Letter to the editor

Loss of translation certificate program regrettable

I am writing in response to the… Loss of translation certificate program regrettable

I am writing in response to the article by Rochelle Hentges on Oct. 4, “Linguistics to stop providing translation certificate.” I am enrolled in the Professional Translation Certificate Program, one of the lucky ones who a) happened to hear about it through word of mouth and b) took a translation course taught by professor Josephine Thornton (who was identified in the article as a French translation instructor but in fact teaches both Spanish and French translation) in time to be allowed to attempt to finish the program before it is terminated. The University has been privileged to retain exceptional translators who are also dedicated and capable educators to teach the art and science of translation. I find it regrettable that in this day and age, when our country so clearly needs to cultivate an awareness of and connection to the rest of the world, the University is letting this program drop through what appears to be a combination of neglect and indifference.

Apparently, the program doesn’t generate income for the University (as if one could expect such a specialized program to have a high enrollment). This seems an example of being pennywise and pound foolish. The University cannot aspire to world-class status if it starves and then discards programs such as the PTCP. Were it to give the PTCP the support it deserves, including the necessary aspect of promotion, Pitt could have a thriving translation certificate program, attracting students from a number of schools within and without the University, enhancing the University’s national and international reputation and promoting the cultural competence that as individuals and as a nation we sorely lack. One can only hope it’s not too late for someone with both authority and vision to step forward and save the PTCP and the University from the latter’s unfortunate shortsightedness.

Michele Feingold

CAS certificate program student

Alumna, Graduate School of Social Work

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Employee