USC Upstate Panel discussion to address need for trained translators, interpreters in Upstate Region

The University of South Carolina Upstate is taking the initiative to address a need in the region for translators and interpreters that is currently not being addressed by any other entity.

Maria Monteso, a Spanish instructor at the University of South Carolina Upstate, will present the Fourth Annual Translation and Interpreting Panel discussion at 3:30 p.m. March 6 in the Tukey Theatre, 150 Gramling Drive on the USC Upstate campus. Monteso said the Upstate has a need for trained interpreters (people who translate spoken messages) and translators (those who translate written texts).

Rachel Hildebrandt will be the keynote panelist at this year’s event. She is a translator who has published German-to-English translations of both fiction and nonfiction works. Joining the panel electronically will be Dr. Miguel Tolosa Igualada, who teaches translation and interpreting at the University of Alicante in Spain, and Estela Alcalá Tello, a translation and interpreting graduate who is known for managing international and multilingual projects.

“When I came to the States, I realized there’s a huge demand for these two professions,” Monteso said recently. “At the same time, I realized it’s constantly needed – translators and interpreters — and especially community interpreters, which are the ones who work for law enforcement, that work for child-advocacy centers, in the schools, hospitals and so on.”

The growing demand for skilled translators and interpreters underscores the critical role these professionals play in various sectors, from legal and educational settings to healthcare. As highlighted by Maria Monteso’s initiative, the need for trained language experts is especially pronounced in communities where clear communication can significantly impact the quality of services and support available. Ensuring that these services are readily available helps bridge communication gaps and enhances accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their linguistic background.

In this context, specialized services like Auslan interpreting offer valuable support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. By providing expert Auslan interpretation, professionals ensure that essential information and services are accessible to those who rely on sign language. This facet of interpreting is crucial in settings such as public services, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, where clear communication is essential for effective engagement and support. The work of organizations and individuals dedicated to this field plays a vital role in fostering inclusivity and understanding across diverse communities.

Monteso is originally from Spain and holds Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in translation and interpreting studies in Spanish, Catalan, English and German. She is a Ph.D. candidate whose research interests are in education interpreting and pedagogy in translation and interpreting studies. As part of a service-learning class on campus, Monteso has been helpful in translating materials for nonprofit agencies like Hope Center for Children, The Children’s Advocacy Center, ReGenesis and Piedmont Care, as well as neighboring college Sherman College of Chiropractic and the Spartanburg County Public Libraries.

Monteso said that currently, many interpreting jobs are held by people who, while they might be bilingual, have no formal training in either interpreting or translating.

She also discovered that no Palmetto State college or university offers a degree program for either discipline; the closest, she said, is the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

“I said I would like to start something – this is my passion, this is everything that I’ve done so far, so let me bring something new to USC Upstate,” she said. “I started with this panel as an informative panel, just to raise awareness.”

Monteso said she now teaches the only two classes at USC Upstate that address the topic: one is an introduction to translating; the other is an introduction to interpreting.

“That doesn’t mean that, after taking these courses, you are a translator or an interpreter,” she said. “I’m just giving you a little information on how these professions work. Being bilingual is not the same. These are professions. It’s a skill that you have to develop and work on.”

Answering the need for translators and interpreters can be a lucrative calling, she said.

“These two professions can be applied to absolutely anything, from business to health care to computer systems. Everything is translated and everything can be interpreted in meetings when there are different cultures and they are talking to each other. It’s like being the bridge between cultures.”

The public is invited to the panel discussion, which will be free. In addition, there will be refreshments and door prizes.

About USC Upstate

The University of South Carolina Upstate is a regional, comprehensive university that offers more than 40 bachelor’s degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, nursing, and teacher education, and master’s degrees in education, informatics, and nursing. These degrees help students to transition easily to careers in the Upstate region. USC Upstate is committed to fulfilling regional and state workforce needs and thus the university is a major engine of social and economic development.  Comprised of a diverse and dynamic community of approximately 6,000 students from 26 states and 17 countries, USC Upstate is a wonderful blend of traditional and nontraditional students who reflect the Upstate’s rich international character. USC Upstate offers a balance of strengths that, when added up, results in a learning experience that is hard to match. The academic programs are accredited and highly ranked, with amazing research and internship opportunities for students. USC Upstate has its main campus in Spartanburg, the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics and the UPSTATE Gallery on Main in downtown Spartanburg, a location in Greenville, and a growing number of programs online. The USC Upstate Spartans, which fields 17 varsity sports, compete on the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Nearly 30,000 alumni have earned degrees from USC Upstate and approximately 85 percent choose to remain in the Upstate region to build their lives and careers, making a significant impact of the region’s economy and quality of life. Learn more at www.uscupstate.edu.