Maryland Humanities understand that language is not merely a tool for communication but rather an intricate system that embodies the cultural heritage, traditions, and worldviews of their speakers. We honor the diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of understanding that shape our shared human experience by valuing and preserving this linguistic diversity.
Overview
Maryland Humanities is committed to providing language services to individuals who wish to access our resources and services. While we recognize that we cannot provide translation and interpretation into all languages for all programming, we developed an intentional plan for increasing multilingual outreach and engagement.
Educate
While the concept of language access may seem unfamiliar to some organizations and individuals, we are committed to raising awareness through education. Our goal is to equip organizations with knowledge about this crucial topic. We also want to empower them to train their staff effectively, paving the way for embedding language access principles into their offerings.
Translation and Interpretation
In our ongoing efforts to serve multilingual communities more effectively, we have developed an intake form specifically designed for interpreters and translators. This form will enable us to continuously expand our database of local multilingual experts. If you are an interpreter or translator yourself, or if you know of individuals with such expertise, we kindly request that you complete this form. By doing so, you will be contributing to our goal of translating our materials and offering interpretation at our events. You can fill out the form here.
Outreach
Our commitment to understanding and celebrating linguistic diversity within Maryland remains unwavering. We intend to facilitate listening sessions and interactive events that foster an environment of mutual learning and engagement. Through these initiatives, we aim to create opportunities for multilingual individuals to share their experiences, perspectives, and insights with one another, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of languages that enriches our state.
Community Engagement
Building and maintaining sustainable relationships with multilingual audiences is a top priority for us. We are committed to achieving this through various initiatives. Firstly, we plan to actively participate in community events, and we welcome suggestions from you on events that we should attend. Secondly, we are open to sponsoring community events, and you can facilitate this by completing the provided form. Additionally, we aim to engage with community leaders directly, learning about their work and the communities they serve. To schedule a meeting with Alexandra Cenatus, our Program Director, you can reach out via email at languageaccess@mdhumanities.org or give them a call at 410.685.6161. Through these collaborative efforts, we strive to build lasting and meaningful connections with multilingual audiences.