The term translation describes the process of converting one written language into another. In contrast, interpreting involves translating spoken words into another language.
Translation and interpretation are often used interchangeably, although there are some important differences between them. For example, translation is usually done by human translators and interpreters, whereas interpretation is typically performed by machines. And translation is generally considered less complex because it requires fewer linguistic resources than interpretation.
Translating is one of those things where you can really learn something about yourself while doing it. It allows you to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Further, the best thing about translating was not only being creative but also being able to understand another person’s language and culture since there was no contradiction between the two.
Many people often find it hard to translate because they don’t want to lose themselves in the process. They feel like they are losing part of themselves. This is why it is important to choose someone whom you trust completely, someone who understands exactly what you want to say, or someone who knows how to make the text sound good to guide you during the process.
That is why I always recommend starting off with a friend or colleague. If you do it well enough, you might even end up collaborating with them later on.
In addition, to being highly skilled workers, interpreters, and translators play a critical role in society. They help bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding among different groups. They support businesses and organizations that seek to communicate effectively across borders. And they serve as mediators in legal proceedings, helping to ensure that justice is served fairly.
Interpreting and translating jobs are expected to grow 25% faster than average over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2026, employment opportunities for interpreters and translators are projected to increase by 22%, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The job outlook for professional translators and interpreters isn’t looking good. In fact, it’s downright grim. A recent study by the American Translators Association found that while the number of jobs for those professionals grew by 17%, the number of qualified applicants fell by nearly half during the same period.
And while some industries are experiencing shortages, others are seeing an abundance of talented workers. For instance, international companies report having fewer problems finding quality translators and interpreters than domestic firms do.
Why the disparity? One reason could be that the translation industry itself is growing rapidly. As the demand for translations increases, so does the supply of highly skilled workers.
The biggest driver of this growth is the rise of globalization. More people are communicating across borders, and more products and services are being sold internationally. For example, the number of international tourists rose 40% between 2009 and 2013. With that increase came an increase in demand for translations.
The advancement of technology cannot replace human translators
Translation software has become increasingly sophisticated, too. Today’s machines aren’t just able to translate simple phrases like “I love you,” but complex sentences like “My father died three weeks ago.” They’re also capable of translating documents into multiple languages simultaneously.
Machine translation is a growing industry. In fact, it grew 25% over the past five years, according to a report published in December 2016 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). And while the technology has existed since the 1950s, most companies didn’t start investing heavily in it until about 2010.
And as Google and Bing continue to expand their reach globally, users often discover just what they mean to the world, and realize that they have sophisticated linguistic needs that only human professionals are able to meet.
Translation and Interpreting career path
Translating is a great way to make money online. There are plenty of companies that offer freelance translations. Some even pay you per hour or per project. If you don’t want to hire freelancers, you can always translate on sites such as WeTranslation.com. You simply copy and paste your text into the box next to the source language and it will give you some suggestions.
Interpretation is similar. Many people think that interpreters just stand up and talk. In fact, most interpreters work behind a desk translating documents, reports, presentations, etc. For example, I am an English interpreter. When I interpret, I listen carefully to my client’s speech and then type out exactly what he says. This allows me to provide accurate interpretation while keeping my eyes focused on the speaker rather than the paper.
The best interpreters are good listeners. They understand how to use context clues to help the speaker communicate effectively. They know how to ask questions to clarify points and to find common ground. These skills are invaluable in interpreting.
- Certified Translation Specialists
- Legal Interpreters
- Medical Translators
- Military Interpreters
- Courtroom Interpreters
- Other languages are growing in popularity too. In fact, some people choose to learn multiple languages because there are many career options open to them.
How To Get Started?
Working as a translator or interpreter requires a lot of dedication and commitment, especially if you want to do it full-time. You’ll need to study hard and practice often, but there are ways to make sure you succeed.
There are many resources available to learn how to become a professional translator or interpreter, including books, courses, and online tutorials. However, some people find that taking language classes in college is the best way to go about becoming fluent in a foreign language.
If you decide to pursue a career in translation, here are four important things to know:
- High level of language ability is required. You must possess a high level of language ability to translate effectively. Basic knowledge of grammar and syntax is helpful, but it won’t cut it. In fact, you’ll need superior language abilities to do this job properly.
- Dedication and commitment are required. Translating is a demanding profession, requiring lots of dedication and commitment. You must be willing to put in long hours and sacrifice personal life activities to focus solely on your studies.
If you want to learn languages quickly, it helps to live in a place where the target language is used every day. If you do decide to take a gap year, make sure you choose somewhere where you can immerse yourself in another culture. You don’t necessarily need to move there permanently, but spending six months or even a year living in a foreign country will give you a unique perspective on how people communicate and think differently.