Comments on: Should you become a freelance translator?

By: Ryan Ginstrom

Ryan Ginstrom — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:59:30 +0000

@Tevin

I’d say the things that take longest to acquire are, in this order:
1. Ability to write well in the target language
2. Ability to fluently understand the source language
3. Subject matter expertise
4. Ability to translate/interpret

For 1 and 2, four years of college simply aren’t enough. They take a lifetime, so better get started now

For 3 and 4, I think something like a BFA followed by an MA in translating & interpreting might be a possibility if you want to go the academic route.

Personally, however, I’d recommend getting the BFA, and actually working in the industry for a while. That’ll give you more time to decide if you really want to be a translator, and the experience will serve you greatly should you decide to become one.

And of course, the contacts you make working in the field often become your first clients when you start translating.

By: Tevin

Tevin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:00 +0000

I’m getting ready to apply to colleges and seriously thinking of getting into translation. I’m really interested in film translation and translation for magazines (cultural/arts-themed magazines, scientific topics are NOT my strong suit)

However, I’ve been told, by some pro translators/interpreters on my end that a degree in a foreign language simply assures one’s fluencu in the language, without fully immersing the student in the skill of translation (or interpreting) itself. Therefore, it IS important to complete a diploma program (or perhaps even a masters degree) in tranlsation/interpreting.

I’m interested in music and theatre and all that jazz and I’m also thinking of doing a BFA in musical theatre with a double minor in french and spanish. Now, I generally know that ppl think of BFA’s, but would it be feasible, you think, to complete that, have my theatre experience and then proceed to do a diploma program in Translation? Would they say, ‘oh, he’s versed in theatre and musical arts, minored in two top languages, in addition to which, he has a degree in translation, let’s hire him!’ or, would it be more like, ‘well….even though he has the diploma, he’s got a BFA?’ Knowing the industry and the high expectations people place on education and experience, what do you think? Aidez-moi, s’il vous plait!

By: Ryan Ginstrom

Ryan Ginstrom — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:01:31 +0000

@Cora
“You also need good knowledge of the culture of the language you translate from.”

I agree. A language can’t be encapsulated by grammar books and dictionaries. That’s one reason why mere college study is far from enough to prepare one as a translator.

By: Cora Bastiaansen

Cora Bastiaansen — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:58:53 +0000

Hi,
I absolutely agree. But to be a good translator it is not enough to have studied a language, even combined with a specific field. You also need good knowledge of the culture of the language you translate from. Preferably, you spent several months or even years in the other country. That is absolutely necessary to get a good grasp of things as puns or hidden meaning.
Cora

By: Sarah Dillon

Sarah Dillon — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:33:55 +0000

Good point. Ideally, translation as a professional skill (as opposed to as a way of learning a language) shouldn’t be taught until post graduate level. I reckon first degrees should be about acquiring an indepth knowledge of the source language(s) or subject of specialisation as the case may be.

Saying all that, there’s more than one way to skin a cat – and to become a translator

By: Lazy Sunday Reading: Should you be a Freelance Translator?

Lazy Sunday Reading: Should you be a Freelance Translator? — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:43:13 +0000

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