1. Standards: Who makes them and why? What is on the horizon?
Alan K. Melby
Member of the FIT Council
Emeritus Professor of Linguistics

2. Once upon a time, a curious man saw an EV
Before discussing translation and interpreting standards, a true story about EVs (electric vehicles)
Once upon a time, a curious man saw an EV

3. The EV was plugged into a charging station in a parking garage …

4. And the man wondered …
What if electric cars from competing manufacturers were parked side by side?
Could they use the same charging station and the same connectors?

5. The answer is yes, if the charging station complies with SAE J1772:

6. Effects of an EV charging connector standard
One charging station network can service multiple types of electric cars
Consumers are more likely to purchase an electric car.
Car makers compete on features and price.
Bottom line: everyone wins!

7. Who makes T&I Standards?
Moving from cars to translation and interpreting (T&I):
Who makes T&I Standards?

8. Main Standards Bodies for T&I Standards: ISO and ASTM

9. Five Reasons people work on T&I Standards:
(1) To certify translation companies
(2) To improve stakeholder communication
(3) To develop translation quality metrics
(4) To protect interpreters and users
(5) To exchange valuable information

10. Some existing international T&I Standards
ISO (to certify translation companies)
ASTM F2575 (to improve communication among stakeholders, that is, requesters, providers, and end-users)
ASTM F2089 (to protect the interests of interpreters and those who need services)
ISO [TBX] (for termbase exchange)

11. What is on the horizon? Existing standards are periodically revised
A new translation quality standard is under development in ASTM
You can get involved in standards work!
Join your national ISO mirror committee
Work with the FIT ISO Committee through your FIT association
Join ASTM directly as an individual

12. Ask questions right now!
Look for me (Alan K. Melby) during the rest of the conference, or …
Ask questions right now!