Translators convert written material from one or more languages ('source languages') into the ‘target language’ (most commonly the translator’s mother tongue), ensuring that the translated version conveys the meaning of the original as clearly as possible.
Translators usually need an excellent command of two or more languages. The languages most in demand are the official languages of the European Union (EU) (http://europa.eu) and the United Nations (UN) (http://www.un.org) .
Translators work on the following types of documents:
Most translators work freelance from home, working for translation agencies or directly for clients, but some organisations employ in-house translators.
The translation process usually involves a combination of the following activities:
Translation agencies and companies vary in terms of the support they provide for new staff. The opportunity to specialise in one area of translation, such as legal, technical or literary, may be offered. Occasionally, there are also opportunities to train in more foreign languages.
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) (http://www.iti.org.uk) offers short courses and workshops aimed at developing the business, linguistic and technical skills of translators and many translators become members of the ITI. There are several levels of membership but becoming a qualified member is a mark of professional recognition. For this level of membership, you usually need:
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL) (http://www.iol.org.uk) may also be helpful and can provide professional recognition as well as the opportunity to network at events, seminars and conferences.
Experienced translators may choose to work towards The IoL Diploma in Translation (DipTrans), which is equivalent to a postgraduate-level qualification and can be taken over five years. See the IoL website for details of courses and examinations
For more information, see work experience (www.prospects.ac.uk/workexperience) and find courses and research (www.prospects.ac.uk/pg).
Translation agencies and companies can vary in terms of what support is available for new staff. The opportunity to specialise in one area of translation, such as legal, technical or literary, may be offered. Occasionally, there are also opportunities to train in more foreign languages.
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) (http://www.iti.org.uk) offers short courses and workshops aimed at developing the business, linguistic and technological skills of translators. Many translators become members of the ITI. There are several levels of membership but becoming a qualified member is a mark of professional recognition. For this level of membership, you would usually need:
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL) (http://www.iol.org.uk) may also be helpful and can provide professional recognition as well as the opportunity to network at events, seminars and conferences.
Full-time employed translators may choose to work towards the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 Diploma in Translation, awarded by the IoL.
Many translators start their career working as in-house translators for a translation agency or company and may then move to freelance work or to more managerial roles in-house. Translation agencies and companies offer varying prospects for promotion. Translation companies that are members of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) (http://www.atc.org.uk) have a good reputation for support in career development.
Translators who are employed by international bodies, such as the institutions of the European Union (EU) (http://europa.eu) stand a good chance of being promoted. Government departments and EU institutions have a clear career grading system and the further you progress, the more managerial work you will take on.
If you work freelance, either from the start of your translating career or after working first with an agency, career development often depends on how many commonly used modern languages you know, the number and type of clients you work for, and the rates of pay you are able to command. On the other hand, if your expertise is in a less commonly used language, you will develop a specialist client base by networking and will be able to charge higher rates than translators working in the more common languages.
Some freelance translators set up their own translation agency after several years’ experience and often include interpreting services as part of their business, drawing on the services of translators and interpreters to meet client needs.
A limited number of translators who complete a postgraduate degree in translation studies work in academia, teaching translation skills and theory.
The number of translation agencies and companies is increasing, but the majority of translators are self-employed, securing work through agencies, by advertising their services directly to clients, or by networking.
There are limited opportunities to work in international organisations, which are increasingly out-sourcing translation to agencies and freelancers. The United Nations (UN) (http://www.un.org) and its specialised agencies employ British translators, based mostly in New York and Geneva. They translate into English from French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic (the six official languages) and, occasionally, from Italian, German and Scandinavian and East European languages.
The institutions of the European Union (EU) (http://europa.eu) , including the European Commission (http://ec.europa.eu) , recruit their translation staff through 'open competition' only. The need for translators is rapidly growing, especially as more countries join the EU. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of in-house and freelance translators of less common languages employed by government departments and large commercial organisations. For example, just over 20% of the total output of the European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (http://ec.europa.eu/social/) is currently dealt with by freelance translators.
There are occasional openings for translators in other international organisations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) (http://www.nato.int/) or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (http://www.iaea.or.at) .
The Civil Service also recruit translators. Success depends on the languages you can offer, your qualifications and experience, and time spent overseas. Civil Service departments such as Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) (http://www.gchq.gov.uk) and MI5 Careers (http://www.mi5careers.gov.uk) are now advertising more freely on their websites.
Digital subtitling (for DVDs and computer games) and website translation and 'localisation' (i.e. adapting websites to local cultural contexts) are also growth areas. Audio-visual translation is expanding in response to disability legislation.
Search graduate jobs (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/jobvacs).
Freelance translators can advertise their services in Yellow Pages (http://www.yell.com) or on databases held by professional bodies such as those listed above and:
General recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies but an internet search will reveal numerous translation agencies. Most, but not all, are registered with the ATC.
See also job hunting tips (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/jobhunt) and applications, CVs and interviews (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/appsinterviews).
The following Case studies are also available on prospects.ac.uk:
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Written by Cheryl Box, University of Portsmouth, October 2009.
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