Organization

Fields of priority

The Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters collectively represents translators, interpreters and related professionals, such as translation teachers, researchers and students. In Finland, to look after their interests, these professionals have banded together to form a joint organisation. Having a common organisation is in the best interests of the membership, and facilitates contacts with the authorities.

Dissemination of information is a focal point of the Association's activities. The Association promotes discussion of matters pertaining to translation and interpreting in the media and through communication with the authorities. Each year on 30 September, the International Translation Day is celebrated by arranging a special event that is open to the general public. The programme presents aspects and special features of translation and interpreting work to the public, and gives translators and interpreters the opportunity to meet. Kääntäjä-Översättaren, the periodical published by the Association, is an important channel for distributing information.

The Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters monitors the copyrights not only of the membership, but also of the entire sector. For instance, all copyright-related fees and payments payable by YLE, the Finnish Broadcasting Corporation, are paid through the Association.

Education and training is an important sector within the sphere of the Association's activities, because translators and interpreters face ever increasing demands with regard to quality, competitiveness and service. Education and training is planned either solely by the Association, or together with institutions providing education and training in the sector. The Association arranges a Finnish-Swedish translator seminar each autumn. The topics of specialised supplementary courses arranged by the Association have included: use of new technology; the authorised translator's work; the translator as an entrepreneur; taxation; and copyright issues.

The Association also works in close co-operation with various organisations in the literary sphere and with the translators' trade union.

Awards

Each year, the Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters grants two awards for translations into Finnish: the Mikael Agricola Award in recognition of an outstanding literature translation; and the J.A. Hollo Award for a non-fiction translation of exceptionally high quality. The Uljas Attila Award is granted each year to a person or body that has promoted interpreting or the status of interpreters in society.

Grants

Twice a year, the Association awards Kopiosto grants to members. Furthermore, the grant foundation established in conjunction with the Association's 40th anniversary awards grants for activities linked with, or promoting, the field of translation and interpreting.

Publications

The Association publishes a tabloid-sized periodical, called Kääntäjä-Översättaren, which is issued ten times a year. Each year at least one issue focuses on a special theme. Kääntäjä-Översättaren is Finland's only publication in its field, and strives to meet the needs of the entire sector; active translators and interpreters, teachers, students and clients alike. Among the regular features of Kääntäjä-Översättaren is a column on theoretical and practical aspects of translation and interpreting. The periodical is distributed free of charge to members of the Association. The periodical can be ordered from the Association's office without being a member.

The Association's Web site has a membership directory, which is updated weekly.

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