I'm currently a high school student and I'm interested in becoming a translator. The only problem is that I'm concerned as to whether or not I can become certified because I'm not natively bilingual, or if I'd be able to find work for the same reason. As long as I became fluent in the second language I decide to work with, would it make a difference?
2006-12-12 12:47:36 · 4 answers · asked by Sara 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
In my home country, I am a professional translator from English to Spanish.
A criteria for a translator is that he/she provides his/her best work when translating from the second language to his/her native language.
So I do not see a problem for you to become a professional translator, the only thing is that if you are native to English for example, your best area of opportunity would be translating from a second language to your native language.
Also, be sure that you are not confusing the term translator with interpreter.
A translator, works with written documents while the interpreter translates orally. Also think about what kind of translations do you want do. Legal (which can become a very sensible matter), Technical fields, etc. It's not only about being fluent in both languages. No matter which field you choose, you'll need a lot of cultural background and a wide vocabulary. Contact the ATA (American Translators Association) and ask for more detailed information.
Hope this helps, good luck
2006-12-20 04:28:41 · answer #1 · answered by Paul G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was in the Military Government of Bavaria, at the end of World War Two I had a translator who translated German to English and Emglish to German. He was born and raised, and a citizen of Bulgaria.
My other translator was an Estonian, she spoke many languages.
2006-12-12 13:01:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some answers to your questions may be found here.
You might want to read the works done on this site by Claude Piron. He was a translator at the UN for ages. It definitely isn't a job for those squeamish of hard work.
Good luck.
Bonan Sxancon.
2006-12-12 14:01:57 · answer #3 · answered by Jagg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter what you're translating, one of those languages is not going to be your native!
Absolutely you can be a translator!!
2006-12-12 12:49:21 · answer #4 · answered by Tiff 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋