Translation
Translators translate written material from one language to another. The kind
of material involved may include product manuals, business reports, business
correspondence, legal documents, websites, subtitles for films, song lyrics, and
literature.
To be a translator you need the ability to write and express yourself very
well in the target language, usually your native tongue, and a good knowledge of
the source language(s), usually foreign languages. Fluency in the source
language(s) is not essential, but you definitely need an excellent understanding
of the written version of the source language and the culture of the people who
speak it. Specialist knowledge of other subjects, qualifications in translation,
and membership of a professional association are also very useful.
Translators make great use of dictionaries, the internet, and other reference
materials. Some also use translation memory software, such as TRADOS.
Many translators are self-employed and find clients themselves, and/or work
for translation agencies, who find clients and arrange payment. There are also
positions for in-house translators in some large organisations.
Translators are usually paid per word in the source language.
Global Translation Institute - online training and certification program for
translators
Interpreting
Interpreters work with the spoken word at conferences, meetings, trials,
hospitals and anywhere else that interpretation is needed. There are two types
of interpreting: simultaneous or conference interpreting and consecutive
interpreting.
Simultaneous interpreting usually happens at big conferences
and meetings and involves the interpreter sitting in a soundproof booth
listening on headphones to delegates giving speeches in a foreign language and
at the same time, speaking a translation in their (the interpreter's) native
language into a microphone so that delegates who speak that language can
understand what's going on. Simultaneous interpreting is a high-pressure,
high-stress and usually well-paid job. Simultaneous interpreters often work in
teams with each individual interpreting for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Consecutive interpreting involves giving a translation after
speakers have spoken, and often translating in both directions between
languages. Consecutive interpreting may occur at smaller meetings, discussions
between politicians, business people and journalists, and also in courtrooms and
hospitals
Interpreters have to be able to interpret both to and from their native
language without using dictionaries or other references materials. They also
have to be very good at listening and remembering what has been said in one
language while simultaneously or consecutively providing a translation in
another language. A good knowledge of the subjects under discussion is also
essential.
Many interpreters are self-employed and find clients themselves, and/or work
for agencies, who find the clients and handle payments. There are also positions
for interpreters in some large organisations, such as the United Nations,
governments and the military.
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