The Asociación Nacional de Traductores e Intérpretes Oficiales (ANTIO) of Costa Rica recently celebrated our 28th anniversary on 29 November 2023. We marked the occasion with a very pleasant gathering that several of our founding members attended. New generations had the privilege of listening to their advice, backed by decades of experience. It was also a good opportunity for the new board of directors to interact with members.
ANTIO’s inception stemmed from an ever-increasing demand for professional translators and interpreters to bridge language barriers in a country that serves as a bustling crossroads of international commerce, tourism, and diplomacy. Whether for business, a residency application, or a judicial process, Costa Rican law requires that documents and oral depositions be officially translated/interpreted into Spanish to have legal effect. This created a demand for translators and interpreters, and some of our members have influenced the legislative process and helped maintain this requirement when it has been challenged.
ANTIO was founded on excellence, ethics, and ongoing professional development. We have navigated the complexities of language in a rapidly globalising world, ensuring that official legal, medical, and technical communications are clear and accurate.
What makes ANTIO particularly noteworthy is our commitment to maintaining a high standard of professionalism. Members must have an official governmental appointment, which requires that they pass a very demanding exam administered by the University of Costa Rica, thus ensuring that they possess excellent linguistic skills and a comprehensive understanding of cultural nuances and specialised terminology. This strict criterion for membership has bolstered our reputation, making us a trusted partner for government agencies, businesses, and international organisations.
ANTIO’s members adhere to a strict code of ethics, of which confidentiality is a cornerstone, ensuring that sensitive information is handled with the utmost discretion. We also actively promote professional development by hosting workshops, seminars, and conferences to keep our members abreast of best practices and new trends in our professions.
Our history is also marked by adaptation to evolving technology. With the advent of digital communications, we’ve embraced new tools to facilitate smoother translation and interpreting services. From translation memory software to remote interpreting tools, ANTIO’s members leverage technology to enhance the efficiency and precision of their work.
As Costa Rica continues to cement its position in the global conversation on sustainability, human rights, and trade, ANTIO continues to play a pivotal role in translating these dialogues across linguistic divides. We strive to offer continuing education to our members and are actively involved in the cultural life of Costa Rican society, working closely with foreign embassies and national institutions. Our members are important representatives of the rich culture Costa Rica offers to the international community. We strive to offer them support and training to adapt to our ever-changing world.
Arcelio Hernández Mussio, President, ANTIO