PGLS Pulse: July 2024

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the PGLS Pulse: your source of timely and thoughtful news about the language services industry.

Importance of Language Access

Language access ensures everyone, regardless of linguistic background, can fully participate in society. It enhances understanding and engagement, upholds human rights, and fosters an equitable community.

The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) found that public health agencies in 19 states were in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by not providing meaningful language access between Winter 2022 and Spring 2023.

Title VI mandates that entities receiving federal funds provide language access to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals.

NHeLP’s recommendations included:

👉 Planning ahead for LEP communities

👉 Informing them about requesting language services

👉 Having qualified human translators review machine translations

Today, we'll explore steps to improve language access and the crucial role of translators and interpreters in communicating vital information.

Industry News

Guidance for Entities Engaged in Emergency Preparedness

While emergencies and disasters affect everyone, communities of color often struggle to access critical recovery programs, activities, and services.

In the 2007 Southern California wildfires, LEP individuals often faced discrimination, with evacuation information only provided in English and interpreters largely unavailable.

To improve compliance with Title VI and ensure all communities receive necessary services during emergencies, recipients of federal aid should:

• Update Language Access Plans to provide adequate information about all stages of emergency management: planning, response, recovery, and mitigation.
• Provide information about emergency services, housing, health services, and transportation, e.g., through translated materials and interpreters at public meetings.
• Reach out to local community centers, employers, unions, and community organizations to share emergency planning information and get advice on engaging diverse racial, ethnic, and LEP communities.

These practices will advance compliance with Title VI and other federal civil rights obligations and ensure all communities receive necessary services and information.

Read more recommendations here.

For Linguists

Occupational Outlook for Translators and Interpreters

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, with about 7,200 openings annually. Demand is driven by globalization, increased US diversity, and the need for military and national security interpreters. It's important to note that while technology has made translation workflows more efficient, human translators remain essential as their work cannot be fully automated.

Read the full version here.

AI and the Future of Translation and Interpretation

"Disruption" and "opportunity" were prominent themes at panel discussions hosted by the Middlebury Institute of International Studies on the impact of AI on the future of translation and interpretation. Here are a few key insights:

Translators and interpreters should see AI tools as "intelligent assistants" rather than a replacement. While quality remains the responsibility of language professionals, AI can improve efficiency by handling vast amounts of data.

Be open to applying your skills in various contexts without focusing too much on job titles. Although employers anticipate changing hiring needs, current job descriptions have yet to reflect the new knowledge, skills, and abilities needed.

While the ability to learn and incorporate new technology is increasingly important, traditional skills remain crucial. These include bilingual proficiency, broad subject knowledge, cultural nuance, and interpersonal communication.

Read the full article here.

Job Opportunities

We are always looking for talented language professionals. If you are a translator, interpreter, or language instructor, PGLS wants to work with you! Explore our open roles here.

PGLS News

• Brett Weaver attended the Connected Manufacturing Forum and shared valuable insights on how language solutions can support the digital transformation journeys of manufacturing partners.
• Ryan Taffe attended the DIA 2024 Exhibit and shared his thoughts on how tech-focused, human-in-the-loop translations ensure quality as the life sciences industry adopts Generative AI to improve patient experiences.
• Ryan Taffe attended the AHIP Conference and found that access, affordability, and equity were key themes driving conversations among U.S. health insurance providers.
• Check out our free guide on eLearning localization to learn how to build culture-specific experiences that increase learner engagement and comprehension and ensure legal compliance.
• Gilbert Segura, VP of Technology at PGLS, presented at the GALA Client SIG on methods and tools to solve localization challenges and enhance localization efficiency and quality.

Careers

As a minority-owned business, we’re all about embracing diversity of thought and fostering a culture of innovation to break language barriers and promote equity. Believe you would be a good fit? Explore our current openings here.

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