what is the level of risk for being a translator and what type of education is required?
2007-02-05 18:30:18 · 4 answers · asked by . 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Becoming a translator is not that simple as one might think. First of all it requires perfect knowledge of at least 2 languages: your native language and another language. (It is much easier to translate into your native language, or language you speak the best. For some people it's more than one language.) You would have to not only to be able to read and write in the language you would be translating into, but also your grammar skills have to be perfect.
The same relates to your style. As better is your personal writing style, as better and smoother your translations would read.
After you have perfected these 2 areas you would also have to determine what the areas of your strength are: is it social services, legal, technical, automotive etc. So, as you see you would have to know more than just a language.
Then another thing that's important for you is to be knowledgeable regarding the culture of the language you would be translating from. You would have to keep us with that language also.
Your technical abilities would be very important. Knowledge about translation software.
And then you would have to know how to market your services, and how to provide good customer service if you are asked for translation. In a global market competition is very strong.
The best for the translator is to have education in the language they would be translating into. It does not necessarily have to be a course in linguistics. However, classes in linguistics or translation would be highly recommended. In the USA there are some universities where translation courses are offered. You should be able to find that information on the web.
I hope this helps!
2007-02-09 07:03:59 · answer #1 · answered by punasilva 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is tough, but very possible.
I once tried to learn Chinese but gave up when I discovered how much work and concentration it would require.
To learn a language completely unlike your own takes about 2-3 years working 20 hours a week. (unless you are a genius).
You need to either live with somebody who speaks the language fluently or live in the country where it is spoken.
The best way to start is getting the plimsear courses on tape (or download them for free from bit-torrent) these are the best courses.
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2007-02-05 18:39:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to work for UN or affiliated nonprofit organizations, you have to take the test as well. Check out their website for more details.
2007-02-05 18:40:34 · answer #3 · answered by transformer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to know a foreign language, and for government jobs, you need to take a proficiency test.
2007-02-05 18:33:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋