The Importance of NAJIT
NAJIT stands for the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators. This group focuses on fostering the highest professional standards in interpreting and translating to ensure due process, equal protection, and equal access to the administration of justice for non-English or limited-English-proficient individuals.
Learn about how joining organizations like NAJIT can strengthen your translation skills while giving you the opportunity to promote equality in courtrooms.
The Formation of the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
NAJIT was created as a nonprofit in 1978 and was originally named the Court Interpreters and Translators Association, Inc. In 1988, their members voted to change the name to include the national element, rechristening the organization as the National Association for Judiciary Translators and Interpreters.
NAJIT is proud to be the world鈥檚 largest association of judiciary interpreters and translators. Beyond the courtroom, members of the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators work with matters involving medicine, diplomacy, and immigration. NAJIT interpreter certification and membership, therefore, comes with a lot of practice in diverse settings, making it the perfect way to expand your abilities in translation.
Reasons to Join NAJIT
Members of NAJIT commit to upholding the organization鈥檚 code of ethics and professional responsibilities so that parties can be confident they are receiving the best services in the administration of justice. Additionally, members are greatly encouraged to upgrade their skills and share their knowledge and expertise with other members of the profession. This helps promote mentorship and continuous learning.
These opportunities are often offered through planned activities. Activities in NAJIT are supported by membership dues and donations. The best news is there are no formal requirements to join, other than having an interest in interpreting and translation and sharing their objectives. However, most of the members also have NAJIT translator certifications, translator certification from the ATA, or other credentials from government agencies.
Benefits of NAJIT Interpreter Certification and Membership
Joining NAJIT means you can help promote equal representation for all in the courtroom while strengthening your skills as a translator and interpreter.
Here are the benefits of becoming a member of NAJIT:
- Obtaining a listing in the NAJIT online directory
- Subscription to NAJIT鈥檚 newsletter, which is dedicated to industry professionals
- Opportunity to volunteer for the American Red Cross
- Access to the NAJIT health plan
- Right to vote and hold office in the organization
- Reduced-rate registration for NAJIT conferences
- New employment opportunities
- Networking and community relationships
- Access to workshops that are designed to build translation skills
However, the list of benefits does not stop here. Be sure to check out other on their website!
More Ways to Get Involved with Courtroom Translation
Besides joining NAJIT, another way to improve your translation skill set is to continue your education. 秀色app is the perfect destination to do this with our M.A. in Translation program. If your interest is in legal translation specifically, our fully online program is a great option that supports a flexible schedule and learning from practically anywhere.
In terms of courses relevant to legal translation, we offer the following:
- Commercial, Legal, and Diplomatic Translation
- Terminology and Computer Applications in Translation
- Theory of Translation
- Documents in Multilingual Contexts
- Research and Writing
- Literary and Cultural Translation
Want to learn more about the differences between translation vs. interpretation? Check out our blog.
Start Strengthening Your Translation Skills
If you are ready to take on some new adventures in the legal field while strengthening your translation skills, be sure to check out the National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators and our online program for earning your master鈥檚 degree.
Be sure to request additional information about our program or start the application process today!