This proposal is to fund the purchase of a set of devices for simultaneous language interpretation that can be used for events on campus and for Study Abroad experiences. This would be of particular interest for students in the Interpretation Certificate offered by John Jay's Modern Languages Department.
All students, faculty, and staff at John Jay can benefit from the services that these devices facilitate, by providing the necessary infrastructure to provide simulatenous language interpretation. This would be of particular interest for students and faculty in International Human Rights, LLS, Modern Languages, and any field that is undertaking global studies.
This proposal is for purchase of equipment for approximately $850 USD.
Engaging in effective and immediate communication across languages is essential for a global education, to facilite students traveling abroad, and for professional practice for students in interpretation.
This equipment requires minimal maintenance (light cleaning and storing in dry, cool place) and could be checked out to students or faculty with an ID.
The equipment could be kept by the Study Abroad Office or by the Digital Creation Lab and loaned out to students, faculty, and staff.
The ability to communicate across different languages is a key component to foster critical engagement across (racial, national, ethnic) difference, and this articulates centrally with John Jay's mission: "We foster an inclusive and diverse community drawn from our city, our country, and the world. We are dedicated to educating traditionally underrepresented groups and committed to increasing diversity in the workforce. The breadth of our community motivates us to question our assumptions, to consider multiple perspectives, to think critically, and to develop the humility that comes with global understanding. We educate fierce advocates for justice."