Your first day at work as a translator is often as challenging as it is stimulating. The art of translation not only requires linguistic skills, cultural knowledge and large doses of creativity, but also experience, skill and motivation. In this article, we would like to help you better understand this profession and increase your chances of choosing the right language providers.
What are the characteristics of a good translator
Only talented linguists can ensure the quality and precision required for professional translations. Below we will outline the most important attributes:
- Expansive and excellent knowledge of both source and target languages.
- The ability to learn and grasp the cultural and linguistic nuances of both languages.
- The relevant skills to research and consult reference sources, which is essential for finding the correct terminology and staying up to date on your specialization.
- Flexibility to adapt to different styles and registers, as every text requires a unique focus.
- Talent for writing and great attention to detail to ensure accurate and fluid translations.
- Knowledge and mastery of cutting-edge translation technologies and tools.
- Support from a specialized company with extensive experience in the sector and all the necessary equipment and resources.
Tips for your first day as a translator
As per the expression, “Experience is the best teacher”, experience is vital to all activities and professions, and this obviously applicable to the world of translation as well.
When you begin providing these services, it is normal to feel nervous, particularly on your first day. It is also perfectly normal to feel insecure and anxious when performing linguistic services for a new company,. With this in mind, below we have listed some useful tips to help make your first day a great success:
- Start by researching and familiarizing yourself with the topic and field that you are working in. It is very helpful to understand the technical and specialist terms that will likely come up during the translation.
- Establish an organized work routine and set yourself realistic goals for each project.
- Make sure you have access to a reliable and up-to-date dictionary, in both an online and printed format.
- Read often in both languages to improve your vocabulary and keep up to date on linguistic trends.
- Familiarize yourself with the methods, systems and modus operandi of the company where you are working.
- Look up other projects already delivered to the same customer, if there are any.
- Ask questions or request clarification whenever necessary, as this will help to deliver an accurate and quality translation.
- Have faith in yourself: If you have been chosen to provide these services to a company of this level, it is because they believe that you are qualified to do so. Your training and experience should boost your confidence, particularly if you adopt the right attitude.
The essentials for translation
Customers contracting quality linguistic services need to be aware of what they should expect from their language specialists. If this applies to you, this check-list will help you understand the characteristics that will lead to positive results in your translations:
- In-depth knowledge of the working languages. It is highly recommended that the translator be a native speaker of one of the languages.
- Full understanding of the grammar, vocabulary and linguistic structures of both languages.
- Insightfulness and research skills to understand contexts and precise meanings of the words and phrases being used.
- Versatility and capacity to adapt the style and tone of the original text to communicate the same meaning and message.
- A focus on accuracy and consistency, which largely depends on the professional’s diligence and attention to detail.
- Patience and perseverance to overcome any challenges that may arise. A good work ethic and a service-minded attitude are also very beneficial.
The translation team should boast these qualities from their first day in order to perform their work to the required level. If you are looking for a trusted and fully reliable solution, contact blarlo. We guarantee total satisfaction!
