E-ging Solutions is a world-leading Shanghai translation company with specialties in professional translators.
Working as a freelance translator is a profession and lifestyle that suits me perfectly, so I would recommend it to anyone with a similar mindset and the appropriate skills. In fact, I often do. However, I think a little more analysis of what makes a good, successful and happy translator would be helpful both for those considering the profession and those looking to improve their skills, income and happiness. I will divide this into three parts, released on a weekly basis. Welcome to part one.
What makes a good translator
First off, you need to be good
at translation. It sounds somewhat obvious, but in my experience reviewing
translation test pieces for agency clients, some people still have not got this
part nailed before they start sending off these test pieces to potential
clients. So what makes a good translator?
Source language skills
You should be able to
understand the majority of texts without the aid of a dictionary, to the
standard of an educated native-speaker. You do not have to be able to write to
the same standard (particularly in terms of grammar, which few non-natives will
ever fully master), but you should be able to understand concepts as well as
any native. A good translator will use a dictionary and other resources
to find the precise words to express the concepts, terms and ideas in the
target language, but should also remember that such tools are there to assist
only, and cannot do the work for them.
Target language skills
Exceptional skills in one's
target language is an area that is surprisingly often neglected. A translator's
job is to communicate, so you should be able to communicate accurately,
appropriately and concisely. Therefore, you should have a broad, expressive
vocabulary and excellent, in-depth knowledge of the grammatical nuances, quirks
and rules of your target language.
Specialisation
Specialisation is incredibly
important in translation. Why? Nobody can be an expert in everything, but as a
translator, you are expected to be an expert in translating each individual
text you translate. If the texts are on related topics, you will have less
vocabulary to learn each time. Your understanding of the field will also grow,
improving your natural ability to perform a "logic check" on your
translated text - i.e. you can tell whether a text works logically, not just
linguistically. Put simply, specialist translators are better translators.
How to improve
Choose a specialism relevant to
your academic, professional and other related experience, as well as your
hobbies and interests.
Consider the time and research
texts in your specialism will require, and charge accordingly.
Keep your total number of
specialisms to a manageable minimum - one to four, and if more than two - it is
better that these fields are closely related, e.g. Business and Finance, IT and
Technology, Marketing and Journalism.
Keep up-to-date on the latest
developments and terminology through various media in both your source and
target languages.
Computer skills
Basic computer skills are a must
in this job, whilst advanced computer skills are a very considerable bonus. A
translator spends all day at a computer and, if freelance, will need to be
capable of learning how to meet and overcome new challenges and problems on a
regular basis.
