A common misconception about the translator is that he or she is a living dictionary, taking a text in a foreign language and turning it into something a little more accessible to the target audience. Some believe that anyone who can speak a foreign language well can excel as a translator but few realise the amount of time translators pour into their work, the endless hours of playing with words and nuance. While online translation engines are a popular tool for anyone needing quick results, these often translate word for word and are unable to identify set expressions, resulting in a stilted approximation which lacks the fluency and natural feel of a text produced by a human being. Translation, is much more than substituting words of one language into another; it’s an art.

The work of translators can be found almost anywhere in modern society. They were responsible for that English edition of Les Miserables on your bookshelf and the instructions manual for your new iPod. They work at international institutions, translating legal documents into a wide range of languages or helping to negotiate business settlements with faraway lands. Translation is big business in an increasingly globalised world and the demand for language skills is stronger than ever. The rise of the ‘tiger economies’ of the Far East have led to greater career opportunities for speakers of Chinese and Japanese while speakers of Arabic and South Asian languages will find their services are very much in demand by Western governments and intelligence agencies.

Tools of the Trade

Translation is an age-old business which spans millenia. Ever since foreign lands starting dealing and trading with other, there has been a need for interpreters and translators to help ease the process. In the days of yore, translators worked by candlelight, translating religious texts and literature into their native language by hand, sometimes spending several years, if not an entire lifetime, on just one text. Today’s translators are equipped with PCs and word-processing software, where translations can be edited with a few clicks of a mouse button. They have access to terminology databases and translation aids to help streamline their work. They keep sizeable collections of monolingual, bilingual and specialist dictionaries close at hand for quick reference.

If you’re planning on embarking on a career as a freelance translator, you will need to invest in some essential equipment to help you get the job done. A desktop (or laptop) PC, Internet connection, E-mail account and printer are a translator’s most basic tools. Software packages like Microsoft Office are essential for editing documents while a fax machine or answer phone may prove useful for keeping contact with clients who prefer not to use E-mail. If you’re working from home, make sure your desk has sufficient space for you to work on and make sure you’re seated properly as you may well be spending hours a day at the PC.

As mentioned above, translators often have a good supply of dictionaries at their disposal. While online dictionaries may sometimes give you the answer you’re looking for, conventional dictionaries, particularly ones specialising in a certain area of study, are essential investments and it is recommended that you keep these as up to date as possible.

Most professional translators would also advise you to buy translation aids, such as TRADOS. These contain memory tools to help keep your translations consistent, ensure that you haven’t translated the same piece twice and can even check your translation for quality and accuracy. They are, however, very expensive but they will streamline your work substantially, a factor to consider if you have strict deadlines to meet. TRADOS packages start from US$806 so you will need to think about what is best for you before making such a large investment.



Getting Qualified

Linguistic knowledge alone will no longer cut it in the translation industry. Cultural sensitivity and a fine grip on the nuances and wordplay of your source language (ie. the language you are translating from) are essential in producing a fluid piece of work. Knowledge of slang, acronyms, buzzwords and euphemism may prove essential when dealing with texts of a political nature or translating subtitles for a foreign language movie. A degree in your chosen language is an advantage but not essential. After all, someone who has lived in a foreign country for decades may have a deeper understanding of the local culture and language than someone who spent several years studying it at university. If you have lived in the country that your source language is spoken in, do not hesitate to mention this on your CV or website.

It is also imperative for aspiring translators to know that they should always translate into their native tongue. While this is not always possible due to heavy competition in the field, translators are more likely to produce a quality translation if they are translating into their native language as they may not always be able to convey the correct meaning or employ the wrong register in their writing, the latter being a concern in languages such as Japanese, which have various forms of ‘politeness’. If your work is being directed at different audiences, it is vital that you know exactly how to address them and what register you must use. Colloquialisms, for example, should not normally have a place in a piece of academic work. You will be much more qualified to determine the right use of words if you are a native speaker of that language. In short, translations into a language other than their native tongue will not flow as smoothly or read as fluently as a text produced by a native speaker. A good translation is one where it never occurs to a reader that that text was originally written in a different language.

Credentials are increasingly important in this rapidly growing business and many universities across Europe and the United States now offer degree courses and diplomas in translation. In addition, translation associations around the world offer certification programs. These are nationally-recognised qualifications which will assure your prospective clients of your competence as a professional translator. Getting accredited can be costly and time-consuming but it is a valuable investment if you are serious about pursuing a proper career as a translator. Likewise, the importance of professional development should not be underestimated and translators should take every opportunity to attend courses which would be beneficial to their careers. These may include classes on ‘general skills’, such as how to use Microsoft Office software effectively, or ones with a focus on issues in translation. It never hurts to keep up with the latest developments in the field or build upon your existing skills.

Another important factor to consider is what specific field of translation you are interested in and qualified for. Translating a technical manual is worlds apart from translating the latest Harry Potter novel. Professional translators stress the importance of specialisation as a key to making a name for yourself and attracting new clients. While degrees in foreign languages will not harm your chances of a promising career in translation, a background in a technical or scientific field will significantly boost your marketability. Indeed, those with degrees in other subject areas can still become translators if they also have a strong grasp of a foreign language. If you are interested in pursuing a career in, say, medical or legal translation, it is important to understand the specialist jargon and style of writing used in order to produce a document that meets your clients’ requirements. Your area of specialisation need not be related to your studies; some translators specialise in areas which are of personal interest to them, such as foreign cuisines or extreme sports. Writers often speak of ‘writing about what you know’; the same is true of translators. If there is something you have an extensive knowledge of, make it your specialisation.

Get Connected

As with any business, translators build up a network of contacts who they can call upon when they’re having trouble translating a particular phrase or simply looking for new clients. For those contemplating freelance translation as a career move, this social network will be your lifeline. Through socialising and employing a little bit of business savvy, you will be able to build up a sturdy network of your own.

Setting up a website is an excellent way to advertise your services and qualifications to your prospective clientele. There are numerous guides available to help you build a professional website and market it effectively to your target audience. Be sure to list any relevant qualifications – your prospective clients need to know if you are capable of meeting their requirements - and find out what the standard rate for your language pair is. Make your rates competitive; not too expensive and not too cheap. If you make your rates far cheaper than the normal going rate, clients may doubt your abilities and the quality of your work.

Another way to get noticed is to join a translators association, such as the American Translators Association (ATA) or Britain’s Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), and attend any events they hold. This is a perfect opportunity to meet others in the business and expand your social network. It may be a good idea to have business cards made and distribute these at any events you attend. You never know when a fellow translator may recommend your services to potential clients.

There are also a number of forums and sites for translators that you can consider joining. These are indispensable sources of information on the business and a chance to ask questions and share experiences with other translators. Two leading sites are ProZ and TranslatorsCafé. As well as providing a plethora of information on translation as a career, freelancers can bid for jobs and make use of the sites’ features to advertise their services. Clients and agencies regularly visit these sites to sniff out new contractors and post assignments so it is highly recommended that aspiring translators make use of these.

Work Hazards

Translation may seem like an ideal job to someone who’s trapped in a dull ‘9 to 5’ office job. You can dictate your own hours, negotiate your pay and are essentially your own boss, all from the comfort of your own home. For anyone thinking that translation is an easy and well-paid job with plenty of free time, you are going to be very disappointed. Translation, like any other career, has its drawbacks and it is important to be aware of these before considering a career move.

First of all, freelancers will find that the work load is rarely a steady flow. Some months will feel like a struggle to meet an endless series of deadlines while others may pass with not so much as a document or two that needs your attention. This, of course, means that your income will be erratic and dependent on the amount of work you actually do, something that may not be ideal if you have bills and mortgages to pay. As a result, many freelancers also have a second job to help make ends meet. For some, freelance translation is actually something they do to supplement their income from their ‘day job’. It is not uncommon for teachers, doctors and other professionals to indulge in some freelance translation in their spare time and this may be a better option for those who are not willing to take the plunge as a full-time freelancer. If you get few assignments a month, you will at least have a steady salary to fall back on.

Another area for concern is that you may find you are putting in far more hours than you did with a previous job. As they are no longer tied down by strict work hours, full-time freelancers may find that their work takes them into the early hours and possibly even eating into their weekends. As a result, they may end up overworked, stressed and feeling that they no longer have any time for themselves. With deadlines to consider and the risk of losing valuable clients, it’s tempting to push yourself to meet these deadlines and put in as many hours as you can but it is important that you do not let translation take over your life, especially if you have a family to consider. Time management is the key to ensuring a healthier work-life balance and you should make a point of setting aside some time to yourself, either at the weekend or evenings, to relax or socialise. Break up a monotonous routine by meeting up with friends for lunch, going on courses, pursuing a hobby or simply doing a little exercise. These activities will lift your spirits and you’ll return to your work with greater confidence and enthusiasm.

Further Information

Further information on the translation business or establishing yourself as a career or freelance translator can be found at the links below.

American Translators Association

http://www.atanet.org

Institute of Translation and Interpreting

http://www.iti.org.uk

International Federation of Translators

http://www.fit-ift.org

ProZ.Com

http://www.proz.com

Translation Journal

http://www.accurapid.com/journal

TranslatorsBase.Com

http://www.translatorsbase.com

TranslatorsCafé.Com

http://translatorscafe.com