Tools and Skills Required To Be a Professional Translator

Are you interested in becoming a Professional Translator? Wondering where to begin? Here is a list of skills and tools you need to master in order to be a Professional Translator.

Knowing a language or being bi-lingual is just one part of becoming a professional translator. There are additional responsibilities and tasks that will challenge you. Let us first look at the skills required to be a translator -

Note that language knowledge is not mentioned as it is a prerequisite. Knowledge of any Indian or Foreign language, and a genuine passion for it is the reason you would want to go ahead in this career, hence the skills mentioned here are an extension of your practical preparation for this field.

Cultural knowledge

Cultural knowledge and language have a strong and intertwined relationship. Translators have to understand and translate different backgrounds, cultural references, idioms and the underlying context. Thorough cultural knowledge and understanding can help a translator communicate efficiently.

Communication

Written, as well as verbal communication skills, are very important for a translator. They should be able to translate documents without losing any contextual meaning or communication within them.

Writing

Writing skills include the following components:

• Grammar: You can translate in various languages correctly if you are familiar with the grammar rules of these languages, to begin with.
• Punctuation: Since each language has its own rules for punctuation, translators should be familiar with the rules in the source language as well as the target language.
• Style: Narrative, argumentative, persuasive, and descriptive are a few examples of writing styles. Just as crucial as translating the language is translating in the same style and genre as the source text, which aids in communicating its meaning.

Research

Strong research abilities are an absolute must for translators to discover and validate the rules of many languages. As translators obtain a greater understanding of languages, research skills can aid in their ongoing learning.

Computer-assisted translation (CAT)

Translators can enhance and speed up their translations by using a variety of CAT tools. The following are a few CAT programs that a translator might use:

• Language search engine software:: This program operates similarly to a search engine, except instead of looking across the internet, it looks through already translated content to discover strings that correspond to a source document. This software can be used by translators to assist in the translation of written materials.
• Terminology management software:: When translating written content, this software allows translators to access terminology stored in databases.
• Translation memory software: For translators, translation memory software can help save earlier translations and reuse them as required. Translation units are paired source and target content which can be leveraged when similar content or newer versions of documents is being translated.
• Text alignment software: Software for text alignment can assist a translator with aligning the same text in two languages, producing a translation that the software then stores to aid in more intelligent translation in the future.

What to look for in Professional Translation tools

Consult specialized translation services like Language Services Bureau looking for the best professional translation tools.

• Language pairs – The translator or the team should create a map of all the languages it will be translating into and out of, before searching for a specific translation technology. They must specify the language pairs they will utilize. Each tool should contain precisely the language combinations that a translator or his team uses.
• File translation – Tools for file translation are included in the most advanced translation software. All file types used or anticipated to be used by the translator or agency should be supported by any particular program. This software should swiftly and simultaneously translate several files.
• Automatic file formatting – This capability, which will automatically format digital files, is especially important for translators who spend many unpaid hours in formatting.
• Translation copy & paste – Certain tools will be able to pull up already translated content from another online document or website for simpler translation work.
• Quality translation memory – As you translate, Translation Memory picks up your words and phrases. Translation Memory operates in the background as you edit translations within the system. Your translations are kept in a multilingual repository as paired strings. These may be fully or partially used by the translator at a later time.
• Editing tools – All computer-assisted translations require editing by a human at some time or another. However, certain programs allow for the initial editing of the first draft. Time and money can be saved by doing this.

7 Personal Qualities every good translator should have

Attention to detail

Translators need to produce fully accurate, well-worded translations regularly.

Professional level Management

Balancing time and record-keeping is essential to be a good translator. Deadlines are sacred and need to be respected and therefore time management skills are very crucial.

Self-motivation

The energy and discipline to do what you have to do, and go the extra mile when you need to, can only come from you.

Dependability

Clients must be able to rely on you to respond promptly to communications and meet translation deadlines.

Adaptability

The quality to take non-standard translation projects and unusual client requests in your stride and to consider reviewer critiques and suggestions with an open mind will get you great reviews and repeat projects.

Integrity

This is real basics in any profession, but something that is often ignored or unknown - to maintain confidentiality, observe business and professional ethics, respect your client/supplier relationships.

Curiosity

Translators who are naturally curious find all texts interesting, so enjoy every translation project. And people who enjoy their work tend to do a better job.

Translation studies is an interdisciplinary subject dealing with the systematic study of the theory and application of translation and localization. Translation Studies borrows much from the various fields of study that support translation.

If you are looking to become a professional translator or just need to upskill your knowledge, check out the Orientation in Translation Course by Language Services Bureau. conducted by the best Translators and Trainers. The course helps you get sensitized to translation work, start improving on your language skills and begin to translate. Guest lecturers with linguistic and translation backgrounds provide their outlook in the real world to the students. The scope of Localization is also discussed during the training. The lectures that are conducted are dynamic in nature where every student gets to be part of the discussion and put forth his/her point of view. This course gives a real time experience to students on how the translation industry works. We also offer a one-week internship at the end of the course to deserving students.

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