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Unit 6

1. To be a successful translator, one needs advanced knowledge of both the source and target languages close to a native level. This requires extensive study, immersion in the cultures and constant learning. 2. Excellent writing skills in the target language are essential, along with the ability to adapt writing styles for different text types. Writing skills can be improved through courses, collaboration, and practicing different styles. 3. In-depth understanding of both the source and target cultures is important to grasp meanings and implications accurately and produce effective translations. Cultural knowledge is gained through experience living in and learning about the cultures.

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46 views

Unit 6

1. To be a successful translator, one needs advanced knowledge of both the source and target languages close to a native level. This requires extensive study, immersion in the cultures and constant learning. 2. Excellent writing skills in the target language are essential, along with the ability to adapt writing styles for different text types. Writing skills can be improved through courses, collaboration, and practicing different styles. 3. In-depth understanding of both the source and target cultures is important to grasp meanings and implications accurately and produce effective translations. Cultural knowledge is gained through experience living in and learning about the cultures.

Uploaded by

STATICS
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 6

Need of Being a Successful Translator

What is needed to be a good


translator?
To be a good translator you must be a very good, and not
merely adequate, writer in your target language. You must
have a way with words, the ability to write with flair. And
you'll likely need to do that across a variety of text styles –
promotional and marketing, formal/legal, casual, technical,
etc.

1. Advanced language
knowledge
You can’t translate something unless you understand it.
And if you don’t understand the text fully, you risk misinterpreting it and delivering a translation
that’s not completely accurate.
So good translators need to understand all meaning – including all the subtle nuances implied in the
text.
That level of understanding requires advanced, near native level, knowledge of your source language.
Nothing less will do.
How to gain advanced language knowledge
Study – do a degree or other course in your language
Read widely
Be an avid consumer of source language media
Immerse yourself in the culture – visit source-language countries regularly if you live elsewhere
Keep it up! Language is constantly changing, so it’s an on-going process, not a target to reach then
relax

2. Excellent writing skills


To be a good translator you must be a very good, and not merely adequate, writer in your target language.
You must have a way with words, the ability to write with flair.
And you’ll likely need to do that across a variety of text styles – promotional and marketing, formal/legal, casual,
technical, etc.
To some extent you either have excellent writing ability and expression or you don’t.
But it’s also a skill you can hone and improve with experience and application.
How to improve your translator writing skills
Take a writing course
Collaborate with your peers – see how they translate things and the wording and expression they use
Read your translations aloud to pick up any unnatural phrasing, and spend time refining and polishing your
wording
Read widely – it’ll extend your vocabulary
Note down wording you come across that you really like, and add it to your repertoire

3. In-depth cultural knowledge


Good translators have a deep understanding of both source and target cultures.
That’s general cultural knowledge like values systems and how people view the world.
And culture-specific aspects like pastimes, customs, etc.
You’ll often need cultural knowledge to grasp the significance or implication of text you’re
translating.
And understanding the differences between your source and target language cultures will alert
you to text that won’t work well or will have reduced impact when translated.
How to extend your cultural knowledge
Spend time in both target and source culture countries
Consume media in both languages
Attend cultural events
Research aspects of the culture you haven’t personally experienced
Unit 6
Need of Being a Successful Translator

4. Sound research skills


Translators are always researching things
– wording, meanings, vocab, jargon,
background info.
The more efficiently you can do it the better.
How to refine your translation research skills
Learn the tricks to refining Google searches
See what your peers do
Find and bookmark your most useful reference sources
Ask on translator forums

5. Best practice translation


and review processes

Translation is mentally challenging, and it’s dead easy for the odd shortcoming to slip
through.
A little inaccuracy here, less than ideal wording there.
That’s why good translators stick like barnacles to proven translation processes.
You need to too.
How to improve your translation processes
Read this article
And this one on reviewing translations
Do a translation course – they’ll drill sound processes into you
Be disciplined! Don’t rush your translation or be tempted to take shortcuts
Work with a colleague and peer-revieweach other’s work

6. Sound translation
judgement
Good translators make consistently good translation decisions.

On vocabulary and structures to use, when to be more literal / freer, what and how much to research, etc.
Much of this is instinctive, but with the right effort any translator can markedly improve this basic skill.
How to improve your translation judgement
Study translation – choose a course that includes tons of translation practice with constructive tutor feedback
Collaborate with a colleague – critique each other’s work and learn from each other
Seek out a mentor – an accomplished translator willing to give feedback and help you hone your translation skills
Self-critique your work. Revisit earlier translations and see how you could improve them
Gain experience! Generally, the more you translate the better you’ll get – especially if you’re receiving
constructive feedback

7. Computing and
CAT skills
You’ll need to have good command of commonly
used office programs – Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, etc
And you should be an expert on your chosen TM software.
How to improve these skillsTake advantage of Microsoft’s training videos, especially
those for Word
Watch on-line tutorials and YouTube how-to’s
Search for solutions to specific problems you have or areas where you’re a little weak
Do a course
Compare notes with your colleagues for TM productivity tips
Unit 6
Need of Being a Successful Translator

8 personal qualities every good


translator will have
1. Attention to detail

Without this quality, translators won’t consistently produce


fully accurate, well-worded translations
2. Good organisation
Successful translators manage their time well, have good
recordkeeping and are efficient in what they do.

3. 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.
4. Dependability
Clients must be able to rely on you to respond promptly to
communications and meet translation deadlines.

5. 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.
6. Integrity
To play by the “rules” – maintain confidentiality, observe
business and professional ethics, respect your client/supplier
relationships.

7. 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.
8. Professional pride
The quality that will spur you to always produce high quality work and present yourself in a professional manner.

Several of these qualities are inherent personality traits of course.


So you’ll either be that type of person or you won’t.
But not all.
For example, most people aren’t super organised. But we can all develop habitsto help be more structured and efficient.
Similarly, we can do things to increase our motivation.
How to increase your motivation and be more organised
The Web is full of articles, tips and guides on how to improve in these areas. Try searching for phrases like:
“how to become more organised”
“how to become more motivated”
Find and adopt any ideas and strategies that’ll work for you.
Do an online organisation, productivity or time management course, perhaps this one designed specifically for translators.

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