Language Translator
To translate, one must have a style of his own, for otherwise the translation will have no rhythm or nuance, which come from the process of artistically thinking through and molding the sentences; they cannot be reconstituted by piecemeal imitation. The problem of translation is to retreat to a simpler tenor of one's own style and creatively adjust this to one's author. - Paul Goodman
There are six billion people in the world who speak hundreds of different languages. Rapidly growing global economy requires more qualified translators. We can meet translators in various companies, courts, banks, hospitals, telecoms, research institutions and international organizations. Translators have been admitted as a central power in the global economy.
What is Translation
Translation is the process of an explanation (in writing) of a meaning in one language and the transmitting of that meaning into another language. The translated message is similar to the original message but it is usually not identical. Translators often get trained in other professions before they start translating. A well translated text is such a text when an educated native speaker cannot understand that it is a translation: he thinks that it is the original text.
Qualities of a Translator
Here are the basic qualities of a good translator:
1. Qualifications and extensive experience in linguistics and translation
2. Additional qualifications in a subject other than languages
3. Ability to learn about new trends in the field of translation
4. Living in the countries where the languages are spoken and being bilingual
5. Specialization and interest in a specific field of translation, i.e. medicine, agriculture, accounting, engineering, literature, etc.
6. Specialization in one way translation, i.e. from English into Chinese if Chinese is your L1 (mother tongue)
7. Solitary lifestyle, i.e. preference to work at home and alone nearly all the time
8. Ability and skills to maintain a website
9. Hard-working and committed to accomplish tasks on time
10. Ability to invest in translation tools and software such as CAT – Computer Assisted Translation software.
Opportunities
More than ever before the global economy requires skilled professional translators. This profession requires analytical and technical skills, excellent cross-cultural communication knowledge, skills and experience, competence in at least two languages as well as deep knowledge and understanding of the specific fields. In many universities worldwide students can earn a masters degree in translation. A lot of short courses and certificate programs are also available. For example, the Babylon software can be helpful at the beginning. However, despite the growing demand for translators, good quality training is available at a limited number of institutions. Many international companies, organizations and book publishers are prepared to pay high salaries to well qualified professional translators. Due to the lack of qualified translators, many individuals use online translators.
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