Interpreter Spotlight – Carmelina C.

Please read below to learn more about Carmelina C., an Akateko, Q’anjob’al and Spanish Interpreter in LSA’s network known for her friendly and professional demeanor with clients.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Aldea Coya, a village about 30 minutes (by car) from San Miguel Acatan, Huehuetenango, Guatemala.  I am a Maya Akateka woman.  My family came to the United States when I was just six years old, searching for freedom from the war in Guatemala.  I speak Akateko and Q’anjob’al fluently, and some Chuj.  I learned English in school and taught myself Spanish at the age of nine.

As I was growing up, we moved to different states across the U.S. because my mother was a migrant worker.  This is how I was exposed to the different languages spoken by my people from Guatemala.   After many years of moving from state to state, we eventually settled in Florida, where I currently reside.  I am married with three wonderful sons.

How long have you been interpreting?

I began interpreting at a very young age because my mother needed me to interpret for her.  I remember interpreting and negotiating her work contracts when I was just eight or nine years old.  Even as a teenager I did a lot of interpreting for our family friends.  In 2002, I was actually interpreting for a family friend when I was discovered by Berlitz (a global leadership training and language education company).  I was tested, certified and then given the opportunity to do immigration court interpreting as a contractor.  I have been interpreting professionally since 2002.

What inspired you to get into professional interpretation?

I was inspired to become an Interpreter by the needs of those around me.  No matter where I was, there was always someone that needed my help, especially because the languages I speak are rare and there are very few Interpreters.

What’s your favorite part about interpreting?

My favorite part about interpreting is knowing that both parties will be brought together (no matter the language) and able to convey each other’s thoughts.  For that brief period of time, the two parties will be able to speak to each other as if they are speaking the same language.

What is something you bring to every assignment and / or call you interpret for?

I am proud to bring a strong sense of cultural awareness to every session I interpret for.  It is extremely important to be knowledgeable and up-to-date about the diversity that exists between each community of Mayan languages.  I travel to Guatemala when I can in order to maintain my fluency and continue learning first-hand about my Mayan culture.  And because I was raised here in the United States, I am able to assist the English speaker that is trying to communicate with the Limited English Proficient individual.

What advice do you have for those interested in pursuing a career in professional interpretation?

If English is not your first language, it’s very important that you study the English language.  As a professional Interpreter, you need to know about idioms, colloquialisms and even slang words that may come up during an interpretation call or assignment.  It’s also important you do some research on the community you will be interpreting for.  I recommend you start by providing volunteer interpreting services; It will help you get the experience you need to interpret professionally.

When you’re not interpreting, what are some of the things you enjoy doing on your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time with my two younger sons and husband.  I am also currently writing a book that will tell my families story of survival from the war that forced our displacement from our village in Guatemala.