How to become a translator?

by Target Language Translation Services

- October 11 2021

Translators are experts in communication and language who read, comprehend and convert written and spoken messages from one language to another. They offer translation services to tourists, businesses and expats. A career in translation is interesting and varied but there’s a lot more to it than just being able to write and speak another language well. Learning more about what translators do and how to become one can help you determine if this is the right career path for you. In this article, we explain the primary responsibilities of translators and outline the steps to become a professional translator.

What does a translator do?

A translator is someone who assists with communication by converting written word from one language to another. They typically specialize in two languages—their native language and another chosen language—but may also specialize in a third or fourth language. A successful translator makes sure the message, ideas and facts remain accurate and the same throughout the process. 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. Any industry that uses language could need a translator. Common responsibilities of a translator include:

--Doing research to understand context, cultural references and to use precise jargon, slang or expressions that do not translate

--Maintaining the style and tone of the original language

--Building glossaries or terminology banks that they can use in future projects

The words translator and interpreter are often used interchangeably, but technically speaking, interpreting and translating are two different professions. Translators work with the written word whereas interpreters work with the spoken word. Many translators and interpreters offer the same services, however.

Translators often freelance or have their own businesses. However, others work for agencies or even directly for a single employer. This gives translators some flexibility with whether they want consistent work or would prefer to manage their own schedules.

How to become a translator?

Typically, a bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience is required to become a translator. However, the most important requirement is to become fluent in at least two languages. Here are several steps you should take to become a professional translator:

Become fluent in another language

To become a translator, you must master a second language. You may have an advantage if you grew up in a bilingual household, though you can choose to study a language extensively through schooling. Starting in high school, choose a language to study and continue coursework throughout college. Earning a bachelor's degree in your chosen language is ideal to become a translator. Or you can select a language and study it extensively now. You might consider researching what jobs are out there. If you’re interested in a specific field, you might also investigate languages that are most used in that field. Once you’ve selected your language, you’ll need to study to a high degree of fluency. Majoring in the language in college is useful, as is studying abroad or living abroad. Advanced degrees in your source translation language could set you apart further. The more language experience and education you have, the better. If you want to make yourself even more marketable, you might want to acquire more languages that you can translate between to expand your range of offerings and further grow your career.

Get certified

Translators are not required to obtain a certification to provide translation services, but obtaining a certification in translation shows that you have the skills necessary to do the job and may help get you noticed by employers.

ATA offers a certification that gives you a special designation (“CT”) that you can use with your name on your resume, website, business cards and/or other promotional material.

Additionally, there are industry-specific certifications available, though these are often targeted at interpreters. For example, the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters offers a “CMI” (Certified Medical Interpreter) credential. However, getting certified as an interpreter in a specific field can still show that you know a lot about the language used in this context, so it could also help you get translating work.

Another thing to consider is getting non-language-related certifications in a field in which you’re interested in translating. For example, being a certified nurse might help you get medical translation work.

Target a specific industry and learn industry-specific terms.

Once you become fluent in a language, you’ll need to target industry-specific terms for whatever field you’re interested in working in.

Merely being fluent doesn’t always provide the relevant terminology you’ll need to translate, so you’ll need to put some additional focus into industry-specific terminology.

You may want to consider looking for a course or learning resource that focuses on a specific field.

If you’re already familiar with your specific field of interest, you might otherwise consider putting together a list of important terms. Then, you can look up and study the equivalent vocabulary words in the language you want to translate from.

If you want more one-on-one, customized study, you might want to look for a tutor who can help you.

Get work experience.

Like many other jobs, getting a job as a translator requires having related working experience. Offering contract or freelance translation services is one way to gain relevant experience for you to include in your resume. Another way to gain experience is by doing volunteer work. Or you might find your first gigs through acquaintances or business connections.

Meanwhile, it's also important to keep improving language skills for excellent written mother tongue skills are essential to any translator. One of the best ways to improve are as following: persist in reading, look for writing skills courses (either general or specific to a genre), become a grammar and punctuation pedant, follow a style guide for guidance and consistency in your work, etc.

Get specialized training.

The fact is that even if you’re fluent in a language, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have the skills to translate.

Being able to provide clear, efficient translation often requires specialized training in addition to language study. Here are some options to consider:

--American Translators Association (ATA) offers a list of approved schools that can help prepare you to work as a translator.

--ALTA Language Services has a list of top translation schools in the United States.

--Many of the universities in the UK offering an MA in Translation or equivalent qualifications are Corporate Education members of ITI.

This article is reprinted from FluentU, Indeed and ITI.

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