Translator

Also known as:

Linguist Translator
Language Translator

Introduction

Translators convert the written word from one language to another. They usually have a very good knowledge of at least two foreign languages. They translate materials such as books (fiction and non-fiction), technical instruction manuals and research papers.

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Work Activities

Translators convert written text from one language to another. They make sure that they retain the correct meaning of the original text. Most translating is done from the foreign language into the translator's own language, so translators must be able to write well in their own language.

Most opportunities in translation are in educational, commercial, legal, scientific and technical areas such as textbooks, instruction manuals, research papers and advertising brochures.

Technical translation generally requires knowledge of a specialised field such as law, finance, engineering or technology. Translators also need to know technical terminology and jargon.

Technical translation is not about creating literature, but trying to convey a meaning in terms that the reader can understand. For example, a commercial letter needs to be translated to put across ideas for a reader who thinks in commercial terms.

In the literary translation of a foreign novel, short story, poem, play or film script, translators need to convey the spirit of the work. They need flair for the appropriate turn of phrase and an understanding of the author's style and period.

Much of this work is carried out on a part-time basis by university lecturers or by people who are creative writers in English. Sometimes, literary translators work from a rough translation prepared by another person, which they refine into a more acceptable form.

Few people make a living from literary translation as it can take many years to build a reputation. It is usual to combine literary translation with other work.

Some translators specialise in one type of work; others work on a mixture of topics. In most cases, the work will involve using the internet for research, proof-reading and checking documents and liaising and negotiating with clients.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have fluency in one or more foreign languages and an excellent command of your own language. As a translator, you must be able to translate accurately and always in a style that is appropriate for the subject.

You will work much of the time on your own. Therefore, you must be self-motivated, disciplined and well-organised in order to meet deadlines. You must also have patience and persistence because the work is detailed and requires good powers of concentration.

You should have good research skills and you may need to have some specialised knowledge of a particular field, such as education, business, law, science or technology.

You may be working on documents which are sensitive or confidential, so you must have complete integrity, a strong sense of responsibility and a realisation of the importance of confidentiality.

Good computer and IT skills are important for word-processing, and for using e-mail and the internet.

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Pay and Opportunities

Earnings for translators vary depending on whether they are employed or work as freelance translators.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Translators earn in the range of £17,000 - £19,000 a year, rising to £26,000 - £40,000 a year. Freelance translators charge in the range of £40 - £90 per thousand words, depending on the complexity of the material and the language to be translated.

Translators usually work a basic 39-hour week. You may need to work late and at weekends, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers throughout the UK are large industrial and commercial companies. The BBC and the Civil Service employ translators full-time. Major cities have translation agencies that employ staff on a full-time and freelance basis.

Preference may be given to graduates with previous experience in a particular professional field. Many employment opportunities are for people with considerable knowledge of at least two foreign languages.

Some freelance translators manage to establish relationships with one or more publishers who then from time to time send them books to translate. Translators whose native language is not English may be able to get commissions from foreign publishers.

Some local authorities employ those with knowledge of one or more ethnic minority languages to work as community translators.

International organisations such as the European Court of Justice, the European Parliament, the European Commission and the United Nations all have translation departments. Most entrants have previous experience and have successfully completed written and oral examinations.

Many experienced translators work freelance and tend to specialise in areas that require particular subject knowledge, for example, medical or legal work.

Competition for posts as translators is severe. Many graduates in modern languages have to work towards this career as a long-term aim.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you are multilingual or bilingual and experienced in a technical, commercial or legal field, you will find it easier to become a translator if you first get a translation qualification.

Some entrants have had work experience abroad, for example, in a translation service or company.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) course, a college or university Access course could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

They can lead to relevant degree and HND courses.

The Open University offers degrees in French, German and Spanish.

The European Commission Directorate Service for Translation offers traineeships, and trainees are paid a grant. Entry is normally with a degree and perfect command of the target language (usually mother tongue) and thorough knowledge of at least two other official EU languages.

• 50% of those who work in occupations such as translator are self-employed.
• 35% work part-time.
• 9% have flexible hours.
• 5% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.