RITA SCHMIT The chair of the Grand Duchy’s trade group
A HEATED DEBATE
Representatives of America’s two main parties had a passionate exchange of views on 20 October. See full report: www.delano.lu/ USelectiondebate2016
A
B
C
Jan Hanrion
D
US ELECTIONS A. James O’Neal and William Abundes of Republicans Abroad Luxembourg; David McKean, US ambassador to Luxembourg, who moderated; and Eva Moynihan and Will Bakker of Democrats Abroad Luxembourg B. Colette Flesch C. Marc Elvinger of the law firm Arendt & Medernach, which hosted the debate, on right D. Alison Shorter-Lawrence and Claude Radoux
CATCHING UP WITH…
for professional translators and interpreters has a few words for you.
The Luxembourg Translators and Interpreters Association (Alti) celebrated its 5th anniversary with a symposium for professional translators and interpreters on 30 September, which marks International Translation and Interpreting Day. “We decided to do something special for the occasion, as five years is quite a milestone and we are proud that we are growing steadily,” says Rita Schmit, founding president of Alti. It was the first day ded dedicated to translators and interpreters in the Grand Duchy, and Alti is the only association of its kind comhere. The idea began, in 2009, among a few com mitted linguists disgruntled by the lack of possibilities for those in the profession to exchange ideas and experiences. They decided to meet up every couple of months and, in 2011, a group of 16 founding members established the association that exists today, now with 75 members and counting. The association is a platform on which translators and interpreters in Luxembourg and the Greater Region can exchange ideas, train or simply meet for common activities. Schmit elaborates elaborates: “Our meetings every two months or so are varied and can involve a presentation by a member, a training session or general discussions. Interested non-members can come along, such as students who don’t yet have a degree but are interested in the association.” Maintaining high standards demands a tough selection process. All members are highly-qualified active professionals, have a degree in translation or interpreting, and many are sworn before the Superior Court of Justice in Luxembourg. “It is important for us to become stronger. Translation and interpretation are not protected professions in Luxembourg which means that anybody can claim to be a translator, but not necessarily everyone has the same credentials,” explains Schmit. Covering 24 languages, the association does not sell services but provides a directory of its mem members along with the languages they offer who can be contacted directly. Unsurprisingly, the majority of requests concern Luxembourgish, German, French and English. Looking ahead, Schmit says Alti “hopes to offer even more training as we strongly believe in lifelong learning”. www.traducteurs-interpretes.lu Interview by SARAH PITT Photography by ANNA KATINA December 2016