Translators are linguists and communication specialists who can read, understand, and translate written messages across other languages. They offer translation services to travelers, companies, and foreign nationals. If you want to know if becoming a translator is the correct career choice for you, learn more about what they do and how to become one.

What does a translator do?

By translating written words from one language to another, a translator aids in communication. Although the terms "translator" and "interpreter" are frequently used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes. An interpreter converts spoken messages, whereas a translator exclusively works with written language.

The two languages that translators commonly focus on are their mother tongue and a second language of their choosing, though they can also specialize in a third or fourth language. A good translator makes sure the information is correct and consistent throughout the process.

They work in a range of fields, including government, business, medicine, and education. A translator's typical duties consist of the following:

• Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing two or more languages

• Interpreting written material from one language into another, including books, essays, and journals.

• Researching to use appropriate jargon, slang, or idioms that do not translate as well as comprehend context and cultural references.

• Preserving the original language's grammatical structure and tone

• Establishing terminology banks or glossaries for future usage.

While some translators may work for companies that specialize in providing translation services, the majority are independent contractors who often work from home.

How to get started translating

To become a translator, you typically need a bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience. The ability to speak at least two languages fluently is the most essential need, though. Here are some actions you should take to develop into a qualified translator:

1. Learn another language well

You need to learn a second language if you want to work as a translator. Even if you can choose to devote a lot of time to studying a language in school, it may be advantageous if you were raised in a multilingual environment. Choose a language to study starting in high school and continue your coursework through college. To work as a translator, you should have a bachelor's degree in your field.

You should be well-versed in the grammar, specific vocabulary, and cultural nuances of the languages you work with. Studying your own language can also help you explain how it works and comprehend how non-native speakers would approach it.

2. Obtain specialized instruction

Even if you speak a language well, you'll need to learn certain translation techniques. Being able to create accurate translations frequently necessitates specialized training in addition to language education.

3. Gain certification

Although certification in translation is not compulsory for translators to provide their services, it does show that you have the skills needed for the position.

4. Choose a niche and become familiar with the language

You must become familiar with industry-specific jargon if you are a fluent speaker of a language and have chosen a career path. When translating for the field you wish to work in, it will be beneficial to have a working knowledge of the terminology. For instance, learning medical terminology can help you become a better translator if you are interested in the medical industry.

5. Get experience working

Like many other careers, becoming a translator necessitates having prior relevant work experience. One option to get relevant experience for your resume is to offer contract or freelance translation services. Volunteering is another approach to get experience. Volunteer opportunities for translators are widely available in hospitals and community organizations. Internships, whether paid or unpaid, are an additional way to get useful work experience.