How the work of an internal committee can reach all FIT member associations
Just as tiny, isolated neurons extend their axons to reach out to other isolated neurons and, together, create something wonderful called synapses, the central mission of the International Relations Committee of the Colegio de Traductores Públicos de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (CTPCBA) is to establish connections with key players in the field of translation and interpreting worldwide.
But who are these key players? Naturally, they include international organisations related to our profession, such as FIT and its member associations, as well as other professional associations from diverse fields, organisations requiring translation services, entities responsible for translation and interpreting standards, universities offering translation programmes, embassies, and consulates. They also encompass the vast network of translators and interpreters across the globe who, slowly but surely, contribute positively to our field every day, often working out of the spotlight.
Focusing on mutual enrichment, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, our committee has spearheaded initiatives such as roundtable discussions and surveys among professional translation and interpreting associations across Latin America to see where we stand collectively. Through thematic country reports, we have started to introduce our members to FIT member associations and their work, reach, and benefits, fostering a greater understanding of the diversity and scale of our profession.
Another significant project has been conducting interviews with distinguished Argentine translation and interpreting professionals who are currently working abroad. These interviews not only keep our members up to date on the various ways our profession is practiced, but, more importantly, serve as inspiration. They highlight the huge challenges these professionals have faced and overcome, offering well-deserved recognition for their achievements.
In addition, we have organised talks featuring renowned translators and interpreters from around the world, presented papers at international conferences, and contributed articles and summaries of global events to our association’s magazine.
In essence, we strive to showcase the work from one corner of the world that might resonate elsewhere (or everywhere). That is our small contribution – our tiny, isolated neuron reaching out to create synapses.
Rodolfo Retondano and Silvia Bacco, CTPCBA
