Language is more than just the words we use. Words like mom and cookie bring up instant mental images and hit us in the feels. And if you grew up in another country or speaking another language, then other words are going to have emotions and experiences associated with them. As an interpreter, one of my favorite things to do is to see the power of the emotional content of the language we use.
Sometimes, I’ll be interpreting for a client who speaks enough English to understand that her child is progressing well in school, but when I turn to her and tell her that in Spanish, the happiness comes in waves that just crash over the soul. English may speak to her brain, but Spanish speaks to her heart. And when it comes to her child, the heart is what counts.
Since language connects so deeply to our memories, and since language is such a valuable tool in constructing community and defining our relationships, a successful educator is going to want to build those bridges, and YLC is here to help.
All of our linguists receive training specializing in special education terminology and the security around proctoring standardized tests. We provide many additional resources to our linguists to be sure they can master the wide range of vocabulary encountered in education. Sure, correct medical terminology is crucial, and the legal system has definitions galore, but only in education can one use monkey bars, strep throat, unexcused absence, trigonometric function, least restrictive environment, cellular mitosis, sippy cup, literary trope and cotton gin in the same hour of conversation!
We stand at the ready whether you need:
- interpreters for an Open House, parent-teacher conference or IEP meeting,
- document translation for letters to be sent home to families, progress reports or any of the paperwork that forms part of the daily reality of education today,
- language and culture training including our:
- popular Spanish for Education Professionals class
- successful workshop on how to communicate more effectively with LEPs
If you’re looking to strengthen the parent-teacher relationships in your school setting, look no further than the professionals at Your Language Connection to help boost those connections!