Interpreting Between the Lines: Making Sense of Idioms, Jokes and Jargon (Online live session via Zoom) 3 CEUs by DSHS (#), AOC, CCHI, IMIA/NBCMI, ATA. $52/Members

NOTIS’ Community Interpreters Division presents

Interpreting Between the Lines: Making Sense of Idioms, Jokes and Jargon

Presented by Yuliya Speroff

Workshop Overview

Healthcare interpreters invest a significant amount of time in learning medical terminology and the ins and outs of the US healthcare system - and rightly so. However, interpreting encounters in healthcare settings are not all dense medical jargon - they involve real people speaking real language, which may include small talk, stories, jokes, idioms, and cultural references. It might seem that interpreting idioms is less important than getting the medical facts right, but idioms may contain key messages such as descriptions of a patient's progress or lack of it and speakers’ attitude to the situation. This 3-hour interactive class will equip participants with strategies for dealing with idioms and cultural references and allow participants to develop the newly acquired skills through group practice activities. At the end of the class, the participants will be provided with a list of suggested resources for further practice and study of idioms.

Materials include a PowerPoint presentation, a worksheet with practice exercises, and suggested resources for further study of idioms.

This class includes interactive activities and discussions.

Learning Objectives

1.    For participants to become familiar with the concept of idioms and cultural references and to understand the need for developing strategies for dealing with such linguistic phenomena

2.    For participants to develop appropriate strategies for interpreting idioms and cultural references

3.    For participants to engage in meaningful practice that would allow them to develop the newly acquired skills

This workshop will be recorded. Registrants will have access to the recording for one month following the event.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Check-in begins at 8:50 a.m. Please arrive on time to sign in.
Location: Online via Zoom

Reminder emails with login details will be sent 3 days and 1 day before the workshop.
If you don’t receive them, email info@notisnet.org or text 425-615-6741.

Cost

NOTIS Members: $52 Non-Members: $94 
Join NOTIS for discounts and additional member benefits.

Registration

Closes: Five days prior to the event
Confirmation will be emailed after registration. If you don’t receive one, your registration may not have been successful.

Please ensure your device meets the Zoom system requirements before registering.

Continuing Education Credits

The following CE credits have been requested and are pending approval:

Agency Codes:
WA AOC - Washington Administrative Office of the Courts
OJD - Oregon Judicial Department
ATA - American Translators Association
WA DSHS - Washington Dept. of Social and Human Services
CA CIMCE - California Court Interpreter Minimum Continuing Education Credit
CCHI - Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters
IMIA/NBCMI - International Medical Interpreters Association/The National Board of Certification of Medical Interpreters

Note: NOTIS is not responsible for refunds if CE credits are not approved by these entities.

Yuliya Speroff is a Russian-English CoreCHI™ and DSHS-certified healthcare interpreter. Yuliya first started interpreting over 10 years ago in her hometown of Novosibirsk, Russia and has since interpreted in a variety of settings – from a fighter jet factory to a live brain surgery, and most recently at a number of hospitals in Seattle. Yuliya also holds an MA in Business Management and is certified as both an English and a Russian language instructor with more than 10 years of teaching experience. Yuliya’s The Medical Interpreter Blog focuses on providing medical interpreters with resources and information for continuous professional development. 

Certificates of Completion

Certificates will be issued to attendees who:

• Arrive on time

• Attend the entire session

Please allow time to log in early. Late arrivals are welcome to stay but may not receive DSHS credit.

Refund Policy

✅ Refunds are available if requested more than 5 days before the event, minus a $15 fee.
❌ No refunds for cancellations after that period or due to technical issues, missed reminders, or platform compatibility problems.
Transfers between workshops are not permitted.

Accessibility & Questions

If you require accommodations, please contact NOTIS at least 3 weeks in advance.
info@notisnet.org