The ATA Compass: Your guide to translation and interpreting in the global market

Want to reach more customers, grow your business, and improve your bottom line? The ATA Compass publishes articles and provides resources to show you how language professionals can help you achieve these goals.  

The High Stakes of Legal Interpretation: Why You Need a Certified Court Interpreter in Colorado

By ATA Compass | March 31, 2025

Why accurate legal interpretation matters In the legal system, language accuracy is a matter of justice. Court proceedings rely on precise communication to ensure fair trials, protect defendants’ rights, and…

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and Language Access: Who, What, How

By ATA Compass | February 18, 2025

What is Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act? The goal of the Affordable Care Act is to expand access to healthcare, especially to underserved and marginalized populations. As part…

Video Game Localization: Q&A with Expert Marina Ilari (Part 2)

By ATA Compass | February 11, 2025

Expert game localizer Marina Ilari joins us again to answer more questions about the video game localization process. Read on to learn: What to consider when choosing your localization partner…

Video Game Localization: Q&A with Expert Marina Ilari (Part 1)

By ATA Compass | February 4, 2025

You’d like gamers around the world to play your video game… but how do you attract international players who speak different languages? Welcome to the world of video game localization!…

Why Translators & Interpreters with Disabilities Can Make a Difference

By ATA Compass | November 21, 2024

In case you missed it, October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and this year’s official theme was “Access to Good Jobs for All.” So, it’s a good time…

Want Your Children’s Book Translated into Another Language? Answer These 7 Questions First!

By ATA Compass | November 19, 2024

Whether you’re an author or a publisher, you’ve likely grappled with lots of questions before publishing your book. For the translated edition(s), there are many more things to consider –…

Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part IV: Terms to Know

By ATA Compass | November 1, 2024

Terms to Know When you Hire a Translation Provider Translation: converting written text from one language into another  Interpreting: converting speech from one language into another  ATA-certified translator: An individual…

Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part III: ATA Certification and Legal Considerations

By ATA Compass | October 1, 2024

ATA Certification Respected Credential ATA certification is one of the global translation industry’s most respected and recognized credentials. It is also the only widely recognized measure of competence for translators…

A tabletop voice recording device.

What is Transcription and Why Does it Matter?

By ATA Compass | September 25, 2024

Why audio and video transcription are important tools for translation and beyond What do transcription and translation have in common? (Besides starting with the same five letters.) Like translation, transcription…

VRI vs VSI Interpreting: A Guide for Language Service Users

By ATA Compass | September 11, 2024

Today, providing language access services, whether through document translation or interpretation services, is no longer just a luxury; they are often required by law or in the best interest of…

Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part II: Working with a Translator

By ATA Compass | September 2, 2024

Working with a Translator Properly preparing to work with a translator is key to a positive outcome. The more information you are able to provide upfront, the more successful your…

Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part I: Finding and Choosing a Translator

By ATA Compass | August 1, 2024

Translators help power the global economy, working with businesses, governments, non-profits and individuals. They are an integral part of global communication. Translators work with the written word, adapting text from…

Inclusive Language Speaks to Everyone

By ATA Compass | July 3, 2024

When it comes to your marketing strategy, it’s important that your content speaks to as many people as possible. A powerful way to achieve this is to ensure that you…

Demystifying the Difference Between Simplified Chinese vs. Traditional Chinese 

By ATA Compass | June 27, 2024

Simplified Chinese vs. Traditional Chinese, Mandarin vs. Cantonese⏤there are plenty of myths and misconceptions when it comes to the Chinese language. Many such misconceptions even persist in the language services…

How to Build Digital Accessibility into Your Products and Services

By ATA Compass | May 9, 2024

Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day by eliminating linguistic barriers! May 16, 2024, marks the 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Around the world, legal, medical, and scientific organizations along with…

Shohei Ohtani’s Japanese Interpreter Under the Microscope

By ATA Compass | April 19, 2024

Interpreting, ethics, and the importance of professionalism in language access Given that language professionals often work behind the scenes, it’s uncommon for the outside world to take an interest in…

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Using AI for Translation: (When) is it Safe?

By ATA Compass | April 17, 2024

If you’re a translation buyer, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz lately about the artificial intelligence/machine translation (AI/MT) boom. No question about it, automated translation has come a long…

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Which Spanish Variant Should You Choose for Your Translation?

By ATA Compass | March 27, 2024

The Spanish language is as beautiful as it is diverse. It’s a global language with an estimated 500 million native speakers and is the official language of 21 countries. But…

Transform Your Site: English-Spanish Website Translation 

By ATA Compass | February 28, 2024

With over 559 million Spanish speakers globally, the Spanish language offers a sizeable and fast-growing customer base for businesses looking to expand their market reach. For example, about 1,900 people…

Video Translation and Subtitling: The Ins and Outs of “Subs and Dubs”

By ATA Compass | January 31, 2024

Thanks to the success of international blockbusters like Parasite and Squid Game (both originally in Korean), video translation and subtitling have now become hot topics. Lots of people are asking…

The Spanish to English Translation Process: A Translator’s View

By ATA Compass | December 1, 2023

As an ATA certified Spanish-to-English translator specializing in medical and marketing translation as well as official documents, my job is not just to change words from one language to another;…

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The ATA Compass

The ATA Compass

Want to reach more customers, grow your business, and improve your bottom line? The ATA Compass publishes articles and provides resources to show you how language professionals can help you…

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Client Assistance

Client Assistance

Can I afford to hire a professional? You can’t afford NOT to. Poor translation and interpreting services can be disastrous for your business. See what’s at stake. Learn More What’s…

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Why You Should Use a Certified Translator or Interpreter

Why You Should Use a Certified Translator or Interpreter

Choosing a Certified Professional is the Smart Choice A certified translator or interpreter ensures effective, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication that truly bridges the gap between languages and cultures. Accuracy…

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Why Should I Hire a Professional?

Why Should I Hire a Professional?

It takes more than just the ability to understand two languages. Professional translators and interpreters have the education, experience, and expertise to understand the nuances in one language and transfer…

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Language Services Directory

Start Your Search ATA’s Language Services Directory includes a list of all ATA members of individuals, as well as companies. Need help finding the right professional? Professional translators and interpreters…

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Find a Translator or Interpreter Near You

Find a Translator or Interpreter Near You

Searching for a Nearby Translator or Interpreter? Whether you require accurate document translations, real-time interpreting for an event, or specialized industry expertise, finding the right professional near you has never…

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