Institute of Translation & Interpreting
Encyclopedia
The Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) is a professional association representing translators
and interpreters
in the United Kingdom
. ITI is affiliated with the International Federation of Translators
(FIT).
). As the principal professional association of translators and interpreters in the United Kingdom, it has become one of the primary sources of information on translation and interpreting to government, industry, the media and the public at large. It was one of the bodies consulted regarding the creation of the EN 15038
European quality standard
for the provision of translation services.
, rigorous criteria for full membership including examinations and peer assessment, and a mentoring scheme for newcomers to the profession. The institute is also working together with the CIoL on the establishment and administration of the new designation of Chartered Linguist.
and other countries where English
is commonly used. The main grades of individual membership are Fellow, Qualified Member, Associate and Student, and there are also some Corporate Members. Currently (November 2007) the number at each level is 30, 1421, 987, 85 and 77 respectively, with a further 7 honorary and 35 concessionary members, making a total of 2642. Members are bound by the institute's Code of Professional Conduct. Fellows and Qualified Members are entitled to use the postnominals FITI and MITI; the equivalent AITI for Associates was abolished when the precise definition of 'Associate' changed several times in around 2005.
, sharing work, and organizing social events within what is often seen as a solitary profession.
Translation
Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. Whereas interpreting undoubtedly antedates writing, translation began only after the appearance of written literature; there exist partial translations of the Sumerian Epic of...
and interpreters
Interpreting
Language interpretation is the facilitating of oral or sign-language communication, either simultaneously or consecutively, between users of different languages...
in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. ITI is affiliated with the International Federation of Translators
International Federation of Translators
The International Federation of Translators is a worldwide organization, composed of the national translation organizations from over 60 countries...
(FIT).
History
ITI was founded in 1986, as a breakaway group from the Translators Guild of the Institute of Linguists (now the CIoLChartered Institute of Linguists
The Chartered Institute of Linguists, also known as the Institute of Linguists, IOL and IoL , is a British professional and learned society for education that was founded in 1910. It serves to promote proficiency in modern languages worldwide...
). As the principal professional association of translators and interpreters in the United Kingdom, it has become one of the primary sources of information on translation and interpreting to government, industry, the media and the public at large. It was one of the bodies consulted regarding the creation of the EN 15038
Translation-quality standards
Like any supplier of goods or services, a translator potentially bears ethical and legal obligations toward his patron or employer. Lately, this has turned out to be of enormous importance with the development of language industry at global scale...
European quality standard
Standardization
Standardization is the process of developing and implementing technical standards.The goals of standardization can be to help with independence of single suppliers , compatibility, interoperability, safety, repeatability, or quality....
for the provision of translation services.
Aim
The Institute of Translation & Interpreting aims to promote the highest standards in the translation and interpreting professions. It achieves this through a variety of methods, including the publication of a bimonthly bulletin and numerous pamphlets, the organizing of an annual conference and frequent courses linked to Continuing Professional DevelopmentContinuing Professional Development
Continuing professional development or Continuing professional education is the means by which people maintain their knowledge and skills related to their professional lives.-CPD research:...
, rigorous criteria for full membership including examinations and peer assessment, and a mentoring scheme for newcomers to the profession. The institute is also working together with the CIoL on the establishment and administration of the new designation of Chartered Linguist.
Membership
Although most of its members are based in the United Kingdom, ITI has members from across continental EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and other countries where English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
is commonly used. The main grades of individual membership are Fellow, Qualified Member, Associate and Student, and there are also some Corporate Members. Currently (November 2007) the number at each level is 30, 1421, 987, 85 and 77 respectively, with a further 7 honorary and 35 concessionary members, making a total of 2642. Members are bound by the institute's Code of Professional Conduct. Fellows and Qualified Members are entitled to use the postnominals FITI and MITI; the equivalent AITI for Associates was abolished when the precise definition of 'Associate' changed several times in around 2005.
Bulletin Magazine
The bulletin is published bi-monthly and has an estimated readership of 7000. As well as publicising ITI events, including conferences, workshops etc., it contains articles relating to all aspects of translating and interpreting and is aimed at informing and entertaining its readers. Recent editions include interviews with high profile authors and articles on relevant world issues running alongside regular features on the pitfalls of poor translation, reviews of the latest translation software, taxation, money matters, and the many uses of translation and interpreting in today’s world.Regional Groups and Networks
From the very beginning, ITI members have sought to form groups based on regional, language and specialist lines. Currently, ITI has regional groups that span the United Kingdom, such as the ITI Scottish Network and ITI London Regional Group. Language groups such as the German Network, French Network (FrNet) and Japanese Network (J-Net), as well as subject-based networks such as STEP and infotech, maintain lively internet-based groups for purposes such as the clarification of terminological queries, discussion of best practiceBest practice
A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark...
, sharing work, and organizing social events within what is often seen as a solitary profession.