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A SIG (Special Interest Group) is a group of like-minded JAT members sharing a common interest. This can be a certain field of translation (e.g., legal translation, medical, patents …) or any other translation-related topic (e.g. translation business, interpreting …). All SIGs operate their own mailing list, which is moderated by the SIG chair.

So a SIG is just a mailing list?

No! In addition to the SIG mailing list, JAT encourages other SIG activities, such as offline meetings, bulletin articles, get-togethers at IJET etc. Also, JAT can provide technical assistance for SIG webpages on the JAT website (e.g., for posting SIG-related links or boilerplates). Basically, a SIG is what its members make of it.

Are SIGs only for JAT members?

In principle, yes, you have to be a JAT member to participate in a JAT SIG, and this means that the SIG mailing lists are usually JAT members only. However, under exceptional circumstances, the Board may also approve SIGs whose mailing list is open to the general public (see below, “How can I create a SIG?”).

What are the responsibilities of the SIG Chair?

A SIG Chair is the moderator of the SIG mailing list. As such, it is his or her job to keep the discussion on topic and civil. The SIG Chair is also responsible for all SIG activities outside the SIG mailing list, such as a SIG webpage.

How can I create a SIG?

To create a SIG, please send your SIG proposal including the following information to the Board or to Friedemann Horn:

1. name of the SIG
2. name of the SIG chair (has to be a JAT member)
3. brief description of SIG scope (e.g. “This SIG will deal with all aspects of baseball terminology.”)
4. suggested name of SIG mailing list (e.g., “JAT_BaseballTerms_SIG”) plus an indication of whether the list should be JAT members only or public)

The Board will then vote on the SIG proposal. If you want the SIG mailing list to be public, please explain why you think that is necessary.

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