Translator

Job overview
Translators translate written material from one language into another, ideally from a second language into their mother tongue.

The work demands a high level of training and language skill.

What do people do in this occupation?
Translators play an important role, particularly in a multilingual country.

Their work ranges from the translation of legislation and reports of government commissions to instruction manuals, tourist brochures, company reports, patents, scientific papers, advertisements, educational texts and even literary works.

This means that translators need excellent language skills, together with a wide general knowledge.

Translators usually start by studying the text to be translated.

They must understand the nature of the information in the text well and know where to find additional information on the subject.

Translators may also qualify to work as language editors, dubbers, interpreters, journalists, copy-writers, public relations officers and terminologists.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Prospective translators must have a flair for languages and be versatile enough to be able to cope with texts in a variety of fields.

They should also pay careful attention to detail and be able to do research on the content and background of a text.

What qualifications are needed?
Evidence of the intensive study of one or more languages other than the translator?'?s native language.

In addition translators should be able to express themselves fluently and clearly in writing in their own and at least one other language.