[Dayane Malone]

Note taking works great for me, thanks for sharing!

[Dayane Malone]

Hi, Thanks for sharing !

[Dayane Malone]

The video “Mental Retention Workshop” explained several helpful techniques that can improve how we remember and process information. One of the main ideas was the importance of focus and attention. The speaker mentioned that our brains can only retain what we truly pay attention to, so removing distractions like phones or background noise is essential. Another important technique was repetition and review. By going over information several times, our brains transfer it from short-term to long-term memory, making it easier to recall later.
The presenter also talked about using visualization to connect new information with images or experiences we already know. This makes learning more meaningful and memorable. Other techniques included taking short breaks to avoid fatigue, getting enough rest, and staying hydrated and nourished, since our brains work best when our bodies are healthy. Finally, the workshop emphasized active participation—such as explaining what we learn to others, asking questions, or taking notes—to help the brain engage more deeply with new material.
Overall, it was an engaging and educational presentation that gave practical advice on how to improve memory and mental focus for both students and professionals, especially interpreters who rely heavily on strong mental retention.

[Dayane Malone]

Hi Alejandra, Stress and lack of sleep is what I think affects the most our good mental retention.

[Dayane Malone]

Hi Brian, I agree with you when you said” Without mental retention we would not be able to do our job as an interpreter”.

[Dayane Malone]

There are many things that can make it hard for people to remember and retain information. One of the biggest in my opinion is stress. When someone is anxious or overwhelmed, the brain has a hard time focusing and storing new information. It’s like trying to pour water into a cup that’s already full. Lack of sleep also affects memory. When we don’t rest enough, our brains don’t get the time they need to organize and keep what we’ve learned.
Other things that hurt mental retention include poor nutrition, dehydration, and emotional exhaustion can also lower concentration and make it harder to remember details. Even skipping meals or not drinking enough water can affect how well we think.
Good mental retention is especially important for interpreters. Unlike translators who can take their time with written text, interpreters have to listen, remember, and speak almost at the same time. If they forget or mix up information, it can lead to confusion or serious misunderstandings especially in hospitals, courts, or other important settings. Having a strong memory helps interpreters keep the message accurate and clear. It allows them to work confidently, stay professional, and make sure everyone involved communicates and understands each other correctly.

[Dayane Malone]

I agree knowing this helps interpreters understand the word better.

[Dayane Malone]

I agree with you Emily. It’s important understanding medical suffixes.

[Dayane Malone]

For a medical interpreter understanding prefixes and suffixes is a very useful skill to have. Medical terms can be complicated, and full of words that most people never hear in their everyday life. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals often use these terms when describing conditions, procedures, or treatments. If an interpreter can recognize the smaller parts that make up these words, it becomes a lot easier to understand their meaning and interpret them correctly for the patient.
Prefixes and suffixes are like puzzle pieces that gives clues about what a medical word means. For example, the prefix hyper- means “too much” or “above normal,” and hypo- means “too little” or “below normal.” So when an interpreter hears hypertension or hypoglycemia, they can quickly understand these words refer to high blood pressure and low blood sugar. Similarly, the suffix -itis means inflammation, so words like bronchitis or dermatitis instantly suggest an infection or irritation in a specific part of the body.
Knowing these word parts also helps interpreters stay calm and confident in environments like hospitals or emergency rooms. Even if they’ve never heard a term before they can use their knowledge of prefixes and suffixes to make an educated guess about its meaning. This not only improves accuracy but also helps avoid dangerous misunderstandings that could affect a patient’s care.
Summarizing, learning medical prefixes and suffixes gives interpreters a strong foundation for understanding medical language. It allows them to translate more accurately, communicate more clearly, and build trust with both healthcare providers and patients. This knowledge makes their work smoother and faster.

[Dayane Malone]

Hi Judy, I agree with you. “The existing legislation is helpful, but not enough”.

[Dayane Malone]

I agree with you Brian we can do need improvements, everyone deserves equal access to services no matter what language they speak.

[Dayane Malone]

Executive Order 13166, created in 2000, is one of the most important rules that protects people with Limited English Proficiency. This order says that federal agencies and any programs that receive federal funds must make sure everyone can access their services, even if they don’t speak English well. This includes providing interpreters, translating important forms, and making sure no one is excluded because of language barriers.
In theory this law is strong because it supports equal access and fairness for all. It connects directly to the Civil Rights Act, which says that people cannot face discrimination based on national origin. However, in practice, Executive Order 13166 is not always followed the same way everywhere. Some agencies and organizations do a great job offering translation and interpretation, but others struggle because they lack money, training, or awareness. The order also does not give people a direct way to take legal action if their rights are ignored, which makes it harder to enforce.
In Massachusetts, we can see the influence of this order in hospitals, schools, and courts that provide interpreter services. The state has made efforts to make information available in multiple languages and to train staff to help LEP individuals. However, gaps still exist. Smaller offices or less common languages often don’t get the same level of support, which means some people still face communication barriers.
Overall, I believe that today’s legislation is a good start but not enough. Massachusetts is doing better than many other states, but there is still a need for stronger state laws, better enforcement, and more resources. Everyone deserves equal access to services regardless of what language they speak.

[Dayane Malone]

Thank you for sharing!!

[Dayane Malone]

Thank you for sharing the pages of references.

[Dayane Malone]

The four chief roles of a medical interpreter are conduit, clarifier, cultural broker, and advocate. Each one is important for making sure the provider and patient understand each other clearly and respectfully.

Message Conveyor or Conduit
This is the interpreter’s main job to pass messages exactly as they are said from one language to another. The interpreter doesn’t add or leave out anything, they simply make sure both sides understand each other. For example, if a doctor says, “You need to take this medicine twice a day,” the interpreter repeats that same message in the patient’s language. The goal is to stay neutral and accurate.

Message Clarifier
Sometimes, words or ideas don’t translate perfectly. In this case, the interpreter becomes a clarifier, someone who makes things clearer. For example, if the doctor says “hypertension” and the patient looks confused, the interpreter might explain, “That means high blood pressure.” This helps make sure everyone understands what’s being said without changing the meaning.

Cultural Broker
The interpreter also helps bridge cultural differences. Health beliefs and customs can be very different from one culture to another. For example, in some families, medical decisions are made together, not by one person. The interpreter can explain this to the doctor so that both sides can communicate more respectfully and avoid misunderstandings.

Patient Advocate
The interpreter can act as an advocate when needed. This means speaking up to make sure the patient gets fair and safe care. For example, if a patient is asked to sign a form they don’t understand, the interpreter can tell the provider that the patient needs more explanation before signing.

In short, medical interpreters do much more than translate words; they make sure understanding, respect, and trust are part of every conversation.

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