NAT: Bridging Theory and Practice Series - Diversification

Made even more relevant to practitioners by the current global situation, the fourth of the five "Bridging Theory and Practice" webinars will address the important subject of diversification. The issue has been a matter of debate for a long time, counterposed to what many see as the utmost need to specialise. In this webinar, the presenter will pose the argument that diversifying one's offering does not obliterate the need to excel - on the contrary, it imposes the need to excel in more than one (related) offering to prosper.

Sam Berner is a QLD-based legal translator with decades of working experience. Her involvement with AUSIT and her interest in the professional and philosophical aspects of translation have often caused her to approach issues from angles different to those most colleagues take.

Born in Europe and raised in North Africa and the Middle East, Sam can fluently speak 3 languages and stutter in three others. Prior to coming to Australia, she lived for over twenty years in the Middle East and North Africa, teaching, publishing and translating. During those years Sam worked for several regional and international publishing houses, as well as the UNICEF and UNHCR in conflict zones.

In addition to her translation work, Sam conducts workshops for Australian businesses about the use of translators, cross-cultural communication and effective business dealing with people from Middle Eastern and North African cultures.

An active AUSIT member and a former National President, Sam continues to mentor and motivate many aspiring translators to expand their vision globally. A staunch advocate for embracing change, Sam presented numerous workshops and seminars for AUSIT on business practices, technology, professional development and ethics, as well as travelling overseas to present academic papers at international conferences.

She has been actively involved in various community groups working with refugees and other non-profit organizations, NAATI and AUSIT committees and Translators Australia. She is the recipient of AUSIT Excellence Award in 2009 and 2018 and was the Vice-Chair of the FIT2017 Congress held in Brisbane, as well as chairing the 2008 and 2014 AUSIT National Conferences.

Please consult the NAATI Recertification Catalogue to allocate the relevant PD Points (downloadable from www.naati.com.au). Some activities can be included under different categories, so please choose the most appropriate category for your recertification purposes.