The Journal of Specialised Translation (2024)

FAQs

How can I do well in translation exam? ›

When in the exam, read the text a couple of times before starting. It is crucial to consider individual words, but also look at them in the context of the sentence- that is to say, do not translate word for word literally; always bear in mind what follows, and re-read at least twice to check if it sounds natural.

What makes it exceptionally difficult is when you need to translate between languages with completely different structures (for example, subject-verb-object vs. subject-object-verb sentence structures). This means translators often must add, rearrange, and remove words for the translation to make sense.

Translation demands a deep understanding of both grammar and culture. Translators need to know the rules of a language as well as the habits of the people who speak it. And even for the most experienced professionals, confusion and frustration are familiar feelings.

Translation of technical documents can be particularly difficult as it requires an in-depth knowledge of the specific technical terms used along with an understanding of the context in which they are used.

One of the most significant benefits of ATA certification is the elevation in status it grants. Certified translators often experience increased marketability, allowing them to stand out in a crowded field. This distinction can lead to more job opportunities and the ability to command higher rates for their services.

To be a professional translator you will need: A fluent (near-native) understanding of at least one foreign language (source language) A solid understanding of the culture of the source language country, usually gained by living and working there for a prolonged period of time.

All the Latin-based languages, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Romanian are also a good bet, especially Spanish. All of these languages have thousands of words that are almost identical to words we already know in English, owing to the Latin roots.

Ultimately, it takes a combination of linguistic knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and contextual understanding to bridge the gap between languages and cultures. That's why translation can be difficult and the process of doing it deserves respect and attention.

You must be fluent in one or more languages as well as English, and have knowledge of the culture in the relevant country, usually gained from living and working there. You may have to pass enhanced background checks if your work is related to national security.

How many languages do you need to speak to be a translator? ›

In order to be a translator, you have to be highly proficient in two languages: the language you translate from, and the language you translate to. Usually, translators translate into their main language, and the language they translate from is their foreign language.

It's also important to note that transcription is easier than translation because it only requires you to type what you hear. Depending on the type of transcript required, this process could be faster still.

The primary explanation why even competent translators make mistakes is because human cognitive processing capacity is limited. Because we can only attend to so much with our conscious processes, we automatize as much as possible to leave our minds free for more difficult tasks.