Translator


What is a Translator?

Translators work with the written word and translate materials from one language into another. A career in translation is interesting and varied but there’s a lot more to it than just being able to speak another language well.

Translators are different from interpreters. Translators work with the written word whereas interpreters work with the spoken word.

Translators usually translate materials from a foreign language that they are fluent in into their mother tongue.

They translate many different types of materials, from legal, technical and financial documents, to marketing and advertising materials, and product manuals. Literary translators translate works of fiction and subtitlers translate dialogue on films, TV and video games. You can specialise in an area that interests you.

Find out more here : https://www.iti.org.uk/discover/career-in-translation-and-interpreting/how-to-become-a-translator.html


What skills will I need to be a translator?

To be a professional translator you will need:

  • A fluent (near-native) understanding of at least one foreign language (source language)

  • A solid understanding of the culture of the source language country, usually gained by living and working there for a prolonged period of time

  • Excellent writing skills in your own mother tongue

  • Preferably, an academic degree in the source language or in another subject which could lead to a specialist subject area

  • An eye for absolute accuracy and endless curiosity!


Types of translator

You can translate a variety of content, including:


  • commercial

  • educational

  • financial

  • legal

  • marketing and advertising

  • medical

  • political

  • scientific

  • technical.

You could also work as a literary translator, translating works of fiction, or as a subtitler, translating dialogue on films, TV programmes and video games.



How do i become a translator?

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

  • applying directly

  • a qualification with a professional body



University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in translation.

Relevant degrees include:


  • languages - courses which specialise in linguistics or translation may give you an advantage but are not essential

  • combined degrees which include a subject like law or science with languages

  • You could also do a postgraduate course like an master's in translation or translation studies.

Although you don't necessarily need a postgraduate qualification, a Masters in Translation or a professional qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) can be useful as competition for jobs and freelance work is strong. A postgraduate qualification may be particularly useful if your first degree is in an unrelated subject. Research courses carefully to make sure they meet your career aims.

Employers

There are in-house jobs for translators at translation agencies (Language Service Providers, or LSPs) or with major institutions, such as the EU and UN.

However, most translators tend to work freelance so you need to consider whether this is something that will suit you. It does take time to build up work as a freelancer so you may need to take on another job initially while you become established.


Various government departments recruit translators and linguists.

These include:


Useful websites:

https://www.un.org/dgacm/content/translation

https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/translation

https://ec.europa.eu/info/resources-partners/translation-and-drafting-resources_en

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