifying their qualifications in order to become certified.

The ATIA is the only association of certified translators and conference interpreters in the province of Alberta, and the only member of the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC).  Through CTTIC, the Association is affiliated wiht the International Federation of Translators, headquartered in Paris.  ATIA members are bound by a code of ethics that ensures the quality of their language translation work and guarantees confidentiality.