Train to become a translator - Training to Become a Translator

Train to become a translator - Training to Become a Translator

Many who are considering becoming a translator may wonder what type of training does one need to become a translator. It may sound a bit confusing, but the main training is in language. One must know two languages very well. They must be able to easily converse in both languages and understand the different nuances that go along with each. This is why many translators come from bilingual families where two languages were used on a regular basis. It can be done through school, but it takes a lot of work to do so.

Translation is not just about translating words from one language to another. It is about translating concepts, ideas, and tones from one language to the other. This can be much more difficult than one might think. To be effective one must know about the cultures, the symbols, and the culture of the different people that they translate for. This makes training to become a translator a bit of a challenge, as some of this is harder to learn than just learning a language. Yet, it is a final component in translation, without it errors can be made that can be offensive to the other party.

Besides the language one must train to become a translator by learning about different industries, depending on the field they plan to go into. Whether it is medical or computers, each industry has their own set of jargon and unique terms. It will be the job of the translator to convey these concepts and terms in ways that can be understood in the other language. This can be difficult as not all words have corresponding matches in every language. When this happens having knowledge of the industry is helpful so that one can explain the term correctly so that it is clear what one is speaking about. This requires skill and knowledge.

Training to become a translator is a wonderful way to start a new career. Translation is a growing field and many predict it will only continue to grow in the years to come. There is a great need for translators in many industries and there are few translators to fill these needs. Pursuing it as a career is a wonderful choice for those that have the skills required and those who are willing to put in the time and effort to attain the skills they lack. There are many opportunities in the field and it makes sense that those who can, would pursue it diligently.

-By Adriana Tassini

The following Translator Q & A is part of our Translator FAQ Series.Question:Answer: Learn more:Tags: