Terminology

TERM-1 (T, 2:30-3:15pm) - ALL LEVELS
Beyond Dictionaries
Eric A. Bye, freelance translator, Chester, Vermont

Dictionaries may be a translator's best friend, but sometimes they let us down. After some brief observations on paper and electronic dictionaries and my usual modus operandi when I'm stumped, I'll focus on several stratagems I have found to be effective in translating unfindable words and concepts, using specific examples from my recent work into English from French, Spanish, and German. Some valuable resources include networking with experts, specialized target language books, and even junk mail. Attendees will be encouraged to share ideas that work for them.

TERM-2 (S, 3:30-4:15pm) - BEGINNER
Getting More out of Dictionaries
Mordecai Schreiber, founder and president, Schreiber Translations and Schreiber Publishing, Rockville, Maryland

Professional translators have always found dictionaries insufficient sources for answering all questions arising from translation from one language into another. Lexicography in the U.S., as well as worldwide, continues to be a problem area. Today, we face an additional question of dictionaries on disk and online replacing the traditional printed ones. Using examples such as the forthcoming Great French Medical Dictionary and the recent Multicultural Spanish Dictionary, the question of the limitations of dictionaries in general is discussed. This presentation will also offer ways to maximize dictionary use, going beyond the traditional concept of reprinting a book every few years.

[CANCELED] (S, 4:15-5:00pm) - BEGINNER
How to Create Your Own Terminology Database Using Microsoft Access
Julie A. Tabler, freelance translator and part-time interpreter, Language Line Services, Bozeman, Montana

This presentation is designed primarily for freelance translators who want a computer tool for terminology storage that will meet their specific needs. The Access database program can be used alone or linked to your existing terminology database to enhance its searchability and flexibility. Access comes with several sample databases, none of which have any resemblance to a terminology database, so you need to start from scratch. This how-to demonstration on the computer should save you a lot of time perusing through Access manuals and help files. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome.

For more information, contact ATA,
phone: (703) 683-6100; fax: (703) 683-6122;
or e-mail: conference@atanet.org.