ITI or IOL in the UK? Thread poster: Anne Lee
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Anne Lee 
United Kingdom
Local time: 00:38
Member (2003)
Dutch to English
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Since there are two professional associations for translators and interpreters in the UK, it is hard to know which one offers better value for money. I just realised I'm missing out on an interesting conference organised by the ITI (Institute of Translators and Interpreters) because I was unaware of it as a member of the IOL (Institute of Linguists). The IOL may well be prestigious and well-meaning, but they've kept getting my entry wrong on their website - they even deleted it for several month... See more Since there are two professional associations for translators and interpreters in the UK, it is hard to know which one offers better value for money. I just realised I'm missing out on an interesting conference organised by the ITI (Institute of Translators and Interpreters) because I was unaware of it as a member of the IOL (Institute of Linguists). The IOL may well be prestigious and well-meaning, but they've kept getting my entry wrong on their website - they even deleted it for several months before I noticed - and I'm weighing up my options now. Do others have a view on this? ▲ Collapse
| | | | Marc P (X)
Local time: 01:38
German to English
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Hm. I see that the June/July 2003 edition of the IoL's "The Linguist" includes an "international calendar of events", even mentioning the annual Conference of the American Translators Association, but not the annual conference of the ITI! Perhaps it was just an oversight. Or perhaps it has something to do with the traditional rivalry between the two associations.
As far as "value for money" is concerned, it depends what you want. They offer similar things in the way of a journal, re... See more Hm. I see that the June/July 2003 edition of the IoL's "The Linguist" includes an "international calendar of events", even mentioning the annual Conference of the American Translators Association, but not the annual conference of the ITI! Perhaps it was just an oversight. Or perhaps it has something to do with the traditional rivalry between the two associations.
As far as "value for money" is concerned, it depends what you want. They offer similar things in the way of a journal, regional societies, events, online directory, etc., but opinions differ even within each society over the value offered.
As a broad generalization, the ITI has very strong and helpful networks for translators. The IoL's strength has been in supporting new entrants to the profession, in particular with the Dip Trans. The ITI is only just beginning to address the needs of new entrants. The IoL caters for other language professions, of course, not just translators and interpreters, and has close links to the education sector. If anything, though, membership of the ITI is regarded more highly in the translation profession.
I wouldn't judge the IoL by your directory entry - the ITI has had its fair share of problems with its own directory. Also, once your entry has been accepted, if incorrect it will stay that way until you notice it. It isn't practical for either association to check the data, only to poll all members periodically for their data, as the ITI has in fact just done - which probably causes the 99% of members satisified with their entry to groan!
Marc ▲ Collapse
| | | | Pat Jenner (X)
Local time: 00:38
German to English
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| ITI more useful for work | Aug 26, 2003 |
I've received far more queries from new clients from the ITI directory than from the IOL. Can't say of course whether this is generally the case.
| | | | Wenke Geddert
United Kingdom
Local time: 00:38
Member (2004)
English to German
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Having been a member of the ITI for x years now, I recently went down a similar line. Main two points would be: a) Whilst ITI specifically "caters" for translators and interpreters, the IoL attracts a broader range of linguists. b) Membership rates are interesting for comparison purposes too... Both are active with a view to regional groups and activities. It really depends on your own interests / specialisms etc. Good luck with your research.
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| If you can afford it... | Aug 26, 2003 |
...join both of them. Different perspectives, slighlty different aims, both with a lot to put right, but very valuable associations. Money well spent, in my opinion.
Giovanni
[Edited at 2003-08-27 08:13]
| | | | Richard Benham
France
Local time: 01:38
German to English
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In memoriam | I can't say much about the ITI, but.... | Aug 27, 2003 |
I find the IoL difficult and expensive to deal with. For example, past examination papers are "free", but attract a 5-pound handling charge (they are processed by a private company). Oh, and the information on their website often seems to be months out of date.
I also note that the prizewinners for the 2003 examinations have not been announced yet, although the diplomas were sent out several months ago (if they've got the marks, it could only take a few microseconds of computer tim... See more I find the IoL difficult and expensive to deal with. For example, past examination papers are "free", but attract a 5-pound handling charge (they are processed by a private company). Oh, and the information on their website often seems to be months out of date.
I also note that the prizewinners for the 2003 examinations have not been announced yet, although the diplomas were sent out several months ago (if they've got the marks, it could only take a few microseconds of computer time to pick the highest...).
I would also mention that the IoL seems to have less stringent entry requirements (in terms of experience, at least), and that neither appears to recognize the other's exams....
Richard Benham DipTransIoL, DipTransIoL (just to reveal a personal interest). ▲ Collapse
| | | | Javier Herrera (X)
Spanish
For a sart, I think it would be the best idea, you'd enjoy benefits from both. BUT,is that possible? If there's a big rivalry between both associations (as I suspect), will they allow you to belong to both simmultaneously? Does any of you belong to both?
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