This article will not only show you the skills you should acquire, but it will also show you how to acquire them
Do you want to know what it takes to be a professional translator?
Below are all the skills, abilities and qualities a translator will need to succeed.
1. Advanced language skills
You cannot translate a text that you do not understand, and if you do not fully understand the text, you will translate it incorrectly or completely inaccurately. Therefore, professional translators need to fully understand the meaning, including all the nuances involved in the text.
This level of comprehension requires an advanced knowledge of your source language that approaches that of a native speaker.
How do you gain advanced language knowledge?
Study, obtain an academic degree in your language such as (BA) or attend a training course in a trusted and approved place.
Read a lot in the language you have learned.
Watch or listen to media (such as radio) in that language.
Immerse yourself in the culture of that language's country: Visit the source language countries regularly if you live in another country.
Keep learning and continue and do not stop, the language is constantly changing, and the process of learning the language is a continuous process and not just a goal that it reaches and then stops.
2. Excellent writing skills
To be a professional translator you must be a very good writer in your target language, and have style and flair in writing.
While working in translation, you will deal with a variety of text styles such as promotional and marketing texts, formal, informal, legal, technical ... etc. This will show you whether or not you have excellent writing and expression capabilities.
But know that writing skill can be refined and improved through experience and application.
How to improve translator's writing skills
Take a writing course.
Collaborate with your colleagues, see how they translate things and the wording and expression they use.
Read your translations aloud to pick up any unnatural phrasing, and spend some time refining and refining your wording.
Read a lot of books to increase your vocabulary.
Jot down the words you encounter and like and add them to your repertoire.
3. In-depth cultural knowledge
Professional translators have a deep understanding of both the source and target language cultures, and aspects of culture such as customs, traditions, etc. You will need cultural knowledge to understand the implication of the text you are translating.
Understanding the differences between your source culture and the target language will alert you to how to properly translate the text for the target audience.
How to increase your culture?
Spending time in both target culture and source countries.
Attending cultural events.
Watch documentaries in the target language.
4. Proper research skills
Translators are always looking for the meanings, phrasing, vocabulary, and idioms, and the more skills you have in searching, the better.
How to improve your translation research skills
Learn ways to improve searches on Google.
Find your most useful reference sources and bookmark them.
Ask what you would like to know on translator forums
5. Apply the best translation and review practices
I wrote an article specifically on this topic that you can see here
6. The ability to choose the appropriate word or expression
Professional translators make consistently good translation decisions regarding vocabulary, structures to use, etc. Some consider it a talent but with the right effort any translator can significantly improve this basic skill.
How to improve your ability to translate properly
Study translation, choose a course that includes lots of translation practices with constructive feedback from the teacher.
Collaborate with a colleague and evaluate each other's translation.
Find a mentor or a skilled translator who is willing to provide feedback and help you hone your translation skills.
Self-critique your work, review previous translations and see how you can improve it.
Gain experience in general, as the more texts you translate, the more you will refine your translation skills, especially if you receive constructive reviews.
7. Computer skills and CAT Tools
Take advantage of Microsoft's own training videos, especially those for Word.
Watch tutorials online and how-to videos on YouTube.
Find your weaknesses in these tools and develop yourself.
Compare notes with colleagues for tips and guidelines on translation memory productivity
The most prominent personal traits of professional translators
1. Attention to detail
Without attention to detail a translator will not produce accurate and well-written translations
2. Good organization
Successful translators manage their time well and are efficient at what they do.
3. Self-motivation
The energy and discipline to do what you need to do should only come from you. Although you can get motivation from outside sources, its impact may be less than if the motivation originates from within you.
4. Reliability and reliability
Clients must be able to count on you to respond quickly to calls and meet translation deadlines.
5. Adaptability
The ability to translate non-standard projects, meet extraordinary client requests, and consider a reviewer's criticisms and suggestions with an open mind.
6. Integrity
Abide by the rules and maintain confidentiality, monitor business and professional ethics, and respect your relationships with the client.
7. Curiosity
Professional translators find all texts interesting; So enjoy every translation project. It has been found that translators who enjoy their work provide better translations than others.
8. Pride in the profession
Whenever you do a good translation, it will always motivate you to produce high-quality work and present yourself in a professional manner, and you will not be satisfied with the quality as an alternative, and this is evidence of your pride in your profession.
Can these skills be acquired?
Many of these traits are inherent character traits, of course, but they can be acquired by training. For example, most people are not very organized. But they can develop habits to help them be more organized and effective.
How to increase your motivation and be more organized?
The internet is full of articles, tips, and guides on how to improve in these areas. Try looking for phrases like:
“How do I become more organized” - “How to become more motivated.”Research and adopt whatever ideas and strategies work best for you.
Read articles on productivity or time management.